Chapter 346: Misunderstanding
Chapter 346: Misunderstanding
"You grew up before my eyes," Yuna said gently. "Your mother has been one of my closest friends for years, so naturally I’m on your side. But if Setan truly doesn’t want this marriage, there isn’t much we can do to force him."
"I think the City Lord is simply being blinded by infatuation," Atao suddenly chimed in. "Once he realizes that female isn’t nearly as perfect as he believes, he’ll come to his senses."
Maya’s eyes immediately brightened.
"Exactly. That’s what I think too."
Yian nodded in agreement.
He also believed his son had lost his judgment. Otherwise, how could Setan suddenly start behaving so recklessly and making one shocking decision after another?
Compared to an unfamiliar female from another city, he still vastly preferred Maya as his future daughter-in-law.
Yuna remained silent, uncertain whether she should agree or object.
"We need to meet her ourselves," Yian declared. "Only then can we see her true nature and discover her flaws."
Maya eagerly nodded.
"I’ll have people watch the City Lord Manor. That brat may stop us from entering, but sooner or later that female will leave the manor."
"Exactly," Maya agreed. "The moment she comes out, we’ll pay her a visit."
Yian rose to his feet.
"Let’s head home for today."
Everyone agreed, and they dispersed.
The following morning, Setan took Nina out to explore Blaze City.
Yian learned about it almost immediately.
Without wasting any time, he brought Yuna along and also sent word to Maya.
Meanwhile, Setan guided Nina through the bustling streets of the city. They sampled local specialties, browsed colorful market stalls, and eventually arrived at the finest jewelry boutique in Blaze City.
"Nina, this shop carries some of the best jewelry in the region," Setan said warmly. "Many of the gemstones here can only be found in Blaze City."
Nina stepped inside.
The store glittered with countless jewels and intricate ornaments. Rows of gemstone necklaces, bracelets, rings, and decorative accessories sparkled beneath the light.
Many of the stones truly were stunning.
Curious, she began browsing through the displays.
Linny’s eyes practically lit up.
The little one stared at the piles of gemstones as though they were treasure from a dream.
Setan chuckled.
"Do any of you little ones see something you like? Uncle Setan can buy it for you."
The children exchanged glances but said nothing. They didn’t need presents for themselves.
If anything was being bought, it should be for their mother.
Outside the shop, Yian and the others had quietly arrived.
They hid nearby and peered through the entrance.
"Look at her," Maya whispered irritably. "She’s already making Setan buy jewelry for her. She must be shallow and materialistic."
Neither Yian nor Yuna responded. Buying jewelry wasn’t exactly a crime.
"Should we go inside?" Yuna asked. "Otherwise, we won’t even get a proper look at her."
Her curiosity had only grown stronger. She wanted to know whether this mysterious female was truly as beautiful as everyone claimed.
Inside the shop, Setan sensed movement outside. His brows furrowed. Just as he started toward the entrance, Yian strode inside first.
This time, there was no way his son would stop him.
Yuna, Maya, and Atao followed close behind.
Setan’s expression darkened. He stepped in front of them and shot them a questioning look.
What are you doing here?
Ignoring him entirely, Yian walked straight toward Nina. Setan immediately moved to block his path.
"Father, let’s talk outside."
"Why would I do that?" Yian replied. "I’m not here for you."
He looked around Setan’s shoulder. "I’m here to speak with that female."
Setan planted himself firmly between them.
"If you have something to say, say it to me. It has nothing to do with her."
Stretching his neck, Yian called out anyway.
"Miss, I’d like a word with you."
Hearing herself addressed, Nina turned around.
"You were looking for me?"
The moment she faced them, Yian and Yuna both froze.
For a brief second, they forgot how to breathe.
Beautiful wasn’t enough to describe her. She possessed an effortless elegance that immediately drew every eye in the room.
At last, they understood why Setan had become so hopelessly devoted.
Recovering first, Yian cleared his throat.
"Yes. I’m Setan’s father."
Nina smiled politely.
"Hello, Mister. Is there something you wanted to discuss?"
Setan immediately became nervous.
He shot warning looks at his parents, desperately trying to convince them to leave.
Yian pretended not to notice.
Yet after seeing how calm, courteous, and respectful Nina was, many of the accusations he had prepared suddenly felt difficult to say.
Still, he forced himself to continue.
"You’re the female that my son insists on marrying?"
The question came out far more bluntly than intended.
Setan instantly stepped in front of Nina.
"Father."
His voice sharpened.
"I already told you. Whatever you want to say, say it to me."
Turning toward Nina, he added apologetically, "Nina, I’m sorry. I’ll handle this. You don’t need to worry about it. Just continue shopping."
He reached for Yian’s arm, intending to drag him away.
Yian refused to move.
"What are you doing? I only want to talk with her."
Nina stopped them before things escalated.
"It’s fine." Her tone remained calm. "Let him speak."
Since Nina herself had agreed, Setan reluctantly released his father.
Yian straightened his clothes.
"Don’t worry. I simply want to discuss Setan."
Nina glanced around the shop. Customers were already beginning to stare.
"This isn’t the best place for a conversation. Why don’t we go somewhere quieter?"
She had a feeling this discussion wasn’t going to be pleasant.
"Agreed," Yian replied.
The group moved to a secluded area away from the crowds. Once they were alone, Nina smiled politely.
"Go ahead, Mister."
Yian studied her for a moment.
Then he asked, "Which city are you from?"
"Barbarian City."
The answer immediately made him frown.
Just as he’d suspected. Rumors often claimed that relationships involving unofficial lovers were more common in Barbarian City. Apparently, the stories had not been entirely exaggerated.
Drawing a breath, he got straight to the point.
"If you haven’t formed a mating bond with Setan, then I hope you’ll leave him."
Nina blinked. "Leave him?"
She looked genuinely confused. "Mister, I think you’ve misunderstood something."
Yian frowned. "Have I?"
Nina nodded. "Setan and I aren’t in that kind of relationship." She spoke matter-of-factly. "We’re friends."
She smiled lightly. "I’m here because I have business in Blaze City. He’s simply letting me stay at his manor temporarily. I’ll be leaving in a few days."
Yian stared at her.
"Friends?" His voice rose in disbelief. "He’s not your lover?"
Nina nearly choked. "Of course not."
She was honestly shocked. Had Setan’s father really convinced himself that Setan was her lover?
Yian slowly turned toward his son.
Setan rubbed his nose awkwardly.
"Father, I told you." His voice carried a hint of resignation. "Nina is only staying at my manor because she has business here."
Understanding finally dawned.
The truth struck Yian like a falling boulder.
His son wasn’t involved with Nina at all. Everything had been one-sided from the very beginning. The boy wasn’t secretly someone’s lover. He was simply hopelessly in love with a female who didn’t return his feelings.
Even the claim about having slept with her was probably nonsense meant to provoke him.
Embarrassment flooded through him. He glared fiercely at Setan.
This ridiculous child.
Turning back to Nina, he coughed awkwardly.
"My apologies."
For perhaps the first time that day, he sounded sincere.
"It seems I misunderstood the situation."
Fortunately, he had not said anything truly offensive. Still, his behavior had been inappropriate.
Yuna and Maya were equally stunned.
So Setan had been suffering from unrequited love this entire time?
"It’s alright," Nina replied.
Privately, she sighed. The sooner she obtained the sacred artifact and left Blaze City, the better. The situation was becoming increasingly awkward.
Yian cleared his throat.
"We’ll be going now."
"Of course." Nina smiled politely.
To be honest, she was relieved. The atmosphere had become painfully uncomfortable for everyone involved.
Yian quickly departed with Yuna, Maya, and Atao.
Once they were gone, Setan turned to Nina with a guilty expression.
"I’m sorry." He looked genuinely apologetic. "My family keeps causing trouble for you."
Then he forced a smile.
"Let’s continue shopping."
Nina nodded. At this point, leaving immediately would only make the encounter feel even more awkward.
The two spent the rest of the day exploring the city before finally returning to the manor.
The following morning, the elders who had been away on official business returned to Blaze City.
Without delay, Setan summoned them all for a meeting.
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