After sneaking into the orchard with Ophelia to steal pears and sampling various "free" fresh produce from the village, the little girl's playful spirit hadn't yet dissipated. She trotted over and tugged at Luo Wei's hand.
"Strange big brother! The villagers all say that the market in the town is incredibly lively. Take me there quickly!"
Luo Wei instinctively glanced at the sky. Although this was the Dreamlands, the sunrise and sunset were no different from reality. They had already been sneaking around for a while, and if they went to the town now, it would be dark by the time they got there.
Noticing Luo Wei's hesitation, Ophelia pouted slightly in dissatisfaction.
"If you don't take me, I'll scream all over the village, saying you've abducted an underage girl!"
"Ah?" Luo Wei was momentarily stunned.
Worried that he might not agree, Ophelia crossed her arms and, like a little adult, continued with her scheme.
"Then, I'll tell them I'm from that manor, and you've tricked away a noble of the Empire! They definitely won't let you off!"
Her little face was tense, and she let out a cold humph.
"Abducting a noble is a serious crime! If it comes to light, you'll be sent to the gallows!"
Luo Wei looked at her helplessly and shook his head with a laugh.
Well, she's quite cunning and ruthless for her age...
No wonder she's like this...
Luo Wei raised an eyebrow and looked at her. "What if I say no?"
"No way! Not happening!" Ophelia's expression immediately changed.
She was afraid Luo Wei wouldn't agree. She had heard the farmers say that the most bustling place for miles around was the town. Several villages gathered there to exchange specialties, barter goods, and the place was always packed with people. There must be lots of fun and interesting things there.
She absolutely had to go!
Suddenly, Ophelia clenched her fists and raised her slightly chubby cheeks.
She tried to make her gaze look down on Luo Wei, who was crouching, to give off an air of superiority.
"Listen up, commoner!"
"If you agree to my request, as a reward, I will ennoble you as my knight!"
"Knight?" Luo Wei smiled at her. "What's so great about being a knight?"
Ophelia disdainfully replied, "That's just your ignorance! Knights are part of the Empire's noble system, even the lowest rank is still nobility!"
"As a commoner, you would rise to become an imperial noble! Isn't that glory enough for you?"
Luo Wei chuckled at her high-and-mighty, serious demeanor.
It was all so convincing, as if it were real. She didn't have the authority to ennoble him now, and even if she did, he wouldn't want a noble title. Did she really think this would buy him over?
"Nobility is out of the question, but if you behave, I might take you there once."
"Really——!"
Ophelia's delighted expression had just surfaced when it turned to astonishment as Luo Wei's actions unfolded.
Because Luo Wei scooped her up and hoisted her onto his shoulder.
"You! What are you doing?!" She exclaimed in panic.
Was this so-called kind big brother finally revealing his sinister true nature?
"Behave! Don't scream! Everyone's watching!"
Luo Wei gave her little bottom a firm slap.
The force was quite heavy, carrying a bit of vengeful release.
"Ah!"
Ophelia cried out in pain.
"What did I just say?" Luo Wei looked at her expressionlessly.
Ophelia was so scared that she immediately clamped her mouth shut.
Then, she trembled and curled up on Luo Wei's shoulder.
Seeing her red-rimmed eyes, on the verge of tears, Luo Wei suddenly felt a strange sense of satisfaction...
And then he punished her again.
Ophelia finally dared not make a sound...
Luo Wei secretly chuckled to himself.
It was rare for the tides to turn like this.
How could he not take the opportunity to tease this delicate and easily subdued Ophelia?
"Where... where are you taking me..." she asked timidly, her voice trembling.
"Where else?" Luo Wei shot her an annoyed glance. "Of course, it's to the town. With your little legs, we'd be there by nightfall."
Saying this, he ignored Ophelia's surprised expression and strode toward the village exit.
...
South Suburbs of Saint Callen.
A new day dawned, and soft sunlight gently fell on the vast manor buildings.
In bed, Luo Wei slowly opened his eyes and yawned.
He had a good dream.
Because he had given himself a psychological suggestion before falling asleep, he clearly remembered everything from the dream.
In the dream, he took the young Ophelia to the town, where they played in the bustling market until nightfall before finally returning her to the manor.
Perhaps it was because he had helped her fulfill her long-held wish, but as they parted, the little girl clung to him, not wanting him to leave at all.
Looking at her big, pitiful eyes blinking rapidly, Luo Wei almost gave in, but luckily, he fled quickly.
The entire manor was searching for her, and the village was filled with guards holding torches. He didn't dare stay any longer.
If he hadn't run fast, he would have been caught on the spot...
Breakfast time.
Dressed and ready, Luo Wei entered the dining room and saw Ophelia waiting for him.
She seemed to have been waiting for a while, her pale eyes shifting toward him, her cold face showing no extra expression.
"Did you sleep well last night?"
"Very well." Luo Wei yawned again. "I just didn't sleep enough. If the maid hadn't reminded me, I could have slept until I woke up naturally."
Hearing this, Ophelia slightly frowned.
"You mustn't sleep so long in the future. The daytime is precious."
Luo Wei shrugged noncommittally.
After sitting down, he began to eat his breakfast heartily.
Seeing his unruly eating manner, Ophelia sighed and shook her head slightly.
"It seems... it's necessary to properly teach you some noble etiquette..."
Luo Wei looked at her helplessly. Ophelia, seated on the other side, was elegant, even when eating, her movements slow and graceful, like a painting.
Elegance is elegance...
But for some reason, compared to her, Luo Wei preferred the Ophelia from his dream, the one who played joyfully in the mud.
The innocent white-haired loli was just better...
Silently sighing in his heart, Luo Wei put down his fork and knife.
The dining table was still filled with the same monotonous dishes. Ever since he arrived here, he had been eating the same things, and even in the Dreamlands, it was always the same... He was truly fed up with it...
Thinking of this, he smiled at Ophelia.
"Do you remember what I said to you before?"
Ophelia looked over, puzzled.
"What?"
"Of course..." Luo Wei said slowly, his tone tempting, "the thing about cooking for you myself~"
Ophelia's face, which had been expressionless just moments ago, finally showed some interest.
"Really? You're really going to cook for me yourself?"
"Of course~"
Luo Wei looked at her, his smile deepening.
Actually, using the kitchen was just an excuse; the real intention was to take the opportunity to make a move.