Chapter Eight – "Dinner and a Test"
(Evening – Rojin's House)
The sun was leaning toward the horizon, painting rooftops in golden threads of light. The evening breeze drifted through the wooden windows, carrying with it the scent of soil and blooming flowers. It teased the curtains gently, like an unseen whisper.
Eyas and Saman sat at a round, polished wooden table, their eyes wandering over the paintings that adorned the walls and the traditional objects filling the corners, giving the place the spirit of an old home still alive with warmth and dignity.
Soft footsteps approached from the kitchen, breaking the silence.
Then she appeared—Lila, Rojin's mother.
She did not enter like an ordinary woman, but as if she had stepped out of a memory carved into time itself.
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Lila
A fox of the nine tails. Her body was lithe, sculpted with deliberate elegance. Her long dark hair flowed like aged wine, and her wide blue eyes seemed to hold galaxies within them. Behind her, nine tails swayed slowly, glowing in the dim light like silent tongues of flame.
Despite her simple home attire, her very presence was enough to unsettle any man. With a confident smile, she greeted:
> "Welcome, Saman… Eyas. It has been a long time."
Both men rose respectfully. Saman smiled warmly:
> "You've grown even more beautiful, Lady Lila… like Rojin's sister, not her mother."
Her laugh was soft, feminine:
> "Still as smooth with words as ever, Saman. You've matured."
Then her gaze shifted to Eyas, her eyes gleaming with a curious light:
> "And you, Eyas… How are you? Still reading those books I gave you?"
He replied steadily:
> "Yes, Lady Lila. They were unusual books. If you have more, I'd like to borrow them."
She arched a brow, her smile faint:
> "I do… but you're not ready for them yet. Your level is still too low."
Eyas' voice was calm:
> "I've already cleared the first floor of the Tower."
A flicker of surprise touched her eyes, though she masked it quickly:
> "Then… I'll send you another book through Rojin."
He bowed his head slightly in thanks. Her tone shifted, smooth and casual:
> "Now, tell me—what would you like for dinner?"
Saman chuckled:
> "Anything from your hands will be perfect."
Her eyes turned toward Eyas:
> "And you?"
He replied lightly, throwing a sidelong glance at Rojin:
> "Just… don't let Rojin cook. I survived the Tower. I don't want to die at the dinner table."
Lila burst into laughter, answering with confidence:
> "Relax. I'll handle everything myself."
And then she slipped back into the kitchen, as if she had never been there.
---
Saman whispered in awe:
> "That's her mother? She looks younger than Rojin herself…"
Eyas laughed under his breath, but his eyes lingered on the kitchen doorway.
Moments later, Lila returned, balancing a grand tray that shimmered with colors. The fragrance preceded the dishes—roasted meat steeped in exotic spices, a rose-tinted soup steaming with a lunar glow, and crisp bread that crackled faintly at the touch.
Saman gasped:
> "This isn't dinner—this is a feast!"
With graceful movements, Lila set down the plates:
> "Taste first… then judge."
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The First Bite
Eyas lifted his spoon hesitantly, then brought it to his lips.
Silence fell. Time seemed to stop.
The food was not merely flavor—it was experience. A craft too refined to belong to Rojin, born from the hands of a true master.
Saman's eyes widened as he blurted out:
> "This… this is sorcery! Do you cook with potions?!"
Lila laughed, but her expression shifted.
Her smile deepened. Her gaze grew heavier.
> "Is it that delicious…?"
The light dimmed. Her nine tails stirred, moving like a wordless incantation.
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The Test
Saman froze. His words, his thoughts—vanished. His eyes fixed on Lila, hollow and entranced.
She drew closer, whispering:
> "Why don't you… taste me instead?"
Her hand reached toward his face. He almost surrendered—
But a firm grip stopped her.
Eyas had caught her wrist. His voice was sharp, unyielding:
> "Is your test over, Lady Lila?"
Their eyes locked.
She leaned closer, her voice soft, teasing, dripping with feigned injury:
> "Ah, Eyas… you hurt me. Won't you heal my wound?"
Her fingers brushed his chest, her eyes searching for weakness.
But his reply was colder than steel:
> "I think the play is over. Let's return to dinner."
Rojin gasped faintly.
For a moment, Lila faltered, as if surprised by his resistance.
In Eyas' gaze there was no submission, no desire, no hesitation.
Only a steady will.
Finally, she smiled and withdrew:
> "An old habit… nothing more than a test."
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The Calm Returns
Saman blinked, as if waking from a dream:
> "What… just happened?"
Lila chuckled lightly:
> "Nothing at all. Just a jest."
But her eyes lingered on Eyas, full of quiet astonishment. Then she told her daughter:
> "Your friends are far from ordinary, Rojin."
They resumed eating.
Rojin beamed with pride:
> "My mother is the best cook in the State of Sages, isn't she?"
Saman tore into the bread, laughing:
> "I can't argue with that."
Eyas added slyly:
> "Unlike you, Rojin."
Her face flushed with childlike fury, sparking laughter that warmed the room.
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Dinner's End
When they were done, Lila rose, wiping her hands:
> "Forgive my spoiled daughter… she never knew her father, so I overindulged her."
Rojin's cheeks burned red:
> "Mother!"
Laughter erupted again.
They thanked her for the food and hospitality, then stepped outside, where the night breeze cooled their faces.
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Outside – Evening Quiet
As they strolled through the garden, Eyas suddenly said:
> "I want a spar."
Saman raised a brow:
> "Now?!"
Eyas smiled:
> "The air is perfect… and my blood is still warm from the meal."
Saman laughed:
> "It's like you read my mind. I've been dying to shake off that failed brainwashing attempt."
Eyas stopped abruptly:
> "You still remember it?"
Saman's grin turned serious:
> "Of course. I just didn't want to embarrass Rojin's mother in front of her."
The two rushed toward the open yard, shadows stretching across the grass.
Behind them, Rojin's voice rang out:
> "Don't break each other's bones! We've got a long day tomorrow!"
Laughter trailed off into the evening, until silence reclaimed the night.
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End of Chapter Eight