Mystic Eyes: My Eyes Steal the Laws of Cultivation Chapter 598: Dinner by the Fireplace (5)

At the table, Kyrian had already cut off a piece of the ribs, his movements precise as he separated the meat from the bone. He put the meat into his mouth, chewing slowly, allowing the flavor to develop across his palate.

His eyes widened slightly, a spark of surprise in his gaze.

Gao Ziyue noticed immediately, leaning forward expectantly.

"And?"

Kyrian chewed a few more times before swallowing, savoring every moment.

"Very good."

Her smile widened, illuminating her entire face.

"I knew it."

"The meat is extremely tender." He cut off another piece, observing its texture before bringing it to his mouth.

"And the herbs aren’t too strong. They managed to preserve the natural flavor of the meat, enhancing it instead of hiding it."

Gao Ziyue seemed satisfied with his assessment, as if she had received a personal compliment.

"The owner of the tavern knows traditional cooking methods very well. He learned from his grandmother, who learned from her grandmother. It’s a tradition that has been passed down through generations, and that’s precisely why I like this place."

Kyrian nodded, picking up a piece of bread. He spread honey butter over its warm surface, watching it slowly melt. When he bit into it, the soft texture of the bread combined perfectly with the gentle sweetness of the butter, creating a harmony of flavors that was simple, yet perfect.

He remained silent for a few seconds, processing the experience.

"This is good too."

"I told you." Gao Ziyue slowly breathed out, a sigh of contentment.

"But this tavern really has always been different."

She looked around, her eyes wandering across the hall with a familiarity that came from years of visiting.

"Here, no one cared about who I was. There was no reverence, no fear, no flattery. Just ordinary people, living their ordinary lives."

She rested her elbow on the table, her posture relaxed.

It was a simple conversation. There were no grand topics, no cultivation, no battles, and no problems involving ancient families or ancestral secrets. Just two people talking over a meal, sharing moments that did not need to be anything more than what they were.

And perhaps that was precisely what made the moment so special.

Kyrian realized something as he ate, an awareness slowly forming in his mind. He liked that place, the food, the atmosphere, and the fireplace’s light. But he liked the person sitting across from him even more.

Gao Ziyue seemed completely different there. Without the careful posture she maintained around other people, without the distant expression of the Heir of Heaven, without the invisible armor she wore in the outside world.

She talked more, smiled more, and laughed more. Even her movements were different, when she liked something, her eyes would shine, when she told a memory, her fingers would move naturally, drawing shapes in the air, when she laughed, she would tilt her head slightly backward, allowing the sound to escape freely.

Kyrian watched everything and made no effort to hide it.

Gao Ziyue noticed again, her eyes meeting his.

"You’re doing it again."

"What?"

"Looking at me like that."

Kyrian did not hesitate, his answer coming naturally.

"Yes."

"Why?"

He thought for a moment, considering the question with a seriousness that bordered on brutal honesty.

"Because I like looking at you."

Her face turned red, but this time, she did not immediately look away. She held his violet eyes, allowing the moment to linger.

"You really don’t have a filter."

"You already said that."

"And I still believe it." She picked up the cup of water and took a small sip, the refreshing liquid sliding down her throat. Then she added.

"But... it doesn’t bother me."

Kyrian smiled, a smile that was more for himself than for her.

"Great."

Silence returned for a few seconds, a comfortable space that did not need to be filled. But it was almost pleasant.

It was at that moment that something moved on Gao Ziyue’s leg. A soft vibration, a movement she felt through the fabric of her clothes.

She looked down.

Djiva had awakened.

The small four-legged serpent was curled up on her leg, exactly where she had placed her before they began eating. The small purple scales reflected the light of the fireplace, creating patterns of light and shadow, while the golden lines across her body pulsed softly, a steady rhythm that followed her breathing.

Djiva opened her eyes. She blinked slowly, her golden eyes adjusting to the light. Then she raised her head, her small snout sniffing the air, catching the aromas of the food.

Gao Ziyue immediately softened her expression, her face lighting up with a smile of pure tenderness.

"You woke up?"

The small creature let out a low sound, a hiss that was almost a response.

’Sss...’

Kyrian leaned forward slightly, his violet eyes fixed on the creature.

"Is she hungry?"

’Maybe.’

Gao Ziyue picked up a small piece of meat, her fingers holding it carefully. But before she could offer it, Djiva quickly moved her head, her small snout approaching the plate with surprising determination.

The small creature tried to move closer to the table, her body stretching toward the food.

Gao Ziyue carefully held her back, her fingers forming a protective barrier.

"Hey. Slowly."

The little serpent struggled for a moment, her legs moving through the air in a futile effort.

’Sss...’

"You were just born." Gao Ziyue brought her face closer, her tone patient.

"You can’t just eat everything you find."

Djiva seemed to completely ignore her, her eyes fixed on the food.

Kyrian watched with a smile, a touch of amusement in his eyes.

"She doesn’t seem very obedient."

"She’s still learning." Gao Ziyue finally offered a small piece of meat, holding it between her fingers.

Djiva opened her mouth. Munch. The piece disappeared.

Kyrian stared, surprised by the speed.

"She really eats meat."

"Apparently." Gao Ziyue offered another small piece, and Djiva ate it again, then licked her little lips with a satisfaction that was almost human.

"She seems to like it."

She remained silent for a moment, watching the small creature. Then she began to laugh, a sound that was pure joy.