Chapter 166
“You’re wrong, brother,” Dian said lightly. “Sister Nina hasn’t bonded with you yet—she’s not my sister-in-law p>
Which meant he had every right to pursue her.
“She isn’t now, but she will be,” Lex replied, irritation creeping into his voice. “You are not allowed to chase her p>
He already had more rivals than he could handle.
He had no intention of adding his own brother to the list.
“And why not?” Dian countered, unconcerned. “If you can’t win her over, that’s your problem. Why stop me p>
“I Lex faltered, then stiffened. “I just need more time p>
“From what I’ve seen, Sister Nina doesn’t like you at all,” Dian said bluntly. “If anything, you’re the one who should give up p>
“That’s only temporary,” Lex insisted, though his confidence wavered. “She will like me eventually. And… we have Mimi p>
Dian let out a soft scoff.
“You already have a child together, and she still hasn’t bonded with you. Doesn’t that prove she finds you lacking? You really should give up, brother p>
Lex’s jaw tightened.
“Our situation is complicated. You don’t understand—don’t make baseless assumptions p>
“I may not understand everything,” Dian replied calmly, “but I know this much—it must be your fault. Right p>
Lex looked away. He couldn’t deny it.
It was his fault.
As a male, he hadn’t cared for Nina. He hadn’t cared for Mimi.
And worse… He wasn’t a qualified partner.
“See? I was right.” Dian huffed.
He knew it—his brother must have made a serious mistake. That was why Nina refused him.
A thought flickered through his mind.
Maybe I should find out what he did… so I don’t repeat it.
“Brother,” Dian said, testing the waters, “why don’t you tell me? Maybe I can help p>
“Not a chance.” Lex’s eyes sharpened instantly.
He knew his younger brother all too well—innocent on the surface, but scheming underneath.
Before, they’d gotten along well enough.
But now?
They were rivals.
Help him?
He’d be lucky if Dian didn’t trip him up instead.
“Fine. Keep your secrets.” Dian shrugged, already planning to investigate on his own. “If you’ve got nothing else to say, I’m leaving p>
He stepped aside to go, but Lex blocked his path.
“Leaving? I called you here to make you give up on Nina,” Lex said firmly. “Go back to Sea Blue City with Mother. Stop interfering p>
“I’m not here to interfere,” Dian replied, utterly unbothered. “I’m here to join you. I like Sister Nina. I’m not giving up p>
“You’ve only just met her today! How can you call that love? Do you think ’liking’ someone is something you can just say casually p>
Lex frowned.
To him, Dian was simply mistaking admiration for beauty for love.
But the two were not the same.
“I’m not saying it casually,” Dian said, his voice steady. “I truly like her p>
“I used to think love at first sight was impossible. But after meeting Sister Nina… I understand. It’s not just her beauty. There’s something else—something I can’t quite explain p>
Lex exhaled sharply, frustration knotting in his chest. “So you really intend to compete with your own brother p>
Dian tilted his head. “Who says we have to compete? We can cooperate. We’ll both become Sister Nina’s mates p>
He grinned. “Better than sharing her with outsiders, right p>
Lex paused.
Right now, he had made no progress at all. Maybe working with Dian—with his endless tricks—would help.
But in his heart, Lex added silently:
First, become her mate. After that… I’ll deal with the rest of them.
“That’s more like it.” Dian slung an arm around his shoulder. “Brothers united—we’ll both win Sister Nina’s heart p>
Then, lowering his voice, he leaned in. “So… what exactly did you do to make her angry p>
“None of your business.” Lex shoved him away, still wary.
“Suit yourself.” Dian clicked his tongue. “Then take me to your room. I’m staying with you tonight p>
And just like that, he strode off toward the stone house, with Lex following reluctantly behind.
The night passed in uneasy peace.
At dawn, the three brothers made their way into the kitchen.
Seeing Dian and Jiro join them, Odian and the others immediately redoubled their efforts.
Today’s breakfast had to be impressive.
“Brother, teach us how to make something Sister Nina likes,” Dian said eagerly.
Truth be told, he barely knew how himself.
He started with something simple.
Porridge.
As Dian followed along, he secretly glanced at the others.
His brows slowly furrowed.
They know so many dishes p>
We’re falling behind.
His eyes flickered. A plan began to form.
A while later, Nina finished washing up and came to the table with the children in her arms.
Breakfast was laid out. Rosen and the others were already seated.
Just as Nina was about to begin eating, Dian approached, carrying a bowl of porridge.
“Sister Nina, I made this for you,” he said, setting it down gently.
Then, almost shyly, he tucked his hands behind his back.
“It’s my first time… I hope you won’t dislike it p>
Nina noticed immediately. “Your hands—what happened p>
“It’s nothing,” Dian said lightly. “I’m just not used to fire yet p>
“Try the porridge p>
“Your people don’t like fire,” Nina said, concerned. “You don’t have to cook p>
“But I want to.” His gaze lifted to hers—bright, earnest, unwavering. “Cooking for you makes me happy. Don’t worry. I’ll get better with practice p>
His directness made her cheeks warm. “I’ll heal you first p>
“Thank you, Sister.” He extended his hands.
They were pale and beautiful, but marred with red burns, some blistered.
Nina frowned. “That’s a lot of burns… You really shouldn’t cook anymore p>
Dian shook his head, resolute. “I want to cook for you p>
Something complicated flickered in Nina’s expression.
Still, she gently healed his injuries, then took a spoonful of his porridge.
Nearby, Odian and the others were practically grinding their teeth.
This damn fish knows exactly how to play pitiful.
Lex: Why didn’t I think of that p>
Jiro: Fine. I’ll let him have this round.
“The merfolk aren’t suited for cooking anyway,” Kith said coolly. “Don’t waste your effort. Nina’s meals are our responsibility p>
“Exactly,” Aviel added, eyes sharp. “You should return to the sea. The land—and especially the kitchen—aren’t for you p>
Dian’s lips curved faintly.
“City Lord of Flying Dragon City… if I remember correctly, don’t you already have a fiancée p>
Aviel froze.
His expression stiffened, and he instinctively glanced at Nina.
Damn it.
This fish went straight for the throat.