Chapter 340: Accommodations
Chapter 340: Accommodations
The moment they arrived at the gates of Blaze City, Setan stepped forward and stopped in front of Nina, his tall figure naturally blocking part of her path.
"Nina, I’ve already arranged accommodations for everyone. Come with me."
A flicker of embarrassment crossed Nina’s face.
"Wouldn’t that be too much trouble for you?"
Throughout their journey, Setan had quietly taken care of countless things on her behalf. Whether it was securing supplies, handling unexpected problems, or making arrangements before anyone else even thought of them, he always seemed to be one step ahead. None of it had escaped her notice.
The truth was that ever since that night at the hot springs, she had lost any real desire to take additional mates. She already felt as though her heart and life were full enough. Managing the relationships she had now was challenging enough without adding another complicated bond to the mix.
Yanai had once risked his life for hers, placing himself between her and danger without hesitation. As for Lex, the connection between them ran too deep, woven through too many shared experiences and emotions to ever be cleanly severed. No matter what happened, she could never simply walk away from either of them.
And then there was Setan.
Thinking of him, Nina let out a quiet sigh inwardly.
He had never pressured her, never demanded anything in return for all that he had done. Yet his unwavering devotion only made things more difficult. Faced with his sincerity, she found herself at a loss.
Nina genuinely did not know what she was supposed to do with him, nor how she should treat the feelings he so carefully kept hidden beneath his calm exterior.
"Of course not," Setan replied immediately. "This is my territory. It’s only natural that I host you. Besides, you don’t have to be so formal with me. We’re... we’re friends, aren’t we?"
Hope and nervousness mingled in his eyes.
He was afraid she would refuse.
He knew Nina did not love him, not yet. The only role he could claim in her life was that of a friend. So he would stay close, little by little, and try to win a place in her heart.
Faced with that earnest gaze, Nina found herself unable to reject him.
"Then thank you."
Later, she decided, she would have her mates compensate him somehow.
Setan’s face immediately brightened.
"No need to thank me. Come on."
Nina nodded and followed him through the city.
After some time, they arrived before an enormous estate.
The residence was magnificent.
Nina stared in surprise.
Surely this wasn’t the place he had arranged for her.
Could this actually be the City Lord’s manor?
"Nina, come on. I’ll show you your room. You can see whether you like it."
She hesitated briefly before following him inside.
After all, she had already agreed.
Refusing now would only make things awkward.
Setan led her through the estate and finally stopped before an expansive chamber.
The room was lavish yet elegant.
Everything was spotless.
What surprised Nina most was that nearly every decorative detail reflected her personal tastes.
Many items looked almost identical to things she regularly used.
For a moment, complicated emotions stirred within her.
It was impossible not to see how much thought and effort had gone into this.
No one could have recreated so many details without paying close attention over a very long period of time.
Even her mates couldn’t help glancing at Setan.
The lion certainly knew Nina well.
Although her mates carried most of her belongings in their storage spaces, Setan had still commissioned entirely new versions of everything.
This room had originally been his private bedchamber.
Every furnishing had been replaced.
Every decoration had been selected according to Nina’s preferences.
Everything was brand new.
Some pieces had been handcrafted by Setan himself during sleepless nights on the road.
Others had been designed from sketches he drew using the paper and pens Nina had once given him, then commissioned from skilled craftsmen.
Two days before their arrival, he had secretly rushed back to Blaze City ahead of everyone else.
He had spent days personally preparing the room before hurrying back to rejoin the group and travel alongside Nina.
Because of it, he had barely slept.
"Nina, take a look around. If there’s anything you don’t like, tell me. I’ll replace it immediately."
He carefully studied her expression.
"The room is wonderful. Thank you."
Relief visibly washed over him.
"Good. Then get some rest. I’ll have my people prepare ingredients for your meals so you won’t need to go hunting."
Ideally, he would have arranged the meals themselves.
Unfortunately, none of the males in his household could cook anywhere near as well as Nina’s mates.
Providing ingredients was the best he could do.
"That’s unnecessary."
Odian spoke before Nina could answer.
"With this many males here, we don’t need anyone else preparing food."
Nina looked at Setan’s slightly exhausted face and nodded in agreement.
"You don’t need to trouble yourself. Go get some proper rest."
He looked as though he hadn’t slept in days.
Her gaze swept across the room once more, and a faint crease appeared between her brows.
"Alright."
Though reluctant, Setan agreed.
"I’ll come see you later. As for the sacred artifact, I’ll speak with my people."
He smiled softly.
"You can stay here without worry. Just wait for my news."
"Alright. Thank you."
If obtaining Blaze City’s sacred artifact peacefully was possible, Nina would much rather avoid conflict.
"It’s no trouble."
Setan paused awkwardly.
"Also... if you need anything at all, just call for me. I... I live right next door."
A faint blush crept onto his face.
That room closest to Nina’s chamber had once belonged to someone else.
He had quietly claimed it for himself.
It was a small selfish wish.
Nina blinked in surprise but said nothing.
Around her, several pairs of eyes narrowed immediately.
As expected.
The lion was every bit as calculating as they suspected.
Flushing red, Setan quickly retreated to his room.
Only after he had gone did the mates begin unpacking Nina’s belongings and settling the children into their rooms.
Once everything for Nina and the cubs had been arranged properly, they finally returned to organize their own quarters.
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