“Is that so?”
The black-robed figure’s pupils constricted violently.
Chen Mian was already standing on the tree trunk behind him at some point, hands in his pockets, looking down at him.
“When did you—!!” The black-robed figure tried to stand, but his feet felt as if they were nailed to the trunk, rendering him unable to move.
He couldn't even feel any mana suppression; he simply... couldn't move, as if the surrounding air had solidified.
Chen Mian glanced at him, then at the raven on his shoulder.
The raven’s feathers puffed up, and it let out a sharp screech before flapping its wings and vanishing into the night.
“Go back and tell your master not to bother me, or face the consequences.” By the time his voice faded, he had already vanished into the shadows of the trees.
The black-robed figure froze in place, gasping for air, his clothes soaked through with cold sweat.
He looked down at his trembling hand.
The powder from the crushed crystal had already been scattered by the wind at some unknown moment.
When the black-robed figure finally stood up from the trunk, his legs were still shaking.
He grabbed a nearby branch, his nails digging into the bark, just to steady himself.
The man was gone, but he didn't dare move.
The black-robed figure stood there for a full quarter of an hour. It wasn't until the night wind blew through his damp clothes, making him shiver, that he dared to confirm he was truly still alive.
It was the first time since reaching the Platinum Rank that he had felt his own weakness so vividly...
I have to notify the Lord immediately... This man is a monster.
He is not someone to be provoked lightly.
...
Hella Kingdom, the Royal Palace.
The Minister of Intelligence presented a secret report to the King.
“The Shadow Cult suffered a setback in the direction of the Forest of Death.”
The King looked up. “What kind of setback?”
“Unclear,” the Minister of Intelligence answered honestly. “Our undercover agent within the Shadow Cult only knows that one of their high-ranking officials ordered them to stay away from the Forest of Death for the time being and shelved a plan they had been preparing for years.”
The King stared at the black area marked as 'Unexplored' on the map, falling into deep thought for a long time.
“...Just have people watch from a distance. Do not disturb them. If you encounter them, make every effort to befriend them.”
Rhine Empire, Imperial Intelligence Bureau.
A secret report was placed on the Bureau Chief’s desk.
The content was very brief: “The Shadow Cult encountered an unknown threat in the Forest of Death and has issued an order prohibiting entry. High-ranking members are acting with caution; details unknown.”
Adventurer's Guild Headquarters.
The guild’s intelligence analyst added a note to the report: “The Shadow Cult encountered an unknown powerhouse in the Forest of Death and has completely retreated.
It is recommended to raise the risk level of this area. However, due to a lack of direct evidence, this will not be announced to the public for now.”
...
The next day, as soon as Chen Mian went downstairs, he saw Loviki sleeping on the sofa, covered with a blanket.
She was a light sleeper; even her breathing wasn't very steady.
In the kitchen, Flora was already cooking.
Walking into the kitchen, he saw her holding a spatula. “Morning, Mr. Chen Mian.”
“Morning.” Chen Mian paused before continuing, “Was Loviki sleeping on the sofa when you got up?”
“Mhm.” Flora nodded, the corners of her mouth curving slightly. “She said... the sofa is comfortable.”
Chen Mian glanced at the sofa, then at Loviki.
The sofa was quite soft, but definitely not comfortable enough to make someone give up a bed.
It seemed Loviki had also slept on the sofa on the first day. Could it be that this girl just liked sleeping on sofas?
Loviki’s finger twitched.
Chen Mian turned to Flora and said, “Have you noticed that Loviki’s ability to fake sleep is really terrible...”
“...Mhm, her eyelashes are fluttering.”
Chen Mian leaned against the kitchen doorframe, watching the bundle on the sofa wrapped in a blanket. Just as Flora said, her eyelashes were fluttering, and her breathing fluctuated between fast and slow. Her performance was quite dedicated.
“Terrible acting,” Chen Mian evaluated.
“Mhm.” Flora nodded as she put diced magic tomatoes into the pot. “Her face is also a bit red.”
“I am not blushing!” Loviki suddenly sat up, the blanket sliding to her waist. Her black hair was a mess, and she looked like a ruffled cat.
“Right, right, no blushing,” Chen Mian followed up. “Why did you come to the living room to sleep?”
“I—I was on night watch!” Loviki said righteously. “This area is very remote. What if a magical beast broke in?”
“Really?”
“Really.”
“But you fell asleep and even snored.”
Loviki’s face instantly turned bright red. “I did not snore!!”
Flora’s back was turned to her, her shoulders shaking slightly.
Chen Mian remained expressionless. “Oh, then I must have misheard.”
Loviki stared at him for three seconds before finally huffing. She pulled the blanket over her head and collapsed back onto the sofa. “Call me when breakfast is ready.”
“Sure, sure, the off-duty knight,” Chen Mian said.
Flora finally couldn't hold it in and let out a soft laugh.
【Today’s Interaction Quest: Help Loviki overcome her psychological barrier. Reward: 30 Points.】
【Today’s Interaction Quest: Do something to make Flora happy. Reward: 30 Points.】
【Current Points: 1,980.】
Chen Mian looked at the Interaction Quests on the panel, then at Loviki, before closing it.
After a while.
Flora stepped out of the kitchen and said softly, “Breakfast is ready.”
Flora brought out a steamer of steaming meat buns, her tone carrying a hint of anticipation. “I added some magic tomato juice to the bun filling today... Try it and see if it tastes better.”
Chen Mian picked up a bun and took a bite. The tender meat filling indeed had an extra layer of subtle fruit fragrance, and the flavor was quite harmonious. “It’s delicious.”
The corners of Flora’s eyes crinkled slightly as she helped pour a cup of Moonlight Grass tea.
Loviki had already sat up from the sofa. She was tying up her messy black hair with a dazed expression before walking to the bathroom.
At the dining table, Flora sat across from Chen Mian, eating her bun in small bites. The rabbit crouched at the corner of the table, gnawing on a cabbage stalk with a crunching sound.
After washing up, the dazed look on Loviki’s face was gone, replaced by her usual cool and aloof demeanor.
Of course, after spending a few days together, Chen Mian had realized that Loviki only looked cold.
She took a bite of a bun, her eyes narrowing slightly. “It’s very good.”
Flora smiled. “Thank you.”
Chen Mian set down his teacup and suggested, “Let's go for a stroll in the forest today.”
Flora looked up. “To do what?”
“To find some rare magical crops so you can try more magical cuisine.” Chen Mian pulled the treasure-hunting rabbit over. “This little guy’s perception is very keen; it can lead us to magical crops.”
Loviki’s mouth twitched as she continued eating her bun.
“Loviki should come along too.”
Loviki’s chewing slowed for a beat. She swallowed before speaking, “Can I refuse?”
“Refusal is denied. This is the apartment’s first activity.” Chen Mian paused. “Do you practice your swordsmanship? There are many magical beasts in the forest you can use for practice.”
Loviki glanced at him but didn't answer.
“You wouldn't happen to be scared, would you?”
“You're the one who's scared!” Loviki bit her lip and paused for a few seconds. “I just feel like it's unnecessary.”
“Oh.” Chen Mian nodded. “Then you can stay home. If a magical beast knocks on the door while I'm gone, don't open it.”
“...” Loviki changed her mind. “I’m going.”
Chen Mian glanced at her.
Loviki had already lowered her head to continue eating her bun, but she looked a bit distracted.
Flora glanced at Chen Mian, then at Loviki, and let out a gentle laugh.
Rate on N.U.
