Li Yue withdrew her somber expression and offered a slight smile to the purple-haired girl. The aura she had released for an instant seemed to go unnoticed by the other girl, who only felt a sudden, inexplicable surge of intense fear that vanished as quickly as it had appeared.
“I... I’ve killed quite a few in my dreams. I’m a bit of a clumsy person, but I hope we can be friends.” Li Yue’s smile was extremely formulaic. Although it was a smile, it still carried a sense of distance. “Please take care of me.”
The maid uniform was difficult to put on, but after some effort, Li Yue managed to struggle into the full outfit. It felt a bit awkward to walk in; she worried it might cause trouble once she actually started serving food.
Then again, she was a Calamity Warlock. Even with her divine remains sealed, she wouldn’t fail at something as simple as carrying trays. Back in the day, even Reinhardt’s cannons hadn't been able to knock her down.
She stepped out of the changing room and gave the decorative elements of the outfit one last adjustment. Fortunately, her proportions were well-balanced. Though the clothes were a bit tight, she fit into them, and they looked quite becoming on her.
She stepped out of the changing room with a hint of trepidation. Bai Cha, the manager, stared at her for a long while before stepping forward to adjust some of the accessories. Although the maid uniforms here weren't the most expensive, the fabric and craftsmanship were top-notch. Yet, on this young lady, the outfit somehow gave off the air of a fallen noble.
“Um... let me show you around the shop. This afternoon, just watch how the others do things and start by greeting customers at the door. I think I forgot to mention the daily wage—it’s 2 magic copper coins per afternoon, which comes to 6 magic silver a month. Once your academy schedule is out, I can arrange your working hours. But that’s for later.” Bai Cha smoothed her long, pale green hair. She sat at the counter in her own maid uniform, appearing composed and youthful.
Li Yue did the math. Her rent was 1 magic silver a month, so she would have a bit of a surplus. However, food and academy expenses would be extra. She was truly living a frugal life now...
Elsewhere, in a massive mansion, Clo woke up with her long hair disheveled. She rubbed her eyes, two books resting by her side. Yesterday’s experience had left her a bit depressed. She had planned everything out, but Li Yue hadn't reacted as strongly as she’d imagined; instead, she had been quite calm.
So, after returning home that day, she had reflected on her mistakes and decided to look for strategies in books. The two books by her side were 《100 Love Tips to Make Your Girlfriend Fall in Love》 and 《100 Strategies to Make Your Boyfriend's Heart Flutter》. Unsure which one to read, she had studied both all night, only falling asleep in the early hours of the morning.
As a result, not only had she failed to learn anything useful, but she had also memorized a bunch of embarrassing and cheesy pick-up lines she didn't dare say out loud. Sleeping in had cost her the chance to ambush Li Yue in the morning. By the time she was dressed, it was nearly noon, which made her rather irritable.
She headed downstairs, tidying her clothes as she left her mansion. She even forgot to tend to the flowers she had planted in the backyard, her mind entirely focused on finding Li Yue. She stepped into a carriage; although she really wanted to use teleportation magic, she felt she should respect the academy’s rules.
She took a carriage that was always waiting at the entrance of this massive residential area, seemingly provided for the owners. Most of the residents here knew each other, being prominent figures from various influential factions within the academy. Clo was the only one whose identity remained a mystery. Though she seemed to live alone, any attempt to investigate her background met with insurmountable obstacles.
She was a bit restless, recalling the contents of the books and feeling they wouldn't apply to Li Yue at all... What is she doing right now? Sleeping? No, no, she’s always been a light sleeper and wakes up early. She used to be the one to wake me up... Staying at home... That doesn't sound like her either... Ugh, damn it, she should be with me right now!
The swaying of the carriage gradually came to a stop. Clo opened the door and jumped out before the driver could even prepare to open it for her. She jogged all the way to the second floor of the student dormitory. After a perfunctory knock, she pushed the door wide open.
The room was tidy but empty. Not a soul was inside. Clo walked around the room, looking for any dropped items. She remembered Li Yue’s words.
The things she knocked over in the morning... would still be on the floor when she returned at night.
She felt a strange wave of sadness. After all, she had once been just as lonely. Every moment without Li Yue now felt like an ordeal.
Where did she go?
She sat on the edge of the bed. Sunlight hit the blankets, which felt warm and emitted a faint, pleasant fragrance. Li Yue had folded them neatly and placed them in the corner.
Clo leaned down and took a deep, greedy breath of the scent, only pulling away once she was satisfied. Although the blankets were now wrinkled, it wasn't a big deal. Clo began to slowly release her mana, searching the vast area for Li Yue’s mana signature.
Her previous action was just to familiarize herself with A Yue’s scent, she told herself. It certainly wasn't the behavior of an uncontrollable stalker!
She sensed carefully. No one in the vicinity noticed as a deeply hidden presence swept through the area. Only Li Yue, who was currently carrying a tray, suddenly stumbled. She looked out the window, feeling a strange, eerie sensation. She peered out a few more times but saw nothing out of the ordinary.
Hah... I’m just scaring myself.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Clo ended her search. She snapped upright, a hint of excitement on her face.
“Found you!”
Inside the shop not far away, business seemed exceptionally busy today. Several groups of early customers showed no signs of leaving, eating several times their usual amount. People outside were transitioning from merely watching the commotion to coming specifically because of the shop’s new reputation.
Feverish gazes were fixed on Li Yue, making her feel slightly uncomfortable. She didn't quite understand it. She clearly wasn't being enthusiastic; her smiles were becoming forced, and her service was increasingly perfunctory. Yet these customers, regardless of gender, seemed never to tire of it.
She quickened her pace. Suddenly, a clatter came from her side, followed by a soft “Ow!” from a girl. Instinctively, Li Yue reached out and caught the falling tray and the dishes. Not even a drop of the drinks was spilled; everything on the tray remained perfectly intact.
In the distance, the purple-haired girl watching from the food pickup station felt her mouth twitch uncontrollably. Cold sweat began to pour from her forehead. She stood dazed for a good while until Bai Cha urged her to get the orders out, prompting her to hurry back into the kitchen.
Such fast reactions and speed... This is impossible for an ordinary trainee.
“Are you all right?” Li Yue held the tray with one hand and helped a girl with grey-green hair up with the other. The girl had tears in the corners of her eyes, giving her a pitiful appearance.
“I’m fine. Thank you, Big Sister.” The girl, who looked to be around the same age as Li Yue, scrambled to her feet. Though they seemed similar in age, Li Yue felt something strange. In that instant, her Death Abyss and Eye of God both broke through their restraints for a split second.
Even the strongest divine remains and the world’s most powerful seals could not keep them contained forever...
She could clearly perceive that this girl’s spirit was somewhat like Melina’s back in Yakutsk. Despite looking like a young woman in her twenties... her heart was terrifyingly simple.
Li Yue was stunned for a moment before taking the girl’s order slip. Spontaneous applause broke out in the shop, making Li Yue feel awkward... Why is everyone looking at me? She casually served the next table. She addressed them simply as “customers” in a flat, indifferent tone. She used some ketchup to draw a heart—a cold, icy heart.
But even that was incredibly popular. Li Yue couldn't understand it and was profoundly shocked.
What a strange world...
She tried her best to concentrate and ignore those burning gazes from men and women alike. She took a deep breath, her shoulders twitching involuntarily. She felt it—an intense, searing gaze like nothing she had felt before.
If the other gazes were like scattered starlight, then this sensation was as scorching as the sun itself, forcing her body to react.
Good heavens... It couldn't be an enemy, could it?
She steadied herself and spotted a familiar figure in the long queue. The person was standing by the window outside the shop, staring fixedly at her. Their eyes seemed to burn with pale blue flames, sending a chill down Li Yue’s spine.
This desire... it’s practically manifesting physically... Isn't this a bit much?
“Found you... Hehehe.” Clo peeked out from the crowd. She stared at Li Yue in her maid uniform, her powerful presence nearly impossible to contain. She wiped a bit of drool from the corner of her mouth and easily slipped through the crowded entrance.
The busy Li Yue felt a wave of lingering fear. She couldn't help but glance out the window again. She felt as if a terrifying character was hiding within the heated crowd, emitting an aura that suggested they wanted to devour her whole, making her hair stand on end.
She looked toward the door. A blue-haired girl appeared as if she had teleported. Time seemed to stand still in that moment. The noisy crowd didn't even seem to realize a girl had already reached the very front of the line. She walked in grandly, heading straight toward Li Yue amidst the staff’s welcoming calls.
Oh no! Li Yue cried out inwardly.
Rate on N.U.
