Bronya: I Can't Help Laughing When I Think About What's Coming Later
Bronya sat in the main seat, her gaze fixed on Bai Luoming, who was surrounded by the crowd, her fingertips gently stroking the smooth stem of the wine glass.
She knew very well that Bai Luoming would never easily refuse a drink offered to him in such a setting.
This was not Bai Luoming showing off or being a heavy drinker.
It was his heartfelt respect and response to everyone who raised their glass.
In fact, she had seen through this in her previous life, but unfortunately, she never had the opportunity to take advantage of it.
She was busy cleaning up the mess left by Cocolia, and also busy dealing with the mess that kept appearing after Belobog's rebirth. By the time she finally had a chance to catch her breath and dared to face the feelings that had long taken root in her heart, the train had already headed for the next starry sky.
All things considered, whether before or after her rebirth, the Astral Express Crew has saved Belobog multiple times. Bronya really doesn't know how to reward such a great achievement.
After all, their achievements were so great that perhaps only a marriage between her, the highest-ranking member of Belobog, and the Astral Express Crew could make up for their contributions.
Thinking of this, Bronya felt a barely perceptible warmth rise to her ears. She picked up her glass, took a sip of the slightly cool liquid, and used the glass to shield her face from the heat.
Almost no one noticed Bronya's unusual behavior, except for Evernight, who was constantly watching over her.
Evernight sat quietly in her seat, holding a glass of brightly colored juice, sipping it slowly, her face maintaining the same smile that March 7th always wore.
Bronya's fleeting change of expression hadn't escaped her notice, and combined with the movements of the others at the banquet, she had a pretty good idea of Bronya's purpose.
"I see, that's what you were planning."
She confirmed her judgment in her heart, but the smile on her lips grew even sweeter.
"March 7th, March 7th," Xing leaned closer, nudged her with her elbow, and whispered, "Do you think Old Bai might get drunk and flip the table? I've heard some people go crazy when they're drunk."
Evernight then feigned concern, blinked, and said, "No way... it shouldn't be, right?"
She felt nothing; in fact, she even somewhat wanted to see Bai Luoming go on a drunken rampage.
Xing glanced worriedly at Bai Luoming and muttered softly, "If he really flips the table, I don't think we can stop him."
"Oh, it'll be alright, Himeko and Uncle Yang are both here."
Hearing Evernight say this, Xing stopped asking questions and turned to seriously deal with the dishes on the table.
After another round of deafening cheers, Bai Luoming's consciousness began to gradually become blurred.
Bai Luoming picked up the wine glass handed to him by a guard and carefully observed the clear liquid inside.
"Wait... is your Belobog wine really that strong?"
He mumbled something indistinctly, then tilted his head back and drank the wine in his glass in one gulp.
Seeing Bai Luoming's straightforwardness, the Silvermane Guards beside him burst into even louder laughter and cheers.
Himeko's beautiful brows furrowed again, and she was about to continue trying to dissuade her when Bronya stood up first.
She walked up to Bai Luoming, her voice not loud, but clearly drowning out the surrounding noise.
"Luo Ming, you've already drunk a lot."
"Belobog's liquor has a very strong aftereffect; even if you have an exceptional constitution, you shouldn't continue."
Bronya spoke with concern to Bai Luoming, while also conveying a signal to the Iron Guards who wanted to continue plying him with alcohol.
Those guards who were about to go forward to offer a toast stopped what they were doing upon hearing this.
Bai Luoming raised his head, blinked twice with his hazy, drunken eyes, and then recognized the person who had come into view.
"Oh, it's Bronya."
"Yes." Bronya nodded, her expression serious.
"Alright," Bai Luoming waved his hand casually, as if he had received some permission, and leaned back in his chair. "What the Supreme Guardian says, we have to listen to."
Bronya looked at the obedient Bai Luoming and gently curled the corners of her lips.
She turned to the side and whispered a few words to a young Silvermane Guards captain who had been arranged to stand beside her.
The guard's eyes hardened, and he immediately obeyed the order, quickly walking to Bai Luoming's side.
"Mr. Bai, let me escort you back to your room to rest."
When Bai Luoming was helped to his feet, he swayed slightly and grabbed the edge of the table with one hand.
"Alright, thanks for your help, brother." He patted Tie Wei on the shoulder, then turned and waved to the still noisy crowd. "You guys carry on, don't let me spoil the fun."
Supported by Tie Wei, he walked unsteadily toward the entrance of the hall.
As she passed by Evernight, she looked up and said in a tone reminiscent of March 7th, "Luo Ming, get some rest early."
Bai Luoming turned around, gave her an "OK" sign, and quickly disappeared through the doorway.
Evernight watched his retreating figure, a slight smile playing on her lips, but she quickly regained her composure.
Bronya sat down again, picked up her wine glass, and spoke to Gepard with a normal expression.
The guard was her confidant; he wouldn't escort Bai Luoming back to his room at the Goethe Hotel, but would instead take him directly out through a side door to her private residence near Kliperburg.
Everything is now arranged; she only needs to wait for the banquet to end so she can enjoy the fruits of her victory.
The atmosphere in the hall dipped briefly for a few seconds after Bai Luoming left, but it was quickly reignited.
Natasha and Seele huddled together, discussing the reconstruction plans for the Underworld in hushed tones; Welt and Himeko exchanged ideas on future plans; Dan Heng remained alone in a corner, quietly sipping his tea.
Everything seemed perfectly normal.
Evernight sat in her seat calculating the time. After she figured that Tie Wei had almost left the hall with Bai Luoming, she naturally put down her juice glass and stood up.
"What's wrong?" Xing looked over.
"I'm going to the restroom." Evernight gave her a harmless smile.
Xing nodded and moved the chair to make it easier for her to pass.
Evernight's departure did not attract much attention.
After briefly sensing the direction Bai Luoming had left in, she quickly walked along the hotel corridor.
Following the direction, Evernight turned two corners. Under the light of the corridor ahead, she saw the tall, Silvermane Guards's back, supporting the unsteady Bai Luoming as they walked towards the side exit of the hotel.
Evernight stopped and stood in the middle of the corridor.
Please wait a moment.
Upon hearing the voice, the guard turned around and saw that it was "March 7th." His expression relaxed, but he remained vigilant.
He recognized the lively Astral Express Crew member.
"Miss March 7th, is there anything I can help you with?"
Evernight walked up to him, raised her head, and looked directly into his eyes, her gaze deep and unfathomable.
Listen to me~
She spoke, her voice soft yet possessing an indescribable magic.
Although Evernight doesn't know any spells, she has plenty of ways to alter the perceptions of ordinary people like this.
As Evernight finished speaking, Tie Wei's eyes went blank for a moment, as if his soul had been ripped out.
A few seconds later, his mind cleared again, and his eyes became resolute.
He nodded solemnly, as if confirming a crucial instruction, then helped Bai Luoming and turned around.
Evernight stood still, watching them walk in another direction, the direction leading to the guest room area of Goethe Hotel.
And her room is over there.
Supported by his father, Bai Luoming, his head spinning, mumbled incoherently, "Brother... this direction... isn't it wrong..."
Tie Wei replied without changing his expression, "Mr. Bai, you've had too much to drink. This is the correct way."
"Oh..." Bai Luoming mumbled a response, not asking any further questions. He tilted his head to the side and leaned on Tie Wei's shoulder, seemingly already half asleep.
Evernight stood in the corridor for a moment until she was sure that Tie Wei was helping Bai Luoming into the correct room, and then the door clicked shut.
She then turned around and retraced her steps.
As she passed the restroom entrance, she deliberately stopped and tidied her expression in front of the gleaming mirror.
In the mirror, Evernight put away her scheming, and in its place was March 7th's bright, somewhat silly smile.
At least at this banquet, she had to maintain her March 7th appearance to avoid arousing suspicion.
Xing saw Evernight return to her seat and immediately leaned over, asking in a low voice.
"Why did you stay away for so long in March 7th? Could it be...?"
Evernight, without changing his expression, extended his index finger and gently flicked Xing's forehead.
"What are you talking about! There are a lot of people inside, it's just a queue."
Xing hissed as she covered her forehead, muttering, "That was really heavy-handed," but she had no doubt whatsoever.
The banquet continued, and the sounds of singing and clinking glasses still echoed in the hall.
Bronya sat in the main seat, her expression calm. She occasionally exchanged a few words with those around her, but her mind was already wandering to what would happen after the banquet.
She had even already decided what she should do first thing when she walked in the door.
After all, this banquet was just an appetizer for her.
Evernight sat in her seat and slowly finished the last sip of juice in her glass.
Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at Bronya's face, which held a hidden expectation and a sense of certainty, and smiled gently.