The Deal

Kafka crushed all the bugging devices, showing no mercy whatsoever.

"Kuzkavina will probably make the first move, so let's just wait and see."

To welcome the inspection team led by Rita, the Northernmost Branch held a grand banquet, a rare occurrence for them.

The food and drinks were all available, and everyone at the base participated.

The atmosphere was very lively.

Therefore, Kuzkavina and Pellervy's departure halfway through the game seemed so insignificant.

"Pellervy, one of the documents was delivered a little late today. Did something happen along the way?"

Even when no one was around, Kuzkavina maintained a motherly tone.

This person has always been like this, able to inspire them to fight each other with the gentlest and most loving tone.

I realized this when I was a child.

"Yes, I was stopped by that man named Liu Bai."

"I see~"

Kuzkavina expressed a sorrowful expression, like that of an elderly mother.

Did she say anything to you?

"He was very interested in my appearance."

Pellervy spoke in a flat tone, as if she were talking about something very ordinary.

"He is also very curious about other children who are similar to me."

"I see."

Kuzkavina gave a somewhat enigmatic smile.

Do you consider him a threat?

"...meeting."

"Oh?" Kuzkavina looked at Pellervy with some surprise.

This answer was somewhat unexpected.

Why do you say that?

"'The man holding the knife by the bedside, he is a hero.'... His temperament is very special, and I think he may be the real person in charge."

"You're being too sensitive, Pellervy." Kuzkavina gently shook her head. "Rita, after all, a Schicksal S-rank Valkyrie, while the other party is just a nobody. Perhaps your attention is just a sign of puberty?"

Even the head of the advisory group was insignificant to her; in her view, Rita was the real key to the problem.

Pellervy was not surprised by Kuzkavina's reaction.

In her opinion, Rosalind was arrogant.

But her seemingly approachable foster mother... was actually far more arrogant than Rosalind.

This will be her death knell leading her to hell.

"However, since you care so much, then Pellervy, you can help keep an eye on them, but there's no need to take action... at least not now."

Kuzkavina still didn't understand why this group of people had come.

Today she's been suppressed by Rosalind, but tomorrow it'll be her turn to expose Rosalind's dirty secrets.

Therefore, in the current situation, Kuzkavina's killing intent is not strong.

—If Pellervy were to tell the truth, Kuzkavina might actually try to kill her.

There was no need to be dishonest earlier; Kuzkavina didn't know the content of the conversation—telling the truth might make Kuzkavina feel threatened.

Next... Kuzkavina wonders why she was wasting her time on a strange man.

Although she was reluctant to admit it, Kuzkavina actually knew herself very well.

I've never been the kind of person who's very curious or likes to talk to people, so it's strange that I'm suddenly being held back by someone else.

The risk of lying about this question is too high.

As for whether Liu Bai is really in charge... Pellervy was just saying it casually, the key point is "special temperament".

But then again, that man is a real eye-catcher wherever he goes, thanks to his face.

It seems like they said something, but actually they said nothing at all.

"Mother, are you very worried about this team?"

"Hehe... I'm just worried that someone might try to smear our family."

Kuzkavina's level of concern is actually quite subtle.

If you're worried about her, she's been here for so long, and Rosalind has only managed to catch her doing something minor, nothing serious, without any solid evidence. Rita just a temporary outsider who hasn't even brought any troops with her. What can she possibly do?

But if she said she wasn't worried... her heart was pounding, she always felt that something bad was going to happen, and she was afraid of the worst-case scenario.

"Pellervy, come here."

Kuzkavina gestured for Pellervy come closer.

Pellervy stepped forward, listening to Kuzkavina's tacit orders.

My mother knows me very well.

So... does she know when she's going to kill her?

The intimate distance and Kuzkavina's unguarded posture made Pellervy lower her eyes, trying hard to suppress her boiling murderous intent.

It's not the right time yet...

"It's up to you, Pellervy."

"Yes, Mother."

Pellervy on her chest and watched the "gentle" "mother" leave.

"Waaaaah~~"

"Um?"

The sudden cry caught Pellervy's attention.

"...fox?"

In the dark, snow-covered landscape, a white fox whimpered cutely.

The white fur blended into the snow, indiscriminately covered by darkness.

"... When did you arrive?"

Just now? Or were they already here?

But... why are there foxes here?

Pellervy crouched down.

It's quite cute, a gift for Klay Qiwei... dead... um, wait a minute, it seems to be that man's (pet items? dream)

Fortunately, Pellervy memory; the slight sense of familiarity made her immediately realize who the little fox belonged to.

More importantly, this thing is clearly not an Arctic fox; it's a different species.

... They don't even take good care of their pets.

Won't they freeze to death if left outside?

Pellervy sighed.

Are you lost?

"Eek?"

"Was she frightened by the banquet?" Pellervy asked, a hint of displeasure in her voice.

However, he immediately realized that even if he scolded the small animal, it wouldn't make any difference.

Hmm... Although it feels a bit troublesome, I still have to return this little thing to Liu Bai.

"Suck, suck."

Is this how Krelay treats small animals?

"Suckling."

"Eek~?"

"..."

Why do I see a hint of a smile in the fox's eyes?

Pellervy blinked twice forcefully.

Hmm... it's still a normal fox, with an innocent and adorable expression.

Sure enough, I just made a fool of myself.

Pellervy sighed deeply in her heart, then touched herself and found the sausage slices she had packed from the banquet.

However, it's already frozen solid.

"Little fox, come here, here's some for you."

"Eek!"

The little white fox, which had been standing still, finally moved and darted to Pellervy's side, quickly devouring the sausage slices in Pellervy's hand.

"...snobbish."

Pellervy muttered a complaint under her breath, then reached out and patted the little fox's head. After confirming that it didn't resist, she picked it up.

"Good boy, I will return you to your master."

The little fox wagged its tail.

"..."

I feel like Krelay would really like it.

Moreover, he didn't have any odor, felt great to the touch, and his personality... although a bit snobbish, was generally very docile.

Pellervy carried the little white fox back to the banquet and, relying on her Remembrance from before she left, found Liu Bai's location.

"... Liu Bai, your pet."

There's a pink fox perched on Liu Bai's head right now.

This kind of person actually keeps pets...

"Eh? Pellervy?" Bai looked at Pellervy and the fox in her arms with surprise as she walked over.

What are you doing, Kitsune Saiguu?!

Chapter 179 The Transaction

"That..."

"Hmm? Is something the matter?"

"...nothing."

Pellervy hesitated for a moment before shaking her head.

She really wanted to ask Liu Bai if he could bear to part with her, but she was also very clear about the positions of both sides... This process probably couldn't be solved simply with money.

If Liu Bai were to propose conditions, I might not be able to accept them.

"Really nothing? If there's something you need to say, just say it."

"I just think foxes are cute," Pellervy face.

To be honest, she felt she had interacted with Liu Bai quite a lot today.

If Liu Bai deliberately approached her during the day, then now... is it really just a coincidence?