In any case, once Kiana learned that Shen Gonglin was with Fu Hua, she finally felt at ease. At least she no longer had to worry about whether he had been chomped up by Honkai Beasts. Then Kiana wanted to rush to headquarters to meet up with Shen Gonglin, looking exactly like an abandoned wife who still refused to give up and wanted to go find her husband.
"Wait, Kiana. I forgot to tell you earlier—the principal has a new mission for you."
Seeing that Kiana was about to leave, Mei hurriedly reached out and grabbed her arm. After meeting Kiana, she had reported the situation to Theresa, who then assigned Kiana a new mission. Kiana would no longer need to go to headquarters. Or rather, it seemed that the principal had never intended for Kiana to accompany Shen Gonglin to headquarters in the first place.
"What? What mission does Auntie have this time?"
Kiana turned back in surprise. Why was there another mission? Hadn't she been told to accompany Shen Gonglin to headquarters? Now that he had already gone, why was she still not allowed to go with him? She had finally found someone even less reliable than herself. In front of him, Kiana had finally gotten a taste of what it felt like to be a senior. Besides, the two of them were partners. Since they were partners, of course they had to stay together.
"You, Teacher Himeko, and I will be assigned to a nearby search-and-rescue team. Although the large-scale Honkai outbreak has been dealt with, there are still remnants of Honkai Beasts. That will be our work from now on. Shen Gonglin has the Class President with him, so he'll be fine. Kiana, let's do our best."
Mei patted Kiana on the shoulder as she relayed Theresa's orders. Kiana, who had been full of energy a moment ago, immediately froze. Why was she not being allowed to keep accompanying Shen Gonglin? How had the Class President suddenly taken her place? She had been the one accompanying him all this way. She had been... she had been there first.
"What? Mei, you mean I have to stay here too?"
Himeko was just as stunned as Kiana. She had still been thinking about what expression she should wear when she saw Shen Gonglin again, only to suddenly receive such terrible news. That idiot shrimp was squeezing every last drop out of her labor. She had only just returned from a mission and had not even had time for a vacation before being assigned another job. There were other Valkyrie units for search and rescue. Theresa had sent her here... probably to keep an eye on Kiana.
Having roughly guessed Theresa's intentions, Himeko could only shrug helplessly. In that case, there was nothing she could do. It seemed she would have to wait until they returned to St. Freya Academy to see Shen Gonglin.
"Yes, the principal's mission includes Teacher Himeko too. There's no helping it. Since that's what the principal wants, we can only work hard... Come on, cheer up. There might be other Honkai Beasts around. Teacher Himeko, you too—stop looking so miserable. Show us your usual cool side."
Mei pushed Kiana and Himeko forward by the shoulders. Seeing the two girls like this, it was obvious why Theresa had entrusted Mei with delivering the mission. Though she had not been at the academy for long, in Theresa's eyes, Mei was an extremely dependable girl. With her around, nothing would be a problem.
"Yeah, yeah... Honestly, even if I'm a teacher, I still want a vacation. It's because I'm working all day that I have no time to date. If this delays things, will Theresa take responsibility?"
Himeko walked ahead helplessly, but her mouth did not stop complaining. She had finally found someone she liked and wanted to see where things went, only for work and Theresa, that fake loli, to tie her hands and feet. Could work and romance really only be one or the other? This was so hard. What was she supposed to choose? Was there no way to have both... Wait, Shen Gonglin should be at St. Freya Academy in the future too, right? That meant she would be his teacher too. In that case, she had a chance!
"Teacher Himeko, you're still so young. The principal doesn't need to take responsibility for something like that. The two of you should get yourselves together too."
Mei encouraged Kiana and Himeko. Being the only normal person was rather tiring. She raised her head and looked at the darkening sky. Shen Gonglin was with the Class President... so he should be fine, right?
After all, the Class President was flat-chested.
A flash of violet light passed through Mei's eyes. She shook her head. Seriously, what was she even thinking?
Destiny Descends
After sailing through the night, the Immortal Blade squad finally returned successfully to the massive floating island. When the Valkyries working on the bridge saw the Immortal Blade insignia, they stood on either side to welcome the return of this strongest squad. Their reverence was entirely voluntary. After all, this was Destiny's strongest team. Two of the three S-rank Valkyries served in this squad, and Durandal, their captain, was a legendary Valkyrie. Most Valkyries considered joining Immortal Blade their life's goal.
"Destiny Headquarters, tremble! Your emperor has returned!"
The ship came to a stop, and the Valkyries on both sides straightened their backs. Yet when the hatch opened, a strong male voice rang out. A blond figure then appeared before everyone. He stood with his hands on his hips, looking exceedingly imposing. Beneath his short golden hair were a pair of dark violet eyes, and his face, prettier than that of most girls, wore a vibrant smile. His black short-sleeved shirt was tied at one side. Who was this person? Why was he on Immortal Blade's battleship?
"Don't say such nonsensical things. You've never been to headquarters before, much less could you call this a return."
Standing beside Shen Gonglin, Fu Hua covered her head and shook it helplessly. Shen Gonglin was full of energy after resting for the night, but Fu Hua had been tormented by him all night and was utterly exhausted. It was merely a small battleship intended for sorties, so there was nowhere to rest. Everyone could only sit on the benches. This guy slept terribly. Even though she had offered him her lap as a pillow, he still kept moving around. On one hand, she had to guard against the punches he might throw in his sleep, while on the other, she had to make sure he did not roll over and fall. Fu Hua had worried herself sick over him all night.
As a result, Shen Gonglin was now refreshed and alert while Fu Hua wore dark circles beneath her eyes.
"Lady Fu Hua, as long as he likes it, it doesn't matter what he says... Also, you do not seem to be in very good condition. I will arrange for you to rest properly later."
Rita, standing on Shen Gonglin's other side, was in far better shape than Fu Hua. The maid stood with her hands folded before her, and her flawless elegance gave no hint that she was still injured. No matter when, she had to maintain proper grace. That was Rita's requirement for herself.
"Thank you. You spoil him too much... By the way, why are you so energetic, Rita? I remember that you did not sleep at all during the second half of the night either. Why do you look completely fine now?"
Fu Hua looked helplessly at Rita. She had wanted to say this since yesterday. Rita seemed particularly indulgent toward Shen Gonglin, letting him have his way in everything. She had even been willing to offer him her lap as a pillow. Last night, Rita had taken over for her, allowing Fu Hua to get a little rest. If she had not been too tired, Fu Hua truly would not have wanted to switch with her. After all, Shen Gonglin was technically her disciple, and caring for him was only natural. But what about Rita? Why was she doing this?
And why was Rita so full of energy while Fu Hua felt as though she had spent all night grinding games?
"As a maid, being able to sleep a few hours and still have enough energy for a full day is a skill one must possess. Only then can one serve better... Shen Gonglin, be careful. There are stairs ahead."
Rita smiled faintly at Fu Hua and followed half a step behind Shen Gonglin as he descended from the bridge. He was waving to the Valkyries on either side as if he were an official inspecting the troops. He did not act like an outsider in the slightest. He looked as if he frequently came to headquarters to give reports.
Tch. Were maids all such terrifying creatures? It completely defied human physiology. Rita could rest for only a few hours and stay energetic all day. Even Fu Hua had to be amazed by some of her strange skills. Maintaining the same position beside the maid, Fu Hua followed Shen Gonglin down. She had originally been a Valkyrie at headquarters before being transferred to St. Freya due to a mission, so she recognized many of these Valkyries. Fu Hua gave them a slight nod, but why were their gazes so strange? Why were they all staring at Shen Gonglin?
She should hurry up, finish Shen Gonglin's task, and bring him back to St. Freya Academy. Everyone wanted to distract him from learning martial arts. As his master... the person teaching him martial arts, was that easy for her?
"Hey, who is that boy? Why does he look so imposing? And why are Lady Fu Hua and Lady Rita standing on either side of him like guards... Look, look, the Immortal Blade members are following behind him too. Is he some incredible big shot?"
As Shen Gonglin swaggered past, the Valkyries at headquarters whispered among themselves while watching his back. He only lacked a sign behind him saying, "Everyone here is evil." This was Immortal Blade, after all, and both Rita and Fu Hua were behind him. Rita alone would have been one thing. Everyone knew that although she was an S-rank Valkyrie, she liked treating everyone with the mannerisms of a maid. But adding Fu Hua and the Immortal Blade squad changed things. They were treating him so solemnly. Could that child be the descendant of some important figure?
When they thought of important figures, these imaginative Valkyries immediately thought of the Bishop. After all, he too had golden hair. But their eye colors were different, and their temperaments seemed worlds apart. Just who was he? They were dying to know!
"Rita, what are we doing now? Come to think of it, I have no idea why I even came to headquarters. I just followed Kiana out for no reason, and now even Kiana is gone. What am I supposed to do?"
By the time Shen Gonglin's arm was almost tired from waving, he finally could not see any other Valkyries. Only then did he realize that the Immortal Blade squad following behind had dispersed at some point. It looked like they were all going back to their rooms to rest. So what was he supposed to do now? Shen Gonglin actually felt pretty energetic.
He could totally inspect the place for another round.
"Hmm... Given Lady Fu Hua's condition, I should arrange for the two of you to rest first. Then I will contact the project department and have them prepare. I also need to handle the previous mission report, as well as Immortal Blade's operation logs... Oh, and Shen Gonglin, you must be hungry. I will prepare some delicious food for you in a moment. For now, please follow me."
Worthy of being a perfect maid, Rita had arranged everything before Shen Gonglin even asked. The capable had to work harder. Otto was not at headquarters, so she had to arrange everything from here on out. The maid gave Shen Gonglin an elegant bow and asked for his opinion. How would he like things arranged?
"Mm-hm, Rita, your arrangements are good. So, when do we eat?"
Well, after Rita said all that, the only thing Shen Gonglin remembered was food.
Where Do You Want to Stay?
"We are currently at Destiny Headquarters. Destiny Headquarters is a massive floating island above the Mediterranean. It is the administrative center of all Destiny, as well as the organization's most vital research facility. Shen Gonglin, Destiny is divided into nine main islands, named after the Nine Worlds on the World Tree in Norse mythology. The direction you are looking toward is Hymir, the laboratory responsible for Honkai energy systems."
At headquarters, Rita introduced the place to Shen Gonglin like a tour guide. Destiny had branches all over the world, so it was only natural that headquarters, which managed those branches, would be so vast. It was like a city floating in the sky. It was also because of that that Shen Gonglin's fear of heights did not act up.
"Mm, so that's how it is. Got it, got it."
Shen Gonglin rested his chin on his hand and nodded, while Fu Hua shot him an irritated glance. He made it sound so convincing, as though he were truly listening to Rita. In reality, his violet eyes were utterly vacant. Fu Hua knew that not a single word had entered his head. He was completely putting on an act.
"Rita, there's no need to waste your effort explaining all this to him. Just arrange some place for us, then go get things ready. Once the mission is complete, I'll take him back to St. Freya. This guy will only cause trouble outside."
Fu Hua grabbed Shen Gonglin by the collar and pulled him back after he almost got lost again at a corner. Destiny Headquarters was so complex that if Shen Gonglin wandered around on his own, he would definitely get lost. It would be better to take him back to St. Freya Academy as soon as possible. At the very least, that place gave Fu Hua more of a sense of security than headquarters did.
"Hehe, very well. But Lady Fu Hua need not be so nervous. We can only decide whether Shen Gonglin stays at St. Freya or headquarters after the tests are complete. After all, Shen Gonglin has not decided for himself yet, has he?"
Rita continued leading the way. Before they knew it, they seemed to have reached an area resembling a residential district. Destiny Headquarters was truly enormous. Shen Gonglin had even seen something like a bus just now. He had not paid any attention to what Rita and Fu Hua were saying. By the time he snapped back to himself, he realized that the atmosphere between them seemed rather strange. What was going on? Why did they seem to be arguing?
"Of course he will return to St. Freya. This trip to headquarters is only to investigate and test his abilities. He was brought back by Kiana, so naturally, wherever she is, Shen Gonglin will be too."
Fu Hua's emerald eyes remained fixed on the maid before her. What did Rita mean by that? Could she be trying to keep Shen Gonglin at Destiny Headquarters? How could that be allowed? Staying beside that man was no good thing. Shen Gonglin carried so many mysteries—who knew what he might do to him? Besides, Fu Hua had already decided to pass all her martial arts down to Shen Gonglin. It would not be convenient if he stayed at headquarters. Moreover, she had taken over from Kiana and brought him here. If she returned alone, Fu Hua would not even know how to explain herself.
"Oh? Is that so? But Lady Fu Hua, should not this matter depend on the wishes of the person involved? As far as I know, Shen Gonglin is currently suffering from amnesia. Headquarters' medical facilities are much more complete than those at the Far East Branch. I imagine he wants to recover his memories as soon as possible. And besides... Shen Gonglin, you still remember, do you not? I have yet to pay you for rescuing me."
Unafraid of the faint pressure radiating from Fu Hua, Rita calmly presented her argument. As the two Valkyries spoke, they both turned their gazes toward Shen Gonglin. One pair of purplish-red eyes and one pair of emerald eyes fixed on him, demanding an answer. Though such a decision held no real meaning at present, for some reason, Rita and Fu Hua were competing over this question.
"Huh? What are you talking about?"
Shen Gonglin had been distracted since earlier and had no idea what Fu Hua and Rita were discussing. Why were they both staring at him? What had they said before?
"Would you rather stay at headquarters or St. Freya? Think carefully. Mei and the others are waiting for you to return. You do not know anyone here at headquarters, and there's Kiana and Bronya too. If you do not go back, you will have no way to explain things to them."
Fu Hua crossed her arms and looked at Shen Gonglin. She truly had no confidence in this guy, so she could only remind him like this. St. Freya was better than Destiny Headquarters in every way. She only hoped he would not make some idiotic decision.
"Lady Fu Hua is joking. Am I not here? How could it be said that he knows no one here when I am present? If Shen Gonglin stays at headquarters, I will take responsibility for everything from now on. So... just casually speaking, Shen Gonglin, would you rather remain at headquarters or return to St. Freya?"
The smile on Rita's face did not change, but her vague wording conveyed a certain message to Shen Gonglin. She even made the same gesture as Fu Hua, crossing her arms. Seeing that, Fu Hua felt as though she were being openly targeted. Tch. Rita was suddenly starting to resemble Theresa and Bronya. Other than those two, everyone else had problems. How could someone fight Honkai with such troublesome proportions?
The two Valkyries both stared at Shen Gonglin, and he finally understood the situation. So that was what they were asking. Did this even need to be said? Shen Gonglin made his decision without a moment's thought. He looked at Fu Hua with an utterly matter-of-fact expression.
"Of course I'll go wherever Master goes. I haven't finished learning what Fu Hua is teaching me yet. My aptitude isn't good enough, so if I leave the Class President, I definitely won't be able to improve what she has already taught me. Naturally, I'll stay by her side. Besides, St. Freya's cafeteria tastes great, Mei's cooking is delicious, and even Theresa's desk grows potato chips. So I think St. Freya is better. I already told Kiana before that I'd go back once the mission was over. What is there to hesitate about?"
He slung an arm around Fu Hua's shoulders as if they had known each other forever. This truly was not a question worth thinking about. He had awakened at St. Freya, and it could be said that the starting point of his memories was there. Besides, learning martial arts from Fu Hua came with benefits. A disciple who did not covet his master's body was not a good disciple. So far, he had only enjoyed her lap pillow and her stomach. There were still so many parts of her body he had not laid his hands on. Next, Shen Gonglin wanted her to lie on the floor while he rested his head on her calves. If he left St. Freya...
Would that not be destined to remain nothing but a fantasy?
Bullying the Maid
This guy had actually done something decent for once... Hearing his words, Fu Hua immediately felt her eyes sting. A feeling like she had finally raised her child properly rose from the bottom of her heart. Shen Gonglin had always refused to behave like a human being, and Fu Hua had truly feared that he would take Rita's side. If that happened, she would definitely have been unhappy. Yet Shen Gonglin's stance was so firm this time... No, hold it in. This was not a big deal. Was it not only natural?
"I told you not to call me Master. I have no intention of taking a disciple. And don't just cling to me like that. Stand properly."
She was quite happy inside, but Fu Hua still put on a disgusted expression and pushed Shen Gonglin away. The maid who witnessed everything secretly bit her lip. You're only pushing him away now, Lady Fu Hua? Perhaps you did not notice that the corners of your mouth were almost reaching the back of your head. It seemed she had been right. Fu Hua indeed had another kind of relationship with Shen Gonglin. Shen Gonglin's Mindful Essence state from before was sufficient proof. His constitution really was strange.
He was clearly an energetic boy, yet he could cultivate Mindful Essence, which was only suited for women, to that extent. And by all accounts, he had not been awake for very long after emerging from his coma. That was also worth investigating.
"What a pity. Still, I am quite knowledgeable when it comes to cooking. In a moment, Shen Gonglin, I shall provide you with a meal I have carefully prepared. My skills are clumsy, so please forgive me."
There was no obvious disappointment on her face, as though she had merely been casually discussing matters with Shen Gonglin and Fu Hua just now. As a maid, her skill in cooking went without saying. No matter what, she should be better than a young lady who could take care of people and a cafeteria chef. Starting from this angle was not a bad plan either. Rita was prepared to show Shen Gonglin, in every possible way, what a perfect maid was.
"...Tch. How about this? If your cooking is clumsy, let the Class President make it. If that won't work, there should be a cafeteria here, right? I may not look it, but I'm pretty picky about food. Rita, don't force yourself to do something you aren't good at."
Yet Shen Gonglin's expression became complicated upon hearing Rita's words. He very kindly offered this suggestion. Deep down, he still had some doubts about Rita's identity as a maid. Since she had said herself that her cooking was clumsy, why force her to cook? This maid seemed a little like a decorative vase. She was supposed to be an S-rank Valkyrie, but she faltered whenever she fought. She looked dependable, but perhaps she would make some horrifying cuisine. Was that not what gap moe was all about?
Mei had said that Fu Hua could make some home-style dishes. In comparison, that sounded more reliable. Shen Gonglin was actually quite a picky eater.
...This guy, she had only called her own skills clumsy out of modesty. Had he taken it seriously?
How was she supposed to respond now? Why did Shen Gonglin refuse to play by the rules? If he were the protagonist of a game, should he not be gladly accepting right now? What was with that apprehensive look, as though he feared she would really cook for him? She was at the level of a star-rated restaurant chef. Not to mention anything else, in terms of cooking, she absolutely crushed Fu Hua!
In front of Shen Gonglin, she could not maintain the bearing of an S-rank maid... Pfft, an S-rank Valkyrie. Under Fu Hua's astonished gaze, Rita stared at Shen Gonglin and puffed out her cheeks slightly. As a maid, she was very angry right now.
"Enough. Rita only said that out of modesty. Her cooking is very good. My home-style cooking is not worth mentioning beside hers. You will find out just how skilled Rita is in a moment."
Fu Hua was still kinder. Perhaps she could not bear to watch Rita keep puffing out her cheeks so pitifully. Fu Hua pressed down on Shen Gonglin's head and made him turn toward Rita. If she did not intervene, Rita would probably keep staring at him while Shen Gonglin continued ignoring her and pretending to admire the scenery. Shen Gonglin really was impressive, to make Rita show such an expression.
"Really? Rita, you're actually good at cooking? I'm not saying it has to glow, but you're not going to make some horrifying cuisine, right?"
Since Fu Hua said so, Shen Gonglin looked toward Rita with half-belief and half-doubt. Fu Hua was rather credible in his mind. If she had not vouched for Rita, Shen Gonglin truly would have hesitated over whether he should eat anything she made. The best thing he had eaten so far was Mei's cream stew. Rita's cooking did not have to compare to that, but it should at least be edible.
"Of course. My culinary skills are exceptional. Even star-rated chefs are no match for me. My food will definitely satisfy you so much that you swallow your tongue, Shen Gonglin!"
Rita proudly guaranteed it to Shen Gonglin. The maid secretly made up her mind that she would definitely make his jaw drop later. How dare this ignorant child doubt her culinary skills? She would show him what heaven was!
After making such a bold declaration, Rita discovered that Shen Gonglin and Fu Hua were both looking at her with extremely complicated expressions. What was wrong now? Those gazes made Rita increasingly uncertain. Why did she feel uncertain? There was clearly nothing to be uncertain about. She had only been speaking the truth.
"Well, putting aside whether that is true, Rita, I think people should be more modest. Your food really is delicious, but... this doesn't seem like you. I've never seen such an arrogant... no, such a confident Rita before."
Fu Hua looked at the maid with a complicated expression, as though she were meeting Rita for the first time. Rita's words differed just a little from the image Fu Hua had held of her. So this was the kind of maid she was? Her youth was over... Wait, should she not have said something like that?
"Yeah, yeah, Rita. I think a maid should be more modest. Modesty is also an important quality for a perfect maid. So... try not to be like this in the future. Even if your skills really are that good, you should still stay humble. The perfect maids in my memories were all like that."
Shen Gonglin reached out and patted Rita on the shoulder, looking at her as if she were a foolish deer. Meanwhile, the maid's lips twitched slightly. She really wanted... really wanted to take out her scythe.
Damn it, had he not disliked her being modest just now? Now that she honestly told him the truth, he thought she was arrogant. Why was Shen Gonglin so hard to serve? What exactly was she supposed to say to satisfy him? Did he believe she would quit being a maid and start cutting him up with her scythe?
While being a maid, she was also a Valkyrie who killed Honkai Beasts without batting an eye!
Taking the Brat Home
To prove herself, Rita brought Shen Gonglin and Fu Hua directly to her room. As an S-rank Valkyrie, headquarters naturally would not assign her a dormitory like those of high school students. Shen Gonglin was curious as he looked at the lavishly decorated room. Whether it was St. Freya or Destiny Headquarters, both seemed to have high standards for where people lived. Mei and Kiana's dormitory was also a large standalone residence. Rita's room was the same. It did not quite match his impression of a dormitory.
"Please come in. Shen Gonglin, please change into these slippers. Lady Fu Hua, please wear these."
Though it was clearly her own home, Rita acted like a maid receiving guests. In addition to combat, she had the work of a maid, and ensuring the comfort of one's residence was an undeniable responsibility for a maid. After taking out guest slippers for Shen Gonglin and Fu Hua, Rita invited the two into her home. Bianca had not returned from her mission yet, so Rita would be the only one receiving them.
"You have my thanks, Rita."
Fu Hua's etiquette was likewise impeccable. If Rita's bearing resembled that of a maid, then Fu Hua's temperament was even more like that of a butler. After changing shoes, Fu Hua entered Rita's home. In order to prove herself, Rita had directly scheduled headquarters' work for tomorrow. Nothing was more important than proving her professionalism as a maid. With the Bishop and Bianca absent from the base, she had the final say in everything.
"You are welcome... Shen Gonglin, change into slippers first. Do not run around."
Without treating himself like an outsider in the least, Shen Gonglin kicked off his shoes and ran inside. Rita placed the shoes he had casually kicked aside properly before hurrying after him. What had he seen to become so excited? She had kept the room very tidy, and Durandal would not be the kind of person to leave her underwear lying around. Why was Shen Gonglin so excited? What exactly had he seen?
"Wow, Rita, you keep a cat here? Does it shed?"
What had Shen Gonglin so excited was the cat curled up asleep on the sofa. The moment he saw the creature, Shen Gonglin knew he liked it. Before Rita could stop him, Shen Gonglin had already grabbed the cat by its front paws and pulled it upright. This cat looked rather like a ferret.
"Shen Gonglin, put it down now!"
Seeing Shen Gonglin treat the cat like that, Rita immediately grew nervous. This was not an ordinary cat. Though Bianca had never admitted it, Rita knew its identity perfectly well. It usually acted like an ordinary cat, but if it was angered... Rita had fought it before, and the result had been a draw.
Rita had even summoned her scythe. She had not expected this cat to run into her room. It should have been taking an afternoon nap in Lady Durandal's room next door. She only hoped Shen Gonglin's large movements had not provoked it.
Yet under Rita's watchful gaze, the cat merely opened its eyes and gave her a calm glance before extending its tongue to lick Shen Gonglin's finger. This surprised Rita. Was this cat not usually aloof? Why was it treating Shen Gonglin differently? Rita had kept it for so long and had never received this treatment.
"Hm? Put it down? Does it shed? Then I'd better not touch it."
Shen Gonglin liked cats but disliked them shedding. Or rather, his love for cats only meant he liked playing with and bullying them. Once he heard Rita say that, he hurriedly put the cat down. He had a slight obsession with cleanliness, and cat fur was simply too irritating.
The cat placed on the floor stretched, then lazily walked to Shen Gonglin's leg and rubbed against it. Because he was afraid it would shed, Shen Gonglin kept dodging it. It seemed to think he was playing with it and followed him the entire way. In the end, Shen Gonglin had to shoot crackling electricity at it before it reluctantly jumped onto the windowsill and lay down quietly. Judging by its gaze, it seemed ready to pounce the instant Shen Gonglin lowered his guard. Shedding cats were terrifying.
"Shedding is not much of a problem. I clean every day, so it is not too serious... Still, it surprises me that it is so affectionate. It is not even this obedient with Lady Bianca. Shen Gonglin, small animals seem to like you very much."
After seeing the cat obediently lie on the windowsill, Rita finally relaxed. It seemed that the feline master was in a good mood today. Rita had thought they would have to fight just now. She dispersed the scythe in her hand and returned to her perfect-maid appearance. The cat's attitude toward Shen Gonglin was rather special. Could it have some special intention toward him? It was very suspicious.
"Is that so? But I only wanted to pull its tail... Never mind that. Rita, weren't you going to treat me to food? Let me see what you can do."
He did not take the matter to heart. Perhaps it was true that animals liked him—Kiana seemed to like him quite a bit, after all. The moment Shen Gonglin heard that the cat shed, however, his interest immediately waned. It was more fun to pet Kiana. At least she did not shed.
"Certainly. Please wait a moment... Lady Fu Hua, if you do not mind, would you like to rest in my room? You have not seemed well since earlier. Since you did not rest yesterday, why not take the chance to get some proper sleep now?"
A charming smile appeared on Rita's face. Ever thoughtful, she had naturally noticed Fu Hua's condition as well. Fu Hua had not rested properly because Shen Gonglin had caused too much trouble the previous night. Not everyone possessed Rita's ability to sleep for a few hours and remain energetic all day. Since Rita did not want anyone helping her this time, having Fu Hua take an afternoon nap was not a bad idea.
Before you continue