Chapter 412

"The color you want to become... that's an interesting way to put it. I also want to... become Shen Gonglin's color."

Griseo didn't mind Shen Gonglin pinching her cheeks. The girl's eyes lit up and she said something like that. Seeing the conversation between the two, Mei suddenly became expressionless. Why did she feel like she was being excluded? And this Griseo, she's clearly just a little girl, how dare she say that!

"Oh, and Mei, what's your favorite color?"

As if it were just a side effect, Griseo, whose cheeks had been pinched by Shen Gonglin for a while, looked at Mei, wanting to hand over the mark to Shen Gonglin, but it seemed impossible. So, this was the only way.

"My favorite colors... are probably orange and red."

Forget it, it's too beneath me to get angry with a little girl like that. Mei shook her head and truthfully stated her color preferences. Upon hearing Mei's favorite color, Griseo also fell into thought.

"Orange, red... sky, crab... sea, coral... um..."

As if she had thought of something interesting, Griseo picked up her paintbrush and started painting on the canvas again. Familiar with this state of mind, Pardofelis waved to Shen Gonglin and Mei.

"Oh dear, it seems little Griseo is engrossed in her painting again. Don't worry about it, it happens all the time. What surprises me is how well you and little Griseo get along, Rin Shen Gonglin ... Oh well, this is a good opportunity for us to sneak past her..."

Pardofelis whispered her strategy to Shen Gonglin and Mei, while the girl with the paintbrush spoke up again, looking at Mei with a questioning voice.

"Mei... why are you sad?"

Sad? Why? Mei was puzzled. She wasn't sad at all. Had she acted that sad?

"It's like... a little bird falling into a lake..."

Mei herself probably didn't realize it; it was something subconscious. However, before Griseo could finish speaking, a voice that Pardofelis absolutely did not want to hear suddenly appeared.

"Who's there?"

Without making a sound, the Kosma boy Kosma appeared. He looked at the crowd in front of him, his gaze lingering on the paint on Griseo's face for a moment, then at Shen Gonglin's hand, and finally on Pardofelis. Even if this girl wanted to keep a low profile, Kosma knew that she was the one who did all of this.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa with with with with with their eyes with their heads with withered with them with their eyes...! Okay, what a coincidence, are you here for a walk too?"

"Hello, Kosma."

The cat-like girl awkwardly greeted Kosma, while the withdrawn boy remained silent. Unable to bear seeing Pardofelis so embarrassed, Mei also greeted him, but... well, they ended up staring at each other again.

"Sigh... Pardofelis, please help me out."

Silence spread among the crowd. Mei could only sigh deeply, feeling utterly helpless in the face of this situation. This was the time for Pardofelis to help. Hadn't she said she had already memorized the entire book? Now was the time for her to step in.

"Oh... right, I almost forgot... let me think, hmm, that should be it."

Pardofelis finally remembered that she also had the ability to translate. She had read Elysia's "One Hundred Questions for Autistic Boys," and Kosma's reaction now must mean the same thing.

The girl coughed twice, then deliberately imitated Kosma's voice to recite the answer from the book. Judging from his eyes and expression, Kosma meant...

[Raiden Mei, Shen Gonglin...? What are they doing here, and Griseo... oh, it's Pardofelis.]

Pardofelis recounted the psychological activities of Kosma as described in the book, and most importantly, Mei genuinely believed that Kosma actually meant those words. The girl was utterly shocked; the book that Elysia wrote, which seemed like a joke, was actually useful!

Isn't that the scariest thing?

Chapter Thirty-Nine: A Very Useful Translation Book

"It's nothing, Kosma, I just like the new color."

Kosma was doing this to avoid being disturbed. Griseo was painting on her canvas, spoke up for Mei and the others; Shen Gonglin and Mei's words had sparked a lot of colorful associations in her mind. So the girl was now focused on her painting; she didn't want them to fight because of her.

"..."

The autistic boy remained silent, while Pardofelis's translation was relayed. The book written by Elysia was indeed useful. Imitating Kosma's tone, Pardofelis spoke the words he had carefully considered.

"... I can't say anything in front of Griseo, so I'll just turn a blind eye for now. But..."

It seemed that Kosma still had something to say, but Griseo stopped him once again.

"Come with me to the main hall, Kosma. I think... I've had some new inspiration. So, I want to go back once, Kosma, come with me."

Having spent a long time with him, Griseo knew what Kosmo wanted to do even without Kosma speaking. She had a good feeling about Shen Gonglin and Mei, so she didn't want any conflict between them. Therefore, she could only use herself to prevent a possible fight between them.

"..."

[Griseo ... she actually said that? What just happened...?]

Pardofelis was still mimicking Kosma's tone when the autistic boy turned his gaze directly to Mei. His unusual pupils looked at Mei, as if he wanted to say something to Mei, but as for the specifics... that would have to be translated by Pardofelis.

[Raiden Mei ... She's been searching for a way to enter the Deepest Place. What's her purpose? Aponia? Should I remind her that she's already been targeted? But if all of this is within Aponia's sight, then warning her is pointless. If I don't do anything and just let it go, she might give up on her own... That's better for her... Never mind, I'd better say nothing.]

Kosma's gaze shifted again, and this time Pardofelis had translated this long message, felt dizzy and lightheaded. Although she had memorized all the books written by Elysia, this kind of high-intensity application was a first for Pardofelis. The cat-like girl felt like her brain cells were about to be drained. That must be what it meant...?

"Uh... ah... this... that...? Mei, that's roughly what it means, but I can't really explain it in detail. Trying to see so much from just one look is too difficult for me, I'm not Sister Nia!"

Pardofelis suffered a major defeat. The cat-like girl, whose brain had been overused, knelt on the ground to soothe her nerves. Rin Shen Gonglin came over and gently stroked the poor girl's head. Mei also patted Pardofelis's shoulder. She had already tried her best. If it weren't for her, how could she know so much?

"It's alright, Pardofelis, get some rest. You're so useful."

"Mei ...and Shen Gonglin."

The two women were busy comforting Pardofelis, while Griseo finally stopped what she was doing. The girl put down her paintbrush and looked over. Her pale purple eyes looked very peaceful. This girl gave people a very gentle and obedient feeling just by looking at her. If it weren't for Flame-Chasers, a girl her age would probably be enjoying family affection with her parents right now.

"Hmm? What's wrong?"

Mei sighed inwardly, but didn't show it. She took a few steps forward, and under Kosma's wary gaze, Mei reached out and picked up Griseo from the high chair. She was very light. Such a small child was actually Flame-Chasers... Kevin really did employ child laborers.

"Thank you for bringing new colors to this place... I love your colors, and Shen Gonglin... I want to become your colors."

Upon hearing this, Kosma's lazy gaze suddenly sharpened, as if he were about to draw his sword at the slightest provocation. Meanwhile, Shen Gonglin stood tall and proud, saying, "Come on, if you're not convinced, call a few Flame-Chasers to come at me! Shen Gonglin is not afraid!"

"I really like it... so I wanted to give you a gift... since I can't give it to Shen Gonglin, Mei, I'll give it to you."

Griseo said such ambiguous words. This girl seemed to have a bit of an eccentric personality. Specks of light emanated from the girl. This wasn't the first time Mei had seen something like this. Mei was quite familiar with it. However, since she couldn't give it to Shen Gonglin, she could only give it to herself. This explanation... was indeed a bit subtle.

Let me paint a picture for you, using my favorite colors... the blue of the sea, the green of the cypress trees, and... the gray of you and me. Let me use them to paint a Stars night sky for you.

Feeling the radiance entering her body, Mei understood what Griseo had given her: the mark of the Stars.

"Yes, my mark. From now on, the studio door will be open for you at any time. Shen Gonglin, I look forward to you teaching me to paint with your colors... Alright, let's go, Kosma, there should be more colors in the hall."

As she said this, Griseo placed her small hand in Kosma's hand. This autistic boy was very gentle when facing Griseo, but he still glared at Shen Gonglin. What had he been teaching Griseo without her knowledge?

"Okay, let's go."

The two figures disappeared from the sight of Shen Gonglin and the others, while Shen Gonglin showed an expression of great toothache. He tentatively turned around to look at Mei and Pardofelis, and then asked uncertainly, "Um... just now, was I harassed by someone?"

"Haha, no, no, little Griseo a very cute girl. She definitely didn't think that way. But I didn't expect you to get along so well with little Griseo. No wonder Sister Elysia that Shen Gonglin is the type who is very good at dealing with girls. Even I, Pardofelis, have a good impression of you."

Pardofelis, now recovered, patted Shen Gonglin on the shoulder with a bright smile. Her attitude only made Shen Gonglin more certain that she had been teased, and that this silly cat seemed to want to tease her too.

Chapter Forty: Aponia Refuses to Open the Door

Stars... This is the eleventh seal I've obtained. Now, besides Aponia, there's only one other Flame-Chasers I haven't met yet. What will happen after I collect all the seals? Speaking of which, I still don't know who the magician Mobius was talking about is. And, for some reason, the chaos that appeared in the Elysian Realm before started to disappear after I met Aponia. What exactly is going on?

Mei rested her chin on her hand, deep in thought. Meanwhile Shen Gonglin and Pardofelis, who had been fooling around earlier, were busy with their own things. Shen Gonglin was busy slacking off, while Pardofelis was lying on the ground, rummaging around as if looking for something. The cat that had been following her was also imitating her. What... was she doing?

"Huh? That's strange, it should be here... why isn't it here? Canned Food, look carefully again."

Pardofelis instructed the cat to search diligently with her. Her little head was full of question marks. It should be here, so why can't she find it?

"What's wrong, Pardofelis? What are you looking for?"

Shen Gonglin sat on the chair that Griseo, casually scribbling on the drawing she had left behind. Seeing that Shen Gonglin was having fun, Mei didn't pay any attention to her. The girl walked over to Pardofelis and looked at the cat girl curiously. What was wrong with her? Was she looking for the dried fish that Griseo had hidden?

"Of course I'm looking for the entrance to the Deepest Place! Didn't I promise you, Mei? Strange, it should be nearby... like a portal suddenly appearing, or a tiny gap we can squeeze through... Uh, anyway, Mei, don't worry, it'll be done soon! Canned Food, get moving! Don't lie on the ground stretching like a lazy cat!"

It was just a lazy cat to begin with.

Pardofelis "scolded" the Canned Food like this, and then the two of them started searching around again, hoping they could find the entrance to the Deepest Place. Mei stood behind Shen Gonglin, admiring his painting. She realized that she still didn't know Shen Gonglin well enough. How come she didn't know that Shen Gonglin had this skill? It's really good... However, she guessed that the Class President and Kiana didn't know that Shen Gonglin's painting skills were so superb.

After a while, Pardofelis lay panting on the floor, and the silly cat named Canned Food was in the same state. Mei stood beside her, hesitant to speak, her purplish-red eyes filled with suspicion. So much time had passed, and Pardofelis still hadn't been found. What was going on...?

"Hoo, ha... Mei, you must think I led you the wrong way, right? But I swear on my Canned Food reputation, we absolutely, positively, didn't go the wrong way! It's right here, just look a little more carefully..."

Noticing Mei's gaze, Pardofelis quickly stood up to vouch for her professionalism. Perhaps because Pardofelis herself felt that her reputation wasn't very credible, she even went so far as to use the reputation of the cat beside her to vouch for her. She was a professional; how could she not find her way?

Meow~

The Canned Food meowed softly, which sounded like an ordinary cat meow to Mei, but to Pardofelis it sounded completely different. What was wrong with it? How could such a thing be?

"Hey, stop talking nonsense! That's Sister Nia's territory, how could it be closed down... Wait... Oh right! How come I didn't think of that? Canned Food, you're a genius!"

Suddenly realizing something, Phyllis exclaimed, "No wonder I couldn't find the entrance to the same the Deepest Place! Thanks to the Canned Food's reminder, otherwise Mei and I would have been stuck here for who knows how long!" Pardofelis hugged the Canned Food and cheered. "The Canned Food is truly a genius, even smarter than me!"

"Pardofelis? What happened?"

Unable to understand why Pardofelis was suddenly so agitated, Mei looked at her curiously, while the cat girl, after shaking the Canned Food until she was dizzy, explained it to Mei.

"Mei, this is probably the case. We've likely been discovered by Sister Nia. The entrance is right here, but if she's determined not to open it, then it won't matter which way we go. That's Canned Food said, and I think that's the case."

It seems that Sister Nia doesn't want to bring Mei along herself, or perhaps there's someone in their group that Sister Nia doesn't want to see? It can't be Mei; Sister Nia has already called her over for private meetings several times. And Shen Gonglin... that shouldn't be the case either. Shen Gonglin is so popular with girls; Sister Nia shouldn't dislike him. So what is it? Pardofelis can't figure it out.

Could it be that she doesn't want to see me? That's even more impossible; Pardofelis is the kind of adorable girl that everyone loves!

If that's the case... then it means that their every move is being monitored by Aponia? If that's the case, I guess I'll soon be dragged back into that dark the Deepest Place. I came to her in person, but she refused to see me. Yet when I didn't want to, she would summon me to her side in that way. What is Aponia thinking?

"Mei, it's okay. Now that you have the Stars Imprint, you can come to the studio anytime. There's no need to waste time here today. Who knows, maybe Sister Nia's mind will suddenly change one day? Life is unpredictable, so why don't we call it a day?"

Pardofelis comforted Mei, mainly because Shen Gonglin seemed to be getting more and more into her painting. Many of Griseo's paintings had been tinged with Shen Gonglin's colors. Although Griseo had said she wanted Shen Gonglin to paint her in his own colors, Pardofelis felt that she probably didn't mean that.

"Yes, you're right. Take us back, Pardofelis... Hmm, wait a little longer, Shen Gonglin should be almost finished drawing."

Mei nodded, but she wasn't in a hurry to have Raven take them back. Shen Gonglin was engrossed in drawing. It had been a long time since Mei had seen Shen Gonglin so focused on something. This guy was always so impulsive. Although he had excellent grades, he had never been this serious at St. Freya. Now, Mei was finally seeing Shen Gonglin serious. They say a man is most handsome when he's focused on something, and Mei thought Rin Shen Gonglin really handsome right now.

"Hmm... okay, I hope... I hope... little Griseo won't be angry."

Pardofelis could only agree, since it wasn't her business anyway.

Chapter 41 The King of Children

After thoroughly ransacking Griseo's studio, Shen Gonglin finally stopped, satisfied. When Mei returned to the Elysian Realm Hall covered in paint, she saw this scene: Kosma leaned against the side Raven Mei Griseo were chatting happily together. Raven truly lives up to her name; she's the queen of children, easily becoming friends with them.

"Oh, Griseo, I see, you like jellyfish, don't you?"

Crouching down to be at eye level with Griseo, the mercenary woman now wore a rare warmth on her face. She spoke to Griseo very seriously, without any perfunctory attitude. It felt like she wasn't suited to be a mercenary; she should probably be doing something like being a kindergarten teacher.

"Yes, I like things that can fly."

Griseo vigorously. It seemed she really should go back to the main hall occasionally; there were so many new colors, and they were all very interesting.

"A flying jellyfish? Shouldn't jellyfish be able to swim...? That's really amazing. Oh, look who's back. Isn't this Raiden Mei, the lady whose horn Elysia touched?"

After finishing her chat with Griseo, Raven stood up and greeted the two who were walking towards her. Mei's mood was normal until she heard Raven 'Mei address, at which point her face turned cold. This was a classic case of bringing up the most sensitive topic. Elysia had already spread the word about this in the Elysian Realm through the loudspeaker, and everyone already knew about it.

"What are you doing."

The Herrscher of Thunder coldly questioned, "This guy's words are like stabbing at your heart. Does he not know how to speak? If he doesn't know how to speak, he can shut up. If he calls me that, does that mean I should also say 'Miss Raven who was rubbed by Shen Gonglin... rubbed... you know' when I see Raven in the future?"

Come on, let's hurt each other!

"Just chatting casually to pass the time."

Raven shrugged and didn't continue to provoke Mei. A little provocation from the Red Dragon was enough; if it went too far, she would explode.

"You really know how to get along with kids..."

I'm quite impressed by Raven's skill. Back when Raiden Mei was in St. Freya, she was known as the "kindergarten auntie," but in front of Raven, Mei still calls her the strongest.

"It can't be that bad, can it? I can't handle that guy over there at all... See, what did I tell you?"

Glancing at Kosma, who had already blended into his surroundings, the topic shifted to him. However, the autistic boy remained silent. Judging from his eyes and expression, he clearly had a lot to say, but he just didn't want to say it. Even Raven couldn't do anything about dealing with such a problem child.

"..."

Kosma looked at Raven without speaking, but judging from his eyes, he seemed to care a little about what Raven had just said, but the specific meaning... without Pardofelis present, there was really no one who could translate it.

"Kosma, don't be angry. Sister Natasha isn't a bad person. You shouldn't be angry."

Surprisingly, Griseo seemed to be one of the people who could communicate normally with Kosma. Perhaps she could sense Kosma's color and emotions. The girl turned to Kosma and warned him that everyone was a good person and that he shouldn't get angry easily.

"...I know, but Griseo, they shouldn't continue searching for the Deepest Place. The names there are dangerous for their successors; they're dancing on a knife's edge..."

Kosma was very patient with Griseo, and he decided not to remain silent any longer. He wanted to explain the situation to Griseo, but Griseo clearly didn't understand.

"No, knives are dangerous, so... there are no knives in the studio."

"...Never mind, I understand."

Faced with Griseo's earnest explanation, Kosma sighed and remained silent. It seemed he was finding it difficult to deal with Griseo. Was this what they called "one thing subdues another"? He made her silent, he made her withdrawn, and now she was helpless, wasn't she?

Seeing this, Mei felt a sense of satisfaction. Just then, a familiar feeling rushed into Mei's head. This feeling... there was no mistake, it was Aponia. She had come again!

It seems you've already seen the two children.