"There's an ancient massage technique in our Underworld that's very effective at relieving this kind of headache."
"How about... I give it a try?"
Cocolia was in too much pain to think. Hearing this, her first instinct was to refuse.
What use could a child's massage possibly be?
But the pain drilling into her bones left her without even the strength to refuse.
She might as well try anything.
She nodded with difficulty. "You... come over..."
Jiang Mo was delighted inside and boldly walked behind Cocolia.
"Supreme Guardian, please relax and rest your head against the chair."
Cocolia was somewhat resistant, but Jiang Mo's voice was gentle and strangely persuasive.
"Please trust me."
Perhaps the pain had lowered her guard. Cocolia actually obediently leaned back against the chair.
Cocolia Falls
Jiang Mo gently placed both hands against Cocolia's temples.
He could clearly see the black mist, as though drawn by something, beginning to gather around Cocolia's head.
Then, like streams, it flowed along his hands into his body.
A chaotic, mixed energy surged into him.
At the same time, Jiang Mo did not stop moving his hands. He imitated several massage techniques from his memories, gently and rhythmically pressing Cocolia's head, putting on a convincing show.
Cocolia only felt the tightness in her forehead ease, as though an invisible hand had gently wiped away her pain.
Jiang Mo's fingertips softly pressed the acupoints on her head with remarkable skill.
A warm current seeped slowly into Cocolia's head through his fingertips.
Meanwhile, the black mist continued pouring into Jiang Mo's body. He felt the power of the Lord of Ruin within him seeming to awaken.
He only felt a force growing stronger within his body.
The energy from the Stellaron had actually been absorbed and transformed by him.
Successfully absorbed the Power of Destruction. Strength +10!
Very soon, the black mist surrounding Cocolia was completely absorbed.
Cocolia let out a satisfied sigh, her body relaxing against the chair.
She felt unprecedented comfort. The fatigue and headaches that had plagued her for days were swept away.
She even felt her thoughts becoming clearer.
Jiang Mo stopped and softly asked,
"Supreme Guardian, how do you feel?"
Cocolia slowly opened her eyes.
To her astonishment, the headache that had tormented her for so long, clinging to her like a festering parasite, had... completely vanished!
Not only that, but the Stellaron's voice that had constantly whispered in her ear, tempted her, and tormented her had also fallen completely silent!
She felt more refreshed than ever, her mind perfectly clear!
She looked at Jiang Mo in shock, her eyes full of disbelief.
"Jiang Mo... your technique is truly miraculous."
"I have never felt such... such complete relaxation."
A faint smile appeared on Jiang Mo's face. "Everyone I've massaged has said it works very well."
"It works far too well..."
Cocolia straightened up, all traces of exhaustion gone from her face and replaced by vitality.
"Can you teach me? Then when I get headaches in the future, I can relieve them myself."
Jiang Mo gently shook his head. "Sorry, Supreme Guardian, this technique is difficult for others to learn in a short time."
"However, if you need me, I'm willing to serve you anytime."
Though Cocolia was somewhat disappointed, she did not doubt Jiang Mo's words.
Looking at the smiling, well-mannered boy before her, she felt great admiration for him.
"Good child, truly a good child. Your name is Jiang Mo, correct?"
"Come to Clipper Fort often from now on. Help me with my massages, and I'll reward you handsomely."
Jiang Mo immediately refused. "There's no need."
"You are Bronya's mother. Being able to massage you is something I'm more than willing to do. I need no reward."
These words made Cocolia like him even more.
Little did she know what Jiang Mo was thinking.
The free things were often the most expensive.
"Supreme Guardian, it's getting late. I should return to Bronya. We still have some schoolwork to study," Jiang Mo said softly.
Cocolia lifted her eyelids, her gaze settling on the boy.
She could feel the relaxation from earlier gradually fading. She was reluctant to let go of that clarity.
"Jiang Mo... thank you for today."
"The next time you come to Clipper Fort to see Bronya, if I am still feeling tired, could I... ask you to massage me again?"
Jiang Mo politely nodded. "Of course. It would be my honor to ease your burdens."
He then quietly bade her farewell, turned, and left the office.
Cocolia's gaze followed his retreating figure until the door gently closed.
She could not help but reflect.
"Jiang Mo... this child is not only smart and sensible, but he also has such miraculous massage techniques..."
"No wonder Bronya likes being with him so much."
"If... he could come massage me every day after work, how wonderful would that be..."
As though in answer to Cocolia's wishes,
from that day onward, Jiang Mo frequently came and went from Clipper Fort under the pretense of studying with Bronya.
At first, Bronya was somewhat worried that her mother would not permit it.
But each time she asked, Cocolia agreed without hesitation.
"Jiang Mo is a good child. If he wishes to come, he may do so whenever he likes."
"You can study together and help each other. I'm very happy about that."
Bronya did not think much of it. She was simply happy that her mother was so open-minded and that she could spend more time with Jiang Mo.
Thus, every day after school, Jiang Mo would come to Clipper Fort.
And Cocolia, as though they had formed an unspoken understanding, would always be handling official business in her office at that hour, faintly anticipating the sound of a knock on the door.
Each time, Jiang Mo would first spend some time with Bronya, discussing schoolwork.
Then he would find an excuse to visit Cocolia's office.
It became an unspoken secret between the two of them.
Cocolia sat in her office chair with her eyes lightly closed, enjoying Jiang Mo's fingertips kneading back and forth over her temples and neck.
His hands were not especially strong, yet the pressure was just right, as though he could precisely locate every point of fatigue.
Every press soothed her nerves.
She felt the muscles throughout her body relax, while her taut nerves gradually loosened.
The chaotic whispers that had constantly troubled her also appeared far less often.
Cocolia's mental state improved by the day, and her dependence on Jiang Mo steadily grew.
What began as admiration gradually became a habit, until she even... found herself unable to do without him.
Sometimes, if Jiang Mo paused for even a moment, she would unconsciously let out a low murmur, urging him to continue.
Her body was relaxed, her back slightly arched and her neck tilted back, completely trusting the boy with her exhaustion.
Jiang Mo's fingertips brushed across her shoulders and neck, sending a tingling sensation through her.
"Lady Cocolia, you have been busy with official duties lately. You should take care to rest."
Jiang Mo's voice sounded beside her ear.
Cocolia gave a soft hum without opening her eyes, merely shifting her body gently.
She savored this brief tranquility and relaxation.
"With you here... I can rest better."
Her voice carried a trace of fatigue, yet was full of satisfaction.
Once, after Jiang Mo finished massaging her, he prepared to stand and leave.
But Cocolia suddenly reached out and gently grasped his wrist.
Her palm was broad and slightly warm, though her fingertips were somewhat rough.
Cocolia held Jiang Mo's wrist. He did not struggle, merely standing quietly.
Cocolia opened her eyes, her gaze landing on Jiang Mo's face.
"Jiang Mo..."
"With skills like yours, have you considered opening a massage parlor someday?"
She thought for a moment, then changed her words.
"No. Since you will be graduating from Belobog Academy, opening a shop would be beneath your talents... You should work at Clipper Fort instead."
"You can work by my side. I'll arrange an easy position for you."
The Supreme Guardian's Trust
Jiang Mo's gaze shifted slightly as he replied,
"Lady Cocolia, you flatter me. I only know a few ordinary techniques."
Cocolia's fingers stroked Jiang Mo's wrist, as though feeling something.
"Being able to relieve my headaches and clear my mind is no simple skill."
"It is a... gift."
"If you are willing, I will give you the best treatment in all Belobog."
"You can remain here and work forever."
At those words, a glint flashed deep in Jiang Mo's eyes.
He knew full well that when Cocolia spoke of "remaining here," she was not merely offering him a job.
She wanted to keep him firmly by her side, just as she controlled everything in Belobog.
He felt the warmth of Cocolia's palm and the possessiveness revealed in her words.
This was exactly what he had hoped for.
Before you continue