The Comfortable Experience Provided by Magical Beautician Miss Cookie

Gelman turned his head, picking up where they had left off: "Biscuit, when you mentioned 'hiring professionals,' were you implying that the Ten Dons would hire the Zoldyck Family?"

"Hmm, it's always smooth talking to a smart person; no need for much explanation."

Biscuit flashed a smile, then her expression turned serious.

"At this point, they can only guarantee they won't fail again if they call upon assassins from the Zoldyck Family, right?"

"If they fail a third time, not only will the Ten Dons be livid, but their positions will be shaken to the core."

"Of course, their status isn't exactly stable right now. On that note, they hate you to the bone, yet they are completely helpless against you."

It was true. If the Zoldyck Family, the world's number one family of assassins, sent Illumi, Gelman could still put up a fight.

If Zeno or Silva, those two great masters, were to come—even if only one of them showed up—Gelman would be in serious trouble, perhaps even facing a life-threatening situation.

Gelman hadn't forgotten that the previous member of the Phantom Troupe who bore the number 8 spider tattoo had died precisely at the hands of Silva.

If he were to die at Silva's hands as well, then that number would truly be a "curse," much like the curse on the Defense Against the Dark Arts teaching position at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Could it be that Shizuku was the true chosen one?

However, even if Zeno and Silva came together, as long as they didn't kill him instantly, Gelman could teleport away using his Lantern.

This was his final means of survival.

"Let's put aside the possibility of the Zoldyck Family coming to assassinate you for a moment."

Biscuit leaned in, staring at Gelman with curiosity.

"Let's talk about the purpose of our meeting. Why do you want to try the beauty treatment of Magical Beautician Miss Cookie?"

"It's an experiment."

Gelman replied, "I have accumulated too much 'stress' and need some means to release it. Since I am currently looking for more ways to do so, I thought of you."

"'Stress'?"

Biscuit reached out and pressed her hand against Gelman's chest. Her Nen rippled like waves. After a long moment, she reached a conclusion.

"I see... We of the Mind Source Style are particularly sensitive to the human psyche. I can indeed feel something abnormal."

"This isn't just the kind of 'stress' accumulated from ordinary fatigue or agitation, is it?"

"In any case." Gelman pulled out a bench and placed it in front of Biscuit, then laid face down on it. "I'm counting on you. Summon your Magical Beautician Miss Cookie."

Biscuit sighed. "Still not answering my questions directly? It seems the secret you're hiding is likely a 'Taboo'... Honestly, I already have a bad feeling about this."

She felt she was nearing the truth, only she hadn't yet pierced through this layer of paper that seemed so inconceivable to her.

Biscuit gazed at Gelman's back, suddenly realizing something. She swallowed hard, reached out, patted his backside, and scolded him.

"That won't do. You need to take off your upper garment."

"Take off my clothes?" Gelman turned his head, asking in surprise, "Are there such 'restrictions'?"

"Not exactly." Biscuit began to lie through her teeth. "It's just that the effectiveness of my Nen Beast's ability is more perfect if it can make direct contact with your body."

"Since we are experimenting and testing, we should naturally choose the most perfect method, right? If you don't mind flaws or unexpected situations, I don't mind either."

After saying this, Biscuit stole a glance at Gelman out of the corner of her eye.

Gelman did not realize Biscuit's true intentions; instead, he agreed with her logic.

"You're right. Let's do it your way."

He rose from the bench, cleanly and efficiently stripped off his black Hunter Cloak, tossed it aside to reveal an upper body covered in shallow scars, and then lay back down on the bench.

"I'm ready. Please continue."

"I'm just about ready too... er, no, that's not what I meant!"

Biscuit's eyes shone brightly. She couldn't help but reach out with her white-gloved fingers, greedily caressing those old and new wounds.

"It seems you've had some rather intense battles recently. Judging by the healing progress of these wounds, I'd guess they were from half a month ago?"

"No." Gelman shook his head. "These wounds were left just a few days ago."

Biscuit widened her eyes in astonishment. "That's impossible, right? Lying is bad, you know. Even though I lie often myself, I still have to lecture you a bit."

Gelman couldn't be bothered to explain, as that would involve Machi's Nen Thread stitches and his own Hunter Badge, which would lead to an endless conversation.

"Biscuit, hurry up and start."

"Mm, mm, alright."

Biscuit reluctantly touched Gelman's back one more time before releasing her Nen, which gradually coalesced into the form of a gentle woman.

Magical Beautician Miss Cookie, or "Miss Cookie" for short, stood beside Biscuit with a professional smile, her long pink hair draped over her shoulders.

"Miss Cookie, use Peach Blossom Breath." Biscuit could have easily recited this step in her mind, but she said it out loud, intending for Gelman to hear. "Make him comfortable."

Strictly speaking, Gelman and Biscuit had only met once before, with all other communication taking place over the phone. Yet, Gelman was able to show such trust in her.

For Biscuit, this was actually a very incredible thing.

Gelman was currently lying prone on the bench, effectively exposing a fatal opening to Biscuit. If Biscuit were to harbor any Malice at this very moment, even if he managed to dodge in time, he would still suffer a grievous injury.

Biscuit was a habitual liar, and having traveled all over the world, she was well-informed and knew all kinds of people. She was well aware that those who would trust her to this extent were few and far between.

Therefore, she chose to return the favor by letting Gelman know every step of the process.

"Next," Miss Cookie's aura will transform into 'Lotion' to massage you. The entire process will take about 30 minutes. You need to completely relax."

"Okay."

Gelman dispersed the aura wrapped around his body, his muscles gradually relaxing. He then felt the slipperiness of the lotion and the varying pressure of Miss Cookie's fingers.

In fact, Miss Cookie was not actually making physical contact with Gelman; her fingers remained a short distance from his skin. It was her aura that was making the actual contact.

Yet, Gelman could clearly feel the sensation of fingertips, palms, fists, or even elbow joints, causing his body and mind to involuntarily become languid.

His body felt like softened flesh, as if it had lost its skeleton and turned into a fluid, feeling incredibly comfortable.

Gelman already suffered from 'Sleepiness', and with such a quick method to induce sleep, he fell into a steady slumber in less than ten minutes.

Miss Cookie's attentive massage was set to continue for another twenty minutes or so, and she did not stop even after Gelman had fallen asleep.

Biscuit looked at Gelman's peaceful sleeping face and, for the first time, revealed a kind smile reminiscent of a grandmother.

"Your name is Shizuku, right?" She walked over to the short-haired woman at the helm and said in a low voice, "He must have been under nervous tension for a long time—not just one or two weeks, but months."

"Drive slower, drive steadier, and let him have a good sleep."

"Sure thing." Shizuku replied, then pointed at Miss Cookie. "However, once I stop the fishing boat later, let me experience it too. I'm very curious about what that feels like."

Thanks to book friend 20220529120246173 for the tip.

Thanks to the book friends for the monthly tickets and recommendation tickets.