Lend Me Some Money for Food!

Zhao Bai had the divine spatula Bronya had given him, as well as his biological daughter, the Xuanyuan Sword.

He was just a little slow serving the dishes.

That busy feeling gave him new insights into cooking. It was as though he had rediscovered the heart of an apprentice. He happily kept cooking, as if none of what had just happened had ever occurred.

Until nightfall.

He stared fixedly at Bronya beneath the bed, and Bronya stared fixedly back at him.

Neither spoke.

Moonlight was the gentlest thing of all. Its cool radiance silently lingered around them. Their pupils seemed to glimmer, and though neither said a word, Bronya almost instantly understood the parting and helplessness reflected in Zhao Bai's eyes.

"Come down."

She spoke with concise brevity.

Zhao Bai obediently climbed down from the bed.

Bunk beds were convenient like that. Almost at the same time Zhao Bai lay down on Bronya's bed, Bronya leaned her head close. Her soft, pale gray hair brushed lightly across his forehead, carrying a faint fragrance.

"What happened?"

"One good thing and one bad thing."

Zhao Bai tried his best to keep his tone calm and even. "I obtained the authority of the Overseer of Schicksal. Also, I discovered that my life is fake—that I'm merely a tool used by something that isn't even human to get rid of someone."

"..."

"Does Zhao Bai think it's good or bad?"

Bronya leaned closer as she asked, her breath brushing against his earlobe.

"Obviously it's a good thing. Tomorrow, I'll approve a year of leave for us. We'll go fishing in Antarctica, and have Rita build us a fishing platform..."

Beneath the moonlight, Bronya listened quietly.

She seemed to radiate light, possessing a certain tranquil strength. Zhao Bai's voice grew quieter and quieter until, in