Ark Simulator, Am I Not Without a Physical Body?

--The silence was broken by the sound of the door being pushed open.

Shining and Nightingale entered the room one after the other. Nightingale was carrying a stack of newly organized documents, while Shining habitually glanced around the room before his gaze finally settled on the figure standing by the window.

"Su Rui?" Nightingale called softly, a hint of doubt in her voice, "What are you looking at?"

Su Rui's shoulders stiffened almost imperceptibly for a moment, then the smile vanished like mist. He turned around, his expression returning to normal, leaving only a calm gentleness.

"Nothing much, I just think the night view is nice tonight." He swirled his wine glass, his tone nonchalant.

Shining narrowed her eyes slightly, her grey-purple pupils appearing exceptionally sharp in the dim room. She didn't speak, but her gaze seemed to pierce through Su Rui's disguise, looking directly into his true emotions from that fleeting moment.

Nightingale blinked, a hint of inquiry flashing in her golden eyes, but she ultimately just smiled, walked to Su Rui's side, and followed his gaze to the window. "It really is beautiful."

Su Rui gave a soft "hmm," lowered her head, and took a sip of wine. The sweet liquid slid down her throat, but it couldn't hide the subtle sense of unease that had been caught in that instant.

Shining remained standing in place, silently gazing at Su Rui's profile, as if deep in thought.

Su Rui had just finished tidying up the documents on the table and reached for the sweet wine placed to the side, but before her fingertips even touched the glass...

"Snap."

A slender, fair hand snatched the wine glass away first.

Su Rui was taken aback and looked up at Shining. She was holding a glass of sweet wine, her red eyes glancing at him indifferently before she took an elegant sip.

"... That's my wine," Su Rui couldn't help but protest.

"Hmm." Shining said without changing his expression, "Now it's mine."

Nightingale chuckled beside her, her golden hair swaying gently with her movements. She leaned closer, pinching Su Rui's cheek, her blue eyes full of mischief. "You usually act like a child when you're being spoiled and pouting, but now you're acting so mature?"

Su Rui mumbled as her cheek was pinched, "I didn't..."

"No?" Nightingale blinked, feigning surprise. "Then who was it that rolled around in bed for ten minutes yesterday because their dessert was taken away?"

Su Rui blushed slightly. "That, that was a special case!"

Shining took another sip of her drink, a faint smile flickering in her red eyes, "Naive."

Su Rui's eyes widened, and she reached out to snatch the wine glass back. "Give it back to me!"

Shining easily dodged, her long white hair tracing a graceful arc in the air. She raised an eyebrow slightly, her tone calm. "No."

Nightingale's smile widened, her fingers still pinching Su Rui's cheek. "Oh dear, our Su Rui so adorable, why does she have to pretend to be so shrewd?"

Su Rui gave up trying to grab the wine and instead grabbed Nightingale's wrist, attempting to save her face. "I wasn't pretending! And what you're doing is really going too far..."

"Too much?" Nightingale tilted her head, feigning innocence. "But I find it very interesting!"

Shining finished the last sip of his drink, gently placed the glass back on the table, and said calmly, "It's over."

Su Rui looked at the empty wine glass, then at the two men grinning maliciously, and finally gave up struggling, slumping back in her chair with a sigh, "... You two, you definitely did it on purpose."

Nightingale released his grip and instead ruffled his hair. "Because Su Rui is cutest like this."

Shining gave a soft "hmm," which was taken as acquiescence.

Su Rui covered her face, peeking at them through her fingers, but couldn't help but smile slightly.

The morning sunlight streamed into the room through the sheer curtains. Su Rui stirred in the soft bedding and groggily opened his eyes. He found himself still being embraced by Shining and Nightingale on either side of him—a few strands of Nightingale's golden hair playfully brushed against his neck, while Shining's long white hair was scattered like snow-white satin on the pillow.

"Awake?" Shining's voice came from above, low and hoarse, characteristic of someone just waking up.

Su Rui rubbed her eyes, looked up to meet her calm red eyes, and nodded. "Um... I want to go see the Knight Tournament today."

Nightingale woke up at his words, her blue eyes curving into crescents. "Sure~ but—" she reached out and poked Su Rui's cheek, "You need to eat breakfast first."

On the table, steaming oatmeal porridge emitted a sweet aroma, alongside toast slices spread with jam and perfectly fried sunny-side-up eggs. Shining pushed the warmed milk towards Su Rui, the condensation on the glass leaving damp marks on her fingertips.

"Eat it all." She commanded curtly, her red eyes sweeping over the food in front of Su Rui as if inspecting an army.

Just as Su Rui was about to protest that there was too much, Nightingale scooped up a spoonful of oatmeal, blew on it, and smiled as she held it to his lips, "Here, ah--"

"I... I can eat by myself!" Su Rui's ears turned red as he hurriedly took the spoon. Shining gave a soft hum and tapped his fingertips on the table, signaling him to focus on eating.

In the morning light, Nightingale watched Su Rui chew with his cheeks puffed out, then suddenly reached out and wiped the crumbs from the corner of his mouth. "Slow down, no one's going to steal yours."

"He stole my sweet wine last night..." Su Rui muttered softly, earning a light flick on the forehead from Shining as punishment.

As the last sip of milk was finished, Shining reached out and ruffled Su Rui's hair, her usually stern expression softening slightly. "Passed."

Nightingale smiled as she unfolded the Knight Tournament flyer on the table, her fingertip tracing today's schedule. "Now, it's time to fulfill our promise!"

The cheers from the Knight Tournament gradually faded away, and the setting sun cast long shadows of the three. Su Rui walked ahead, waving her arms excitedly, describing the exciting duel to Shining and Nightingale.

"Did you see that? That knight's last move was simply—" He turned around, only to find that Shining and Nightingale were several steps behind.

Nightingale smiled and nodded. "Yes, very impressive." Her tone was gentle, but her eyes occasionally swept over the surrounding crowd, as if she were wary of something.

Shining crossed her arms, her red eyes calmly watching Su Rui: "Walk slowly."

Su Rui curled her lip. "You guys really have no enthusiasm for Knight Tournament at all."

The Nightingale chuckled, "We just prefer to see you happy."

Su Rui blushed, turned around and continued walking forward, "Fine, I'm ignoring you all!"

His pace quickened unconsciously, and he soon blended into the dispersing crowd.

The Silverlance Pegasi troops suddenly appeared at the end of the street, their neat formations and gleaming armor attracting everyone's attention. The crowd began to stir; some exclaimed, some took pictures, and many more were pushed and shoved to make way for them.

Unable to contact in Volume 12, Chapter 744

Nightingale's brow furrowed instantly. "Su Rui?"

She tried to sense Su Rui's location, but found that telepathy was like throwing a stone into the sea, with no response whatsoever.

Shining's eyes suddenly sharpened. "Something's not right."

The two exchanged a glance and simultaneously quickened their pace, rushing forward.

Su Rui was pushed forward by the crowd, but a knowing smile quietly crept onto her lips.

"Sorry, Shining, Nightingale," he said to himself, "I need to relax by myself sometimes."

The knights of the Silverlance Pegasi seemed to notice him. One of them nodded slightly, and then the formation changed, subtly protecting Su Rui in the center.

Su Rui stretched lazily and followed the troops forward.

Nightingale's fingers gripped the hem of her skirt tightly, a flicker of panic crossing her blue eyes. "I can't sense it... How could this be..."

Shining's red eyes swept across every corner, his voice low and menacing. "He did it on purpose."

"What?" Nightingale looked up abruptly.

Shining sneered, "These troops have appeared at too much of a coincidence."

Nightingale paused for a moment, then realized. "You mean... it was arranged by Su Rui?"

Shining didn't answer, but her taut jawline said it all.

Su Rui sat in a quiet café, a cup of hot cocoa in front of her. The Silverlance Pegasi knights had already dispersed, leaving only two plainclothes members on guard a short distance away.

He leaned back comfortably in his chair and let out a long sigh, "Finally, I can be alone for a while..."

Lately, I've been so tightly "protected" by Shining and Nightingale that I don't even have room to breathe. Although I know they mean well, I still need a little freedom sometimes.

Su Rui's terminal screen lit up and then went out. The message had been sent: [I'm fine, you guys go back and rest.] He stared at the screen for a few seconds to make sure he had read the message, then gently flipped it over and placed it face down on the coffee table. The knights of Silverlance Pegasi stood neatly on both sides of the hall, their armor gleaming with a cold, metallic sheen under the chandeliers. Their breathing was almost inaudible, yet it filled the entire space with a sense of oppression.

"Is everything arranged?" Su Rui leaned back on the sofa, tapping her fingers lightly on the armrest, her gaze sweeping over the faces of each knight.

The lead knight stepped forward, his voice deep and respectful beneath his helmet. "Yes, Your Excellency. All troops have been deployed as planned. Patrols along the Kazimierz border have tripled, and security in the commercial district has been heightened."

Su Rui nodded and reached for the teacup on the coffee table. The tea was warm and fragrant. He took a sip, feeling the bitterness spread on his tongue before turning into a sweet aftertaste. A slight smile appeared on his lips, and a look of satisfaction flashed in his eyes.

"Very well," he said, setting down his teacup. His voice was gentle yet authoritative. "Now, let them be nervous on their own."

Nightingale sat in an armchair by the window, the light from the terminal screen reflecting on her face, her blue eyes shimmering slightly. She stared at the message Su Rui had sent, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the screen.

"He told us to go back first." She looked up at Shining, who was standing by the window.

Shining had her back to her, her long white hair falling over her shoulders, her red eyes gazing at the night outside the window. Her fingers rested on the window frame, her knuckles slightly white, clearly restraining something.

"He's making plans." Shining's voice was calm, yet carried a hint of suppressed anger.

Nightingale chuckled softly, setting the terminal aside and placing her hands clasped on her knees. "Yes, he never does it simply to relax." Her tone was gentle, yet tinged with a hint of helplessness. "Every time he says he wants to 'be alone for a while,' he always ends up causing some trouble."

Shining turned around, his red eyes staring directly at Nightingale: "He's playing with fire."

Nightingale tilted her head, golden hair slipping down her shoulder. "What do you think he'll do?"

Shining was silent for a moment, then shook his head. "I don't know. But it definitely won't just be drinking tea."

Nightingale stood up, walked to Shining's side, and gently took her hand. "Since he said he's alright, let's wait and see." Her voice was soft, yet carried an undeniable firmness. "He needs some space; let's give him that."

Shining glanced at her, then finally nodded gently. "Okay."

Su Rui put down his teacup, took out a document from his pocket, and handed it to the knight beside him. The cover of the document was printed with the emblem of the Kazimierz Commercial Alliance, and the edges were slightly yellowed, indicating that it had been read many times.

"Give this to the Business Alliance," Su Rui's voice was calm yet carried an undeniable authority, "And tell them that Kazimierz is willing to sell this batch of steel at a preferential price."

The knight took the document, glanced at it, and frowned slightly. "Sir, this price..."

Su Rui smiled slightly, a sly glint in her eyes. "They'll feel like they've gotten a good deal."

The knight paused for a moment, then suddenly understood, and a smile involuntarily crept onto his lips, "I understand." He bowed respectfully, then turned and left.

Su Rui watched him leave, then leaned back on the sofa and closed his eyes. The aroma of tea still lingered in his nose, but his thoughts had already drifted away.

In the business alliance's conference room, several representatives sat around a long table piled high with documents and ledgers. The document that Su Rui had brought was placed in the center, drawing everyone's attention.

"Kazimierz is suddenly being so generous?" A portly merchant stroked his chin, squinting his eyes. "Could there be a trap?"

The other man shook his head, tapping his fingers on the table. "Their troops are moving around frequently, clearly out of fear of war, and they desperately need funds."

The portly businessman's eyes lit up. "Then can't we take this opportunity to lower the price?"

The third person sneered and pushed the document in front of him, "Don't be too greedy, this price is already very favorable."

A brief silence fell over the meeting room, after which the group began to discuss in hushed tones, calculating profits and risks.

Su Rui leaned back on the sofa, closing his eyes to rest. A servant quietly entered and whispered in his ear, "Your Excellency, an envoy from Victoria requests an audience."

Su Rui slowly opened her eyes, a glint of shrewdness flashing in them. "Let him in."

The attendant nodded and withdrew. A moment later, a lean, middle-aged man entered. He was dressed in Victoria- style suit, his face beaming with smiles. As soon as he entered, he bowed slightly. "I've long admired your name, Your Excellency Su Rui."

Su Rui gestured for him to sit down, a polite smile on her face, "The envoy has come from afar; you must be tired."

The envoy rubbed his hands together, his gaze sweeping across the room before finally settling on Su Rui: "I've heard that Kazimierz has been a bit... nervous lately?"

Su Rui sighed, feigning concern. "Yes, things aren't going well in Ursus."

The envoy's eyes lit up, and he leaned forward slightly. "We in Victoria are willing to provide assistance; of course, the price is negotiable."

Su Rui looked grateful and said gently, "That's wonderful."

Volume 12, Chapter 745: You're Playing with Fire

Shining suddenly stood up, a sharp glint in her red eyes. "Something's not right."

The Nightingale looked up at her. "What's wrong?"

Shining frowned, her fingers unconsciously clenching. "He's too quiet."

Nightingale chuckled, "Isn't it good that he's willing to handle things himself?"

Shining shook his head, his voice low and deep. "He's playing with fire."

After Victoria's envoy left, Su Rui's smile vanished instantly. He stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the night outside.

"Prepare for the second phase," he said to the knight beside him, his voice calm and resolute. "Have the media release the news that Ursus is amassing a large force."

The knight hesitated for a moment. "Sir, wouldn't this be too..."

Su Rui sneered, a sharp glint in her eyes. "That's exactly what we want to make them nervous."

As soon as the news broke, neighboring countries sent envoys and rushed to sign trade agreements with Kazimierz.

"I heard Ursus is about to make a move!"

"Quickly, buy more supplies before prices rise in Kazimierz!"

Nightingale stood up, a determined glint in her blue eyes. "We should go find him."