Ark Simulator, Aren't I Supposed to Be Intangible?

Su Rui (in his non-messenger form, having reverted to his relatively understated yet still distinctive dark gray loungewear) was sitting in the center of the greenhouse, in the small pavilion covered with purple vines. He leaned back lazily on a stone bench with soft cushions, holding a small honey cookie, freshly baked by Ensia Silverash and still steaming, sprinkled with dried purple berries, and munching on it. His bushy tail stretched out behind him, the tip lightly brushing the smooth edge of the stone bench, making him appear content and relaxed.

Opposite him, Ensia Silverash was sitting cross-legged on a low wicker cushion covered with a thick velvet blanket. On the small table in front of her were various snacks she had carefully prepared—besides her best honey biscuits, there were crispy potato chips imported from Columbia, which were said to have special spices added, sweet and sour berries from her own greenhouse that were soaked in icing sugar, and even a small pot of her secretly made "special drinks" with a sweet and unique flavor using Vanilla and honey from the greenhouse.

Ensia Silverash's little face was flushed with excitement and joy, and her bright blue eyes sparkled like two gems reflected in a spring. She was holding a potato chip, taking small bites as she chattered excitedly to Su Rui about the origin and "exclusive recipe" of each snack, her tone lively and cheerful, full of the joy of sharing.

"These potato chips are from my brother's business trip to Columbia. He said it's the newest flavor, with Rosmontis and black pepper. It's salty and fragrant, I think you'll like it!" Ensia Silverash pushed the chip dish towards Su Rui like a treasure. "And these berries are made with ' Frost-Sugar Blueberry ' from my greenhouse. I added very little sugar, so they're sweet and sour, and very appetizing!"

Su Rui listened quietly, his dark eyes devoid of their usual coldness or wariness, instead carrying a barely perceptible, almost indulgent calm. He would occasionally nod or hum in agreement, indicating that he was listening. He accepted all the snacks Ensia Silverash offered, but ate them slowly and deliberately, carefully savoring each different flavor. This leisurely afternoon, the warm sunshine, the delicious snacks, and a simple, enthusiastic, and unguarded chatterbox... it seemed... not bad? At least, it was a little more interesting than watching Enya review those endless files on the Holy Mountain, or being "flattered" by Yela for various reasons.

"Oh, right," Ensia Silverash suddenly remembered something, leaned closer mysteriously, and asked in a low voice, "That day... the clothes you wore were so special! And that mask! Did Lord Kjeragandr really make you wear it? Are you really... a messenger of the gods?"

Her eyes were filled with pure curiosity, without awe or fear, only surprise at her new identity as a "friend" and a little bit of excitement that she felt "honored to be a part of it".

Su Rui paused in his cookie-eating motion. He raised his eyelids, glanced at Ensia Silverash, and a hint of helplessness flashed in his dark eyes. This girl, she really does... bring up the most sensitive topic. That outfit and his "envoy" identity were among the "dark history" he most wanted to forget.

"I guess so," Su Rui mumbled, her tone tinged with reluctance. "It's just work."

"Work?" Ensia Silverash blinked, seemingly finding the idea amusing. "Work for Lord Kjeragandr? Is that very impressive? Do you have to fly around delivering messages all the time?"

Flying around? Su Rui's lips twitched almost imperceptibly. He wanted to fly, but in his current state, he could only run a little faster and jump a little higher.

"... Occasionally." Su Rui said succinctly, not wanting to dwell on the topic. He picked up a candied berry, popped it into his mouth, and the sweet and sour juice burst in his mouth, diverting his attention.

Seeing that he seemed unwilling to say more, Ensia Silverash wisely stopped pressing him and instead started talking about a rare flower that had recently bloomed in the greenhouse, said to "bloom more beautifully when praised." The atmosphere between the two became relaxed and pleasant again.

However, this tranquility of their "world for two" did not last long.

Just as Su Rui swallowed his third berry, Ensia Silverash was about to pour him a glass of her special Vanilla honey drink, the heavy greenhouse door, inlaid with copper patterns, was silently pushed open from the outside.

A tall, agile figure, dazzling like molten gold flowing in the sunlight, silently stepped into the warm, humid greenhouse air.

It is a mace.

Today, she wasn't wearing her usual formal robe with family crest, nor her practical, fitted attire. Instead, she opted for a more casual yet still clean and sharp dark brown hunting trousers, over which she wore a matching leather vest, outlining her tall and powerful figure. Her long, slightly wavy blonde hair, shimmering in the sunlight like a waterfall of molten gold, wasn't tied up high as usual, but simply secured in a low ponytail with a dark leather headband. A few stray strands cascaded lazily down her neck and forehead, softening the harsh lines of her face. The pair of beautifully sculpted, sharp black goat horns atop her head, belonging to Caprinae, reflected a restrained, obsidian-like sheen in the dim greenhouse light.

Her steps remained steady and silent, like those of a master hunter. Her amber-colored, vertical pupils, as fine as the finest beeswax, scanned the room precisely the moment she entered the greenhouse, then, as if locking onto prey, firmly settled on the silver-haired boy leaning against a stone bench in the pavilion, leisurely eating snacks, and the pale yellow figure beside him holding a water bottle, smiling brightly.

Her face was expressionless, but the light flashing in her vertical pupils was complex and difficult to understand—there was a hint of expected understanding (as expected), a hint of confirmation that Miss Ensia Silverash was safe (it seems she's alright), and a hint of... a barely perceptible, almost "amused" scrutiny of Su Rui's lazy and comfortable appearance.

Volume 18, Chapter 1181: Ignoring her is the best approach.

Ensia Silverash saw Jian first and immediately waved happily, "Jian-neechan! You're here! Come over here! We're eating something delicious!"

The moment Su Rui pushed the door open and entered, Suri's body stiffened almost imperceptibly, but he quickly regained his relaxed posture. He didn't even look up, but continued to eat the biscuits in his hand slowly, as if it were just an insignificant breeze. However, his fluffy snow leopard ears turned almost imperceptibly in Jian's direction, showing that he had not ignored this uninvited guest.

Jian nodded to Ensia Silverash in response, then strode towards the pavilion. Her steps were steady, barely making a sound as she walked on the cobblestone path of the greenhouse. As she approached, a scent mingled with sunlight, leather, and a faint, wild yet pristine fragrance belonging to Caprinae quietly permeated the air.

She stopped a few steps away from the pavilion, not immediately entering, but calmly looking at Su Rui with her amber, vertical pupils, then at Ensia Silverash, and finally her gaze returned to Su Rui. In her deep, magnetic voice, she calmly said:

"Miss Ensia Silverash, Su Rui ..."

She paused, seemingly considering her form of address. In the end, she didn't use "envoy" or the more distant "guest," but instead chose the somewhat vague yet subtly acknowledging "Your Excellency."

"The patriarch sent me to check on you two... to ensure your safety here," Jian continued, his tone businesslike, but his vertical pupils never left Su Rui's face, as if observing his reaction to these words.

Su Rui finally raised his eyelids, his dark eyes calmly meeting Jian's gaze. A barely perceptible upward twitch of his lips revealed an almost mocking smile, "Oh? The SilverAsh Clan Head... is quite 'concerned' about his sister's 'playmate'."

His tone carried a hint of nonchalant sarcasm. He didn't believe SilverAsh had simply sent Machete to check on Ensia Silverash's safety. He probably knew Ensia Silverash was hanging out with him and had specifically sent this "big goat" to "observe" or even "monitor" her.

Jian seemed to sense the sarcasm in his words, but he did not get angry. However, his amber vertical pupils narrowed almost imperceptibly, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

"The patriarch cares about every member of the family, and everyone connected to the family." Jian's voice remained calm, but the implication in his words was equally intriguing, "Especially... those with special identities and unpredictable whereabouts... 'Your Excellency'."

Su Rui's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly. This woman's words were loaded with meaning.

Ensia Silverash, however, seemed oblivious to the silent exchange between the two. She happily patted the empty seat next to her (a low stool with a cushion): "Sister Jian, don't stand there, come and sit down! Try my new cookies and drinks! They're delicious!"

She seemed to really hope that her favorite bodyguard sister could also get along well with this interesting new friend.

Jian glanced at Ensia Silverash, then at Su Rui's nonchalant "sit or don't" attitude, and remained silent for a moment. Then, she stepped into the pavilion and sat down on the low stool that Ensia Silverash had photographed. Her posture remained upright, like a pine tree, a stark contrast to Su Rui's spineless and languid manner.

Ensia Silverash immediately poured Jian a glass of her special Vanilla honey drink and handed her a honey biscuit. "Sister Jian, try it! I added mint and lemon balm to this drink, it's so refreshing!"

Jian took the cup and biscuits, thanked Ensia Silverash, and then took a small bite of the biscuit. Her movements were elegant, with a well-trained and ingrained sense of etiquette. But her gaze, like the most precise scanner, would occasionally sweep over Su Rui across from her.

Su Rui felt a little uncomfortable under her gaze. The look wasn't as wary and hostile as before, but rather more like... a calm observation with a sense of inquiry and assessment. It was as if she were analyzing a newly acquired weapon with unknown functions, or... a rare and dangerous animal with unpredictable behavior.

He simply ignored her and refocused his attention on the snacks in his hand and Ensia Silverash's chattering. However, he sat up almost imperceptibly, tucked his tail in, and was no longer so relaxed.

The atmosphere in the pavilion became somewhat subtle with the arrival of Jian. Ensia Silverash remained the center of attention, diligently searching for topics to discuss, sometimes asking about Su Rui's life on the Holy Mountain (Su Rui gave a perfunctory answer), sometimes about Jian's recent training (Jian responded briefly), and sometimes enthusiastically introducing the new discoveries in the greenhouse.

Su Rui listened in silence most of the time, occasionally humming in agreement. Jian spoke even less, simply sitting quietly, drinking her beverage and eating cookies, her gaze shifting between the two. Occasionally, when her eyes fell on Su Rui's slightly uncomfortable, pinkish, furry ears, a barely perceptible, almost "interesting" glint would flash in her amber vertical pupils.

After some time, Ensia Silverash, feeling thirsty from talking so much, picked up her cup and took a big gulp of her drink. Taking advantage of this lull, Jian, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up.

Her voice wasn't loud, but it reached Su Rui's ears clearly:

"It seems that Your Excellency Su Rui... has no preference for desserts? On both of my visits here, I have not seen you show much interest in sweets."

She was referring to Su Rui's disgusted look when she drank the sweet fruit wine in SilverAsh's office earlier, and her relatively indifferent reaction to Ensia Silverash's sweet snacks today.

Su Rui paused, her hand holding the cookies pausing. She glanced at Jian with her dark eyes and said calmly, "... Hmm. I don't like them too sweet."

"I see." Jian nodded, as if it were just casual conversation. "So, what do you usually eat on the Holy Mountain? The Holy Maiden... seems to prefer lighter flavors as well."

Her conversation, seemingly quite naturally, shifted from her snack preferences to life on Holy Mountain, and even... subtly pointed to Enya.

A flicker of wariness crossed Su Rui's eyes. Was this woman trying to extract information? Was she trying to find out about Enya? Or... was she trying to learn about the movements of the Holy Mountain through him?

"Eat whatever you want." Su Rui's reply was still brief and perfunctory, with obvious resistance.

Jian seemed unfazed by his resistance, and instead went along with his words, continuing to ask, "I've heard that Her Majesty the Saint has always been in poor health. Is she doing well on the Holy Mountain? With Lord Kjeragandr and... Your Excellency taking care of her, she must be quite relieved."

Volume 18, page 1182: These matters are none of your concern.

This time, the question was more direct. Moreover, she specifically mentioned "Kjeragandr" and "Your Excellency," clearly implying that she knew about the special relationship between Su Rui and the Holy Mountain, the gods, and Enya.

Su Rui put down the biscuits in her hand, her dark eyes turning completely cold as she stared directly at Jian. This woman was definitely not just here to "take a look."

"She's fine." Su Rui's voice was a few degrees colder than before. "No need to worry."

The atmosphere froze instantly because of Su Rui's words, which clearly implied that she was being asked to leave.

Ensia Silverash noticed the sudden tension between the two. She glanced helplessly at Su Rui, then at Jian, and whispered, "Um... Sister Jian, Su Rui... he doesn't really like people asking too many questions..."

Jian looked at Su Rui's aloof and cold demeanor, then at the somewhat nervous Ensia Silverash, and remained silent for a moment. Then, almost imperceptibly, she sighed.

"I apologize for my abruptness." Jian's tone returned to its previous calm, even... seemingly carrying a barely perceptible hint of apology? Although the apology was so faint as to be almost imperceptible, "It's just... the patriarch is concerned about the Holy Maiden, and we, as her subordinates, couldn't help but ask a few more questions. We had no other intentions."

Her explanation, seemingly an attempt to excuse herself from her earlier questioning, also highlighted SilverAsh's "concern" for Enya, as well as her own identity and position as a "subordinate." It both gave Su Rui a way out and reiterated her "mission."

Su Rui pursed his lips, remaining silent. But the chill emanating from him seemed to dissipate somewhat. He picked up another berry, popped it into his mouth, and gestured that "this topic is over."

Jian didn't press further. She picked up her slightly cooled Vanilla honey drink and sipped it slowly. Her gaze, which had been scrutinizing Su Rui with the same sharpness as before, became somewhat distant, as if she were pondering something.

Inside the pavilion, silence returned. Only Ensia Silverash cautiously tried to liven things up again by quietly revisiting safe and harmless topics related to greenhouse plant care.

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the vines, casting dappled shadows on the three people. Time flowed quietly in this warm, tranquil afternoon, a time that also held subtle tensions.

While listening absentmindedly to Ensia Silverash's words, Su Rui kept an eye on the silent blonde Caprinae across from her out of the corner of her eye.

This weapon... seems not as simple and straightforward as it appears on the surface. She possesses the loyalty and keenness of a guard, as well as an ability to see through people's hearts that is no less than SilverAsh's, and even... an almost instinctive intuition for "danger" and "abnormality." Her "contact" today, seemingly casual, was actually a calculated move, both fulfilling SilverAsh's "observation" task and probing his bottom line and his relationship with the Holy Mountain.

She's a troublesome woman, Su Rui confirmed in her heart once again. But it seems... she's not entirely impossible to "communicate" with? At least, she knows when to stop and knows how to use high-sounding reasons like "the head of the family is concerned" to cover up her true intentions.

Perhaps... we could approach dealing with this "big goat" in a different way in the future? It doesn't necessarily have to be head-on; we could perhaps... make use of her "duty-bound" and "concern for the head of the household (and his sister)" traits?

A calculating glint flashed in Su Rui's eyes. He suddenly felt that dealing with this clever and troublesome woman might be more challenging and interesting than simply thinking about how to get revenge.

Of course, the premise is... that she stops staring at his ears! Su Rui moved her slightly reddened, furry ears uncomfortably, and turned her attention back to the new flavor of crispy biscuits that Ensia Silverash handed her.

After finishing her drink, Jian withdrew her distant gaze. She looked at Su Rui again, this time with less scrutiny and more... an indescribable calm, almost like the calm after an "assessment." She seemed to have reached her own conclusion about this "contact."

"Miss Ensia Silverash, Su Rui," Jian stood up and nodded slightly to the two of them, "I still have some matters to attend to, so I won't disturb you any longer. Please enjoy your meal."

"Ah, is Sister Jian leaving already?" Ensia Silverash, somewhat reluctant to see her go.

"Hmm." Jian nodded, his gaze lingering on Su Rui's face for a final moment before turning around and, with steady steps, silently leaving the greenhouse as he had come, returning to the afternoon sunlight outside.

Su Rui watched her figure disappear behind the door, lost in thought.

Ensia Silverash breathed a sigh of relief and patted her chest, "You scared me to death! I thought you two were going to fight... But, it seems like Sister Jian is quite interested in you? She doesn't usually talk to anyone, let alone sit down and eat snacks with them!"

Interested? Su Rui's lips twitched almost imperceptibly. He'd rather not have that kind of "interest."

"Oh, right, Su Rui," Ensia Silverash suddenly remembered something, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him, "When are you coming to play again next time? I'm currently researching a new kind of savory cookie with Vanilla and nuts, I'm sure you'll love it!"

Looking into Ensia Silverash's expectant eyes, Su Rui remained silent for a moment. Then, almost imperceptibly, he nodded.

"... If you have time."

Ensia Silverash smiled happily immediately, as if she had received the best promise in the world.

Su Rui's lips curled up almost imperceptibly. Well, considering that innocent smile and the delicious snacks, coming down the mountain for a "breath of fresh air" once in a while... doesn't seem so bad.

As for that blond "big goat"... there's plenty of time. Su Rui silently shifted the priority of her "revenge plan" slightly to the back of the table. Perhaps she could try "peaceful coexistence" first? Let's see what kind of person this SilverAsh's most trusted bodyguard really is.

Of course, if she dared to lay a hand on her again... a cold glint flashed in Su Rui's eyes. Then she wouldn't be polite.

With this vague thought in mind, Su Rui relaxed again and continued to enjoy the warm sunshine, delicious snacks, and company (although an uninvited guest had disturbed her a bit).

The afternoon sun, filtered through the misty vapors and dense foliage of the greenhouse, became exceptionally soft and warm. Su Rui (Snow Leopard version) accompanied Ensia Silverash for a while, enjoying the various snacks she had made herself, which were constantly being updated. She listened to Ensia's enthusiastic explanation of her cultivation experience regarding the strange flower that "blooms when praised" (Su Rui was skeptical of this). Only when she watched the shadows outside the window gradually slant westward did she finally put down the last candied berry in her hand.

Volume 18, Chapter 1183: No martial ethics, head suck!

"I should go." Su Rui stood up from the stone bench with its soft cushions and stretched lazily. His dark gray loungewear was slightly wrinkled from sitting for a long time, outlining his smooth waistline. His fluffy tail also stretched out, drawing a beautiful arc in the air, the downy hair at the tip shimmering with a silvery-white luster in the sunlight.

"Oh? You're leaving already?" Ensia Silverash's little face immediately showed undisguised disappointment, her lake-blue eyes filled with reluctance. She put down the spice jar she was fiddling with, preparing to make new flavored cookies, and stood up as well, looking at Su Rui expectantly. "Can't we stay a little longer? I... I still have so many snacks for you to try!"

Looking at her pitiful expression, like a little animal abandoned by its owner, Su Rui felt a slight sense of relief at the impending departure replaced by a faint sense of helplessness. This little sister seemed to have truly regarded him as one of her most important playmates, someone she could share secrets and snacks with.

"...Next time." Su Rui's voice was unusually gentler than usual, though still brief. He looked at Ensia Silverash and nodded almost imperceptibly. "Cookies...I'll try them next time."

"Really?!" Ensia Silverash's eyes lit up instantly, as if sunshine had returned. "It's a promise! You have to come next time! I promise I'll make the new flavor of cookies absolutely delicious!"

"Hmm." Su Rui nodded again, which was a kind of promise. Although this "next time" was far away, he did not seem to be resistant to making such a vague agreement.

Having received Su Rui's "assurance," Ensia Silverash cheered up again. She quickly and carefully wrapped the remaining sweet snacks on the table, which Su Rui hadn't touched much, in a clean oil paper bag and handed it to Su Rui: "Take this back! You can eat it if you get hungry on the way! Although it's a bit sweet... but... but it tastes really good!"

Su Rui looked at the oil paper package in his hand, which exuded a sweet and cloying aroma, and his lips twitched almost imperceptibly. He actually... didn't really like sweets. But looking at Ensia Silverash's eager and expectant expression, as if she were offering him some precious treasure, the words of refusal reached his lips but he swallowed them back. He silently stuffed the oil paper package into the pocket in his clothes that seemed capable of swallowing everything.

"Thank you," Su Rui said softly.

"You're welcome!" Ensia Silverash smiled, her eyes crinkling. Then, she suddenly stepped forward, opened her arms, and gave Su Rui a gentle hug, filled with the scent of sunshine and flowers. Her movement was natural and pure, like embracing a close older brother or best friend, without any romantic undertones. "Take care on your way! See you next time!"

Su Rui's body stiffened almost imperceptibly the moment Ensia Silverash hugged him. He was unaccustomed to such sudden, warm, and direct physical contact from someone else. But Ensia Silverash's embrace was brief, fleeting, and carried the freshness and kindness unique to young girls. His stiff body slowly relaxed, only his earlobes involuntarily flushing a faint pink.

"...Hmm." Su Rui mumbled a response, then turned and walked toward the greenhouse door without lingering. Her black tail swayed gently behind her, brushing against the scattered petals on the ground.

Ensia Silverash stood in the pavilion, waving vigorously at Su Rui's retreating figure until he disappeared behind the heavy, copper-inlaid door of the greenhouse. Only then did she reluctantly lower her hand, sit back on the rattan cushion, prop her chin up, and begin a new round of expectant "rambling" to the flower that was said to "love praise."

Leaving the warm, spring-like greenhouse filled with sweet scents, the air outside on a winter afternoon instantly became crisp and refreshing. Su Rui pulled up her collar to cover her slightly reddened ears, tucked the package of sweets Ensia Silverash had given her into her bosom, and then, as usual, headed towards the outskirts of the manor, in a relatively secluded direction where it would be easier to sneak away.

He didn't take the main road, but instead wandered through the garden paths, the shadows of the artificial hills, and the corridors rarely traversed by the servants. Sunlight filtered through the bare branches and icicles on the eaves, casting long, ever-changing shadows on the ground. The manor was quiet, save for the faint distant shouts from the training ground and the whistling of the wind through the withered branches.

Su Rui's steps were light, as if he were walking on clouds. His senses, however, were like the most sophisticated radar, wide open in all directions, capturing any unusual movement around him. It wasn't out of vigilance for danger, but simply an instinctive action. And... he knew that the blond goat (mace) might still be attached.

Sure enough, as he passed a secluded, deserted corner connecting the garden and the kitchen storage room, piled with discarded flowerpots and gardening tools, a familiar, powerful aura—a blend of sunlight, leather, and a faint hint of wildness—emerged suddenly from the shadows of the corner, like a cheetah that had been lying in wait for a long time! And like a venomous snake locking onto its prey, it instantly coiled around him!

Immediately afterward, a golden figure, swift as lightning and whistling through the air, pounced out of the shadows like a ghost! The target was clear—it was Su Rui, who had just turned the corner, was in a relatively relaxed state, and whose vision was somewhat obstructed!

Su Rui's internal alarm bells rang the instant the aura appeared! His body reacted in a fraction of a second! His muscles tensed, his center of gravity shifted, and using his left foot as a pivot, his body twisted sharply to one side with incredible flexibility, like a willow branch swaying in the wind! At the same time, his right hand, fingers together, like a drawn blade, flashed towards the neck of the oncoming figure with a sharp whistling sound! His left hand instinctively protected the sweet bun in his arms (?).

This series of reactions was swift, accurate, and ruthless! It was the instinct of a top-tier warrior! Enough to make any sneak attacker return empty-handed, or even pay a price!

However, the attackers seemed to have anticipated his reaction! In fact, they even predicted his prediction!

Just before Su Rui's chop to the neck, the golden figure, with an incredible, almost physics-defying flexibility and coordination, suddenly sank downwards! Simultaneously, her outstretched hands, instead of targeting Su Rui's vitals, precisely and precisely caught Su Rui's waist, which was slightly exposed as she twisted to the side! Then, using the momentum of her forward thrust and the force of her downward movement, she unleashed a clean, powerful, and aesthetically pleasing over-the-shoulder throw (or rather, an overhead throw?)!

Volume 18, Chapter 1184: We seem to have met somewhere before.

Su Rui felt an immense, irresistible force surge from his waist! His body was abruptly lifted off the ground! The world spun around him! All he could see was the rapidly rotating sky, the shadows of the eaves, and... a dazzling flash of gold!

"Bang!"

A dull, not too heavy, thud resounded. Su Rui's back slammed solidly into the cold, hard stone wall covered with withered vines on the other side of the corner! The force of the impact had been skillfully controlled by the other party, and it did not cause him any real harm, but the sudden feeling of weightlessness and the impact still made his blood surge instantly, and he saw stars!

He was pinned against the wall, face to face, by the attacker in an extremely forceful, almost restraining position!

The attacker's arms were like the strongest iron hoops; one arm was across his chest, restricting his movement, while the other hand was tightly wrapped around his waist. Their bodies were pressed close together, and Su Rui could clearly feel the steady, powerful heartbeat from the other's chest, and the warm, powerful body temperature seeping through his clothes. His feet were slightly off the ground, and he was maintained in his position entirely by the wall behind him and the attacker's grip.