Rather than a meal, it felt like a church’s trial of a heretic—especially since I was the main target.
So, after nervously finishing breakfast, I used the excuse of feeling sleepy to rush back to my room.
“Syl, you nearly scared me to death!” I said, closing the door and confirming no one was eavesdropping.
I puffed my cheeks, glaring at Syl.
Syl looked thoughtful. “My apologies, Your Highness. I only wanted to test something.”
Curious, I asked, “Test what?”
“These people are indeed the legendary loli fanatics.” Syl said.
“That didn’t need testing!” I said, mortified.
“But I’ve only read about such groups in books. It’s rare to see those interested solely in young members of their own kind, developing romantic feelings.” Syl said seriously, her delicate face expressionless but her tone earnest.
I twitched my lips. “No, Syl, it’s not just their own kind. As long as it’s small and cute, it doesn’t matter the race.”
Some even get more excited about other races.
“And they’re not rare. They’re just good at hiding.”
Like the brave ones hiding in prisons.
“Your Highness seems quite knowledgeable.” Syl said.
Because I’m surrounded by them.
I thought silently.
“So, Your Highness, what’s next? Leave directly?” Syl asked.
Though she was somewhat intrigued, my reaction suggested I wasn’t fond of this group.
To her surprise, I shook my head. “They just held that ritual yesterday. Leaving right after would raise suspicion without a good reason.”
“Besides, they’re just loli fanatics. I’ve seen plenty of their kind. Why run?” I said, pouting with feigned disdain.
Syl studied me seriously. “Your Highness.”
“What?”
“Your legs are shaking.”
My cheeks flushed.
I yanked off my casual clothes and buried myself in the bed. “Tch, I’m napping!”
Watching her ostrich-like Demon King, Syl shook her head, looked away, and opened her notebook to write something.
Logging out of the game, I checked the time—just past 8 a.m.
After washing up, I went to the living room.
Surprisingly, Little Aunt wasn’t out for her morning run.
Instead, she was munching a sandwich, watching a fashion show on TV with Aunt Yuyu.
Eating breakfast, I glanced curiously, noticing both wore casual clothes. “Aunt Yuyu, are you two going out?”
“Well, we were…” Aunt Yuyu started, then smiled. “It’s stuffy at home, so we’re going for a walk. Want to come, Little Tong?”
“You’d be stuck with takeout for lunch otherwise.” Little Aunt teased.
I made a face at her.
Since there was nothing urgent in the game and I wasn’t logging back in soon, I nodded. “Sure.”
I agreed, but I didn’t expect another person tagging along—someone I absolutely didn’t want to see.
“Long time no see, An An~” Evin said.
“I didn’t want to see you at all…” I said, pushing away her approaching face.
I glared at Aunt Yuyu and Little Aunt. “Why’d you invite her?”
Running into her right as we left? I’d never believe it wasn’t planned.
Seeing Little Aunt and Evin high-five happily, I was even more certain.
Aunt Yuyu smiled. “Isn’t it nice? You probably want to hang out with kids your age, Little Tong. Good friends need time together to bond.”
“Exactly. A rare chance to hang with a good friend. Stay home all day, and you’ll end up with social anxiety.” Little Aunt nodded sagely, as if she totally agreed with herself.
You’re the one with social anxiety. I’m not the one getting ganked and missing 18 minion waves.
I rolled my eyes.
But hearing them go on about “good friends,” I regretted not exposing Evin’s true nature earlier to avoid the hassle.
Now, explaining would be pointless—they wouldn’t believe me.
Celebrating her birthday wasn’t something a kid met at a clothing store could explain.
Head aching, I pulled Evin aside and whispered a warning. “You can come, but don’t do anything outrageous.”
Evin blinked innocently. “Outrageous? Like what?”
“Uh… kissing?” I said, caught off guard, recalling that unforgettable night.
Chu.
Before I could react, a fleeting wet sensation brushed my cheek.
“Hehe, if I get the outrageous stuff out of the way first, it’s fine, right?” Evin said.
“You—!” I froze, touching my cheek.
Snapping back, I wanted to teach her a lesson, but she nimbly hid behind Aunt Yuyu, winking provocatively.
“You two, save the playing for later. Don’t mess around now.” Aunt Yuyu said, missing the earlier scene and thinking it was just kids’ roughhousing.
With Aunt Yuyu shielding her, I could only glare, hoping to smite her with the power of a red-eyes black dragon.
But her cheeky grin countered it like a trap card.
I pouted, then noticed something. “Aunt Yuyu, why aren’t you driving? Wait, don’t tell me…”
“Yoyo just got her license and wants to try it out.” Aunt Yuyu said.
As she spoke, a car screeched to a stylish drift stop in front of us, accompanied by Little Aunt’s excited voice. “Hah, no one nagging makes it so much better! Hop in, let me show you my skills!”
“Be careful.” Aunt Yuyu sighed, exasperated by her enthusiasm, and took the front passenger seat.
“Yay, An An, come on!” Evin said, oblivious to the danger, jumping into the back and patting the seat beside her.
I swallowed hard.
They might not know, but with my past-life experience, I knew Little Aunt once rear-ended someone during her driving test.
Though it was ruled the other car’s fault, riding with her once convinced me that case deserved a retrial.
But there was no time to wonder if tomorrow’s headlines would read “Female Driver Causes Chain Crash, Four Injured.”
Little Aunt was already urging. “Hurry, Tongtong, don’t waste time!”
Steeling myself for doom, I gritted my teeth and climbed into the back.
Humans are optimistic creatures, always hoping for the best—
At least the hospital’s Wi-Fi is decent.
Evin’s eyes lit up as she snuggled close.
For once, I didn’t push her away.
Instead, I fastened her seatbelt and mine, double-checking their security.
“Why so nervous?” Evin asked, curious at my caution.
“To survive.” I said.