Taking the magic circle from the peak of the Holy Mountain back to Faerns City, Falling Snow Maple Leaf weaved through rows of wooden tables in the agreed-upon restaurant, spotting that petite figure in the distance, craning her neck and looking around.
As always, she was surrounded by girls overflowing with maternal glow and gentlemen succumbing to their loli obsession.
In a rare playful mood, Falling Snow Maple Leaf quietly circled behind the figure and reached out, patting those tiny shoulders.
The little one jumped in fright, her cat ears springing up like startled fur.
A slight curve formed at the corner of Falling Snow Maple Leaf’s lips.
If anyone familiar with her saw this, their jaws would likely drop in shock—they’d never seen such an emotional side to her before.
“You scared me to death!”
Turning around to see the familiar figure, I huffed, swinging my tiny fists in protest.
Yet, I had no idea that my actions looked more like a little sister pouting at her older sister or a girlfriend throwing a playful tantrum.
My delicate pink fists were easily caught by her outstretched hand. Expecting this outcome, I puffed out my cheeks and shot her a glare.
But then, a golden decree suddenly appeared before my eyes. I froze for a moment, reaching out to grab it, only to clutch at air.
Falling Snow Maple Leaf flicked my forehead and opened the trading panel.
Only then did I recall Epoch’s game rules, my cheeks flushing red. Still, seeing the golden decree now in my inventory, I couldn’t help but feel a spark of excitement.
“Sometimes I’m really curious how a kid like you knows so much about hidden quests in this game,” Falling Snow Maple Leaf said, ordering an iced water from the waiter. “And what do you plan to do with this?”
“Well…” I was about to roll out my pre-rehearsed excuse when she cut me off.
“Don’t worry, I won’t ask unnecessary questions.”
Her gaze settled on me. “Even if I did, you’d probably just dodge it with some made-up excuse.”
Cough, cough.
Caught red-handed, I coughed a few times to mask my embarrassment and quickly changed the subject. “By the way, this is a job-change item for a warrior’s hidden class. Doesn’t it hurt, Sister, to part with it?”
“Of course it hurts, so don’t come to me for stuff like this next time,” Falling Snow Maple Leaf said casually, unaware that a trading panel suddenly popped up in front of her with that same familiar decree placed on it.
Her expression immediately hardened. “What’s this supposed to mean?”
“Sister said it hurts, so I’m giving it back to you!” I blinked, my obedient demeanor making it hard for anyone to doubt my intentions.
But the woman across from me wasn’t so easily fooled. Seeing her lack of response and the way her fist subtly clenched, I knew my cute act had flopped.
Making a face at her, I shrugged. “Anyway, keeping it would be a waste for me. Better to let Sister use it to boost her strength. That way, when I need your help later, things will go smoother, right? It’s a win-win!”
“Aren’t you afraid I’ll go back on my word?”
“Sister already owes me such a big favor. I trust you’re not that kind of person.”
“Favors can be repaid eventually.”
“Then I’ll just have you owe me a few more before that happens.”
“You seem awfully confident.”
“Of course.”
Falling Snow Maple Leaf fell silent for a moment. “Why not lock me into a contract like you did with Chang’an? Merchants like you usually love that sort of thing, don’t they?”
“Well…”
I deliberately dragged out the word, trying to tease her a bit, but her warning glare made me stick out my tongue.
“Anyway, with Sister Chang’an’s personality, even if I didn’t bring it up, she’d probably insist on signing a contract herself.”
Explaining earnestly, I shot her a cheeky grin. “Sister Maple Leaf is different, though. You definitely don’t want to be tied down by a contract. I’m a merchant who values personal bonds, you know!”
Falling Snow Maple Leaf stared at me quietly for a long while before looking away, picking up her iced water. “That’s exactly why I can’t stand overly clever kids like you.”
“Thanks for the compliment~”
Looking at that bright, adorable smile, Falling Snow Maple Leaf suddenly felt an inexplicable urge to pinch my cheeks.
She wasn’t sure why she was acting so oddly today, but before she knew it, her hand was already reaching out.
Yet, halfway there, another figure appeared and blocked her. “Please refrain from touching Her Highness.”
“It’s you again.” Falling Snow Maple Leaf glanced up, meeting the emotionless gaze of the woman before her.
Two pairs of equally cold eyes locked onto each other, invisible sparks seeming to crackle in the air between them.
Here we go again. First the Antarctic iceberg, now the Arctic one?
I couldn’t help but rub my forehead.
Thankfully, Falling Snow Maple Leaf seemed to understand that innocent bystanders shouldn’t be dragged into this.
She stood up, slipping the decree back into her inventory.
“If there’s nothing else, I’m leaving. Also—”
“Want me to cover the bill? Then I’ll order a few more desserts.”
The corner of her eye twitched. After a moment’s hesitation, she softly left a single word: “Thanks, kid.”
Didn’t expect her to actually show some gratitude.
Waving goodbye, I pulled Syl to sit down. “Syl, try this. The desserts here are pretty good.”
Noticing Syl’s expression, I quickly added, “Of course, not as good as the ones you make!”
Only then did Syl pick up a fork and delicately taste the cake. “Your Highness, I’ve already investigated. There won’t be any issues.”
“Good.” I let out a sigh of relief. After all, infiltrating the enemy’s ranks isn’t exactly safe. If the magical disguise isn’t reliable, I’m done for.
That’s also why I’d chosen Falling Snow Maple Leaf to retrieve the decree from the Radiant Monastery. For one, the hidden quest required a warrior to trigger it. For another, my life was on the line.
“Let’s get going, then!”
I polished off the strawberry pudding in a few bites, and Syl and I left the restaurant.
At the entrance, though, I overheard a few nearby players at a table discussing something that seemed to involve Syl and me. Curiosity piqued, I slowed my steps to eavesdrop.
“What a shame, she’s with that silver-haired miss. I was kinda rooting for the assertive older-sister type.”
“Yuri love triangle? That’s way too spicy!”
“Two older girls fighting over a younger one. Honestly, wouldn’t it be great if all three just crawled into bed together?”
“Add me, and it’d be even better.”
“Cat ears, yuri, loli, and a love rivalry? I’m drawing it, I’m drawing it!”
“Even I want to compete with them. That little sister is just too cute. Those cat ears and tail totally hit my girly heart!”
“…”
So, how do I even react to this?
Is human imagination always this wild?
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