"Hmph, do you think that even if I release the recording, people will just dismiss it as something synthesized by some unknown AI?"
Though Lumina remained silent, her calm and unhurried demeanor betrayed her thoughts. Herta, the genius, crossed her arms and snorted coldly.
She continued, "You may understand the community, but you clearly don't understand your fans."
"As long as this recording is genuine, no matter how advanced AI technology becomes or how realistic the synthesized audio sounds, they won't even consider that possibility."
Herta stated flatly.
Lumina's current behavior revealed her complete lack of insight into her fanbase.
Recalling the frenzied reaction of the Saintess Support Club members when Herta infiltrated their group chat, she was certain they would instantly recognize their idol's voice.
Once authenticated within the Saintess Support Club, this recording would naturally spread throughout the Cosmos.
Ironically, the recording of Lumina calling her "Big Sister Herta" might ultimately hurt Herta herself.
After all, Lumina's fans were notoriously fanatical and even perverse. If they heard their revered and holy Saintess calling someone else "sister," they might erupt in outrage on the spot.
Though Herta wasn't afraid of their outbursts and had no interest in provoking them, the resulting chaos would inevitably create problems for her.
For instance, her social media accounts might be exposed, leading to her expulsion from the Saintess Support Club's group chat.
Therefore, even if Lumina continued to act so affectionately, Herta wouldn't distribute the recording.
However, since Lumina clearly didn't understand her fans' temperament, Herta wouldn't overthink it either.
"Alright, alright, I was wrong. I shouldn't have spoken to you in that tone," Lumina conceded.
Just as Herta had anticipated, the mention of "fans" brought Lumina a slight headache. After all, her fanbase was vast, including many influential and powerful individuals. If they were to personally investigate the authenticity of the recording, they could easily verify its truth.
Thus, Lumina ultimately chose to back down.
"Hmph, you little rascal." Seeing Lumina lower her head in acknowledgment, Herta tilted her head back and smirked. Her joy and elation soared skyward, nearly shoulder-to-shoulder with the sun.
"Is there really any need to be this delighted?" Lumina sighed inwardly, a touch of resignation in her heart.
The world hailed Madam Herta as brilliant and perfect, but to Lumina, she was nothing more than a grown-up child, a tsundere with a hint of naive innocence. Though supremely intelligent and intellectually unmatched, a simple lollipop could keep her delighted for hours. This version of Herta, Lumina found utterly endearing.
"Hey, are you thinking something rude again?" Just as Herta was basking in the glow of her "victory," she noticed Lumina's gaze and broke out in goosebumps. She turned sideways, crossed her arms defensively over her shoulders, and glared cautiously at Lumina.
"Lumina, Lesbian Ringleader, you've finally lost your patience and are going to attack me, aren't you?!"
"Even if I can't beat you, I'll never let you have your way!"
Herta retreated a few steps, her small face a mask of suspicion, though whether it was genuine or feigned remained unclear.
Lumina: ...
The crowd: ...
"You're fucking crazy..." Feeling the weight of everyone's attention on her and Herta, even the thick-skinned Lumina couldn't help but feel an invisible pressure.
In front of everyone, she grabbed Herta by the arm and hissed through gritted teeth:
Look, I was just thinking you were awesome! How did that suddenly make me the Lesbian Ringleader?!
"You'd actually attack me? Impossible! ...Well, okay, I did have that thought, but it was just because I wanted to be your older sister! I just wanted to be your best friend! That's all!!!"
"Ahem, what are you all staring at? Haven't you ever seen two besties having a conversation?" Herta snapped, her cheeks flushing slightly as she realized they were surrounded by onlookers. She quickly regained her composure, her sharp gaze sweeping over the crowd with an indifferent tone.
Fortunately, Herta's skin was as thick as Lumina's. Faced with this situation, she could fire back without batting an eyelid, proving her reputation as the renowned Madam Herta of the Cosmos was well-deserved.
"Heh heh heh, Mr. Gallagher, let's continue, shall we?" Herta's remark prompted Himeko and Welt to exchange knowing glances, their eyes reflecting mutual resignation.
With a sigh, they resumed their earlier discussion.
Although this minor incident didn't cause a major disruption and the conversation flowed on, March 7th, Stelle, and even Robin, who was chatting with Sunday nearby, couldn't resist occasionally glancing at Lumina and Herta, as if constantly monitoring or observing something...
-
"Hey, Little Herta, I think I finally understand. You must have some huge misunderstanding about me."
"Tell me, what exactly did you mean by 'Lesbian Ringleader' just now?"
"Do I even remotely resemble a 'Lesbian Ringleader' in any way?"
Lumina closed the distance between them, leaning in close and whispering into Herta's ear, "I'm speechless."
"Hmm... Your question is a bit imprecise," Herta replied, her expression earnest.
Lumina: ?
"You should ask, 'What don't you have in common with a Lesbian Ringleader?'" Herta pointed out the flaw in Lumina's phrasing with her usual earnestness.
Lumina: ...
"Sigh... Herta, I honestly don't know where you got this idea about me..." After a moment of silence, Lumina sighed. "I'm really not some so-called 'Lesbian Ringleader,' and I have absolutely nothing to do with such a figure."
"The reason I approach beautiful girls is simply because I want to make friends and become close confidantes—genuine, affectionate friends. It's nothing like what you're imagining."
Lumina's voice was utterly sincere, as if every word she spoke were the absolute truth.
Wait... maybe Lumina is actually telling the truth. Never mind then...
"Yes, yes, you're right," Herta replied with a dismissive nod, offering a few perfunctory assurances.
"I genuinely don't have those kinds of feelings for them!" Lumina burst out in a low shout, finally unable to endure the constant misunderstanding, determined to make her stance clear.
Observing Lumina's outburst, Herta's eyes flickered, a subtle smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. She reached out, gently placing her palm on Lumina's soft hair and began stroking it tenderly.
"Alright, alright, Little Lumina. You're not a Lesbian Ringleader."
"Good girl. I believe you, I believe you."
Herta's words dripped with patronizing affection.
Lumina: ?
Feeling Herta's condescending words and the constant caress on her head, Lumina fell silent.
What the actual hell is going on?!
After a moment, Lumina realized the gravity of the situation.