Although the magic hat once again concealed Herta's expression, in that fleeting moment, Ruan Mei had still caught the flicker of fluster and delight on her face.
Ruan Mei had to admit, in all the universe, only Herta could display such mercurial emotions simultaneously.
[Only the unparalleled Madam Herta, truly. No matter the situation, her reactions are completely different from ordinary people.]
[Herta's condition is stable now. Your genius-level decision-making is exhausting. I'm going to rest awhile. This excessive tsundere value will remain. Goodnight.] ♪
Her last strategist retired. But Ruan Mei remained calm and composed.
"Herta, did you come all this way just to discuss the Simulated Universe?"
Herta blinked. Panic flickered in her eyes, hidden by her hat.
Thank goodness for the hat. If she saw my face, I might lose all reason and teleport her to Herta City.
"Herta, your answer?"
Herta forced herself to stay calm, using her usual proud tone.
"Ahem. Ruan Mei. I'll head back to Herta City now. We'll have afternoon tea here another time."
Just as she prepared to teleport away, Ruan Mei grabbed her hand.
Herta froze. Her genius mind went blank. She instinctively looked around for Wisteria Cake and Ninety-Nine, but they were long gone.
Ruan Mei noticed the glance and guessed what she was thinking. She spoke softly.
"Herta, the violet orchid you gave me—and the gift box—I'll treasure them."
Herta gave a soft "Oh." Inside, joy blossomed.
I'm definitely praising Ninety-Nine when I get back. And having her and Wisteria Cake plan the next move.
"Good. It's late. You should rest. Don't worry about the Simulated Universe."
[Herta's excessive tsundere value: 700%.]
Ruan Mei's cool, clear gaze lingered on Herta. Without Ninety-Nine and Wisteria Cake, she's stalling.
But Tingyun and Forgotten Cake are gone too.
Should she just let her go?
Sensing Ruan Mei's grip, Herta steadied herself. She adjusted her hat and feigned composure.
"Ruan Mei. Is there something else? If not, let's call it a day."
Ruan Mei said nothing. Herta changed the subject.
"Oh? Is it the one hundred thousand puppets? Don't worry. I'll order them back immediately."
"Wouldn't want them cluttering your lab."
Ruan Mei shook her head slowly. Then she asked,
"Herta. How is the moon tonight?"
Herta blinked. This again.
She looked up at the galaxy. This was deep space. Not a moon in sight.
"There's only starlight here! What moon?!"
Ruan Mei held fast, preventing any sudden changes in Herta's excessive tsundere value.
"Herta. There's no artificial moon here either. But on the Xianzhou Luofu, at the Star-Gazing Terrace—"
Herta clamped her hands over her ears and shook her head frantically.
"Headache!! Ringing ears!! Blurry vision!! I don't want to hear it!! Won't listen!! Won't!!"
Ruan Mei sighed helplessly.
The unparalleled Madam Herta, feigning illness to avoid remembering that day—to avoid facing that confession.
Completely out of character. She's an Emanator.
She released Herta's hand.
Herta froze. The cool, distant Ruan Mei had a faint smile playing at the corners of her eyes and lips.
Herta snapped back to reality, realizing her gaffe. She pouted indignantly.
"You... are you laughing at me?!"
Ruan Mei smiled and shook her head.
"How could I possibly laugh at the unparalleled, all-powerful Madam Herta?"
Her voice remained cool. But to Herta, it sounded mocking.
She summoned her magic key, regaining her composure.
"Ruan Mei. You saw nothing. Heard nothing. Right?"
Ruan Mei was silent. Her excessive tsundere value is still 700%. Meaning she's more... pliable than usual.
Herta gritted her teeth. She raised her key.
"Do you want to come to Herta City with me?!"
Ruan Mei took a bite of plum cake.
"Some other time. I'd be happy to visit."
Herta stepped closer, staring intently.
"Oh? How about now?! I'll assign ten thousand puppets to tend to your every need."
"Your research, your budget—unlimited support."
Ruan Mei played a soft note on her lute.
"Herta. The Star-Gazing Terrace on the Xianzhou Luofu. You—"
Herta cut her off.
"Stop!! Remember to perfect my sleeve pendant. See you another time. Goodnight."
She raised her key. A [Mirror] swallowed her, transporting her back to Herta City.
Ruan Mei breathed a quiet sigh of relief. She's still running. Still avoiding what happened a month ago on that terrace.
She set down her lute and gazed at the fading ripples of Path power.
"You can run for now. But you can't run forever. My dear Madam Herta."