After leaving the Sealed Sector, Ruan Mei accompanied Herta to the Simulated Universe.
"Let Yu Qingtu join us. We need to discuss the system-level matters of the Simulated Universe."
Herta nodded and opened a [Mirror] to summon 'Yu Qingtu'.
Once she arrived, Herta crossed her arms. "Any suggestions for the Simulated Universe?"
'Yu Qingtu' scratched her head, then said—whether intentionally or not—"I think Elation needs a buff. The chance of encountering Ruan Mei events is too low."
Herta's brow furrowed. Elation? Was there still a trace of Sparkle's influence in her?
Ruan Mei took a sip of tea. "The encounter rate for my events is low. Raising it slightly wouldn't hurt." She glanced at 'Yu Qingtu'. "But why buff Elation? What's your reasoning?"
'Yu Qingtu' downed a Talah Wyrmflame in one go. "I don't know. Lately, I've felt a strange connection to Elation—like something I can't quite explain."
Ruan Mei studied her carefully. "Go on."
Herta cut in. "She's still recovering. Her mind isn't fully clear. It's only natural she mixes up the Paths. After all, the Cat's Cradle in the Simulated Universe isn't so different from Erudition."
'Yu Qingtu' frowned. She was Genius Society member #55. And Herta was calling her damaged?
"You're the one with the damaged mind, Herta. Your puppets all have system errors—"
Herta sent her back to Herta City without another word. "She talks too much sometimes. You get used to it. Now—the pendant?"
Ruan Mei sipped her tea. "Still some details to finish."
Herta's arms tightened across her chest. "I'm not in a hurry."
"Oh?"
Herta looked away. "We should go to the Luofu early. The wedding is in three days."
Ruan Mei rose slowly, stepping toward her. Herta retreated until her back hit the wall. Ruan Mei's cool gaze reflected her own face back at her.
"What are you doing?"
"Nothing."
"You're mocking me."
Ruan Mei ignored her and spoke softly. "The Star-Gazing Terrace. Changle. The Xianzhou Luofu."
Herta's composure cracked. She pulled her hat low. "I have things to do. Asta and Herta Ninety-Nine will show you around."
She fled through a [Mirror], back to Herta City.
Ruan Mei sighed. Still running from that memory. From that confession.
[Progress. Her excessive tsundere value is down to 500%.] ♪
She breathed easier. If it ever reached 1000%, she would be trapped in Herta City forever. But what if, one day, it dropped below 100%?
[Now you're dreaming. That's less likely than Nous being replaced.] ♪
She closed her eyes, tasting the plum cake.
[What do you think of Asta?] ♪
"Generous. A good person."
[Do you know what she wants?] ♪
No answer. Asta was young. She and Herta were relics of a different age.
"She'll find someone better. Forget about us."
[Do you really think she'll ever meet anyone better than you and Herta?] ♪
"I'm not better. Neither is Herta."
[Then will you answer her?] ♪
Ruan Mei's brow furrowed. Deal with one impossible person before worrying about another. Asta was a junior. An admirer. Nothing more.
"Madam Ruan Mei."
She opened her eyes. Asta and Herta Ninety-Nine stood before her.
Herta Ninety-Nine smiled. "Madam Herta asked us to give you a tour of the station."
Ruan Mei's expression didn't shift. "Why would I need a tour? Is there anything worth seeing?"
Herta Ninety-Nine's smile froze. So this was what Madam Herta dealt with. No wonder they were both called the worst personalities in the universe. A match made in heaven—or hell.
Asta stepped in. "There are curios. Madam Herta's collection. We could show you."
Ruan Mei rose to leave. "I gave her half of those. I'm not interested. I'll rest. Come find me when Herta returns."
She was gone.
Herta Ninety-Nine exhaled. "She's angry with Herta, and we're the ones who have to take it."
Asta shrugged. "It's fine. You get used to it." A pause. "Though the way she left—that distant, cold silhouette—it was like something from an ancient Xianzhou scroll."
Herta Ninety-Nine stared at her.
"What?"
"Nothing. Just—don't turn into Herta #33."