Standing outside Valerius's door, Bronya took a deep breath.
She replayed everything in her mind—the "plan" her mother had taught her.
Only then did she knock.
The door opened.
It was Jingliu.
She glanced at Bronya's outfit, a strange look flashing across her eyes, but she didn't say much. Instead, she stepped aside.
"Second floor. Go ahead. I'll head back."
After all, they were officially a couple—she had no intention of interrupting.
Bronya climbed the stairs.
Knock knock.
"Coming."
The door opened.
Valerius blinked.
"…Bronya?"
He had been expecting Jingliu and was halfway through complaining about her finally knocking.
Instead, here stood Bronya—
In a formal dress.
"You… going to a banquet?"
…
First line—already off script.
Bronya froze.
This wasn't how it was supposed to go.
But since she was already here, she forced herself to continue.
She brushed her hair aside and leaned lightly against the doorframe.
"…Won't you invite me in?"
"…Sure, come in."
Now Valerius was genuinely confused.
Since when did Bronya act like this?
Inside the room—
Bronya scanned the space. Clean. Organized.
He clearly kept things tidy.
She walked up to him, took a breath…
…and let her body go limp, falling toward him.
"Ah—"
Thud.
She hit the floor.
Hard.
"…Ow…"
That one actually hurt.
Valerius stood there, stunned.
What… just happened?
Bronya didn't even want to get up anymore.
If Valerius wasn't right there, she might've just curled up and rolled away from embarrassment.
Finally snapping out of it, Valerius hurried over, helped her up, and sat her down.
"…Wife, what's going on with you today?"
"I…"
She regretted everything.
Why did I listen to Mother…
Head lowered, cheeks red—
She looked incredibly cute.
So cute that Valerius couldn't help himself.
He leaned in and kissed her.
"Y-you—what are you doing?!"
No resistance?
That only encouraged him further.
He sat beside her, pulled her into his arms.
A faint fragrance lingered—
Comforting.
Warm.
Meanwhile—
Across the way, upstairs in Serval's workshop—
Two figures peeked through a curtain gap.
Cocolia and Serval.
"See? I told you this would work."
"…Yeah, sure."
Serval rolled her eyes.
This clearly had nothing to do with her "strategy."
"They kissed!"
"They're a couple. That's normal."
"He hugged her!"
"…Do you even hear yourself? You're her mother."
"Then don't watch."
"…I'm just making sure Bronya isn't being bullied."
Total hypocrisy.
But neither of them moved.
Suddenly—
"…Wait, why are they coming out?"
"…Oh no. We got caught."
Sure enough, Valerius had glanced straight toward them.
Then took Bronya downstairs.
Awkward silence.
"…Maybe we should stop watching."
Cocolia finally backed off.
She didn't want to push things too far.
Three days later—
Phantylia arrived as promised.
She originally planned to stay nearby.
Instead—
Valerius let her move in.
Condition:
Do housework.
Phantylia didn't mind.
If anything, she was pleased.
Serving him personally? That's hardly a loss.
That day, she finally found a chance to speak with him alone.
"Lord Valerius… about the next game—could you reveal a little?"
He smiled.
"You'll find out soon. I can only say… it'll be interesting."
Phantylia narrowed her eyes slightly, amused.
"Then I shall look forward to it."
Freed from Destruction, she felt lighter than ever.
And with Valerius's promise—
Even Nanook no longer worried her.
A few peaceful days passed.
Bronya, now guided by Cocolia, became far more efficient at work—freeing up time to stay with Valerius.
Though they hadn't crossed the final line—
She no longer resisted closeness.
Honestly—
Valerius almost didn't want to start the next game.
But the players were already complaining of boredom.
So—
Inside a worn-down hut, he gave the order.
"System. Start the game."
[Game Arena Activated]
[Selecting Players]
[Selected Players: Huangquan, Huohuo, Sushang, Jane, Caesar, Ellen, Navia, Xiangling, Eula]
[Teleporting…]
Light descended.
Figures appeared.
Valerius's gaze immediately locked onto one of them.
Huohuo.
He walked over and crouched in front of her.
"…Huohuo. I'll give you a chance to forfeit. Want it?"
Her eyes widened.
"…Huh?"
Why was he telling her to quit?
But his expression—
Didn't look like he was joking.
"I… I…"
"Coward! What are you forfeiting for?"
A voice snapped from behind her.
Her tail.
"Stand up straight! You don't even know what the game is yet!"
"But…"
"What are you afraid of? I've got your back."
"…Tail!"
That gave her a bit of courage.
She clenched her fists.
"…I—I won't forfeit."
Valerius sighed lightly.
"…Alright."
If she insisted—
He wouldn't stop her.
He just hoped—
After this game—
She wouldn't end up traumatized.
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