Five minutes later, Ranni had changed into the blue long dress Luo Yu bought for her. She followed him downstairs, listening as he prepared dinner and recounted what had happened with Miko Yotsuya.
"A spiritual sight that allows her to see wraiths, yet cannot be turned off… and no ability to resist them?" Ranni mused thoughtfully while exploring her new smartphone. "That is indeed a pitiful fate. And she is even being watched by some unknown presence?"
Luo Yu nodded as he chopped vegetables.
"Exactly. The eyes are a delicate organ. I only managed to suppress her spiritual sight temporarily with magic. One day is the limit. Any more, and I might damage her vision. What do you think? Is there a way to truly resolve her problem?"
Ranni tilted her head slightly.
"I cannot say without meeting her in person. Only by examining her directly can I understand her condition. The fact that she awakened such sight suggests she possesses some innate talent. If she were to gain power, she might learn to control it herself. Even if she cannot shut it off completely, she could at least defend herself."
"That's what I was thinking," Luo Yu replied. "Then come with me to school tomorrow. We'll meet her at noon."
Ranni refused immediately.
"Not at noon. I do not wish to go out during the day. After school, bring her here instead."
Her tone remained calm, but firm.
"If she seeks help, I must see her sincerity and her resolve. I am not someone who aids others lightly."
Luo Yu fell silent for a moment, then smiled.
"Understood. After school it is. I'll bring her over."
It took him a while to finish preparing dinner.
Three dishes—stir-fried shredded pork with green peppers, braised pork belly, and a mixed vegetable stir-fry.
The portions were generous. As a Tarnished, Luo Yu's appetite was substantial.
Ranni inhaled the aroma appreciatively.
"As expected, your cooking is excellent, my king."
"Go ahead and try."
She picked up a piece of braised pork belly and took a bite.
The rich, savory flavor bloomed across her tongue, the tender layers of fat and lean meat melting together perfectly. Her eyes widened in surprise.
"I have eaten much meat before," she said thoughtfully, "but prepared in this manner… with such texture and balance… this is my first time."
"Glad you like it. I studied recipes from professional chefs online."
Luo Yu placed a piece into his own mouth and nodded with satisfaction.
Soon, Ranni's pace quickened. Whether it was the braised pork, the shredded pork with peppers, or the tomato and egg stir-fry, she enjoyed them all.
Within ten minutes, the three dishes were completely finished.
After three bowls of rice, Luo Yu leaned back, rubbing his stomach and letting out a contented breath before gathering the dishes.
Ranni tried to help, but he gently pressed her back into her seat.
Holding her phone, she activated the camera and aimed it at him.
Click.
The shutter sound echoed softly.
Luo Yu turned his head.
"Taking photos?"
Ranni nodded and snapped another picture as he looked over.
"My king, are you going out again tonight?"
"No. If by Friday no one has taken that suburban extermination commission, we'll accept it and deal with the cursed spirit there. We have money now. Unless it's something high-level, there's no need for us to intervene. This world already has many people who make a living doing that."
"I understand."
Ranni rose and headed upstairs.
"I shall go up first."
There was no need to ask why.
She was addicted.
When Luo Yu finished cleaning up and entered the bedroom, he found Ranni had already launched Civilization VI again and started a new campaign.
Sitting beside her, he took out his textbooks and began his homework.
"So, how does modern gaming feel?"
"Quite fascinating," Ranni replied while dragging her mouse across the map. "Controlling a faction across a vast world, engaging with other powers… though it differs from reality, it carries its own charm. And I can learn about this world through it. My king, I have yet to try the other games. Are they equally engaging?"
"It depends on your taste," Luo Yu said while working through a math problem. "CS2 is a first-person shooter focused on online team combat. It demands quick reflexes and skill. Dota2 is a multiplayer arena game—five versus five on a map, entirely different style. Street Fighter 6 is a one-on-one fighting game. And Black Myth is a single-player action RPG."
Ranni asked without looking away from the screen, "And you? Which do you prefer?"
"I'm a variety player. I like trying everything. Though for Street Fighter, I'll need to buy a dedicated hitbox controller. I'm not fond of keyboards or gamepads for that. Since you enjoy gaming too, perhaps I should set up another computer so we can play together."
He glanced around the bedroom.
There was technically enough space.
After a moment's thought, he added, "Actually, we have spare rooms. Let's dedicate one as a gaming room. What do you think?"
"That is acceptable. I leave it to you."
Half an hour later, Luo Yu finished his homework. He asked Ranni to pause her game and selected a movie for them to watch together.
Ranni studied the title.
"The Lord of the Rings. Is it good?"
"Very good. The world-building and character development are excellent."
He nodded and gently drew her into his arms.
"You'll see. Though it's a fictional world, the fantasy it constructs is quite captivating."
Ranni did not resist his embrace. She was still adjusting to such closeness, but she leaned quietly against him as the film began.
As the story unfolded, her attention gradually shifted from the screen's mechanics to its narrative.
When the One Ring's nature was revealed, she spoke thoughtfully.
"This Ring of Power exerts immense influence."
Luo Yu nodded.
"It corrupts the will of its bearer. In a sense, it's not unlike the Golden Order. One distorts the individual. The other reshapes an entire world."
Ranni's eyes lingered on the screen, thoughtful and distant, as ancient memories stirred within her.