As for comparing the One Ring and the Golden Order—or even the Elden Ring itself—the two of them did not dwell on the topic for long. After a brief exchange, they returned their attention to the film.
Though it had been released more than twenty years ago, its visual effects and production quality still felt top-tier. Watching it was an immersive experience.
By the time the three-hour film ended, it was already past nine in the evening.
Closing the browser, Luo Yu stretched lazily and glanced at Ranni beside him.
"What did you think?"
Ranni nodded thoughtfully. "It truly is an excellent film. I feel inclined to watch the remaining two parts, but it is late. Tomorrow will suffice."
"Then I'll go shower."
He rose, grabbed a change of clothes, and left the room.
Ranni remained seated, looking down at her current body.
Although it was a puppet body, it could still accumulate dust and grime. Should she wash as well?
Bathe together?
The thought surfaced for a fleeting instant before she immediately shook her head.
The kiss earlier had already left her slightly flustered. If they were to share a bath… even if it was only a puppet body, she could not be certain how far Luo Yu might go.
As the Princess of the Moon, she could not afford to lose composure so easily.
Certain things… should wait until she regained a true body of flesh.
Setting the bathing matter aside, another question arose.
Where would she sleep?
This body, though not made of flesh and blood—and incapable of consummation—was otherwise no different from a normal human body. It could sleep.
There were other rooms in the house, but only one bedroom was furnished. The others were empty.
Which meant that unless she chose not to sleep in a bed at all, there was only one practical option.
Before, when she was in her smaller doll form, she had simply been placed by Luo Yu's pillow.
But now she possessed a full-sized body.
Sleeping beside him…
For a moment, she felt warmth creeping across her cheeks.
Shaking her head lightly, she murmured, "After leaving The Lands Between, I feel less and less like my former self."
Yet she did not dislike this change.
Fifteen minutes later, Luo Yu returned from his shower.
Seeing Ranni seated before the computer again—this time experimenting with Street Fighter 6—he asked, "Ranni, are you going to bathe? This body will get dirty after moving around all day."
She nodded without looking away from the screen. "I will, shortly. My king, do you know how to use this character?"
Luo Yu stepped closer and glanced at the training mode selection.
"Cammy? Not particularly. I play someone else. Want to try a match?"
"Yes."
After sitting down, Luo Yu exited training mode and selected Ken, the character he was most familiar with. He was no expert, but Ken suited his playstyle well.
Ranni stuck with Cammy. After considering the control options, she chose Classic Mode.
Watching their hands rest on the keyboard, Luo Yu said, "Tomorrow I'll buy two hitbox controllers. The experience will be much better. Ranni, would you prefer a hitbox or a traditional stick?"
"Is there a significant difference?"
"Let's finish this first. I'll show you afterward."
The result was unsurprising—Luo Yu won.
Though he held back, and Ranni's reflexes were sharp, she had no familiarity with Cammy's moveset. She relied mostly on instinct, simple strikes, and occasional accidental special inputs.
When Luo Yu finished the round with a decisive Shoryuken, Ranni did not appear discouraged.
Instead, she analyzed calmly.
"A one-on-one duel of wits. It requires deep mastery of one's chosen character, sharp reactions, and accurate reading of the opponent's intent. There is depth here… and considerable difficulty."
Luo Yu exited the game with a grin. "Accurate assessment. Let me show you the difference between a stick and a hitbox. Then we'll watch a high-level match."
After demonstrating the two controller types, Ranni chose the hitbox without hesitation.
Luo Yu then played a recording of an EVO Street Fighter tournament.
When it ended, Ranni's interest was piqued.
"My king, when are such competitions usually held?"
"You want to attend in person?"
At her nod, Luo Yu searched quickly.
"EVO takes place in July. There's also an Esports World Cup with Street Fighter in August. If we have time, we can go."
Stretching again, Luo Yu picked up a controller and finally launched the game he had long anticipated playing.
After watching for a while, Ranni suddenly spoke.
"My king, I will be sleeping in your room tonight, correct?"
Luo Yu froze mid-motion.
He blinked, recalling the state of the other rooms.
"…It seems there is no alternative."
Turning to look at Ranni, he considered briefly.
"If you're uncomfortable, you could return to your smaller doll body. That would avoid complications."
But Ranni shook her head and rose, heading toward the door.
"There is no need. I am your queen, after all. I will sleep here. I shall bathe first."
After she left, Luo Yu murmured to himself, "Queen… that does have a pleasant ring to it."
Smiling faintly, he resumed playing.
By eleven that night, it was time to rest.
Luo Yu shut down the computer and looked toward Ranni, who had changed into a white silk nightdress.
His heartbeat quickened.
Meeting his heated gaze, Ranni said softly, "My king, in this body, I cannot do much."
"Don't worry. I know."
Taking her hand, he led her to the bed. After pulling back the covers, he lay down and drew her gently into his arms.
"For me, simply holding you like this is already more than enough."
Ranni blinked and looked up at him.
"Yet your body seems to disagree. Your heartbeat is faster than usual… and there is a noticeable reaction."
Luo Yu shifted slightly, embarrassed. "Ahem. Natural response. I'll control it."
"My king," Ranni whispered, gazing at him steadily. "Is there anything I can do?"
Luo Yu's eyes lingered on her delicate features… before gradually settling on her inviting lips.