Thump-thump-thump-thump-thump~ Thump-thump-thump-thump-thump~ Thump-thump-thump-thump-thump~
Ahem.
Hearing the familiar video call ringtone, Lumina once again adjusted her appearance, cleared her throat, and gently tapped the screen to accept Madam Herta's incoming video call request.
After connecting, the screen went black for a moment before Madam Herta's breathtakingly beautiful face filled the screen.
Her features were exquisite, like a painted masterpiece. Purple eyes, brimming with intelligence and unfathomable depth, seemed to pierce through all the world's mysteries, comprehending them one by one.
Even through the screen, one could sense the silky softness of her brown hair. Her aura was both noble and elegant, composed yet enigmatic, radiating an inexplicable magic that drew people in against their will.
"Had enough staring? Let's get down to business," Madam Herta said coldly from the other end of the line, cutting through Lumina's reverie.
"It was my first time seeing such a stunningly beautiful being as Madam Herta. I simply couldn't resist becoming utterly captivated."
"Don't blame me, Madam Herta. You're simply too beautiful."
"I merely made a mistake that any normal person would make."
"I sincerely hope Madam Herta can forgive me."
Realizing her behavior had been impolite and highly likely to diminish Herta's favor toward her, Lumina rattled off four sentences in rapid succession, stacking buffs and immediately entering an untargetable state.
Ruan Mei's advice was deeply ingrained in her mind: When you've upset Herta, exhaust every word you know to praise her beauty.
"Enough nonsense. Let's get down to business. I'm very busy," Herta snapped.
Yet this praise technique, perfected under Ruan Mei's tutelage, utterly failed. Herta's expression remained unchanged, impervious to Lumina's compliments.
How strange, Lumina thought, feeling aggrieved. All I did was stare openly for a bit. Is that really something to get so angry about?
"Is it really my fault? You're just too beautiful! I only made a mistake anyone would have made."
"Besides, even ignoring a thousand facts, are you completely blameless?"
Lumina scoffed, activating her "no reasoning" mode.
However, Lumina had completely misjudged Herta. Far from being angry at Lumina's "unabashed" staring, Herta was actually...
Actually, in a place Lumina couldn't see, those slightly flushed earlobes hidden beneath strands of brown hair...
While Lumina was captivated and mesmerized by Herta's breathtaking beauty, Herta was equally stunned and entranced by Lumina's appearance.
The moment Lumina's flawless face appeared on her phone screen, Herta's breath caught in her throat. A profound emotion surged from the depths of her soul, compelling her to widen her eyes and stare intently at Lumina's immaculate visage.
When Herta's awareness finally returned, she realized she had been inexplicably staring at Lumina for quite some time.
Just as Herta's heart began to race and she scrambled for an explanation, she noticed Lumina on the other side of the screen seemed to be in the same flustered state.
Seeing this, the genius Herta's expression instantly turned cold.
This wasn't anger; she simply didn't want Lumina to discover her awkward situation and decided to take the initiative.
"Stop wasting time," Herta snapped. "Let's get down to business right away. I'm very busy."
Yet, at Lumina's compliment about her appearance, an unprecedented joy flashed through Herta's heart, along with an unprecedented sense of fulfillment. This was an emotion that even Ruan Mei's praise during their ten Hour System Times together had never evoked.
The reason for this emotion's emergence remained a mystery, even to the genius Herta.
Herta refused to confront this question, let alone voice it.
And when a question cannot be asked, it is destined to remain unanswered.
For the first time in her life, the genius Herta chose to evade a problem.
"Ahem, ahem." Separated by the screen, Lumina remained unaware of Herta's unusual behavior.
Feigning an air of profound wisdom, Lumina declared, "Herta, this matter... it's my secret."
"Though given our bond, my secrets are naturally yours."
"But let's be clear: if I simply told you, you'd definitely refuse."
"No, I wouldn't—"
"So, let's make a deal."
Hearing Lumina's first two sentences, Herta swiftly interrupted, attempting to disrupt Lumina's spellcasting.
But Lumina had clearly anticipated this and didn't let Herta succeed. She finished speaking before Herta could interrupt her.
Herta: ...
Herta stared blankly at Lumina, who, thick-skinned as ever, simply flashed a gentle smile, ignoring Herta's piercing gaze.
Time ticked by. After a moment, Herta said, "First, tell me the terms of this deal."
"It's simple," Lumina said, her smile enigmatic. "Just send me ten photos." Her expression revealed nothing of her true purpose.
"That's all?"
Herta was taken aback by the terms of the deal.
She had expected Lumina to make some unreasonable demand, but this was surprisingly straightforward.
To prevent Lumina from changing her mind and as a gesture of gratitude, Herta immediately sent all 49 photos from her album.
Ever since Lumina had requested her photos before, Herta had made a habit of stopping to take a few shots whenever she encountered a particularly photogenic spot.
All 49 photos were new ones taken recently.
Lumina: (★ ω ★)
Upon receiving the photos, Lumina didn't rush to view them; she simply saved them all.
"Alright, let's get down to business."
"Why would the Aeon of Abundance act outside its Path?"
Herta's expression instantly turned serious, her ears perking up, determined not to miss a single word Lumina was about to say.
Seeing this, perhaps due to the contagious nature of emotions, Lumina also grew more serious and solemn.
Under Herta's intense gaze, she slowly began to speak:
"Because..."
"I have no idea~"
"Ehehe♪"
Suddenly, Lumina abruptly shifted her tone, giggling mischievously.
"?"
Herta: (♯▼皿▼)
Herta froze for a moment, then erupted in fury.