Chapter 130: The Obligations a Girlfriend Should Fulfill
After hearing Aeron's words, Zani's face underwent a series of expressions—surprise, confusion, then turning into resignation, amusement, and something deeper.
Her ears seemed a bit red, but it wasn't very noticeable.
"Huh? Your reaction is way too calm."
"Given your personality, if you say something like that, it definitely shouldn't be taken at face value."
Truly Aeron's good partner, she summed up his impure intentions in one sentence.
"But this time I'm serious, don't think of me as too bad."
"So that's why you made Second Young Lady so sad during Carnevale?"
"As long as it's not discovered, then whatever you do doesn't matter."
"..."
"No one would say something like that to their boyfriend, right?"
"Why didn't you acknowledge this identity before?"
Zani stared intently at Aeron, her face slightly flushed, whether from the alcohol or because Aeron's words had indeed carried some impact.
And... her tail seemed rather unruly too, wagging vigorously, but let's not dwell on that for now.
"Let's not worry about all that nonsense, anyway I really need your help, Zani, please!"
"Then let's hear what you have to say."
After receiving Zani's permission, Aeron finally relaxed and honestly explained the meaning behind his earlier words.
As Ciaccona becomes an idol, it also means her opportunities for public appearances will increase—concerts, promotional events, and possibly tours to other regions.
Her skills aren't lacking, her personality is good too, wherever she goes, she'll surely gain others' affection and favor.
But while being remembered by some, it also means she might be targeted by others.
As a producer, Aeron would naturally do everything to protect her, but now the only thing he can offer is Satanael, and even that only unleashes the power it showed in Avinoleum when triggered by Dark Tide for special attacks.
Ultimately, he himself is still an ordinary person without Resonance Power, lacking the formidable strength like Rover or Zani.
And Zani deeply understands this, since she previously practiced on Aeron.
"So, you need a bodyguard?"
"And not just a regular bodyguard."
Sufficiently professional, sufficiently team-oriented, not conspicuous, with ample experience, capable of planning ahead and handling emergencies decisively.
"And also, someone I'm willing to entrust with trust."
Zani's tail finally stopped wagging, her red pupils reflecting Aeron's earnest face.
"Every time," she began, her voice lower than before, "every time you want to deceive with lies, you look this serious."
Hearing Zani's words, Aeron blinked.
"Why would I deceive you, I'm really serious. Whether it's Carlotta's side or Averardo's future, if you agree, no matter the method, I'll find a way to transfer you over. I guarantee the salary won't be worse than now, the work content suits you, and..."
"And I can see you more often?" Zani took over the words, her tone teasing but her eyes soft.
"That's one of the benefits," Aeron admitted quite frankly.
Zani let out a soft "hmph," picked up her wine glass, but didn't drink. Instead, she gazed at the amber liquid inside. The tip of her tail swayed gently again, this time in a slow, relaxed rhythm.
"Do you know what that sounds like?" she asked.
"Like a capitalist's sugar-coated bullet?" Aeron ventured.
"Like the cheesy lines of a domineering CEO in a romance novel," Zani corrected, then looked up at him. "Have you fried your brain from staying up too much lately?"
"Then it's all the more reason for you to come and keep an eye on me."
"I'm expensive, and I have many demands. If you can't afford it when the time comes, I won't let you off easily."
"If I didn't have the guts, I wouldn't be saying this."
After all, from the very beginning, it was precisely this reckless courage that had brought Aeron to where he was now.
As the saying goes, "with many debts, one more doesn't weigh you down." Besides, Aeron had no one to rely on in this world anyway. If things really went south, he could always just run away.
He was immortal, after all. As long as he lived, good things would happen—though in his previous life, he hadn't lived long enough to witness them.
Zani's finger traced slow circles along the rim of her glass, her gaze lowered as she considered Aeron's proposal.
There was only one word she could use to describe it—fantastical.
Zani was the best employee at Averardo Bank, and while maintaining that status, she also had a personal invitation from Carlotta to collaborate with the Montelli.
To give up that identity and throw herself into a project with an uncertain future... Anyone would describe it that way.
"Hmph."
At this thought, Zani chuckled.
Fantastical, but it was exactly the kind of thing this man would say.
"I'm very particular about my work environment. It has to be quiet, the coffee freshly ground, and overtime must be scheduled in advance. Most importantly..."
She paused, lifting her eyes. Her crimson gaze now held an unusual softness.
"No more nearly killing yourself without a word, like before."
"Deal."
"I haven't agreed yet."
"You haven't refused either."
Hearing Aeron's reply, Zani smiled, picked up her glass, and downed the remaining fruit wine in one go. She set the glass down, took a napkin, and dabbed the corner of her mouth.
"Full?" she asked.
"Yeah."
"Let's go, then."
Zani stood up and naturally picked up the coat draped over the back of her chair. Aeron followed, and the two walked out of the restaurant one after the other.
The streets of Ragunna at night were quiet, with streetlamps casting dim yellow circles of light on the ground. The early autumn breeze carried a chill. Zani put on her coat, while Aeron tugged his hat lower.
"Shall I walk you back?" he asked.
Zani stopped, turning to look at him. The night softened her outline slightly, but her eyes remained sharp.
"Do you have plans tonight?"
"Not really," Aeron rubbed the back of his neck. "Just heading back to the mansion to revise the proposal some more and figure out how to report to Carlotta about poaching you."
"Do that tomorrow," Zani said matter-of-factly, as if stating the most ordinary truth. "Tonight, you're coming to my place."
"But I have to—"
"Waking up early and staying up all night are two different things." Zani interrupted him, taking half a step forward. The distance between them closed until they could feel each other's breath. She looked up at him, her voice softening slightly.
"Because someone doesn't know how to take care of themselves properly, I have to fulfill my duties as a girlfriend."
"Aren't you working tomorrow, may I ask?"
"It's fine, I'll make it in time. Perfect attendance isn't that appealing to me anymore." Zani paused, then added, "Besides, I have all those things at my place too."
"What things?"
"Hangover remedies, energy boosters, and..." She moved closer to Aeron, so near that he could smell the faint aroma of fruit wine on her and a subtle, elusive scent that was uniquely hers. "What you need."
"...Isn't this considered abusing your position for personal gain?"
"Maybe it is." Zani admitted frankly, then added, "And..."
She hesitated, her gaze drifting to the side, the tips of her ears turning even redder in the night, revealing a shy expression Aeron had never seen before.
"This time... you'll be on top."
"Let's go!"