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Tingyun's body was immobilized by numerous steel plates, wrapped heavily in bandages, and fitted with a neck brace. She looked at Bochang, speechless.
If possible, she didn't want to return in such a manner, startling everyone.
Tingyun didn't want to return in such a startling manner.
Natasha stepped forward and said, "Mr. Bochang, last time you left in haste, I couldn't properly express my gratitude. This time...why don't you stay for breakfast before leaving? It's already prepared."
"Alright," Bochang agreed without hesitation.
He had been informed well ahead of the pioneer team's arrival. Natasha anticipated this visit and arranged for a lavish table of dishes beforehand.
While not quite as exquisite as the fare at Qlipoth Fort, these meals showcased the unique flavors of the Underworld district. Even Bailu, experiencing these dishes for the first time, couldn't help but exclaim with delight.
At the same table, Seele, unusually bashful—a glimpse reminiscent of her White form—caught Bochang's attention, prompting him to steal a few glances.
Noticing this from across the table, March 7th subtly kicked him underfoot.
"What are you doing..."
Bochang knew immediately who was kicking him and swiftly shot a puzzled look back.
March 7th turned slightly, showing no intention of responding verbally.
Bochang began to understand.
In that instant...
A mischievous idea sprouted in his mind.
So, he glanced again at Seele.
The blue-haired girl, focused on enjoying her meal, remained oblivious, her antenna-like hair twitching, completely unaware of the subtle drama unfolding nearby.
March 7th swiftly kicked towards him.
Well-prepared, Bochang caught her foot with his Invisible Hand. Then, extending his own hand, he gently removed her shoe and tickled the sole through her thin sock.
March 7th's feet were not very large. With just a light touch, her five plump toes curled like pearls contracting inward.
Shielded by the table, Bochang wasn't concerned about others noticing his actions.
A sudden blush stained March 7th's fair cheeks, making her look exceptionally adorable.
Unrelenting, Bochang continued to playfully tease, savoring the warm texture of her skin beneath his fingers.
March 7th remained silent, enduring it quietly.
"March, are you feeling unwell?" Stelle asked, concern evident on her face.
March 7th's body trembled slightly as she replied, "No...nothing's wrong. It might be due to the day-night reversal; I'm just having trouble adjusting for now. Don't worry about me..."
Xianzhou Luofu's daytime corresponded to Jarilo VI's nighttime. March 7th's explanation had some merit.
However...
Stelle keenly sensed that something was being kept from her.
"Ever since this morning, March has seemed a bit off. What exactly happened? Could Bochang have upset her somehow? Their relationship feels somewhat strange too..." Stelle pondered, tilting her head in confusion.
Noticing the gray-haired girl's growing suspicions, Bochang decided to let March 7th off momentarily.
The pink-haired girl felt relieved, as if granted amnesty.
"Tsk... It seems that after our relationship grew closer, triggering the system has become much harder," Bochang muttered to himself.
Previously, any intimate actions with March 7th or Stelle would almost invariably prompt the system options. But now, it no longer happened. Perhaps intimacy had become routine for them.
With Stelle, casual kisses and hugs were commonplace.
And March 7th?
She was ever warm-hearted, reciprocating his affection abundantly.
Although they hadn't yet crossed certain boundaries,
their interactions were already more thrilling than one might expect upon doing so.
Bochang's heart stirred slightly, grateful that the Phantylia-induced hallucinations in his mind had subsided; otherwise, it could have further fueled the situation.
Speaking of...
That Eyes of Charm skill is truly potent. With just one use, it made Phantylia scream incessantly for hours until she finally succumbed and passed out. If her stamina hadn't given way,
who knows how long she would have continued shrieking inside his head.
"I must be careful not to misuse the Eyes of Charm..." Bochang savored his meal leisurely, pondering these thoughts.
Strangely, he began to worry about Sophia.
"Hope she's alright..."
After breakfast, the group returned to Tingyun's side.
Bochang said, "March, Stelle, you two should go back with Tingyun. I still have some minor matters to attend to in Belobog."
"What kind of matters?" March 7th furrowed her brow slightly.
Glancing at her, Bochang reassured, "Don't worry about that."
"I think..." Stelle began.
Before she could finish, March 7th covered her mouth and said, "No, you don't want to."
"The young lady here wants to stay in Belobog for some fun; it seems quite interesting."
Bailu wagged her tail enthusiastically.
March 7th and Stelle's gazes simultaneously focused on the dragon girl, taking note of her sincere eyes.
Their resolve wavered slightly.
Stelle reached out and gently patted Bailu's head. "Alright then, Bailu will keep Bochang company here while March 7th, Tingyun, and I return to Xianzhou Luofu."
March 7th felt something was off but, upon consideration, decided it wasn't too concerning.
Thus, she agreed, "It's up to you both; I don't mind. However... Bochang, don't stay too long playing around. The Aerial Division Helmsman has invited us to attend the Spirit Consoling Ceremony..."
"Don't worry, I know," Bochang replied casually with a wave of his hand.
Their relationship had deepened further, bringing both advantages and potential drawbacks.
In the past, March 7th might not have easily let Bochang wander alone and could have chosen to accompany him instead. This likely would have triggered a chain reaction, leading even Stelle to remain behind.
But now...
March 7th seemed considerably more relaxed, perhaps thinking she had already thoroughly exhausted Bochang's attention.
As March 7th, Stelle, and Tingyun disappeared amidst a burst of white light, Bochang finally left with Bailu.
Before departing, he naturally bid farewell to Natasha and Seele.
Bochang headed straight for the Robot Settlement, remaining within Belo's Lower District.
His purpose was to deliver a gift to Clara.
Earlier, he had drawn a pair of exceptionally soft, long white stockings, which seemed perfect to give to her.
It didn't take long for Bochang to reach the Robot Settlement.
The place had changed significantly since his last visit. Once home to many vagrants, it now housed even more residents. Some had even constructed wooden houses, giving the area a clear semblance of a burgeoning small town.
All these developments were due to Svarog and The Architects opening the connection between Upper and Lower Districts, making this location the sole transportation hub.
As commonly known, economics thrive on circulation. Anyplace serving as a key transit point will gradually prosper over time. It wouldn't be surprising if, before long, a brand new town emerged near the Robot Settlement, and who knows, Clara might even become its mayor...
Currently, as Bochang and Bailu walked along the streets, they could hear whispers about something called the "Clara Protection Association" and other peculiar phrases.
The silver-haired, red-eyed little girl held significant renown here.
Perhaps luck was on their side; without much searching, Bochang found Clara distributing supplies to a group of vagrants.
Everyone formed neat and orderly lines.
Not a single person dared to disrupt the order.