"Luheng… yeah, before getting to know him, he really does make people feel pressured."
Paimon probably understood Nahida's feelings the best.
Because back then, she had also been terrified of Luheng.
It took her a lot of mental preparation before she dared approach him. Otherwise, even now she'd probably still be scared of him.
"So what?"
Luheng shrugged and said casually, "You guys just overthink. Being wary at first is only natural."
"Hehe, but once you get used to him, you'll find out Luheng is actually super nice!"
Paimon smiled and gave him a big thumbs up. "Seriously, boss, you're the best person ever!"
"Oh?"
Luheng raised a brow, eyes full of amusement, gesturing for her to continue.
And sure enough, Paimon launched into a flood of rainbow-colored compliments.
Lumine stood to the side, arms crossed, watching Paimon with narrowed eyes.
Paimon's face was dead serious as she kept showering Luheng with praise, finally concluding:
"Boss Luheng is the easiest person in the world to get along with—and the best person too!"
"That's true," Lumine admitted.
"I'm just an ordinary guy."
Luheng shook his head with a chuckle. "Anyway, let's let Nahida rest for a while. We'll head out."
"I'll stay with her." Greater Lord Rukkhadevata smiled gently.
She worried that if Nahida woke and didn't see her, the child might think she'd left again.
And for such a fragile heart, that misunderstanding would be unbearable.
"That works."
Luheng nodded. "We'll go see if there's anything that needs our help."
Rukkhadevata was back in charge—Sumeru was her domain.
But as her husband, Luheng felt he should keep trouble away from her. Otherwise, if she got too busy with work, she wouldn't have time for herself.
That was unacceptable.
If anyone wanted Sumeru to flourish now, it was Luheng.
And if it flourished, the best outcome would be that Rukkhadevata didn't have to lift a finger.
Deep in thought, Luheng led Lumine and Paimon out to the open space before the gates of the Sanctuary of Surasthana.
From here they could see far—rolling forests, hills and valleys, all forming a stunning landscape.
Leaning against the railing, Luheng smiled. "Why didn't you seize that perfect chance just now to crank up the heat for your stream?"
"Better not."
Lumine shook her head. "Public's one thing, but the Sanctuary is someone's home."
"Haha."
Luheng laughed lightly, then asked, "How's streaming going? I checked—your income's looking pretty solid."
At this, Paimon instantly perked up.
Lumine's popularity was natural, and once she turned on her goofy chaotic mode, her numbers skyrocketed.
These days, people held tight to their money. Few would throw gifts in streams without feeling it was worth it.
Which meant you had to provide real value.
And Lumine had nailed it.
Just yesterday, her stream brought in five million in gifts!
Even if that number didn't stay consistent, the income was already massive.
"Pretty good," Lumine said softly, hands resting on the railing as she looked into the distance.
Whenever Luheng mentioned her streams, she grew self-conscious.
She didn't know why—she wasn't ashamed if friends saw it. But when it came to Luheng, she felt flustered.
"Still carrying that mental burden?"
Seeing how she avoided eye contact, Luheng shook his head. "I'm serious. I really do understand you."
"…Really?"
Her heart tightened. She hesitated, then whispered, "If you were in my shoes—your quiet friend suddenly shows a completely different side… would you really understand that?"
"Why not?"
Luheng chuckled. "It's just switching states—from quiet to outgoing. I have different states too."
"You do…?" Lumine looked surprised.
"Of course."
He rested his hands on the railing, gazing into the distance with a faintly nostalgic look. "Think back to when we first met. Didn't I give off an untouchable, godlike aura?"
"Kind of!"
Paimon nodded quickly. "You always seemed so calm and kind, like you'd never even raise your voice. I couldn't imagine you cursing someone out!"
"Exactly."
Luheng smiled. "See? Nothing shameful about having another side. Personally, I think your streaming self is pretty fun. Honestly, I watch your streams too—sometimes in incognito, sometimes on a small account."
"You—you actually watch?!"
Lumine's heart jumped into her throat. Her wide eyes locked on him, but his gentle smile showed he was completely sincere.
Her streams… he really did enjoy them.
"Then why use a small account or hide?" she asked softly.
"Because I don't want to interfere with your flow." He chuckled. "If I showed up in chat, you'd definitely hold back. And then I wouldn't get to see the real you."
"You're just trying to laugh at me!" Lumine lowered her head, biting her lip, cheeks red.
"I never thought that."
His tone grew serious. "I just don't want you to restrict yourself because of me. Nobody should live for someone else. The best life is the one where you're comfortable, without pressure. If I can help lift that weight, I will."
"Mm… I-I just…"
"Aha."
Paimon grinned, cutting in. "In other words, Boss Luheng matters way more to you than the audience does. You don't care what strangers think—but when it's him, you want him to see the pretty, gentle Lumine, not the chaotic gremlin!"
"Shut—up!"
Lumine's face flamed. She grabbed Paimon, covering her mouth, glaring furiously.
"Dimples!"
Luheng laughed so hard he nearly doubled over. "So I really do matter to you, huh?"
"Cough, cough!"
Lumine, red as a beet, turned away with Paimon in her arms, whispering darkly in her ear: "You're dead."
But when she looked back, she wore a shy, downcast expression.
Paimon was stunned.
This girl could switch faces faster than flipping pages!
"So…"
Gathering her courage, Lumine asked softly, "You can accept such a huge contrast?"
"Why wouldn't I?"
Luheng smiled faintly. "You know me—I can accept anything."
Lumine froze.
The way he spoke—exactly like how she did when streaming!
His lofty, divine aura suddenly collapsed, replaced by something approachable.
To Lumine, it was as if a god had stepped down from the clouds, close enough to touch.
"You…" She could hardly believe it.
"Surprised?" He spread his hands, grinning. "If I really let myself, you wouldn't be able to handle it."
"Boss Luheng, you… you don't even sound like yourself," Paimon muttered, wide-eyed.
"Being awed by gods is normal," he said with a knowing smile.
"Pfft—"
Lumine burst out laughing. His words eased the last of the pressure in her chest.
"Fine, fine."
Paimon clicked her tongue. "He wasn't kidding—if he got into streaming, you'd be doomed."
"Shut up!"
Lumine snorted proudly, hands on her hips. "No matter how hard he tries, he can't beat raw talent. And I'm both talented and hardworking! I'd crush him any day!"
"Six-six-six!" Paimon gasped in mock awe.
"Guess I'll have to give you an award," Luheng teased. "Feeling more relaxed now?"
"Mm." Lumine nodded, visibly relieved. His attitude lifted a huge weight from her shoulders.
He didn't mock—he supported her. He even lowered his own image to ease her heart.
Though she kept her head down, the faint curve of her lips betrayed her joy.
"Don't say this state is—"
"Shh! Not a word!" Lumine's reflexes kicked in. She glared daggers at Paimon.
Paimon only shrugged. "Guess I'm gagged."
"You're in for it tonight," Luheng said sympathetically.
"Hmph… I'm not scared!" Paimon declared, hands on hips. "Beating someone into submission with fists only works on the outside. Real victory is when they submit inside too!"
"Bold words." Luheng gave her a thumbs-up.
"That's me!" Paimon beamed.
Lumine rolled her eyes. "I'm done with you."
"Shall we go stroll through Sumeru City?" Luheng asked.
"Sure." Lumine agreed happily, stepping forward with light strides.
"Ehhh~"
Paimon trailed behind, dramatically sniffing the air.
"You little—!" Lumine whirled, cheeks red, glaring in embarrassment.
"Hehe." Paimon only laughed harder. "Doesn't matter what happens, I'll always support you!"
After all, if Lumine clung to Luheng's thigh, then by extension, Paimon had backing too.
…
[Your followed streamer 'Lumine' is now live!]
Viewers, anxious from her earlier disconnect, flooded into the room.
And froze.
What was this? The chaotic gremlin streamer… walking beside Mr. Luheng?
'No way. Why is she so soft and girlish around him?!'
'Get off her, you bastard! That's my Lumine!'
'Wait, is she… blushing?!'
"Don't panic, guys," Paimon said slyly into the mic. "Boss agreed I could stream for now. That girl in front? Just some random water-friend. We don't know her."
'666! Paimon stole the stream!'
'Spill the tea, Paimon! What's really going on here?!'
'So the rumors of Lumine crushing on Luheng… weren't jokes?!'
'Brothers, record this now. Save the blackmail material for later!'
Paimon grinned wickedly. "Time fades memories. But photos and recordings? They make them crystal clear. So, take your screenshots now. Next time she flips into chaos mode, just ask her: Hey streamer, who's that girl?'"
The chat went wild.
…
Meanwhile, in the Abyss Order.
Aether's brows furrowed as he stared at the live feed.
He always kept track of Lumine's streams, but now—what the hell was this?!
His sister, voice so soft, brushing her hair aside shyly… What did that mean?!
"This is my sister?"
Aether pointed at the screen in disbelief.
Even the Abyss Herald was stunned.
From what he'd seen before, Lumine had no trace of girlishness—just pure chaos, like a dependable bro.
But now? He didn't understand anymore.
"Uh… probably?" the Herald tried to answer.
Aether clutched his head in horror.
Worse than her split personalities was the realization gnawing at him—
The viewers weren't joking when they said Lumine liked Luheng.
They were serious.
His face darkened, fists clenched.
Even if Luheng was handsome, kind, powerful—Aether only saw one thing: a damn pig trying to steal his cabbage!
No.
It wasn't that.
The cabbage had walked to the pig on its own!
"How could this happen?!"
Aether roared, his voice echoing through the chamber. "I should never have let Lumine get close to him!!!"
But no matter how much he shouted, he had no way to stop it.
Finally, he slumped into a chair, despair washing over him.
Quietly, the Abyss Herald snapped a photo and posted it to his private circle, blocking Aether from seeing.
[Prince Aether is furious over his powerless struggle to stop his sister. Things are getting smashed everywhere. Best not to provoke him right now.]
A reply soon came:
[Poor prince. In the end, he can't do a thing.]
…
Half a day passed.
Nahida finally stirred awake. Her eyes fluttered open—and upon seeing Rukkhadevata, her heart settled.
But almost instantly, panic flickered across her face as she searched around nervously.
"He's not here," Rukkhadevata said gently. "Why are you so afraid of him?"
"He… he's terrifying!"
The memory of that day's horror still haunted her, leaving deep scars.
It made her realize more clearly than ever—gods were nothing more than beings who wielded power.
"Don't be afraid."
Rukkhadevata rested her chin in her palm, smiling softly. "He's my beloved. He won't hurt you. Or Sumeru."
"…Eh?"
Nahida blinked in shock.
The great Rukkhadevata… actually had someone she loved?
--------
T/N:
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