Although that thought lingered in his heart, Han Feng didn't speak it aloud.
How could he ask someone to be his maid the moment she walked in?
It was better to let her first experience the wonders of the manga shop.
With that in mind, Han Feng smiled and said:
"Welcome, Miss Noelle. Here, you will have the chance to obtain all kinds of abilities.
One day, you will surely join the Knights of Favonius and wear the armor that symbolizes glory!"
"Really? I… I could actually do that?"
Hearing Han Feng's words, Noelle asked excitedly.
Though she was a maid now, she had always carried a dream since childhood—
to become a knight of the Favonius Knights!
It was precisely because of this lofty dream that, even without a knight's title,
she still studied knightly etiquette and conduct diligently.
And yet, her progress always seemed limited.
Just this morning, she had heard the rumors about this manga shop,
a place said to be able to change one's destiny.
Her curiosity piqued, she found Venti and, with his help,
finally arrived here.
"Of course. In these mangas lie countless miraculous powers—anything you desire can be found within them."
Han Feng nodded with a gentle smile.
In his eyes, Noelle becoming a Knight of Favonius was only a matter of time.
The only thing holding her back was some lack of ability.
That was exactly what could be made up for here.
Strength, cooking, or other skills—
she could improve in every aspect.
Though Han Feng also thought that if she stayed long enough,
she might not even want to join the Knights anymore.
"That's wonderful!"
Hearing his words, Noelle was overjoyed.
Seeing how happily Noelle and Han Feng were chatting, completely ignoring him,
Venti could only sigh helplessly.
So that's why he wanted me to put in a good word for him…
Well, now the answer was obvious.
The Meicoomon at his feet, sensing its master's feelings, let out a long sigh too.
"Boss, do you have any mangas now? Maybe that one, Cooking Master Boy?"
Having smelled the fragrance of dumplings earlier and hearing about the golden fried rice,
Noelle was now extremely eager for that cooking manga.
She couldn't wait to learn its recipes herself.
But Han Feng shook his head.
"You came at just the wrong time. The shop is full—there's not a single manga left."
"Eh?"
Noelle and Venti were both taken aback and turned toward the reading area.
Sure enough, seven or eight people were already seated there,
each holding a manga, occasionally making odd noises as they read.
"She's here too?!"
Venti's gaze fell on La Signora in the corner, and his brows furrowed slightly.
Sensing his glance, Signora turned around.
"Who's this guy?" she muttered, then shook her head and returned to her book.
Venti rubbed his nose awkwardly.
Was it fortunate or unfortunate that she didn't recognize him?
Han Feng noticed this scene as well.
"With the story having shifted, I wonder if the part where Venti loses his Gnosis will still happen."
He thought to himself.
"I'll just wait a while, then."
Noelle said considerately.
"No need. Eula should be done by now."
Han Feng gestured behind her.
Noelle turned and indeed saw Eula walking over with a manga in hand.
Eula even greeted her politely.
"Just as I told you, right? Pretty special, isn't it?"
Han Feng teased as she set the manga down on the counter.
"It is pretty special."
Eula's expression looked complicated.
At first, she had been shocked by the hero's overly cautious personality.
When buying equipment, others would take one or two sets at most.
But this guy bought three!
One to use, one for backup, and another as backup in case the backup went missing.
Utterly absurd.
And when going out to slay a slime,
he started off with a move equivalent to splitting the atom!
It was like Raiden Shogun using Musou no Hitotachi just to kill a slime.
Pure overkill.
But as she read on, she began to understand.
In his past, Seiya Ryuuguuin's recklessness had caused the death of his lover and their unborn child.
From that day on, he etched caution into his very soul.
Even if it drew ridicule,
even if it meant facing the Demon Lord alone with little hope of victory—
he would still do it, just to protect his friends.
The earlier the story was comedic, the later it became gut-wrenching.
It left Eula's stomach in knots.
Thankfully, the ending was still good,
which lightened her mood somewhat.
Just then—
System Notification:
[Customer Eula finished reading Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered but Overly Cautious and received the reward—Combo Sword!]
[Combo Sword: Aldeira's ultimate technique, a super-speed skill that surpasses human limits!]
"This reward is interesting."
Han Feng stroked his chin thoughtfully.
Unlike the other sword-wielding women in Teyvat,
Eula used a claymore.
Its destructive power was unquestionable—
one strike could devastate an enemy.
But it had one obvious flaw:
speed.
Now, with Aldeira's Combo Sword, that flaw was perfectly patched.
Almost like watching Garen with pure attack speed items,
swinging away like crazy.
Han Feng was starting to look forward to it.
"Boss, what's my reward?"
Eula asked nervously.
She knew rewards were random,
but she really didn't want something like Seiya's pathological cautiousness.
Just imagining hesitating before fighting a slime made her shudder—
especially as a claymore user!
"Relax, you'll love it."
Han Feng said with a calm smile.
Buzz—
A radiant light descended, enveloping Eula.
In that instant, a new sword technique imprinted itself into her mind.
"Boss, what is this?"
Eula asked, puzzled.
"The Combo Sword. Aldeira's ultimate technique—
a super-speed skill that lets you exceed human movement limits!"
Han Feng explained.
"So it's her!"
Recognition lit up in Eula's eyes.
Though Aldeira had always looked sickly and disheveled,
once dressed properly, she radiated an unexpected elegance.
And she had taught Seiya her technique in the story.
Eula was very satisfied with this reward.
Her one frustration had always been her attack speed—
and now, that gap was filled.
Watching from the side, Noelle felt a twinge of envy.
So easily, she had gained such a powerful ability.
If she read one too, wouldn't the same happen to her?
Her impression of the manga shop rose another notch.
This really was an extraordinary place!
"Now that a copy's free, do you want to try it? It's quite an amusing manga."
Han Feng picked up Cautious Hero and offered it to Noelle.
"Again…"
Eula muttered, her mouth twitching.
"A very amusing manga? But Mr. Venti…"
Noelle hesitated. After all, Venti was still waiting too.
She didn't want to cut in line.
"Don't worry, Venti's used to being a salted fish. You don't need to mind him."
Han Feng waved dismissively.
"This… is that so?"
Noelle glanced at Venti uncertainly.
Venti's lips twitched.
Sure, he was thinking the same thing—
but Boss, did you have to say it out loud?!
So embarrassing!
"Ahem, yes. I… I still have to duel Miss Eula later anyway, so you go ahead first."
Venti quickly found himself a suitable excuse.
"Duel?"
Eula perked up, curious.
A fight? Perfect!
She had just gotten the Combo Sword and hadn't tested it yet.
Venti shook his head.
"Not exactly a fight in the usual sense, but like this…"
Shing!
A crisp sound rang out as a sleek duel disk materialized on his left arm.
"Miss Eula, I challenge you to a duel!"
~~--------------------------
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