"Stelle, you found such a grand tavern? You've got quite the eye…"
March 7th and Himeko arrived at the tavern's entrance. The former looked up at the magnificent Xianzhou-style building with a slight smile, wondering whether Stelle, that adorable little one, had prepared two rooms or three.
It's gotta be two, right? One for Himeko, and one for her and Stelle…
"W-Welcome, honored guests!"
Greeting them was a Foxian woman with long, dark green hair. She was about as tall as Himeko, with a curvaceous figure and strikingly attractive long legs. Her eyes exuded a familiar gentleness and kindness, carrying the charm of a mature woman.
At this moment, perhaps due to nervousness, her fair hands were clasped together, and her voice stumbled slightly.
"No need to be nervous. We're just here to find someone, so no need to trouble yourself," Himeko said with a gentle smile, ever understanding.
The Foxian woman hurriedly replied, "P-Please, wait a moment! You're guests from the Astral Express, right? My name is Yukong, and I'm here specifically to welcome you… In any case, your rooms are ready. I'll take you to meet your companion now!"
"Alright, thank you for the trouble," Himeko nodded lightly. "Relax, take it easy."
Yukong let out a firm "Mm!" and smiled as she led the way, her tail swishing back and forth, betraying her inner excitement.
Yukong's inner thoughts: I can't believe my first job after retirement is to host such important guests. Even Lady Huohuo personally gave me instructions. Hehe, I have to work hard and do my best to live up to her expectations!
Yukong was utterly convinced she could leave a lasting, positive impression on these two guests.
Before long, they reached the guest room area. Yukong handed them two keys. "Honored guests, your rooms are here—our finest suites."
"Miss Stelle's room is right next to Miss March 7th's. Look…"
As the three approached Stelle's room, they overheard a conversation that seemed a bit off:
"Hehe~ Miss Tingyun, looks like I finally won, huh? We agreed—the loser has to grant the winner one request~"
"Dear guest, do I seem like someone who'd go back on my word? Go ahead, tell me. Do you want this little lady to warm your bed, or… hehe~"
Outside the door, March 7th froze, then flashed a dangerous smile—one that sent chills down the spine.
Ahem. "Well, let me think… Got it! Come here~"
"Dear guest, what are you doing… Oh, how naughty! When I win, I'll get you back for this!"
"Hahahaha—come on, let's keep going!"
"…"
March 7th's fists clenched with a crack. She whipped around to Yukong. "What's going on here?!"
Yukong scratched her ear sheepishly. "That sounds like Sister Tingyun inside, doesn't it? Don't worry, she's our tavern's top hostess. She's great with people~ She gets along with all kinds of guests."
March 7th gritted her teeth. "I know that, but does this conversation sound right to you?"
Yukong blinked innocently. "Huh? They sound like they're having fun, don't they? Even in our tavern, it's rare to hear such joyful laughter. Usually, only couples in love laugh like that…"
March 7th: o(≧口≦)o
It was then that they noticed Stelle's door was slightly ajar, which explained why the voices carried so clearly.
March 7th fumed. What kind of fox spirit doesn't even close the door while flirting?! This is too much—argh!
I have to save my precious Stelle!
With that thought, March 7th stormed toward the room, ignoring any attempts to stop her, and flung the door open. What she saw left her utterly stunned—
Stelle and Tingyun sat facing each other, each holding a hand of cards. A paper strip was stuck to Tingyun's forehead, fluttering in the breeze.
Stelle, dressed in a short-sleeved shirt and barefoot on the bed, was drawing a card from Tingyun's hand when March 7th barged in…
"?"
"March, you're here just in time!" Stelle said, her face lighting up with delight. "Come join us—this kind of game is way more fun with more people!"
March 7th: A question mark slowly floated above March 7th's head. She quickly regained her composure, coughing lightly and pretending nothing was wrong. "Uh… yeah, just got here."
Stelle: ??? Who asked you that?
"So… what were you guys doing just now?" March 7th asked.
Stelle showed her the deck of cards, saying earnestly, "We're playing 'Turtle'!"
"You discard pairs of matching numbers, and whoever's left with a King and an Eight at the end is the Turtle!" Stelle tilted her head, curious. "March, have you played this before?"
"Uh… no, I haven't."
March 7th let out a slow breath of relief in her mind. Phew, good, her first blood's still safe.
Ugh, Stelle, can you tone down that charm of yours that makes everyone like you?! Can't you just stick to me?
"Hehe, young people sure have energy," Himeko said with a light laugh. "Alright, you go play with Miss Tingyun for now. March and I will head to our rooms to settle in…"
"No."
March 7th cut Himeko off. "Sister Himeko, you go rest in your room. I'll stay and play with Stelle for a bit."
Himeko's gaze swept over Stelle, March 7th, and Tingyun, and a knowing smile crossed her face. "Alright then, you all have fun. I'll go get settled."
"Miss Yukong, shall we?"
"Oh, yes! This way, please!"
After seeing the two off, Stelle turned to March 7th. "March, don't you need to rest early today? I bet you've had a long day. How about…"
"No need!"
March 7th bent down, slipped off her little leather shoes, and climbed onto Stelle's bed, saying matter-of-factly, "Your place is pretty spacious anyway. I'll just sleep here when I'm tired."
Stelle: ??? Not even pretending anymore?!
Though Stelle knew, with her succubus-like charisma, this day was bound to come sooner or later, she hadn't expected it to arrive so quickly. Ugh, I'm not ready to give in just yet!
The three reshuffled the deck and started drawing cards again. As they did, March 7th casually asked, "Oh, right, Stelle, what were you about to say earlier? You know, the part after 'I bet you've had a long day'?"
Stelle scratched her head, a bit embarrassed. "Uh… I was gonna say, if you're too tired, I could give you a shoulder massage or a back rub, then lull you to sleep."
March 7th fell silent.
…Did I miss out that badly?