Hidden Management Department, Underground Treatment Room.
With a beep, the grey metal door slid open automatically.
Luo Shu stepped inside and immediately spotted Kanae Kocho in a white lab coat, conversing with a grey-furred cat floating mid-air.
The moment he entered, both the woman and the cat noticed him.
"Oh? A young man I don't recognise has arrived..."
Puck said this while glancing at Lacus, who had followed Luo Shu inside.
He smiled at the sight and flew over from mid-air, landing on Luo Shu's shoulder.
Luo Shu glanced at Puck, his right hand twitching slightly as he prepared his defences, yet still allowing the cat to perch on his shoulder.
Once settled, Puck crossed his arms, his feline face filled with surprise as he looked at Luo Shu and said:
"Oh? That movement just now—were you guarding against me?"
"Relax~ In a place full of women, the sole man standing out naturally makes it easy to guess who you are~"
At this, Puck cheerfully extended a paw towards Luo Shu:
"Here's the world's most adorable Emilia's partner and adoptive father, Puck. Pleased to meet you~"
Seeing Puck's gesture, Luo Shu raised his left hand and shook the paw resting on his right shoulder.
Slender fingers met the plush feline paw, exchanging a polite shake.
After their handshake, Puck gave Luo Shu another look before saying with a chuckle:
"Apologies, but I'm about to activate a hostility-detection technique. If you'd rather not, feel free to say so now."
"Is that a lie?"
Luo Shu glanced at Puck, his expression calm and devoid of any emotion:
"Or should I say, sitting on my shoulder is proof of the technique's activation and completion?"
Puck widened his cat-like eyes slightly, sounding somewhat surprised:
"You actually noticed?"
"Impressive, young man. My Malice Detection has never failed before."
As he spoke, Puck looked at him curiously:
"Could you tell me how you sensed it?"
"Instinct!"
Luo Shu uttered the two words plainly.
"Instinct, huh?"
Puck seemed to believe Luo Shu's explanation and sighed with admiration:
"As expected of the man who established the Hidden Management Department. Truly formidable."
With that, Puck floated up again, positioning himself half a metre in front of Luo Shu, hands on his hips:
"Since I've been exposed, I'll be direct."
"Well, I did just use my own method to investigate you. As for the reason, I'm sure you can guess, right?"
"Worried I might harbour ill intent towards Emilia?" Luo Shu glanced at Puck, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. "What a devoted father."
"You'd probably be even worse if you had children of your own."
Puck crossed his paws as he spoke:
"However, according to my examination, you don't actually have any malice towards Emilia."
After a brief pause, Puck frowned thoughtfully and added: "Though there is some... lust."
"But that's perfectly normal! After all, Emilia is the absolute cutest in the world!"
Hearing this, Luo Shu's face twitched imperceptibly. He glanced at Lacus, who was stifling laughter beside him, and sighed:
"Let's skip the unnecessary remarks, Mr Puck."
"Mr? Well, that works too."
Puck continued floating mid-air, paws still crossed:
"But this isn't unnecessary at all."
"For a father like me, determining whether you pose any threat to Emilia is of utmost importance."
Luo Shu met Puck's gaze and had to admit that the depth of his concern for Emilia far exceeded that of most people—more like a biological father than a guardian.
But probing him like this? He wouldn't hold back his irritation.
"If you conduct another unauthorised investigation, I can't guarantee I won't accidentally eliminate you."
Puck let out a wry laugh at the warning:
"Message received, loud and clear."
At this point, Lacus chimed in with admiration:
"Though not Emilia's biological parent, Mr Puck's care for her surpasses that of most parents."
She then grinned teasingly: "Though I always thought Mr Puck seemed more like a mother figure."
Puck nodded in agreement, even sounding slightly regretful:
"Actually, I originally wanted Emilia to call me Mama. But she already had a foster mother by then, so I reluctantly settled for Papa."
"But such trivialities don't matter."
Puck turned mid-air, gazing at Emilia as she lay inside the CT-like machine for treatment, and mused:
"For a genderless spirit, being called father or mother makes no difference. All I want is for this child to grow up healthy and strong."
Hearing this, Luo Shu couldn't help but glance at Puck:
"So you agree with Aya Tokoyogi's idea of having Emilia join the Hidden Management Department?"
"Indeed."
Puck nodded, admitting his agreement with Aya's opinion while wagging his tail:
"Earlier, while my Lia was undergoing treatment, I went out to speak with Aya Tokoyogi. Her proposal did address my concerns."
"After all, I never approved of Emilia staying with that mad organisation, Truth Astronomy."
"At the same time, I hope to resolve the issue of Satella, the Witch of Envy, residing within this child."
"Considering recent circumstances, joining the Hidden Management Department seems an excellent choice. You are, after all, an officially recognised organisation on the mystic side. Most importantly, according to Aya Tokoyogi, you possess the capability to deal with Satella."
"So as long as you promise to guarantee Emilia's safety, I fully support her joining you."
"To me, it simply means Lia gains another guardian."
As he spoke, Puck couldn't help but glance at Lacus and suggested:
"Of course, if possible, I'd prefer if Chairwoman Lacus could serve as Emilia's guardian."
Lacus looked surprised: "Why choose me instead of Shu-kun?"
Puck's explanation was straightforward:
"I admit Lia would be very safe around Luo Shu."
"When I sat on his shoulder earlier, that intense and overwhelming Spiritual Power made me feel I might be instantly annihilated."
"In dangerous situations, Luo Shu would undoubtedly be reliable. But in safe environments... I somehow feel he might become the source of danger instead."
Then Puck quietly added:
"Hmm... the kind of danger that might give me little grandchildren."
At that moment, a soft female voice came from nearby:
"Puck, what exactly are you saying there?"
Hearing that familiar voice, Puck's cat face froze instantly.