Bai Luan covered the Herta Puppet's mouth to silence her, lest she continue to say shocking things.
The moment Bai Luan climbed out from behind the bar, squatted down, and covered her mouth, the puppet, who had entered a sleepwalking state, immediately hugged him tightly like an octopus.
Bai Luan: ...Isn't this behavior outside the scope of program restrictions?
Did this the drink even help her break through restrictions?
Alright, at least it's better than her continuing to speak carelessly.
He glanced at Stelle.
The thought that she had heard everything made him feel like his social life was over.
Stelle seemed to read his mind and patted her chest, assuring him:
"Don't worry, Uncle, I won't tell anyone. It'll be our secret."
"…"
Rather than you keeping it a secret, I'd prefer you hadn't heard it at all!
Sigh, why is it always me who suffers whenever the Herta Puppet drinks a special concoction?
『I know why!
Because Galgame is just like that!』
Then I ask you!
Is reality a Galgame!?
Are there dialogue boxes?
Are there dialogue options?
『You know, I can add dialogue boxes for you』
————Bai Luan————
...
—————————————
How can this dialogue box make a comeback!
『Do you want me to add some dialogue options for you?』
No... you're truly...
Bai Luan looked at the dialogue box that appeared before him, now truly experiencing the helplessness Sparkle felt when facing him.
Perhaps playing tricks on people is a cycle—today's prankster will eventually become tomorrow's joke.
But... there's one thing he absolutely had to say.
System,
You fellow,
At least watch some proper Galgame!
『None of your business?
Love to play, fun to play』
This guy... is probably beyond saving.
Bai Luan's helpless expression towards the System was seen by Stelle, who was unaware of the situation.
She thought he was still upset about what had just happened, so she stepped forward, patted his back, and comforted him:
"Uncle, don't be sad. Actually, this doesn't affect your image that much."
Doesn't affect it that much?
Bai Luan looked at Stelle, curious how she would explain.
"Actually, everyone knows you two are usually like this."
Stelle blinked.
"They just pretend don't know."
Are you here to comfort me, or to twist the knife?
In that instant, a complex emotional change flashed in Bai Luan's eyes:
First, the shock of "Holy crap, is that for real?" then the surprise of "So this is how everyone usually sees me?" and finally, it settled on the resignation of "My life is over."
Aha: Sparkle left too early. After being entertained for half a day, just when there was finally some fun to watch, she left. Haha, isn't that also a fool?
Stelle watched the wonderful changes in his expression from the side, almost unable to resist applauding.
As expected of Uncle, his expression management could definitely be in a textbook!
"Hmm... I think Bai Luan is probably dead (socially)."
Just then, the effect of the special drink faded, and the Herta Puppet, who had been acting drunk, sobered up.
She raised her head in confusion, found herself hugging Bai Luan, and a hint of perplexity flashed in her eyes, but it quickly vanished.
The Herta Puppet quickly lowered her head, and Bai Luan felt her hug tighten.
Herta extended her "Herta's big hand" and powerfully pulled her off Bai Luan.
Subsequently, Herta and the Herta Puppet began to stare at each other, as if a great battle was about to erupt in the air.
Oh no, these two aren't actually going to fight, are they?
Herta and the Herta Puppet themselves didn't care, but Bai Luan didn't know what to do.
According to his underlying code, he should help Herta in such a situation—but what if both sides are Herta?
Bai Luan's underlying code produced an error.
What kind of trolley problem knock-off is this... Just as Bai Luan's overclocked brain was rapidly working to find a solution, he heard Herta speak:
"Your ideas are quite good. List this matter on the daily task schedule, treat it as official business, and report the results of your consideration to me later."
...Huh?
What does "Herta learning training methods from the Herta Puppet and then using them on Bai Luan" mean?
What has happened to this world?
The Herta Puppet nodded:
"No problem."
"What? Disappointed that we didn't fight?"
Herta turned to look at Bai Luan, and seeing his bewildered expression, she couldn't help but laugh.
She put one hand on her hip and said:
"There are no ranks among Hertas, only differences in ability.
Perhaps the puppet and I might clash over who is Herta, but we won't clash over your liking for Herta—after all, they are all Herta."
The Herta Puppet nodded in agreement from the side:
"I believe every Herta would want to do that."
Herta glanced at her and added:
"But after returning to the Space Station, the necessary restriction programs will still be added."
The Herta Puppet froze, her eyes filled with the question, "We just reached a consensus, why are you backstabbing me?"
"One thing at a time."
Herta waved her hand indifferently, and after meeting her gaze, she showed a victorious smile.
"Adding programs for you and letting you discuss that matter are not in conflict. If you don't accept it..."
She paused.
"Then just bear with it. Who told you I'm Herta?"
Although the statement was so blunt it made one blush, at least one thing was certain: they wouldn't actually fight.
It's good that they can agree on something—even if it's on a very strange matter.
Will there be a dedicated Herta group to discuss this later... Why do I feel like this could actually happen? Am I abnormal?
Bai Luan scratched his head, deciding not to think deeper—this matter was too bizarre.
Stelle watched from the side, scratching her head with a small question mark: They're like this and still not married?
Never mind, this isn't something she can interfere with.
Besides... if Uncle doesn't get married, he'll have more time to play with her, which is a good thing.
Herta coming to find Bai Luan after touring Penacony also meant it was time to return to the Space Station.
It seems this bartender experience is coming to an end, but overall, it was a lot of fun.
Before leaving, the Herta Puppet asked Stelle if she could have another glass of the special drink—this concoction gave her strength and even allowed her to temporarily break free from program restrictions.
But she didn't get her wish; Herta directly banned it.
"By the way, there's one more thing I need to discuss with you before we leave."
Bai Luan turned to Stelle.
Stelle nodded without hesitation:
"Okay."
"...I haven't even said what it is yet."
"It's not too late to agree first and then listen."
Looking at her unreserved trust, a gratified smile appeared on Bai Luan's lips.
Good child.
"Here's the thing: Clock Studio is planning to produce a commemorative work for Clockie, but they're struggling to find a suitable director. I'd like to recommend you for the role of director."
Stelle scratched her head:
"I'm happy to do anything Uncle asks, but... for such an important project, if I'm parachuted in directly, will they accept it?"
Bai Luan thought about his position at Studio. He estimated that the moment the question of doubt was uttered, the one who did would be kicked out of Studio.
Hmm... I shouldn't have to worry about this problem.
"Don't worry, they will accept it. Just focus on doing your best, and Uncle will take care of everything else for you."
"Then I have nothing to worry about."
"Is there anything you want as a reward?"
"Hmm... I can't think of anything right now. I'll tell you once I've decided."
"Okay, speak up boldly when you've decided."
Bai Luan looked at Stelle, his tone gentle yet firm.
"After all, Uncle can do anything."