Herta sat alone in her office, absorbed in some unknown task.
When 'Cyrene' found her, she didn't even look up.
"Who is it?"
"It's me."
Only after hearing the voice did Herta finally turn her head.
A faint shift flickered across her expression, but it vanished back to normal in an instant.
"Why aren't you resting? What are you doing here?"
"There's nothing much to do. You're the one who's too tense."
'Cyrene' walked over to Herta with a smile, leaning against the edge of the desk to close the distance between them.
That amused look on her face irritated Herta in a subtle, unmistakable way.
"I've said it before—this is my project. I'm responsible for everyone involved."
"I know. So you're worried about me, right?"
"Tch…"
Herta clicked her tongue loudly.
There was something unbearably punchable about 'Cyrene's' expression and tone right now.
But watching Herta's reaction only made 'Cyrene' want to laugh.
She glanced down at the terminal Herta had been operating.
At first glance, what was displayed on the screen seemed nonsensical, but after looking a little longer, it became clear—Herta was calculating the perfect solution.
A way to complete the Simulated Universe while ensuring 'Cyrene' wouldn't run into any issues.
Typical Herta, no doubt about it.
Still…
"Why are you working on this alone? Wouldn't it be better to discuss it with Screwllum and the others?"
"I just wanted to organize my thoughts. I'll call a meeting once everything's sorted."
Herta didn't seem to mind her screen being seen.
"And you expect me to believe that?"
'Cyrene' pointed a finger at herself, then stared straight into Herta's eyes.
If she really just wanted to sort out her thoughts, there were plenty of other things she could do—why sit here drafting plans?
Who in their right mind "organizes their thoughts" by outlining a full-blown proposal?
Smack—
Herta swatted 'Cyrene's' finger away.
"Believe what you want. When I, Herta, say something, I mean it."
With that, Herta leaned back in her chair, crossing her right leg, sheathed in black stockings, over her left.
Propping her cheek on one hand, she turned to gaze at 'Cyrene'.
"More importantly, if you came here just to say all this, you can turn right back around."
"Of course not. I have an idea. Want to hear it?"
"Go on."
"When Demiurge needed to close a causal loop, it was Noa looking back from the end of the universe who completed the causal loop of Amphoreus."
"…Wait. You're not suggesting we have Noa pull you out after you're done, are you?"
It didn't take any further explanation—Herta grasped 'Cyrene's' meaning instantly.
And it almost made her laugh in exasperation.
It wasn't that the method was unworkable.
Given Noa's benevolence, since THEY intervened in Amphoreus, taking one more look to pull her out of the cycle would certainly be within THEIR power.
But the problem was…
Bringing out this ultimate solution right from the start—without even giving herself time to think of another way.
What was that supposed to mean?
Did she think Herta couldn't do it? Or that she wasn't worthy of saving her?
If not for their long history, Herta would have made 'Cyrene' understand just how terrifying she could be when angered.
Herta raised her hand, and the key-shaped staff materialized abruptly, pointing straight at 'Cyrene', its warm tip lightly lifting 'Cyrene's' chin.
"Before I lose my patience, Bai Ming, you'd better give me a reasonable explanation. Otherwise… that chase from back then that never quite ended—I wouldn't mind picking it up right now."
Herta's gaze was dangerous, fixed on 'Cyrene', as if saying that if her explanation wasn't convincing, she'd resort to more… physical means of persuasion.
"…"
Why is she angry again?
'Cyrene' pursed her lips into a smile, pretending to be calm.
In truth, she was at a loss.
She'd only come to discuss possible solutions with Herta.
Why did Herta seem ready to hang her up and give her a beating?
One moment ago, she'd been thinking, Herta really cares about me.
Now, 'Cyrene' was convinced Herta was just holding a grudge—one she'd been nursing for several centuries.
Raising a hand, she smilingly nudged the staff away from her chin.
Under Herta's aggressively intense stare, 'Cyrene' tried to explain:
"I just want this Simulated Universe to maintain its perfect progress. Why are you so upset?"
"…"
Herta had been studying 'Cyrene's' eyes, and to her despair, she realized this woman genuinely didn't seem to understand why she was angry.
A sudden sense of helplessness washed over her—like punching a ball of cotton.
Did she trade all her emotional intelligence for intellectual growth?
Some fair exchange that turned out to be.
No.
She couldn't let this slide.
Herta had never been one to swallow her pride—she always settled scores on the spot.
So she beckoned 'Cyrene' closer.
And once she was near enough,
Herta unceremoniously pinched 'Cyrene's' cheek, mercilessly squishing and stretching it.
"You really… have a talent for pissing people off!"
"Mmm…"
'Cyrene', who'd been about to resist, took one look at Herta's 'venting my frustration' expression and swallowed her protest with a mumble, allowing Herta to have her way.
And as she pinched, Herta kept muttering:
"And you have the nerve to ask why I'm angry? Ha. Bai Ming, oh Bai Ming, you even used my face once, and yet you can ask such an utterly foolish question."
"Why am I angry? I should be asking you—rushing to ask an Aeon to solve your problem from the get-go. What, you think I, the great Herta, can't handle the trouble you're in?"
"Looks like I really need to discipline you properly!"
"…Does your pride have to kick in here? Is that what you think I meant?!"
Hearing Herta's blunt complaint, 'Cyrene' finally cracked.
Seriously? Your pride had to make this about that?
Was that really what she meant??
Wasn't it because she believed Herta's approach was right that she wanted to perfectly resolve the issue and keep the project moving forward?
"Oh? Talking back now? Let's hear how you plan to squirm out of this one."
Her fingers pinched 'Cyrene's' chin, pulling their faces closer.
Herta stared into 'Cyrene's' eyes with a smile that didn't reach her eyes, waiting to hear what excuse she'd cook up next.
Truthfully, 'Cyrene' felt the distance between them had grown somewhat… intimate.
She could even feel Herta's breath clearly.
But at this point, more pressing than the ambiguous atmosphere was her need to clear her name!
"Is it possible… that precisely because I think you're right, I want to solve the problem quickly and keep the plan moving—instead of letting you waste energy here on something pointless?"
"Hmph… Of course my idea is right. No need to state the obvious. But that's beside the point—I'm unhappy because you don't trust me."
Herta gave a light humph. Though her words were still sharp, compared to her earlier 'ready-to-devour-you' demeanor, she had clearly returned to their usual dynamic.
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