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Inside the Herta Space Station bathhouse, the air was thick with drifting mist and the scent of expensive oils. Hiroshi, still trapped in the firm, fragrant embrace of Ruan Mei, began to struggle with everything he had.
But it was like being coiled by a python. No matter how much he twisted, her grip was absolute. From Ruan Mei's perspective, she assumed Hiroshi was simply being shy; she believed that if she served him well enough, she might finally earn a "reward" from her Master.
"Let go of me!" Hiroshi finally snapped, his voice echoing sharply against the tiled walls.
Unable to break free physically, he turned his head to glare at her. While Ruan Mei possessed a beauty that could topple civilizations, Hiroshi found her cold, clinical personality—and her recent actions—deeply unsettling.
"I'm so sorry, Master..."
Seeing the genuine fury in his eyes, Ruan Mei flinched and immediately released him. She lowered her head, her voice trembling with a submissive sorrow. I was too impatient, she thought, her heart heavy with regret. Instead of winning his favor, I've provoked his loathing. How can I ever earn his forgiveness now?
Hiroshi gasped for air, leaning against the edge of the pool. At least she's listening for now, he thought. The system's item really did a number on her. She's gone from a predator to a devoted follower. "From now on... stay away from me!" Hiroshi commanded, his voice cold. He turned and began to walk away without a second glance.
Ruan Mei's sapphire eyes widened in horror. Despair flooded her chest. Is he abandoning me? No! I can't let that happen! She lunged forward, grabbing his wrist to stop him.
Hiroshi stopped, his anger reaching a boiling point. He spun around to scold her again, but the words died in his throat. Ruan Mei was looking at him with piteous, reddened eyes.
"Master... please don't hate me," she whispered, her usual aloofness completely shattered. "Don't drive me away. I... I will do anything for you. I'll restrain myself. I just want to stay by your side, even if it's only to watch you from a distance..."
Hiroshi was stunned. Is this really the same ice-cold genius from the start of the game? She looked like a heartbroken girl who had given everything to a scoundrel only to be cast aside. His heart, despite his best efforts, began to soften.
"Sigh... Alright. I'm not angry anymore. But you have to stop being so reckless. Do you understand?"
Ruan Mei's dull eyes instantly regained their light. She nodded vigorously, like a chick pecking at grain. "I swear! I will follow your will in all things. Please... just don't despise me."
"Mhm. As long as you can do that. I have work to do, so I'm leaving."
Hiroshi didn't linger. He left the bathhouse and spent the rest of his shift performing his final rounds, meticulously recording damage assessments and budget reports for the various sectors. By the time he finished, he was exhausted but satisfied.
"Finally," he muttered, stretching his aching limbs. "Now I can get back to the star search. I just hope Madam Herta isn't back yet."
As he was returning to Herta's private quarters, Hiroshi crossed paths with Herta and Ruan Mei walking side-by-side, deep in discussion.
"Madam Herta!" Hiroshi greeted her.
Herta paused, looking him over with an approving nod. "Finished your duties so early? Not bad, little thing."
She prepared to continue their walk, but she noticed something that made her willowy brows furrow in displeasure. Ruan Mei wasn't listening to the research update anymore. She was staring at Hiroshi, her eyes filled with an infatuated, silk-spinning gaze.
Is it that 'Charm' ability again? Herta wondered, her heart tightening with an unfamiliar spark of worry. Ruan Mei is a Genius... can she really not resist him? If she lures him away from my side with those... 'assets' of hers, what will I do?
Hiroshi, however, paid Ruan Mei no mind. He acted as if she were invisible, turning and disappearing into Herta's room. Seeing his cold shoulder toward her friend, a triumphant, satisfied smile curled on Herta's lips.
Hmph. Trying to steal my person, Ruan Mei? Not a chance. Herta thought. It seems he isn't so easily swayed by beauty. I'll have to give him some extra 'benefits' tonight to make sure he stays right where he belongs.
Inside Herta's room, Hiroshi donned his spacesuit and grabbed the telescope. He focused on his last recorded coordinates and began a series of rapid, high-intensity teleports.
After hours of jumping through the void, he finally materialized on a world that felt... different. He scanned the horizon. No IPC mining marks. No beacons. No traces of the Interastral Peace Guide. Even the primitive local lifeforms had no concept of Credits or Aeons.
Hiroshi clenched his fists, a grin breaking across his face inside his helmet. "Yes! I found it! A star system that hasn't been touched by anyone!"
He looked up at the vibrant, alien sky. "I can finally fulfill Asta's wish. But..."
The excitement faded as a practical problem arose. "My teleportation can't take anyone else with me. How am I supposed to bring her here?"
He scratched his head through the thick material of his suit. "Sigh... it looks like I'll have to ask Madam Herta for a favor. Her spatial mirrors can bridge the gap, but she's so busy with the Simulated Universe... will she really agree to help me do something she considers 'meaningless'?"
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