Chapter 74. At Natasha's clinic in Belloberg...
Natasha's clinic wasn't much different from when you left Belleberg; it was still filled with a faint smell of medicine and a somewhat stuffy, suffocating smell of heating.
Seeing your confusion, Natasha kindly explained that since the upper and lower city areas were connected, some residents had left the lower city, resulting in a relative decrease in her clinic's patient flow. However, she was happy to have more free time, allowing her to focus more on the management of [Earthfire] and the research of new drugs.
However, the place is not empty at the moment—although there are no patients, it is crowded with the companions you met on your previous adventures.
Hook stood at the door, first shaking off the cold and dust like a puppy, then skipping off to the corner of the clinic, where he was picked up by Hiluva, who laughed heartily and patted his little face, which was red from the cold.
Seele was sitting on a hospital bed, swinging her legs, chatting casually with Bronya next to her.
Bronya gave her a headache and reminded her to pay attention to her posture. She spat out a word of disdain and muttered, "What a nuisance," but actually did as she was told and obediently put her legs down.
Natasha led you into the clinic, but before she could announce your return, you were suddenly slapped on the shoulder.
"……ah!"
Startled, you turn around and meet Pella's gleaming glasses. She doesn't seem as calm as usual; instead, she seems... agitated and fanatical?
"I saw your boyfriend," she whispered in your ear, her voice brimming with barely suppressed excitement. "You two are so perfect! You're the perfect material for my CP writing! ... Oh no, I mean... you two are such a good match, cough cough."
Her face flushed slightly with excitement. You were standing in the shadows, and you had completely blocked out the light, so you couldn't see Pera's facial expression clearly, but you could still easily detect her fervor—because she had already started rummaging around, seemingly looking for a pen, muttering, "My inspiration, my inspiration..."
...No, you're just fangirls.
You sigh helplessly, "Pera..."
Bai'er was bewildered by her reaction. He could understand Hook; it was just a simple case of a child being upset about their best friend being taken away. But who was this "Pera"...?
He looked at you pleadingly, "Partner—?"
"Oh, and they even have special nicknames! Although they don't have any romantic connotations in everyday use, they actually become more romantic when you're in a relationship!"
Pera became even more excited, and she began to make soft "hoarse" sounds and strange, chattering noises, completely disregarding her usual calm demeanor.
"And that size difference, that submissive feeling, that 'all-around charm' persona...it's amazing! I was just worried about not having enough romantic experience to write my couple's love line! Perfect experimental material!!!"
Bai E: ?
you:……
Seeing that she was already lost in a burst of inspiration, Bai'er leaned close to your ear and whispered:
"Is this similar to what Xia Die wrote...? How should I respond? Should I try to make a good impression on her? After all, she's your friend."
You glanced at Pella, who was completely absorbed in her own world, closed your eyes briefly, and turned your head. "No need. The more we interact, the more excited she'll get. Let her find her inspiration on her own first. Let's go for a walk over there."
Bai E obediently responded.
His tall frame made it difficult for him to enter the somewhat old clinic; he had to duck and shuffle around to avoid bumping into the oil lamps or the piles of bandages on the workbench. He looked rather pitiful.
But he didn't complain at all; on the contrary, he thought to himself, "It's really nice to be running around with you like this. I've already explored the upper town of Belloberg with you, and now I'm even more amazed by the unique scenery of the lower town, completely different from Umpharos... Everything is so interesting. Is this how exciting the life of an anonymous traveler is?"
But you seem to be popular everywhere. Bai Er didn't feel awkward meeting your old friend; he even empathized with him a little—put yourself in his shoes. If you had known him first, and one day he suddenly brought someone else home, claiming to be his good friend, he would also unconsciously start to question that person.
He just felt that my partner was indeed my partner!
Seele was the first to find you.
"Oh!" She immediately jumped off the hospital bed, her bright red armband like a flame burning in the snow.
The purple-haired girl gave you a big smile, took a few steps forward, and gave you a tight hug. "So you finally remembered to come back? I thought you were going to forget about us old friends."
"Something happened in Onfaros." You hugged her back.
"Onpharos?" Bronya paused for a few seconds before giving a relieved smile and walking over. "Is that the new tourist planet that's recently become famous in the universe? I heard its baths are very famous."
Bronya knows Onpharos, so you're not surprised. As the leader of Beloberg, after Arillo VI connected with the Star Sea, she also began trying to understand the various new developments in the universe, attempting to get this long-dormant planet up to speed as quickly as possible.
Bai E greeted the two very different girls politely, "Hello, my name is Bai E."
Seele looked him up and down, and said frankly, "Not bad! This physique looks like you exercise regularly. How about we spar sometime?"
Bronya fell silent, keenly noticing the surge of energy emanating from him.
This power... it's nothing like an ordinary person's; it's even stronger than your usual teammates. Although he appears gentle on the surface, that power even subtly overflows from his body, indicating danger. She pursed her lips, pondering for a moment, somewhat worried that Bai E might harm you.
She was about to gently remind you when she saw Bai E look around before turning her gaze back to you. Looking at the small whorl of hair on your head, she unconsciously revealed a soft smile.
Bronya was secretly surprised. You hadn't done anything special, you were just standing there, but Bai Er seemed unable to get enough of looking at you—no matter how strong the wind and snow was outside, how noisy it was, how crackling the fire in the stove was, how kerosene lamp flickered overhead, or how the occasional low laughter of Hook and Shiluva could be heard from the corner, he paid no attention to any of the noise, he just stared at you intently and seriously.
His strength and powerful physique clearly indicated that he was an untamed beast. But his eyes…
...So what was that look in her eyes? That softness, that tenderness...it reminded her of the springtime scene she had read about in a book, before Belleburg was buried by snow. It seemed so intense it could ignite icicles, yet so gentle it could melt away snow.
Unaware of what was happening, you watched Bronya freeze in place, as if she had something to say but was stuck, and couldn't help but feel a little strange, so you let out a questioning "Hmm?" through your nose.
Bronya then snapped out of her reverie.
"...No, it's nothing."
She ultimately chose to believe your decision, and said with a smile:
"Welcome to Beloborg, Behe of Onpharos."
...
When you brought Bai E back, your intention was to introduce him to your friends. Naturally, when they met, your friends were scrutinizing you – not in a malicious way, but because you were so important to them. So when you announced that you were entering a close relationship, they unconsciously began to examine the man who made you decide to be with him.
What does he look like? What's his personality like? And most importantly, is he good to you?
If this makes you sad, then those companions who have saved your home or even your entire life to some extent on your journey will feel heartache and anger for you.
Hiluva is a prime example of this.
She put Hook down from her arms, letting her run off to play elsewhere, a smile on her face. She shook hands with Bai'er and praised her subtly:
"He's very handsome."
Bai E was very modest, "You flatter me, I just exercise regularly."
Back in Onpharos, Bai'er was a near-perfect savior, not to mention he now possessed the memories of countless reincarnations. His answers were impeccable, as if he were playing Tai Chi with Shiluva.
Hiluva clicked her tongue inwardly, realizing that this kid only looked easy to bully but was actually a tough nut to crack. So she temporarily gave him an A in the "scheming" test, but soon couldn't help but mutter to herself, "This guy's mind can completely manipulate you. Won't that be detrimental to you?"
Just then, Bronya quietly tugged at her sleeve and shook her head.
Hiluva followed her gaze in your direction—Bai'er was playing with Hook. After spending some time together, Hook had finally let down his guard, but he was still a little awkward, pouting and stubbornly refusing to speak while playing with Bai'er.
"...So the Mole Party was founded by Hook? That's amazing!"
Hook hadn't expected him to acknowledge the Mole Party's value so quickly. To some adults she'd just met, the Mole Party was nothing more than childish frivolity, and Bai Er's straightforward praise left her bewildered.
"...It's not that amazing..." she whispered, "It's just a little bit amazing."
When talking about her Mole Party, she completely opened up, "The Trail Blazers are my honorary team members! Although they weren't official members, she did so many things for the Mole Party... she even helped Hook deliver gifts to Dad!"
Bai E showed no impatience whatsoever. "So, can the Mole Party add more members now?"
Hook paused, then looked at him suspiciously. "What? You want to join the Mole Party too?"
Bai Er nodded seriously, "Yes, Boss Hook."
...Oh, I'm being called "boss" now.
Hook hesitated, "Well, then I'll reluctantly accept... But you're a good friend of the honorary team member, so you're already an honorary team member in Hook's heart from the beginning. You don't need to join again!"
You sighed, "Boss Hook acknowledged him so quickly? He was so indifferent at first."
Hook choked, burying his face in his thick clothes, and explained, "...That's because the honorary team member hasn't been back for so long, and this guy looks so—tall! Of all the people Hook has ever seen, only Boss Schwarz is taller than him! It's a bit scary..."
The words faded into the air, and Natasha, you, and Bai Er smiled kindly.
...
"He's quite nice to kids." Hiluva watched this scene, arms crossed, her tone softening slightly. "At least it shows he's not a bad guy."
Bronya nodded. "Sometimes we should trust her judgment. She used to be surrounded by so many people, but she never made a choice, perhaps because... she always knew exactly what she wanted."
Hilva shrugged and laughed. "You're right, Bronya. Ah, it's just a shame about my little brother..."
Bronya sighed, "So you came here with the thought, 'How did my sister-in-law get taken away?' No wonder you treated her so strangely."
Hiluva guiltily looked away and whistled.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
