"I have a feeling you and she might get along. Should I notify her to come over and meet you?"
"Given your status and reputation, Ruan Mei would undoubtedly be delighted to meet you."
Herta suppressed the thought that had surfaced in her mind, slapping away Lumina's hand that was relentlessly rubbing her head, and asked in a flat tone.
Feeling the sudden emptiness in her hand, Lumina experienced a brief pang of emptiness... However, the thought of Asta being on the Space Station, and March 7th and Stelle arriving soon, quickly restored her composure.
After pondering Herta's words and thinking for a moment with her head bowed, Lumina shook her head and declined Herta's suggestion.
"Hmm... let's pass for now. If fate wills it, we'll meet naturally."
Lumina wasn't foolish. If Herta summoned Ruan Mei as well, she'd be facing a 1v2 situation.
Herta and Ruan Mei were a formidable duo, far beyond the capabilities of combinations like March 7th, Stelle, and Asta. To avoid being manipulated by their combined efforts, Lumina flatly rejected Herta's suggestion.
While Ruan Mei likely wouldn't resort to such tactics, what if? What if Herta offered Ruan Mei an irresistible incentive, or worse, what if Ruan Mei took an immediate liking to Lumina?
After all, with her undeniable charm, such a scenario wasn't entirely impossible. [ As Lumina, ever self-assured, thought to herself. ]
Therefore, when it comes to matters involving beautiful girls, Lumina knew it was best to err on the side of caution.
What was that old Xianzhou saying again?
"Steady as she goes for ten thousand years."
Lumina had etched this wisdom into her heart.
To ensure her friendship's little boat could sail for ten thousand years or even longer, Lumina knew she must keep caution foremost in her mind.
"Suit yourself," Herta replied, unbothered by Lumina's rejection.
After all, they'd be meeting later to discuss the Simulated Universe anyway. So what difference did it make if they met sooner or later? Herta couldn't care less.
"Is there anything else? If not, you may leave."
Herta showed Lumina no mercy. Once Lumina had asked her questions, Herta immediately issued an expulsion order.
Though they hadn't spent much time together, Herta was one of the few who truly understood Lumina's true nature. After all, she was one of the few who knew Lumina's real personality.
Under normal circumstances, Herta would never show Lumina any kindness.
"I do have one more thing to ask," Lumina said, feigning reluctance. "I'm not sure if Madam Herta would agree. It's a bit embarrassing to bring up."
Unfazed by Herta's blunt dismissal, Lumina put on an act of reluctance, as if the matter were too delicate to voice.
"If you're too embarrassed to say it, then don't bother," Herta retorted, cutting her off. "It wouldn't benefit either of us."
Though she had no idea what Lumina was scheming, Herta refused to indulge her, simply agreeing with her statement.
To an outsider, it might have seemed like Madam Herta was showing genuine concern for Miss Lumina.
"Hmm, you're right." Listening to Herta's words, Lumina nodded, seeming to agree with Herta's suggestion. She closed her mouth, clearly intending to say no more.
Herta: Huh?
Seeing Lumina actually fall silent, Herta let out a puzzled "Huh?" After all, Lumina actually heeding her words was quite unexpected.
But the next moment, the familiar Lumina was back.
"But sorry, even if it's right, I'm still going to say it," Lumina said, her tone shifting abruptly, a playful grin spreading across her face. "I want a full-body photo of your main body."
Herta: ?
"A full-body one," Lumina added, as if afraid Herta might misunderstand.
This clarification only deepened Herta's misunderstanding.
Herta had initially assumed Lumina merely wanted to see what her main body looked like, to familiarize herself with her appearance... But a full-body photo?
What could Lumina possibly want with a full-body photo of her? Herta couldn't fathom it, but she had a sinking feeling it couldn't be anything good.
"What do you want it for?"
As Lumina's words fell, Herta frowned, her gaze fixed on Lumina with wary scrutiny.
Seeing Herta's cautious and guarded demeanor, Lumina first blinked in surprise, then chuckled, waving her hand dismissively. "You've misunderstood," she said. "I simply wanted to see what your true form looks like."
"Then why do you need a full-body photo?" Herta snorted, her entire being radiating refusal.
Had Lumina remained silent, Herta might have sent her the photo anyway. After all, she had previously promised to meet Lumina in her true form after the Simulated Universe experiment concluded. Sending a photo wouldn't have been a big deal.
But Lumina's remark changed everything...
Coupled with her earlier behavior, the answer Herta had buried in her heart now resurfaced.
Could she be... lusting after my body?
Herta's brain, certified by Nous, the Erudition, as a pinnacle of intellect, now entered a mental maelstrom.
Ultimately, considering all the known factors, Herta arrived at this conclusion.
Lumina: ?
Sensing Herta's all-seeing gaze, her eyes transforming into the very embodiment of truth, Lumina tilted her head, two question marks instantly appearing in her emerald-green eyes.
"Hmph! You want my photo? Don't even think about it!" Seeing Lumina's head tilt, Herta's conviction only grew stronger.
This Lumina... she likes girls!
Herta was absolutely, unequivocally, and utterly certain of this answer.
With this realization, Herta's gaze toward Lumina took on a peculiar edge, and she instinctively took a few steps back, as if determined to maintain a safe distance at all times.
While girls liking girls wasn't particularly common in the Cosmos, it wasn't rare either. Herta harbored no particular feelings about such preferences.
But if Lumina had such a preference... well, that would give Herta quite a few ideas...
After all, given Lumina's power and status, what if she forced Herta to go with her?
From that moment on, the alarm bells in Herta's mind were ringing at full blast.
She also resolved that she would rather die than ever meet Lumina in her main body!
"Um... Herta, I think you might be misunderstanding something..." Lumina said, her voice filled with helplessness, having observed Herta's every movement, facial expression, and change in her eyes.
"To be honest, I did have a slight ulterior motive in asking for your full-body photo... but it's definitely not what you're imagining. I'm just genuinely curious about Madam Herta's main body."
Lumina recalled a line from the Version 1.6 storyline, when the Trailblazer was chatting with Ruan Mei:
Herta's beauty is as undeniable as her temper.
Thus, Lumina had been incredibly curious about the appearance of Herta's main body!
Of course, her body was curious too... After all, Herta had brought up their height difference earlier.
Lumina naturally wanted to compare herself to Herta and thoroughly outdo her.
"Really?" Seeing Lumina's sincere gaze and hearing no trace of deceit in her voice, Herta seemed to hesitate.
"Never mind, then. If you won't tell me, fine," Lumina said, noticing Herta's hesitation. She shook her head, turned, and prepared to leave without dwelling on it further.
Before departing, however, Lumina left Herta with one final remark:
"Herta, whether you believe me or not, I truly have no ulterior feelings for you. Everything I've done has simply been to satisfy my own curiosity."
Click...
With those words, Lumina pushed open the door and left.
Herta: ...
Staring at the tightly closed hatch, Herta fell into silence.
Could it be... I really misunderstood her?