"Hey, Lumina, this is Screwllum, one of the collaborators on the Simulated Universe Project."
Lumina had just arrived at the location indicated by the Herta Positioning Institute when she spotted Herta's puppet and a courteous, gentlemanly mechanical lifeform.
Without a doubt, this gentlemanly mechanical lifeform was Screwllum, a member of the Genius Society.
"Mr. Screwllum, it's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard so much about you, and seeing you in person, I can confirm your reputation is well-deserved," Lumina greeted him formally.
"Miss Lumina, it's a pleasure to meet you as well. Logic: Miss Lumina should be respected by all inorganic and organic lifeforms, including members of the Genius Society."
Although Screwllum's mechanical face showed no expression, Lumina could sense the warmth and sincerity radiating from him.
Lumina nodded with a smile, refraining from further comment. Her gaze shifted to Herta, who stood nearly half a head shorter than her. "Where's Ruan Mei?" she asked. "Hasn't she arrived yet?"
"I've already called her. She should be here any minute."
Sensing Lumina's unspoken thoughts in her eyes, Herta felt a flicker of annoyance but still answered Lumina's question.
"Ah, I see," Lumina nodded, leaving it at that.
Though she said nothing aloud, Lumina silently moved to stand beside Herta.
Looking at Herta, who was completely invisible unless one looked down, Lumina really wanted to laugh.
But to preserve Herta's genius aura in front of Screwllum, Lumina forcefully suppressed her laughter, refusing to burst out laughing on the spot.
"You little brat..."
Herta wasn't stupid, nor was she like March 7th. Sensing Lumina's persistent gaze, she knew exactly what the other woman was thinking.
In the past, Herta wouldn't have given Lumina's gaze a second thought... But now, for reasons she couldn't quite understand, she found herself actually caring about what this foolish woman thought.
"It's just a matter of height... Once I'm done with things at my main body... I'm definitely coming over to rub your head bald!"
In her heart, Herta made a fierce vow.
Naturally, Lumina had no idea what Herta was thinking. She stood quietly in place, patiently awaiting Ruan Mei's arrival.
Standing motionless and utterly silent, Lumina at that moment resembled a pure Saintess—divine, virtuous, a perfect embodiment of every positive attribute imaginable, effortlessly captivating all who beheld her.
Naturally, this included a certain genius.
If only that woman would sew her mouth shut, she'd be perfect...
Though the spell lasted only a fraction of a second, Herta couldn't help but marvel at Lumina's beauty.
"Hmm... it seems I'm late." Just as Herta was silently marveling, Ruan Mei entered, bringing Stelle with her.
Startled, Herta snapped out of her reverie and turned to look. Her gaze lingered briefly on Stelle's face before shifting to Ruan Mei. "You're finally here," she said. "I've been waiting ages for you."
"It's a pleasure to see you again, Ms. Stelle. Logical analysis: This reunion has occurred sooner than anticipated."
After Herta finished speaking, Screwllum also greeted Stelle.
Stelle nodded in acknowledgment, then turned her gaze to Lumina.
"Stelle, we meet again." Lumina naturally wouldn't ignore the beautiful girl's greeting and nodded in response.
"Though you weren't invited, you're welcome, Stelle. Please remember this historic moment."
"The four geniuses... er..." Herta trailed off, glancing at Lumina before continuing. "Three geniuses and one Emanator together in the same room—this might be the first time such a gathering has ever occurred in the entire Cosmos."
Herta had initially wanted to classify Lumina as a genius, but the thought of her infant-like mind made her retract the statement.
Lumina: ?
???, so this is how you're playing it?
If Lumina had known what Herta was thinking, she would have picked her up, spanked her bottom, and given her a good scolding!