"Just like that… the money's in hand?"
Seeing Lumine accept Mora so smoothly, Noelle was stunned.
She had thought it would be difficult.
Who knew it would be this simple?
She couldn't help feeling a little envious.
So—
blushing slightly, she took action as well.
"Boss… I'll massage your feet."
As she spoke, she crouched down, carefully removed Han Feng's shoes, and gently placed his feet in her lap before beginning a soft massage.
Although she had never done this for anyone before, she had studied it in books.
So she had at least some idea.
Aside from a bit of stiffness at the start, her pressure and positioning were surprisingly precise.
Han Feng felt extremely comfortable.
"I didn't expect you to have this skill."
A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.
He really had picked up a treasure.
A perfect maid.
"I studied a little on my own before."
Noelle looked up and smiled.
Seeing that the boss seemed satisfied, she relaxed.
"Not bad. Rewarded."
Han Feng chuckled and handed her 500,000 Mora.
"This isn't a loan. Think of it as an advance on your salary."
"Thank you, Boss."
Noelle accepted it shyly.
If it weren't for wanting to read more manga, she wouldn't have wanted to trouble him.
"I'll have to think of a way to properly repay Boss later."
She thought quietly.
He seems to like this kind of massage…
Then I'll practice more.
And only serve him.
Yes—only him.
Even though there were only one or two customers in the shop at the moment, the atmosphere at the counter was warm and cheerful.
The three chatted and laughed easily.
Sure, borrowing money sounded troublesome—
but Lumine and Noelle both understood.
Boss Han was just teasing them.
With their relationship, he would never truly refuse to help.
And neither of them was the type to take advantage for free.
If they could strengthen their relationship while at it—
why not?
Before long, a voice rang out from the entrance.
"Ehe~ Boss Han, I'm back! Today I have to get the Gourmet Tablecloth!"
With that, Venti walked in, followed by the Maine Coon Beast.
He hadn't obtained the Gourmet Tablecloth from Doraemon yesterday, so today he planned to try again.
But when he reached the counter and saw the scene—
he froze.
Han Feng reclined comfortably in his chair, eyes closed in contentment.
Lumine stood behind him gently massaging his shoulders.
Noelle carefully tended to his feet in front, as if afraid of hurting him.
"Boss Han… you really know how to enjoy life."
Venti's mouth twitched.
For someone usually carefree and easygoing— at that moment—
he felt like he'd bitten into a lemon.
So sour.
Why does Boss Han have two cute girls serving him—
while I only have a cat…
and a giant dragon named Dvalin?
Thinking this, Venti shot a "displeased" look at the Maine Coon Beast beside him.
As if to say, look at them.
The Maine Coon Beast felt wronged.
It could learn too!
It's just that you keep avoiding me and won't let me get close!
"I suppose you could try it too. It's simple."
Han Feng smiled faintly.
"Oh? Do tell."
Venti perked up.
"As long as you have Mora."
Han Feng replied teasingly.
(⊙_⊙)
Venti: Are you bullying me?!
If I had Mora, would I still be working as a temporary bard?!
His expression turned resentful.
"Pfft!"
Lumine couldn't help laughing.
She knew Venti's financial situation well.
He'd even borrowed money from her before just to read manga.
Seeing Boss Han tease him like that—she found it hilarious.
"Boss Han, you're so mean."
Lumine leaned close to whisper near his ear.
"Forget it… I'll just go read manga."
Looking at the harmonious trio, Venti suddenly felt out of place.
He was an old customer too.
He had even been the one to bring Noelle here.
And now—he felt like an outsider.
"Master, I'll stay with you."
The Maine Coon Beast stepped forward earnestly.
"Thank you!"
Venti looked touched.
"…But if you could stand just a tiny bit farther away, that'd be even better."
Maine Coon Beast: "..."
The two bickered playfully as they walked to the bookshelves.
"Wow, in just one day there are five new manga!"
Venti looked surprised.
When he first came here, new releases weren't this frequent.
Now the output speed has skyrocketed.
"Hehe, I contributed to that!"
Venti felt a little proud.
All that street-performing wasn't for nothing.
"Since there are new manga, I'll read Doraemon next time."
He thought to himself.
He was very interested in the new arrivals.
Grabbing a copy of Himouto! Umaru-chan, he found a seat and began reading.
"Oh? That girl Umaru can do that?!"
Seeing Umaru shrink into chibi mode at home, Venti's eyes lit up.
A beautiful girl in public—
a lazy little creature at home.
Interesting.
He read on eagerly.
"Truly a kindred spirit!"
Seeing Umaru gaming all day, drinking soda and eating snacks,
Venti's eyes sparkled.
He liked that kind of lifestyle too.
Sing occasionally.
Have a drink at the tavern.
Drop by Boss Han's shop for manga.
Relaxed and carefree.
Slacking off was bliss.
Unlike the Geo Archon and the Raiden Shogun— working themselves to exhaustion.
But when he saw that Umaru had an excellent older brother who prepared her meals every day—
Venti felt sour again.
Although he now earned a little from singing— he also had two extra mouths to feed.
Which meant he was still frequently broke.
That was one of the reasons he desperately wanted the Gourmet Tablecloth.
"Sigh… cursed Mora. I want to be rich too."
Venti let out a long sigh.
But the moment he thought about making money— it meant singing every day.
And that meant losing his freedom.
"Forget it. I'll stay a slacker. Making money doesn't suit me."
And thus—
The Anemo Archon once again chose the path of salted fish life.
—------------------------------
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