Zi Po Nian's mind drifted into quiet contemplation as he watched Roy and Ke Kelu chatter and laugh together. To an outsider, Roy seemed just like any ordinary boy, carefree and playful. But who would guess that this seemingly casual youngster was the heir to the world's deadliest assassin family?
Compared to Ilmi, Kalluto, or even Killua, Roy was barely qualified as a killer. Yet… Zi Po Nian found this version of Master Roy far more pleasant than those stiff, cold elites.
Her eyes softened as she silently stayed by his side.
She followed the group all the way from boarding the bus to the moment they got off, lost in thought until she finally realized they'd reached their stop.
Roy stepped down, and Ke Kelu gave a cheerful wave.
"See you next time, Roy-chan~"
As the bus pulled away, Ke Kelu blew a playful kiss toward Roy through the window.
Roy reached out and caught the imaginary kiss, clasping his fist near his lips in mock shyness, causing Cocolu to giggle.
"Very cute girl," Zi Po Nian remarked softly behind Roy.
Roy turned his head, "looking" at her with a gentle nod.
"Let's go," he said simply.
"The man who came to pick us up has already arrived."
"Where?" Zi Po Nian scanned the bustling station filled with all kinds of vehicles—yet none bore the unmistakable Jump agency logo.
So, people?
She looked at Roy with suspicion.
"In the sky," Roy answered, glancing upward.
Zi Po Nian blinked, then tilted her head, following his gaze.
The sky stretched vast and clear—blue as freshly washed silk, clouds drifting lazily, utterly empty.
No plane, no helicopter, not even a speck.
Had Roy been joking? Or was he implying she'd transform into the vehicle?
Zi Po Nian's thoughts scrambled. Just as she prepared to shift form, a sudden whirr shattered the silence.
The unmistakable buzzing of propellers cut through the air—the special aircraft sent by Jump agency had arrived!
"Zi Po Nian, put away those thoughts."
Roy's voice broke through her confusion.
"By the way, I forgot to mention—I'm airsick. I can't take planes."
Zi Po Nian's eyes widened in surprise.
"Y-yes, sir."
Embarrassed, she quickly canceled her transformation and followed Roy onto the helicopter.
As the ramp ascended, Nanako Takahashi, waiting inside the cabin, stepped forward with a respectful bow.
"Tao-sensei."
"I'm Smi Marseille. The city library is already swarming with enthusiastic readers."
"The traffic is completely blocked, so I had to switch to air transport. Please forgive the inconvenience."
Roy smiled and waved off the apology.
"No worries. I'm not airsick."
"Thank you for your consideration."
Zi Po Nian's eyes twitched subtly.
He's old and hard of hearing, she thought wryly—no wonder he misheard the young master's words. It had to be like this.
The corners of her mouth twitched as a strong feeling of exasperation bubbled up inside her.
"That's good," Takahashi Nanako said sweetly, her body swaying slightly with the motion, the proud lines of her editor's posture unmistakable.
She was clearly the type of editor who could survive the worst tantrums from delinquent manga artists.
"Who is this?" Takahashi Nanako asked, exchanging pleasantries with Roy and then glancing at Zi Po Nian.
"Oh, this is my assistant—you can call her Xiao Zi," Roy replied, throwing a glance over his shoulder.
Zi Po Nian stepped forward, her broad figure casting a shadow over Nanako. Looking down at her, she extended her right hand with a firm "Hello."
The editor swallowed hard, trembling as she shook the large hand.
Quickly withdrawing, Zi Po Nian moved back to Roy's side.
Nanako then launched into the briefing for the entire "signing session" today, going over the schedule and precautions.
Roy listened attentively, his cane and stick knife resting on his lap.
With the roar of the helicopter engines filling the cabin, they took off toward the "signing session."
…
"Wow—there are a lot of people here!"
The rooftop venue of the city library was packed.
Three unexpected guests arrived, stepping onto the roof—Uvogin, Nobunaga, and Shizuku.
Nobunaga, holding a knife, gazed down at the crowded gathering.
The library was filled to bursting, every reader squeezed tightly in the limited space.
Uvogin, standing shoulder to shoulder with Nobunaga, slapped his hip and smacked his lips.
"Ha! Tiano actually has this many readers? Wonder how much money he's making?"
"Co-authoring won't rob him," Nobunaga said, stroking his beard thoughtfully.
"It's more profitable than robbing a bank, right?"
"Could be," Uvogin nodded. "Banks these days don't keep much cash anymore."
"We never needed to rob them anyway."
"A few hundred million is enough."
Uvogin clenched his fists, a wide grin spreading across his face.
"Nobunaga, Shizuku, you don't need to lift a finger."
"I'm enough all on my own!"