Elsewhere, on the blue planet.
When Ruan Mei arrived at Herta's residence, she was slightly taken aback. It was less a residence and more a magical castle, floating above a vast blue sea. Four beams of piercingly cold light connected it to Herta Space Station. The fourth beam, black in color, almost certainly led to the legendary Herta City.
As she reached the door, a massive, historically rich portal embedded with 9,999 gems slowly opened. A puppet half a head taller than an ordinary Herta puppet stepped out. She had a hairstyle similar to Herta's but wore the same clothes as any common puppet. Behind her walked Tingyun, Wisteria Cake, Ruan Mei Cake, and Forgotten Cake.
"I am Herta #6. Madam Ruan Mei, did these people come here on your orders?"
Ruan Mei glanced at Tingyun and the three cat-cakes. Though their appearances were unchanged, Tingyun's Path power had been forcibly sealed.
"Release them."
Herta #6's expression remained cold. "These individuals came seeking information about Madam Herta's childhood. On the blue planet, that is forbidden. Without Madam Herta's direct command, they—including your creations—cannot leave."
Ruan Mei's gaze darkened. "Herta's childhood is forbidden? Can nothing about her past be discussed here?"
Herta #6 shook her head. "Madam Herta's glorious achievements may be praised by the world. Only her childhood is unmentionable."
Ruan Mei closed her eyes. She understood now. As Tingyun had suspected, Herta's personality was almost certainly shaped by her childhood. An orphan, looked down upon, she developed arrogance and a refusal to be wronged by anyone. With no family, she grew isolated. Over countless Amber Eras, aside from herself and Yu Qingtu, she had few friends.
If these guesses were correct, that explained why Herta didn't want others to know about her childhood. The shadows of youth lingered, never fully fading, even after growing up.
"Herta #6, Herta sent me to take Tingyun and the others. I will not investigate Herta's childhood any further."
Herta #6 still refused to comply. She only followed Herta's own orders. Even if the request came from Ruan Mei, it was not enough.
Just as Ruan Mei prepared to forcibly freeze Herta #6, Herta herself stepped out of a [Mirror].
"Hmm? Ruan Mei, why do you look upset? Did this puppet displease you?"
Ruan Mei paused. Herta #6 bowed respectfully. "Madam Herta, I was only following your instructions."
"Insolent!" Herta shouted. "You dare defy Ruan Mei? Go to Herta City and answer to Herta Ninety-Nine."
Herta #6 hurried toward the black teleportation light.
With a wave, Herta released the seals on Tingyun and the cat-cakes. "I didn't want it to come to this. But everyone has a past they'd rather keep hidden."
Tingyun tried to step forward and share what she had learned, but Herta cut her off. "Return to Herta Space Station. I'll have Asta prepare food for you."
Before Tingyun could refuse, a [Mirror] opened and sent her away.
Herta turned to Ruan Mei and smiled knowingly. "Ruan Mei, come with me. Let's go on a date on the blue planet."
Ruan Mei blinked. Normally, Herta would make excuses, beat around the bush, and after much tsundere hinting, maneuver her into being the one to ask.
"Herta, you're acting strange today."
Herta's smile remained natural. She stepped closer. "Oh? Strange? Is it because you're supposed to be the one asking me? Go on, then. Ask me out. If you invite me, I'll say yes immediately."
Ruan Mei stared at her, bewildered. This woman's aura, appearance, and Path power were almost indistinguishable from the real Herta. If this Herta is fake, who could it be? That flawed imitation of Yu Qingtu?
Just as she hesitated, another [Mirror] opened. Another Herta, magic key in hand, stepped out.
The newcomer froze at the sight of her duplicate. Then she raised her key in hostility. "Who are you?! Why are you disguised as me? Is it that 'Yu Qingtu'? Ruan Mei, help me destroy this impostor!"
The other Herta flew into a rage. "Sparkle! How dare you disguise yourself as me and call me fake in front of Ruan Mei? You're insane!"
"You're the fake! Your whole family is fake!"
Both raised their keys and unleashed the same spatial power.
Bam.
Both looked shocked. "What?! How do you have my power?"
"I should be asking you! Who gave you permission to use it?!"
"No—Aha must have lost his mind, elevating a fool like you to my level!"
"You're the fool! Your whole family are fools!"
They argued, blasting each other with Path power, nearly destroying the blue planet. Ruan Mei had no choice but to drag them both into outer space.
At first, she could still guess which one might be the impostor based on subtle differences. But after three days of the two constantly swapping places using spatial displacement, she grew dizzy and disoriented, unable to tell them apart.
Ruan Mei had to admit: just how much Emanator power had Aha given the fake to make her Path power almost identical to the real Herta's? Elation and Erudition, genius and fool—were they truly only a thought apart?