Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel.
Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff
******
Clara hesitated for a moment but ultimately couldn't refuse Bochang's kindness.
Bailu then asked, "Clara, why aren't you wearing shoes...?"
"Ah? Well... because I'm not accustomed to wearing shoes, so..." Clara looked down at her feet.
Throughout her life, Clara had never worn shoes. Asking her to wear them now could trigger some undesirable reactions.
Bochang suggested, "From now on, you can wear these long stockings instead. They're quite handy... Plus, they have an automatic cleaning feature, very convenient."
"Hmm..." Clara responded softly.
Clara responded softly.
She still harbored some lingering resentment over Bochang revealing her personal attire earlier. However... she had no intention of bringing it up again.
"Um... Bochang, have you had breakfast yet? If not, I can prepare something right away."
"No need, Clara. I'm about to take Bailu for a tour around, so we won't disturb you further." Bochang glanced around, noticing many vagrants waiting to receive supplies.
"It's...it's no disturbance at all," the silver-haired, red-eyed little girl waved her hands repeatedly. "I'm always happy when Bochang comes to visit."
"That's good to hear."
Bochang smiled warmly and then gently patted Bailu's small head.
"Well, we should be on our way now, Clara. See you later!"
"Goodbye, Bochang."
After watching them depart...
Clara resumed her work.
Meanwhile, Bochang and Bailu proceeded through the furnace core directly towards the Overworld.
Their destination was the Central Plaza in Belobog's Administrative Region.
Previously, Bochang had earned a commendation for Exemplary Virtue, which he planned to use now, treating it like a leisurely outing.
Bochang leisurely strolled with Bailu for some time.
News of the pioneer team's reappearance in Belobog stirred excitement among The Architects.
As Bochang reached the Central Plaza within the Administrative District...
Two figures were standing there:
Bronya Rand and Pera Sergeyevna.
Both had long silvery-gray hair cascading down their shoulders.
Bronya bore a striking resemblance to Silver Wolf; the only notable difference was one being fully mature while the other still developing.
"The Silver Wolf has much room to grow," he murmured to himself.
Bochang then turned his gaze towards Pela.
They exchanged nods as a greeting.
Speaking of which...
With these two young ladies standing together, they formed quite an appealing sight, drawing many curious glances from passersby.
Noticing them, Bochang waved and said, "Miss Bronya, it's been a while."
"In the name of the Great Guardian, greetings to you, Mister Bochang," Bronya responded solemnly.
After a brief pause, Bochang said, "No need to be so formal; feel free to relax."
"I understand." Bronya nodded gently.
Bochang got straight to the point. "Miss Bronya, you and Pela here... Is there something specific that brought you?"
"Just wanted to visit, Mister Bochang, and also to inquire... Do you need me to reserve some rooms for you?" Bronya's tone was neither deferential nor assertive.
"There's no need for reservations," Bochang replied. "I'm simply taking Bailu on a casual stroll around Belobog. It shouldn't take long... as I'll soon depart from here. There are matters elsewhere that require my attention."
"I see... If you have time, Mister Bochang, you're welcome to visit Qlipoth Fort as our guest." Bronya's gaze lingered briefly on Bailu before moving away.
She had already met this new guest earlier.
At that time...
Bochang and Stelle were outside Belobog, searching for Tingyun's traces.
"Certainly, next time for sure," Bochang agreed readily.
Bailu tugged at his sleeve, suggesting, "Why don't we go there now?"
Earlier during their meal, March 7th had mentioned how delicious Qlipoth Fort's cuisine was, piquing Bailu's curiosity.
"Besides, the Spirit Consoling Ceremony isn't until tonight..."
Hearing the young dragon girl's request, Bochang considered it briefly before consenting, "Alright, let's do as you suggest... Miss Bronya, this afternoon, I'll bring Bailu to Qlipoth Fort. We'll have lunch, take a nap, and then leave by evening. How does that sound?"
"Wonderful! I'll make preparations right away." Bronya smiled warmly.
Quickly adding, Bochang said, "Just remember, no grand parties or gatherings. A simple meal for our small group is enough; larger events can be quite troublesome."
To be honest, Bronya had initially planned a large gathering, inviting all The Architects of Belobog to join in the festivities. However, she didn't anticipate Bochang's preference against such occasions, so she decided to scale back her plans.
Bronya extended her hand.
"Since you don't favor gatherings, Mister Bochang, I'll make simple preparations then. Hopefully, you won't mind."
"No worries at all, rest assured," replied Bochang, placing one hand on his hip.
Bailu raised both hands excitedly, cheering, "Yay, time for delicious food!"
"Mister Bochang, if that's settled, I shall take my leave now. For any further needs, please contact Pela directly." Bronya glanced at the round-faced girl beside her.
Pela stood tall and upright, saying nothing, just quietly observing Bochang.
"All right, Miss Bronya."
With that, Bronya turned and departed.
Big Duck, clad in the Silvermane Guard uniform, displayed remarkably graceful curves. Her black silk-clad legs, accentuated by long black boots, were incredibly enticing, drawing lingering glances.
"Pela, from now on, I will be your guide," said the round-faced girl, adjusting her glasses.
Bochang rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Pela, there's no need to be so formal. You can just call me Bochang from now on; adding 'Mister' feels a bit awkward... or alternatively, you could call me Big Bro Bochang."
Pela hesitated momentarily, unsure what to say.
Earlier, Bochang had called her "Big Sister Pela," and now he wanted her to address him as "Big Brother Bochang." It seemed they were each sticking to their preferred terms without interfering with each other's choices.
"Alright, just kidding! Don't take it seriously."
Bochang smiled warmly, not wanting to waste more time on this exchange.
Standing near the central fountain, Bochang promptly used his Exalted Virtue's Commendation ability:
[Rewards being distributed - Congratulations! You've received Jym Rogers Bread Soda. This beverage has a pleasant taste and quickly restores stamina when consumed. Note: Such items will...]
I got this... Not bad at all.
Bochang felt secretly pleased.
Soon after...
Bochang, Pela, and Bailu strolled through the streets of Belobog together.
By midday, the trio arrived at Qlipoth Fort.
Bronya was already there, leading a group to welcome them at the entrance.
Unnoticed by everyone else, however,
Cocolia silently observed Bochang, her eyes slightly narrowed as she muttered, "That guy..."
She had a profound impression of the man who soundly thrashed her, causing numerous sleepless nights.
Her feelings were difficult to describe.
Cocolia didn't think she harbored hatred towards Bochang; without his intervention, she would have undoubtedly committed unforgivable mistakes.
"But... why do I keep thinking about him?"
Cocolia couldn't quite understand it herself.
In fact, inviting Bochang to Qlipoth Fort this time was entirely Cocolia's directive, which led Bronya to extend the invitation.
Currently...
Although Bronya held the title of Great Guardian, ever since Cocolia recovered, even from behind the scenes, she exerted considerable influence over Belobog.
It felt akin to ruling by proxy, with Cocolia pulling the strings.
Bronya expressed no dissatisfaction with this arrangement, or rather, she preferred it. With Cocolia overseeing the broader picture, the burden on Bronya significantly lessened.
However, Cocolia often seemed preoccupied, which slightly bothered Bronya. Despite trying various approaches, she couldn't fully restore the former Great Guardian's mental state.
But today felt different when Cocolia asked Bronya to invite Bochang as a guest to Qlipoth Fort.
"Why is that?" Bronya wondered, unsure of the reason behind this change.
Meanwhile...
As they conversed, Bochang, Pela, and Bailu entered Qlipoth Fort together.
Watching them disappear from sight, Cocolia finally turned away and retreated to her room for preparations.
On another note...
Bochang engaged in lively banter with Bronya.
Although Big Duck, like Seele, exuded an air of aloofness, during their conversation, Bronya displayed exceptional social skills. She effortlessly found suitable topics, ensuring the atmosphere remained warm and engaging.
Walking alongside Big Duck, Bochang felt remarkably at ease.
"If only Seele could be as articulate as Bronya."
"What a pity..."
Recalling their meal at Natasha's clinic, Seele had barely spoken throughout, focusing solely on eating, much like Bailu.
Fortunately, March 7th's lively presence kept the atmosphere at the dinner table engaging.
Under the watchful gaze of numerous Silvermane Guards, Bochang and his companions traversed the corridors.
They arrived at Qlipoth Fort's grand reception area, adorned with opulent decorations that clearly signified immense value—every corner exuded an air of extravagance.
Bailu, visiting this place for the first time, looked around curiously. The room shimmered with golden splendor, filled with attendants standing nearby. Despite the lack of advanced technology, the service was impeccable. As someone well-traveled, Bailu remained unfazed. Being the High Elder of the Vidyadhara clan, she was accustomed to being served by many in her daily life.
On the other hand, Bochang wasn't quite used to such treatment. Having a crowd observe them while dining felt rather peculiar.
So, he spoke up, "Miss Bronya, do we really need so many people standing around while we eat?"
"No problem, Mister Bochang. If you're not comfortable... I'll have them withdraw." Bronya waved her hand, addressing the attendants, "All of you, please leave."
There were six attendants in the room: four genuine servants and two Silvermane Guards. Upon receiving the Great Guardian's command, none dared to disobey.
After the attendants stepped outside...
Cocolia emerged, her eerily purple eyes flickering.
Upon seeing this, Bochang thought to himself, "Strange... Didn't her eyes turn gray before? Hmm... Could it be that purple is actually her true eye color?"