#mlqc short stories

[laxmiree]

[CN] MLQC Season 2 Chapter 56 Translation [Lucien’s Part]-(1/2)

⚠️  SPOILER ALERT  ⚠️

This post contains a VERY HEAVY SPOILER for the chapter that has not been released in EN yet! Feel free to notify me if there are any mistakes in the translation~

I see your darkness, your failures, your confusion.

Just as I catch sight of the building, my body freezes involuntarily.

The place where the mentor-pupil mission has led us is none other than the former site of the Twin Leaves Orphanage in reality.

Translation under the cut!

[S2 Chapter 56 - Unsolvable Crux]

Some context about this chapter batch! Long story short, MC's Miracle Finder program which is more of a long and traditional TV show is struggling to compete with the popularity of online short videos (cough, funnily, it is almost like Lovepro's current situation in the otome market-), but she still has some time to find ways to make it more popular again before the next meeting with the investor (pretty similar to the start of the main story huh-)

At the same time, Odyssey, a hyper-realistic VR game is currently on hype right now, the game was developed by a company called Infinite, and it can be played with a device called Golden Apple (GA for short). This game lowkey feels like hidden ads for LaDs ngl

✂———————–

—[Chapter 56-8]—

I'm sitting at my desk, playing with the leaves of the green plant on the table, unable to help but sigh again

MC: I can't just chase after streaming platforms and make short videos for the rest of my life, can I.....

...This will only make my company lose its style and be homogenized into one of them.

At present, it seems like there's a new information technology emerging every minute. If we don't seize the opportunity, we'll only be left with the crumbs of others' success. It's just like…

Lucien: “Now, here, you see, it takes all the running you can do to keep in the same place.”

The familiar words echo in my ears, and I can't help but feel a bit dazed. Suddenly, a strange sense of familiarity wells up from within me.

This feeling, where I'm at a loss at the company's situation, seems to have happened in the distant past as well.

The calm, windless afternoon and those ink-like eyes come to mind.

When I was filming the final episode of "Finding Miracles" I was also grappling with decisions about the future, feeling anxious and lost.

At that time, Lucien became my program consultant, and the struggling program suddenly came to life starting from that episode.

I can't help but smile as I find my phone and send a message to Lucien.

MC: Is Consultant Lucien busy? I'm coming over to see you now~

The bright sunlight reflects off the entrance of the Ultima Bioscience Research Institute. As soon as I step out of the car, I see several visitors walking out of the building with gloomy expressions.

Visitor A: Is Professor Lucien such a high-and-mighty figure? Every time we come here, he's never around!

Visitor B: Maybe his research is going downhill at a critical moment? Even his assistant says they don't see him often.

Visitor A: Then he should come out, meet us, and discuss the results. Is it really good to shut himself away and do research like this?

MC: …?

Lucien not seeing visitors? I'm a bit puzzled.

A couple of days ago, when I met him in "Odyssey", he told me that the scanning function in "Odyssey" is very useful, as it helps him transfer data.

Could it be that he's doing closed-door research, so he's not seeing visitors?

I take out my phone in confusion and see that there's no reply to the message I sent him before leaving.

Pete: I'm really sorry, Professors. Next time, when you come again…

No one pays attention to Pete's voice. The visitors get straight into their cars and leave. He awkwardly scratches his head and walks away.

The situation in front of me deepens my confusion. I push open the door to the research room lightly.

MC: Lucien…?

There's no response inside. I stick my head in from behind the door, then pause for a moment in surprise.

I had thought I would see Professor Lucien asleep among the mountains of research reports and experimental data...

...But I didn't expect to see him actually sitting on the visitor's sofa, wearing the third-generation GA device.

At Lucien's feet are some hastily packed fast food wrappers, along with two unpackaged GA helmets.

He leans against the sofa, half of his face obscured by the helmet, devoid of any expression. Only his fingers, which resting on the side, twitch occasionally.

In an instant, I understood why Pete's expression was so complicated.

Who would have thought that Professor Lucien, while shutting himself off from visitors, would be sitting in the research lab playing "Odyssey" so openly!

If I don't go ask Lucien about the situation soon, I feel like I'll become even more worried and confused.

I take a deep breath, take a helmet out of the packaging, sit on the empty experimental bed next to him, and decisively put it on.

✂———————–

The brilliant sunlight warmly bathes a lush green field, and the moist air rushing towards me feels refreshing.

The grass beside me is nourished by the river, lush and abundant. With the river breeze rippling against both banks, the grass sways, gently tickling my calves.

This is Lucien's home in "Odyssey". When it's not busy, I often spend leisurely days here with him.

I look around and quickly spot Lucien sitting by the riverbank. I walk over to him joyfully.

MC: Lu-

Before I can even say his name, Lucien tilts his body slightly and gestures to me.

Lucien: Shh-

With one hand, he stops me from trying to pat him, and with the other, he lifts the fishing rod. As he moves, the water ripples gently.

"Splash!" A fish with golden patterns bursts out of the water, its tail swishing lively, causing water droplets to splash around.

The water droplets slide down his face like morning dew, tracing a meandering path on his handsome features.

Lucien blinks and then looks at me, his lips curling into a smile.

Lucien: [chuckles] Caught it.

—[Chapter 56-10]—

I come out from behind Lucien and poke the lively fish.

MC: What a plump and beautiful fish, I don't think I've ever seen one like this when I go fishing myself!

Lucien chuckles lightly as he unties the fishhook, then puts the fish back into the water, watching as its tail swishes and it swims away into the river.

A notification suddenly pops up.

——————Congratulations to the player [X] for completing the fishing achievement — [Encounter with Golden Marigold Fish].

Next to the achievement page, there's a line of small text that reads, "Congratulations, you are the first player globally to achieve this accomplishment."

MC: Wow, did I just witness the birth of a golden legend?

I gaze at this unheard-of achievement in astonishment, while Lucien maintains an unsurprised expression.

He smiles faintly, reaching out to wipe away a droplet of water that splashed onto my cheek just now.

Lucien: Shouldn't MC also be awarded an achievement — the first player globally to witness the birth of the Golden Marigold Fish achievement?

His banter makes me unable to help but smile. I glance around at the scenery, sighing as I look around.

MC: I never expected that the charm of "Odyssey" would be so great that even Professor Lucien has become an "Internet Addict."

I clear my throat and then nonchalantly add a "harmless" little question.

MC: Lately, it seems like I've been seeing you online often. Is the work at the Ultima Bioscience Research Institute relatively easy?

Upon hearing my little probing, Lucien smiles but doesn't rush to answer.

He stands up and tidies things up, gesturing for me to look towards a nearby location.

Lucien: [chuckles] Before answering that question, do you want to go check out the newly renovated home of an "Internet Addict" first?

MC: Um? Of course, that sounds great~

I never imagined that Lucien had actually expanded a laboratory within his home without me knowing.

The layout, facilities, interior decor, and even the functioning equipment replicated a professional laboratory down to the last detail.

Data and reports are neatly arranged, and as I measure the thickness of one stack of data with my palm, it exceeds the breadth of two hands.

Judging by the thickness of these materials, Lucien seems to have been conducting research in the "Odyssey" laboratory for quite a long time.

MC: While others come into the game to relax, Professor Lucien is actually working in the game. What an exceptional scientist...

Lucien smiles calmly and prepares a cup of hot tea for me.

Lucien: Try it. Does the taste and flavor differ from the real world?

I take the white tea and sip it lightly.

MC: [smiles softly] It seems there's hardly any difference, but I'm not really a tea connoisseur. I just drink it often because of you.

The tea leaves stretch in the boiling water, blurring our views of each other. I lean back on the comfortable sofa, seemingly understanding his implication.

MC: Professor Lucien, do you think since "Odyssey" is so similar to reality, why not explore an "experimental field" in the game too?

Lucien remains silent, seemingly acknowledging. He brews another cup of tea with the tea leaves and places it back in front of me.

Lucien: The laboratory here is quiet enough for me to focus more on my research.

He winks, his gaze gentle and focused, conveying a sense of reassurance to me.

Lucien: And as you've seen, in addition to research, I also casually complete game tasks.

In just a few sentences, Lucien perfectly answers all my questions.

I prop my head up a bit dazedly, pondering. If it's about finding peace and quiet, the Ultima Bioscience Research Center isn't usually noisy.

...Could it be because of those people?

MC: Is it because of the increase in visitors at the Ultima Bioscience Research Center recently? Is it affecting you?

Lucien nods in response to my gaze, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.

Lucien: Recently, we've shifted the research focus to the deterioration disease. Some organizations are well-informed and have been eager to collaborate with me.

I nod in understanding.

In the realm of research, this isn't uncommon, but collaboration means sharing progress and results.

For Lucien, who prefers minimal interference in his research, this is indeed troublesome.

However, is the reason really that simple?

Lucien's demeanor and tone betray no hint of anything unusual, but I can't shake off a lingering sense of unease.

MC: By the way, Lucien.

I rise from the coffee table and move to sit beside him, one hand looping around his arm.

MC: Actually, I'm not at the company right now. I'm at the Ultima Bioscience Research Center, currently in your research lab.

Lucien: It seems that I'm not the only one bringing work into the game.

Facing Lucien's slightly teasing gaze, I bury my head in his chest, breathing in the scent of tea lingering on him.

MC: [in a coquettish manner] …I didn't expect Professor Lucien to still see through me.

Lucien's smile doesn't diminish as he gently strokes the top of my head with his hand.

Lucien: I think it's work time now. A girl who wants to fish wouldn't play "Odyssey" with me so conspicuously.

MC: I do have some problems that need Professor Lucien's advice and assistance.

I peek out from his embrace, tilting my head back to look at him.

MC: How about we talk as we walk? I also want to explore other areas of Professor Lucien's home and see if there are any new changes~

—[Chapter 56-11]—

Lucien pushes open the back door of the laboratory, revealing a glass corridor with a hollow top.

Sunlight filters through the glass, casting mottled light and shadow. His figure appears both real and illusory in the interplay of light and shadow.

I walk hand in hand with Lucien in the glass corridor, pouring out recent work matters in one breath.

MC: ...So, if we just chase after trends like other companies, we'll still end up being left behind in the industry.

MC: After all, I remember from a media class that "homogeneous works will ultimately be eliminated, and innovation is the key to industry development."

Lucien: Your judgment is correct.

Lucien blinks at me in affirmation and then poses a rather “insightful” question.

Lucien: So, what are the plans now?

I pause for a moment, somewhat unconfidently, and share with him several new program proposals that I have been contemplating.

MC: ...I've reviewed these proposals repeatedly. Although the content of the programs is quite interesting, I can't shake the feeling that it's still not enough.

MC: Maybe I should plan a program with more thrilling and exciting scenes…?

Lucien brushes off a leaf that had landed on my head at some point. I take the leaf, twirling it idly in my palm.

Lucien: Before the inception of "Odyssey," none of us imagined that we would be twirling this fallen leaf in a virtual world.

Lucien's calm and composed voice comes through as he touches the fallen leaf along with my hand.

Lucien: Fallen leaves, the air, and us walking…

Lucien: Without mentioning it, many people might forget that all of this is made up of data.

Lucien: The success of "Odyssey" doesn't rely on content but rather on the innovation of its presentation.

Lucien: If you were to just change the content, with your abilities, you'd surely create a buzz, but for discerning viewers…

He smiles slightly, his eyes looking at me with insight.

Lucien: The level of excitement in content has no threshold; as long as there's a lack of "technological" innovation, being replicated and surpassed is just a matter of time.

Lucien: On this point, Miss Producer, you understand it better than I do.

Lucien's words bring to light a thought that I've been vaguely aware of but haven't fully grasped. I blink, feeling a little enlightened.

MC: So, now, rather than pondering new programs, the new program medium is the more important thing?

The pressure before me seems to have cracked open a bit with Lucien's words, but I still find myself anxiously rubbing my hair.

Short videos, with their quick and concise nature, have almost taken over as the predominant form of media presentation in today's world.

MC: What else can be innovated? The "opportunity" won't just fall from the sky.

Our hands interlock as Lucien gently takes mine, and with a breeze, the leaf I had almost forgotten about is swept away, disappearing from sight.

Lucien: Personally, I feel that perhaps we can try to find a blue ocean.*

MC: Blue ocean?

[Trivia: Blue Ocean strategy is a business strategy that involves creating new market spaces and making the competition irrelevant. A current relevant example is Papergames creating Love and Deepspace 😂]

Lucien looks at me with a thoughtful expression, his lips curling into a smile. With his slender fingertips, he smooths out the hair that I had ruffled.

Lucien: For example, in fields like holographic technology and artificial intelligence.

My heart skips a beat.

Indeed, while there have been numerous developments in related fields before, it wasn't until the explosion of "Odyssey" that these two concepts suddenly experienced explosive growth.

From the perspective of a film and television company, this is simply the perfect combination of new technological power and emerging phenomena.

The wind picks up, causing the leaves of the trees to rustle against each other, gracefully taking flight as if nature sings its gentle song.

As I behold the incredibly lifelike natural scene before me, it feels as though a long-standing boulder in my mind is finally starting to shift.

MC: Are you referring to "Odyssey" itself?!

Lucien: It's just one possible direction. "Odyssey" is the firstborn of this blue ocean, overturning and rebuilding many people's preconceptions.

The sunlight filters through the trees, casting scattered patches of light onto the path we're walking on. The slanting rays create specks of orange hues, gently enveloping us like orange veils.

Lucien: Now that we're in the midst of it, it's the best proof of all possibilities.

MC: Combining media with "Odyssey"...

I pause in my tracks, lost in thought. Lucien doesn't interrupt me, waiting quietly by my side.

I raise my head, looking at the sky in "Odyssey," which is indistinguishable from reality. In my mind, several new ideas start to take shape.

Unable to contain my enthusiasm, I leap up and hug him excitedly.

MC: Thank you, Professor Lucien, for answering my questions and clearing up my confusion!

Lucien: Just bringing a bit of research mindset into the discussion. I'd be honored if it was helpful to you.

Lucien lets me hold him and pats my back, his smile deepening.

Lucien: However, we haven't formally confirmed our teacher-student relationship yet, so you can't just casually call me "teacher".

Before I could react, an interface to formalize our mentor-pupil relationship suddenly appeared.

I blush slightly and without hesitation, press the "confirm" button.

At the same time as the system message "You have become a pupil of X" pops up, a mentor-pupil mission suddenly appears in my taskbar.

MC: Huh?

[Lucien and MC get transported]

Xiao Shuai: My friend is the best Xiao Mei in the world. We are happy when we're playing outside, but she's not happy once she gets home.

Xiao Shuai: Can Gege (older brother) and Jiejie (older sister) make Xiao Mei happy?

MC: I thought the mentor-pupil mission would be about technical teaching, but I didn't expect it to be helping children…

Lucien: Does MC prefer to learn technical skills?

MC: No, no, that's too tiring. Let's just help the kids together!

I smile and rub Xiao Shuai's chubby cheeks.

MC: Okay, let's leave it to Gege and Jiejie!

A prominent guiding route on the ground emits a white light. We follow the route and soon reach the end of the road.

Alongside the old gate, the fence entwined with vines is covered with lush green leaves, occasionally dotted with a few wildflowers, giving it a lively appearance.

Several two-story buildings in the courtyard are arranged in picturesque disorder. Although the paint on the walls has faded, it still exudes a sense of warmth and tranquility.

Just as I catch sight of the building, my body freezes involuntarily.

The place where the mentor-pupil mission has led us is none other than the former site of the Twin Leaves Orphanage in reality.

[Trivia: Twin Leaves Orphanage is where MC, Lucien, Kiro, and other kids got experimented as a child]

—[Chapter 56-12]—

As I gaze upon the orphanage in "Odyssey," a chill runs down my spine, and I can't help but tighten the scarf around my neck.

However, unlike the desolate old site in my memory, the NPC children are now playing and frolicking in the courtyard, bathed in warm sunlight.

I tell myself not to overthink it and quickly find several children playing in the corridor to ask about Xiao Mei with Lucien.

Child A: Xiao Mei? I don't know her.

Child B: There doesn't seem to be anyone by that name in our orphanage.

We ask many children, but surprisingly, not a single one knows Xiao Mei. I scratch my head in puzzlement.

MC: Could it be that Xiao Shuai's mission information was incorrect?

Lucien ponders for a moment, then looks towards the teacher who is answering questions for the children at the classroom door not far away.

Lucien: Let's go ask the teacher.

After the children leave, I approach the teacher politely and cautiously start the conversation.

MC: Hello, do you happen to know a student named Xiao Mei? I seem to have found something belonging to her.

Teacher: We don't have a student by that name here. You might have the wrong place.

I stand there puzzled, about to ask for Lucien's opinion, when I turn around and realize Lucien is nowhere to be found.

Before I can even speak to search for him, the door of the adjacent office opens, and Lucien steps out, holding a piece of paper in his hand.

Lucien: I found the student roster from this office.

MC: Pfft…! So Professor Lucien already guessed that the teacher wouldn't be able to provide any useful information, so he pulled a "diversionary tactic*"?

[T/N: "声东击西" is a Chinese idiom that literally translates to "sound from the east, strike from the west." It refers to a strategy where one creates a diversion or distraction to mislead the opponent while executing a different action elsewhere :> ]

Lucien winks at me.

Lucien: Just a small tactic, hopefully it pays off.

As we scan through the long list for a while, we still haven't found Xiao Mei's name. Just as I'm about to give up and look for a guide, Lucien suddenly raises an eyebrow.

Lucien: There seems to be an issue with this list.

MC: What do you mean?

Lucien doesn't reply, but instead, he folds up the list and leads me towards the storage room at the end of the corridor.

After opening the door, a stale smell fills the air in the storeroom, and tiny specks of dust float in the dim light.

Lucien closes the door behind me, and for a moment, the entire room seems to be engulfed in a heavy darkness.

Yet, in the pitch-black, a faint green glow suddenly appears before my eyes.

MC: …This list glows!!

The original text on the list is obscured by the heavy darkness, but the text printed with luminescent material is clearly visible.

MC: "Night Division Roster", Xiao Gu, Mai Mai, Xiao Mei... Found her!

Lucien: It seems my guess was correct.

Lucien: Earlier, I noticed the words "Day Division" on the list under natural light, so I speculated that there might also be a "Night Division" present.

MC: So Xiao Mei appears in the park every evening before dusk and leaves after sunset, not to "go home," but to attend classes in the Night Division?

Lucien: Smart. This should be the reason why no one knew Xiao Mei when we came during the day.

MC: How strange... Why are the children mysteriously divided into day and night divisions?

Lucien walks slowly beside me, seemingly not intending to take further action.

Lucien: Perhaps we'll have answers when night falls.

A slightly cunning smile curves on Lucien's lips, and I instantly understand his intention.

MC: Right, if we wait until it's late and quiet, the children from the Night Division will naturally come for their classes!

The only task now is to wait, Lucien and I hang around, watching as the sunlight gradually shifts towards the west.

MC: I can't shake the feeling that this orphanage mission seems to have some sort of prototype reference... like the mirrored building* we encountered before.

[T/N: MC talks about S2 ch 33]

MC: There's a kind of... indescribable familiarity in my heart.

Lucien: Don't worry, this sense of familiarity might just help us complete the mission.

Lucien gently ruffles my hair and gazes towards the direction of the orphanage, deep in thought.

As night falls and moonlight shines upon the orphanage, Lucien and I hear footsteps echoing in the corridor.

A group of children silently make their way through the long corridor toward the direction of the classroom.

Their shadows elongate in the dim light, devoid of daytime liveliness, only the faint moonlight reflecting their youthful yet serious faces.

As if influenced by this atmosphere, I also lower my voice and whisper softly into Lucien's ear.

MC: Shall we go now?

Just as Lucien and I start heading towards the classrooms, we're suddenly stopped by a security guard.

Security Guard: Sorry, the orphanage is not open to the public right now. Please leave.

MC: We're just…

Before I can finish my sentence, a "Mission Failed" screen suddenly pops up, and Lucien and I are immediately teleported outside the orphanage.

MC: ….??

MC: How did the mission fail already? We haven't even done anything yet!

Lucien: I'm thinking that perhaps there are some "invisible rules" in place at this orphanage at night that we're not supposed to break. Once violated, the mission fails immediately.

Lucien: "Not getting caught by security" must be one of them.

MC: Isn't this too troublesome?

Lucien: With me around, do you still find it troublesome?

MC: Pfft, of course not.

I take Lucien's hand and wink at him.

MC: Then let's solve this small trouble together~

✂———————–

One minute later, Lucien and I find ourselves back in front of the orphanage.

MC: Uh, sorry... I saw a mirror and instinctively looked into it. I didn't realize it would also count as breaking the rules.

Lucien: It's okay. Every failure is an exploration step toward success.

✂———————–

Lucien: I thought solving the puzzle on the blackboard would open a secret door or something like that, but it just attracted the attention of the teacher.

MC: At least the orphanage teacher acknowledged Professor Lucien's math skills…!

After seven or eight attempts at exploration, we finally lurk near the classroom. I open the window and quietly peek inside.

In the dim light, the children sit by the worn-out desks and chairs, attentively listening to the teacher's explanation. There's an eerie and quiet atmosphere in the air.

A sudden horror and chilling feeling rushes through my heart, and I instinctively look towards Lucien, who is holding my hand.

But when I turn around, the first thing I see is not Lucien, but a slightly pale-faced little girl.

She has appeared behind us, seemingly out of nowhere, and is looking up at us curiously.

—[Chapter 56-14]—

MC: Are you X-Xiao Mei...?!

I feel goosebumps all over my body, and my voice trembles as I speak. The little girl nods, and I exchange a glance with Lucien.

We take Xiao Mei out of the teaching building and arrive at the tree next to the garden.

Here, I finally breathe a sigh of relief, looking at the girl in front of me with braided pigtails.

MC: Xiao Mei, your friend Xiao Shuai is very worried about you, so he asked Gege and Jiejie to come and check on you.

I try to talk to Xiao Mei, but she keeps her lips tightly pressed together and glances at me before curling up into a ball, not moving at all.

No matter how I try to talk to her afterward, she ignores me.

Xiao Mei looks much thinner and weaker than children her age. Unlike the lively and noisy children during the day, she appears to be particularly quiet.

Just as I am feeling troubled, Lucien gently calls my name and takes my hand, leading me aside.

MC: What should I do, Lucien? She seems particularly resistant to communicating with me…

Lucien: [gently] I think maybe it's not resistance, but rather she also needs an opportunity to connect with you.

Lucien: When you talk to her, although her reactions are a bit cold, her body always unconsciously moves closer toward you.

Lucien: Rather than resistance, it might be more like "not good at" or "not daring" to communicate with you.

My heart tightens. Could it be that the reason why these children from the Night Division are so quiet... is because of similar reasons?

Children in orphanages are already more prone to feeling lonely than others. A girl who struggles to communicate is even more susceptible to being ignored to some extent.

I should use a more friendly approach and gradually make her feel understood.

Thinking this, I look more carefully at Xiao Mei, trying to find some breakthrough to make her relax

Xiao Mei has her eyes closed slightly, gently burying her head in the slightly worn scarf around her.

MC: Lucien, look at that scarf…?

Lucien also looks over and after a while, he speaks softly.

Lucien: Some children develop a dependency on specific plush items during their growth process, finding a sense of security in them.

Lucien: I think, this scarf might be just that special existence for her.

I look at the curled-up Xiao Mei, feeling a mix of sadness and tenderness. Despite the scarf in her arms being very worn, she still holds onto it dearly, unwilling to let go.

Lucien notices my emotions and tightens his hold on my hands.

I give his hand a firm squeeze back, smile at him, then return to Xiao Mei's side and crouch down again.

MC: Xiao Mei, let me tell you a secret. When I was little, I also received a scarf from someone very important to me.

Xiao Mei doesn't say anything, but she turns her head slightly to look at me. I continue to speak, smiling as I recount distant memories in a soft voice.

MC: I really, really liked that scarf because every time I saw it, it made me feel like that person was still with me.

MC: When I felt lonely or scared, I would hold onto it, and those feelings would slowly disappear, just like magic.

MC: Later on, I would often chat with the magic scarf, and it became my best friend whom I could talk to about anything…

I made up a fairy tale about me and the magic scarf, and Xiao Mei listened attentively, starting to sit up slowly.

When the fairy tale was over, Xiao Mei blinked her eyes and smiled at me for the first me.

I suddenly think of something and take off my scarf, wrapping it around Xiao Mei's neck.

MC: Your scarf must have a lot of power. Now, Jiejie is giving you her scarf too.

I boop Xiao Mei's nose, and she no longer resists my approach.

MC: From now on, Xiao Mei has two powers to protect her. So she doesn’t need to be afraid of anything.

Xiao Mei looks at me, blinks her eyes, and the next moment, she starts sobbing softly, as if she had been suppressing it for a long time. She doesn't cry loudly, just hugs me tightly.

Lucien bends down a bit and gently strokes Xiao Mei's head.

Not long after, Xiao Mei takes out a sketchbook. As she writes and draws, she tells her story bit by bit. Finally, we can piece together the truth.

It seems that from a long time ago, the children in the orphanage have been divided into a day division and a night division based on their physical condition and performance in the orphanage.

From the beginning, the two divisions just have different schedules, but gradually it evolves into differences in meals, dormitories, and the attention they receive.

Nowadays, the children in the night division seem to have become an "invisible" group in this orphanage, as no one ever casts a glance their way anymore.

Although Xiao Mei doesn't understand the reason, she knows that she and her friends in the night division all dislike this kind of life.

She wants to escape, to be under the sunlight with the other children, but she's powerless to do so alone.

After settling Xiao Mei with Lucien, I stomp my foot indignantly.

MC: They're all children, why do these people treat them differently?!

Lucien takes the drawing Xiao Mei handed to us and ponders for a moment before speaking lightly.

Lucien: I'm afraid it's not just emotional discrimination that's at play here.

Lucien: Emotional neglect alone wouldn't warrant them going to such lengths to establish this system, so I suspect there may be deeper interests at play.

MC: Are you suggesting that the children in the night division might be exploited by the orphanage?

Lucien nods, gently taking my slightly cold hand and rubbing it, a gentle yet firm smile on his lips.

Lucien: [smiles gently] Whatever it is, it will be resolved tonight.

[Next Part-> Click Here]

[ourlittleuluru]

I don't know if this is a question, but... May l ask some questions about the lore of love and deepspace?

What's the mc 's evol and how does it work?

What is an evol?

I am sorry for asking a lot of questions, l am only on the second chapter of the game, and as a new player l want to learn more about the lore.

And who is this astra person? I heard a lot of people mention that name... l don't know how this astra person is connected to zayne.

I apologise for asking a lot of questions.

Hi hi anon (｡･∀･)ﾉﾞ and welcome~! I hope you've been enjoying the game! (Sorry I am a wee bit late to the reply ><;;; )

Lets tackle the questions one by one~ and no worries, ask all the questions you need to better understand the lore of this game. I get that this game does have SO MUCH lore u-u

What's the mc 's evol and how does it work? MC's Evol is a Anhaunsen Class, Resonance type. The way it works is that her Evol will essentially match with the person/thing MC is resonating with, and then amplify their/its powers! You can see it happening in Main Story - Under Deepspace Chapter 01-04 and 01-05, where MC amplified Xavier's Light Evol. Xavier also told MC to match fluctuations on a stone sculpture back in Chapter 03-06. Another instance is where MC resonated with Zayne to help keep his Ice Evol from going out of control, in the Main Story - Prologue To Tomorrow's Branch - Thorns Under The Moon.

What is an evol? Well, it's not really much explained in LADS itself yet (from what I recall). I think one of the loading screen tips mentioned something about Evol before but those are hard to catch ><;;; I also heard the universe is shared with another game from the same company - Love and Producer (aka Mr Love: Queen's Choice, MLQC for short). Personally I have yet to look much into that side of things, so I just treat it like one of those ideas where super powers that are granted to people at the moment;;;

About Astra Astra (iirc, appears only in Zayne's Foreseer Myth?) is a deity that Foreseer!Zayne serves, who in a sense also cursed Zayne as well. As described in his myth: "Under Astra's command may the Foreseer deliver His will, for that is his fate." - Philos: Tome of the Foreseer (Chapter 1 - Tower of Secrets) "The Almighty Astra bestowed His power unto him, ordering the Foreseer to act as an emissary for the divine." This opens up the idea of high beings that overlook the universe of LADS (not to mention with Sylus, there was also mentions of demons/devil) to which, we'll have to wait and see where the LADS writers go with it

I hope I managed to explain it well enough and answered your questions >-<;; Oh! And I reccomend visiting @love-and-deepspace-wiki ヾ(^▽^*))) They're compiling all the little info from the games, spanning from random things in the background to NPCs, it is such a gold mine! It's an on-going project as well

I shall also leave this post open for the community to add on with more info that I may have overlooked/missed C:

[acreattaviacco]

My MLQC Experience Log#1

Welcome to my somewhat reaction, I just want to gush about this game. I didn't know anything about this game but I like the art and premise so yeah!

I am not gonna get attached to these characters real quick no I am not

First time doing this let's go

First things first, hello our cute MC❤️

I must admit I did not expect we would run a company let alone our parents died???? But glad to know we have a backstory for ourselves

Another thing that surprised me was that they did voice acting in English!

Unfortunately, we didn't meet Victor in person but the first one we did meet was KIRO!...Oh no....I'm in trouble

Sir you smell like sunshine and that innocent smile is making me melt

You are literally shinning aaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh����

also-

Don't do this Kiro (Childhood) friends-to-lovers trope is my weakness so don't add more fuel to the fire but sure I can give the prize card inside the potato chips. He's so extroverted!! But he's so sweet 💕

After our separate ways, we try going back to our company and-

Hello there Victor sudden entrance but thanks for saving me. (Wait what do you mean I am an Evol?) Sadly it was short but now it's Gavin!!!

Wait!! Gavin!!...you just left

Okay new plan for the last episode of Miracle Finder instead of Kiro it's Lucien the Professor but

Not only that he was really good at being cheeky and a tease I might have gone red from that conversation alone! Can you blame me? The man slowly whispered in our ear and hahahahahahaha😳

Okay👍

Luckily He agreed to be on the show and I like this side of him as well

aaaaawww 10/10 Domestic life Husband material

After finishing the last episode some good news!

I didn't mention this earlier but the side characters have sprites, some even have voices which is really nice

Now we report the good news to our boss, negotiate and-

Can we trick him with puppy eyes? Oh he's a cat person sadge : (

Okay, seriously both Lucien and Victor's voices are so soothing to hear can you record an audiobook for us? no wait I would sleep through it

Though this is funny

I really like Victor, he's the right amount of tsundere that I like it's cute. Sadly he had the last laugh

We are going through places so fast and this is chapter 2 But we get to meet Gavin now!

You faced Victor you'll be fine...wait he works as a cop?

WAIT! WAIT! WAIT! WAIT! GAVIN! WE ARE CHILDHOOD FRIENDS :D !!!!!

But at the same time aaawww Gavin what happened? What blood-soaked letter? I need to know more!!! (Also that scar, he doesn't hide it)

Hahahahahahaha I'm sorry why are you a lot cuter now? The fact we go to the same school and even after all these years? Shoot weren't we here on assignment?

After that investigation, there is this

It's sweet only to realize it's a tracker(Actually don't mind this, no I am not delulu) But hey the sentiment is there!

Now to report to Victor! But if he was my boss in real life I swear to you unless he makes moves first I would just be talking business and nothing else

I know we are in the entertainment industry but man our life is dramatic

Dammit why do you have to be our boss, still would romance you though, and 0 to 100 real quick

You call us from time to time and I wonder why Victor is so uh..."soft" to us. Don't stop though keep calling and texting even how much you deny it 💗

After that Business deal, we went out and dun dun dun trouble

!

Hooray! The sweet release of death! /j (Seriously I am joking but a lot of people want us dead)

Luckily Gavin (and Lucien's advice) saves the day!

I know the main story is linear but I still feel spoiled by all these CGs it feels unreal

Also did not expect I would fall for Gavin this hard, look at that warm smile!!! :D

It's nice to know we are still wearing our tracker, no I still don't mind this (Okay maybe I am a little delulu but let me have this)

I will gush on you later my sweet Kiro for now I will add you to the list of my bundle of sunshine characters I love and adore(It's a small list but I adore them aahhhhh)

Chapter two is done!

That's about it I haven't even touched the dates and events heck there are so many I just wanted to focus on the main story, for now, I need to figure out the game mechanics and grind to level up my cards

I should have looked at a tutorial first but now I will!!

@jozhenji , @celiciaa must taggy tag you :D

[perhaps-in-anotherdream]

Helloooo!! So I'm not new to mlqc but this is probably the first time I've actually started to take note of the plot, personalities, and dynamics in the game (mostly because I rarely have free time lololol) and may I ask what Victor's relationship to mc as a child was? I find their age gap to be a bit weird as children esp since it vaguely reminds me of the weirdo in my school at the moment ;-;

Sorry if I sound rude!!!

hello! lmao don’t worry and put your mind at ease cause the writers are well aware of the boundaries at play with a 6 year age gap, haha.

i’m not gonna bore you with the details and would suggest you do read up on the contents yourself whenever you have time. to make it short-

Victor and MC had met in the park when MC was 5, and Victor was 11. Victor’s soccer ball accidentally broke MC’s sandcastle and he promised to bring her pudding the next day to get her to stop crying. From then on, MC would address Victor as Zeyan gēge (please click on the link for details), they would meet in the park very often from then on for nearly a year (childhood playmate/ sweetheart things)- until one day, Victor spotted MC trying to cross the street to save a kitten, and that was the first time ever he used his Evol in public to save her. This later on led to the orphanage kidnapping incident- Victor leading the kids to escape together, but losing MC as she jumped to save him from the lightning aimed at him. That marked the end of their childhood encounter haha.

It certainly left them both with a fixation (i.e., Victor’s long search of 17 years and MC’s obsession with making pudding despite losing her memories), but whatever feelings they held as kids of that age did not get the chance to actually blossom. they were left to pine on their own lmao🫠 and now that they’ve met again, while there are regrets which MC is more vocal about, but Victor always reminds her to have their childhood encounter as a fond memory as opposed to dwelling on the regrets, cause they already have a beautiful life together now and he’d have fallen for her regardless~

I was actually having this discussion on discord yesterday haha- about how it’d have gone down had it not been for the two being separated- and in that scenario, knowing Victor, they’d have waited until they were both (!read MC) were consenting adults to “make it official” haha- which the S2 main story did give us a glimpse of- though we were shown the MC’s yearnings and longings, the writers waited for her to turn 18 before she reunited with him- and they’ve been inseparable since, quite literally and figuratively~ 💕

—

[rams-nebulous]

Writing Commissions TOS

Commissions TOS-

I only do written commissions, NSFW/SFW are both available and payment plans are available for larger pieces.

Payment-

Ko-fi or Paypal only

Payment plans are accepted for larger works

General Prices-

500-800 words: $5.00 (USD)

1k-2k words: 20.00 (USD)

2500-4k: 30.00 (USD)

5k-7k: 60.00 (USD)

10k- 80.00

Miniseries- multiple 5k installments 65.00 (USD) each installment usually recommended for complex plotlines

Additional characters passed 3 are an extra 5.00 ea

Species I will write:

Hybrid

Feral

Human

Anthro

(any mix of these)

NSFW kinks I will NOT write:

Scat

Pedo

Hyper Muscles

If there are things I haven’t listed you want to talk about go ahead and ask, the worst I can say is no, and trust me I won’t judge. Most of my no stuff is just because I can’t portray the reasons behind it correctly why someone would like it.

I do strongly suggest if you have preferred characters to use, is to send me a short paragraph of their general personality. I usually can understand them from that. If it’s NSFW and I don’t understand something about a certain kink I will ask. If you have a certain way you want the story to go, I suggest writing a plot summary in the form of bullet points. It doesn’t have to be really detailed unless you want it. I will ask if I have to. I will send a rough draft for approval before the final draft is complete. I also would like if you could provide a drawn ref sheet or a written description of any characters involved.

I reserve the right to use any written work I have been commissioned for as an example, though I will ask first if the commissioner wants to remain anonymous or want me to change names of characters/etc. before posting.

All my examples of furry work are older, but my current work has been in anime fandom, I still write furry it's just don't have anything recent to use.

I write a lot of fanfiction (human), OC, AU, so let me know if you have an interest in any of the fandoms I write in (mostly anime) and what you may like (I can change any of these fandoms to hyrbid/feral/anthro if you wish). Also please be aware I will not write for a fandom I'm not a part of.

Fandoms:

BNHA

KnB

JJK

YYH

Genshin Impact (I cannot write all characters, but with research I can write most) 

Haikyuu!!

Obey Me! Otome Game

Fairy Tail- Seasons 1-4 only currently

Tokyo Ghoul

Food Wars!

Inuyasha

7DS

BSD

MLQC

Wolf's Rain

Vampire Knight

Cowboy Bebop

DRRR!

Psycho Pass

Bleach- not available yet

Squid Game

Stardew Valley

Stranger Things

Supernatural

The Walking Dead

Baldur's Gate 3

I also write original commissions or furry ones

Ghostwriting-

1. GW contemporary romance

Commissions -

1. Tumblr knb dark content -(3/4 of the way through first draft)

2. Bnha fandom continuation (starting rough draft)

3. Anon fandom comm (1/2 finished)

Waitlist (no longer open)

1. Dark content YCH stalker

2. Marvel tumblr comm

3. Resident evil x furry AU

4. Tumblr fanfic crossover yyh x the slayers

PLEASE BE AWARE! I struggle with tendonitis from writing too much, commissions can take up to 3 weeks to 2 months or longer depending on the status and length to be completed.

[the-decaying-ramskull]

Written Commissions TOS

Commissions TOS-

I only do written commissions, NSFW/SFW are both available and payment plans are available for larger pieces.

Payment-

Ko-fi or Paypal only

Payment plans are accepted for larger works

General Prices-

500-800 words: $5.00 (USD)

1k-2k words: 20.00 (USD)

2500-4k: 30.00 (USD)

5k-7k: 60.00 (USD) Miniseries- multiple 5k installments 65.00 (USD) each installment usually recommended for complex plotlines

Additional characters passed 3 are an extra 5.00 ea

Species I will write:

Hybrid

Feral

Human

Anthro

(any mix of these)

NSFW kinks I will NOT write:

Scat

Pedo

Hyper Muscles

If there are things I haven’t listed you want to talk about go ahead and ask, the worst I can say is no, and trust me I won’t judge. Most of my no stuff is just because I can’t portray the reasons behind it correctly why someone would like it.

I do strongly suggest if you have preferred characters to use, is to send me a short paragraph of their general personality. I usually can understand them from that. If it’s NSFW and I don’t understand something about a certain kink I will ask. If you have a certain way you want the story to go, I suggest writing a plot summary in the form of bullet points. It doesn’t have to be really detailed unless you want it. I will ask if I have to. I will send a rough draft for approval before the final draft is complete. I also would like if you could provide a drawn ref sheet or a written description of any characters involved.

I reserve the right to use any written work I have been commissioned for as an example, though I will ask first if the commissioner wants to remain anonymous or want me to change names of characters/etc. before posting.

All my examples of furry work are older, but my current work has been in anime fandom, I still write furry it's just don't have anything recent to use.

I write a lot of fanfiction (human), OC, AU, so let me know if you have an interest in any of the fandoms I write in (mostly anime) and what you may like (I can change any of these fandoms to hyrbid/feral/anthro if you wish). Also please be aware I will not write for a fandom I'm not a part of.

Fandoms:

BNHA

KnB

JJK

Fairy Tail- Seasons 1-4 only currently Genshin Impact (I cannot write all characters, but with research I can write most) 

YYH

Haikyuu!!

Obey Me! Otome Game

Tokyo Ghoul

Food Wars!

Inuyasha

7DS

BSD

MLQC

Wolf's Rain

Vampire Knight

Cowboy Bebop

DRRR!

Psycho Pass

Bleach- not available yet

Squid Game

Stardew Valley

PLEASE BE AWARE! I struggle with tendonitis from writing too much, commissions can take up to 3 weeks to 2 months to be completed.

Supernatural

Stranger Things

Ghostwriting-

1. YA fantasy regular piece (on hold)

2. Present Tense Romance

3. Slow paced romance

-

1.Dark Content Stockholm Syndrome- Chisaki kai x Aizawa (rough daft 2/3rd done)

2. NSFW fluff, heat fanfic- Fem hybrid read x Gowther 7DS (rough draft 1/3 done)

3. 

4. FA furry Sanji x Haineko x Nel - Bleach commission (plotting)

5. TF/TG noncon- (waiting)

Waitlist

1.

2.

3.

[ey8508]

5 minutes encounter with …… (…… X MC)

Chapter 8

[Flashback]

He was the type of person who was often seen unemotional, cold and unresponsive towards usual human interactions.

‘A distant and cold person who shows no emotion’. That had been always what she’d describe him.

However, at this moment….

He slammed the door open, barging himself into the room.

His heart pounding. He never felt this heartfelt of emotions before. Almost every time he encountered with this situation it was as if he was falling in an endless pith.

On repeat.

Alas, he was nothing but feeling disoriented and worried about the uncertainty.

But his emotions weren’t important, it was something else.

The room was dark and quiet as he entered. He can hear his own breathing and quick steps towards the curtains.

He pulled the curtains open almost snapping out of its rail.

As the sunlight shone the insides of the room, there was nothing else for him to see but the girl who was almost hidden behind the regular table.

Beyond that messed up room, gunshot holes on the wall, blood smearing all over the tiled floor, roses stepped down by hard sole shoes, there was the girl lying limp on the floor.

He ran towards her, almost flipping the table that was blocking his way, almost slipped himself down because of the blood but he didn’t care… All he wants was to reach out to her. Hold her tight in his arms.

Reaching to where she was, he carefully pulled her upper body towards him.

“MC… MC… MC!”

He tried calling out her name while his right arm was supporting her shoulder and his left hand tried to clear away the strands of hair and blood on her face.

“Can you hear me?”

There was no response from her, eyes still shut close.

He quickly tried to listen for her heartbeat.

It was at that moment, that it’s as if his own heartbeat had stopped too.

He froze, he didn’t even want to think about it.

But he knows it’s true.

He slowly looked at her pale, unresponsive and bruise all over her face.

His hands carefully brushed away the few strands of hair that was on her left cheek. Her skin was cold to his touch and he just noticed how cold her whole body was.

So cold.

He pulled her body closer to him. Now using his left arm to support her upper body while his right arm was supporting her head.

His eyes couldn’t look anywhere else but her now pale face. He couldn’t….

The emotion he felt was indescribable.

Every moment he blinks, droplets of his own tears fell on to her face.

The last time he cried was more than 10 years ago in his own timeline. He had never cried since…

But this day, in this timeline, he had failed.

All his determination and effort was crushed into nothingness and void.

But that wasn’t the worst part, that was nothing compared to what he felt right now at this moment.

It was the feeling of seeing her dead for the second time was what had made him into this emotional mess.

He still remembers the day she died in his own timeline as bright as day. The first time…

However, her death that day was because of a car accident. It happened so sudden that even he wasn’t prepared for it to hit him next when the news reached him.

He went to the crash site, looked for her at the hospital. At first, he didn’t believe it of course.

But the moment he knows that it was all true… It was painful.

And today, he re-lived the same pain again in her timeline.

He then gently rested his forehead against hers as he closed his eyes and felt somewhat peaceful.

Moments past by as he silently stayed there by her side.

“I’ll come back for you, no matter the cost…”

____________________________________________________________

[Refer Chapter 1 to understand better] – their first encounter for the second repeat in her timeline/world.

https://ey8508.tumblr.com/post/614361818313457664/5-minutes-encounter-with-x-mc

2: 41: 09 a.m.

At that moment, he saw her again. Alive and healthy. He didn’t want her to run so he used evol to stop the time.

“I’m sorry…”

He sincerely apologized to her because he couldn’t save her in time before.

However, he knows that she had no memory of him at this time, this timeline again. They should’ve never met in first place.

So, he kept his usual undisturbed expression and kept calm about it. He didn’t want her to think that he was someone else. He was still someone that she had yet to know about again.

2: 43: 00 a.m.

He was indeed still a human who hold emotions and somehow looking at her face touched something deep within his beating heart.

He was sad, worried and yet so happy… relieved to see her again.

Alive.

He couldn’t keep the smile that slowly creeping out from his lips, he subconsciously looked down trying to avert his gaze away from her.

“You don’t recognize me...”

He actually intended to ask her but it sounds dumb because he already knows the answer himself. So, he ends up whispering it to himself and saying it in a statement.

2: 43: 20 a. m

He was frustrated about the situation he’s in. He actually missed her, if only he could… he could’ve hugged her right then and there but that could’ve scared her. That’s the last thing he’d want to feel about him. He wanted to hold her tight and tell her that he’s back for her.

There was so many things he wants to tell her… and yet-

Instead, he just faintly smiled as she weirdly looked at him.

He knows that she’s nothing but weary about him. He’s a nobody for her again.

“Nevermind.”

He patted her head just like how he did it countless times before.

She was the same as before. The ruthless bunny as how he’d actually labelled her inside his head.

“But I don’t want to be in your debt”

He said that instead of telling her that he was looking forward to meet her again.

She was of course ignoring that and kept on trying to escape from him and yet he still tried to make it clear that he wasn’t someone who’s gonna hurt her.

“I trust you”

She didn’t understand him for sure but the truth was he only wants her to take good care of herself.

In the end, he couldn’t stop himself from feeling amused by her reactions but at the same time he wants her to know that he’s here for her.

“I’ll be there, if you need me.”

He added and smiled reassuringly to her.

2: 44: 05 a.m.

At exactly 5 minutes, he teleported himself through manipulating the space of time. He had done it so many times that he could go anywhere he wants within seconds. However, his evol wasn’t teleportation but TIME. He had an excellent control with Time manipulation, it somehow gives the same effect of outcome.

He looked at her confused state from a far distant as she confusedly walked around the floor that he once stands.

It was amusing even for him as he silently smiled to himself.

_______________________________________

The cold night wind from the high balcony slowly blew his uncovered face as he calmly waits for the girl to finally walks out of her office building.

He knows that there was always threats or misfortune that awaits her and he’s here to prevent that from happening again.

It’s possible that everything will stay the same and goes on repeat as before but it’s not that simple.

The first time he went to this timeline, he thoughtlessly stayed around with her.

He was confident with what could happen in the future as he had foreseen all of it. He knows when and what’s gonna happen.

However, he noticed that the more time he spends around her… small things start to happen and change. All bad things and it was more than what he’d expect.

He successfully saved her every time of course until to the point where he was defeated.

He couldn’t control the outcome...

So, he figured that keeping distance around her would be the only option.

“I’ll keep you safe even if the whole world is against me”

[rinharu-purple]

A Fairytale Christmas

As I mentioned here, this girl is obsessed with fairytales👸🏻🤴🏼 Luckily she is blessed with Gavin who comes right out of one

(´ ▽｀).。ｏ♡

[thatfanfictionchick]

MLQC: Victor x MC: 1:30 Meeting

NSFW, egregious misuse of company time, vaginal/light oral fingering

Summary: You have a meeting with Victor. Except...you’re not really any kind of expert in what the meeting is about. But that’s okay...because that’s not really what the meeting is about anyway? And why are all the chairs gone?? 

-

Aight soooo I know I said Kiro was coming and trust me he will be coming~ buuut he’s a little more difficult for me to work with and then this story very insistently pestered me let’s be real Victor does not tolerate being ignored

So y’all get some smutty office Vic instead! Enjoy!

P.S. Feel free to call me out on grammar or spelling errors. Seriously. I need all the help I can get lol

-

You nearly stumble out of the taxi on to the sidewalk in front of LFG, checking your phone and grinning. Ten minutes early. Perfect. 

You feel odd heading up to a meeting with Victor with empty arms. For some reason he had insisted that you scan and email your most recent finance charts to him and then come to his office at 1:30. You wave at the receptionist and when you get off the elevator you speed walk down the hallway to Victor's office.

Having Victor as a boss was one level of torture. Having him as a boss and a boyfriend was even worse. It was like, once the two of you became romantically attached he cracked down on you times ten at work. The news hadn't become public yet but it would eventually, and he wasn't about to tolerate anyone thinking that your success came from sleeping with the boss.

You reach up to knock on his office door but it opens abruptly and you nearly rap Goldman in the face. "Sorry!" you say quickly as he recoils.

"Ah, you're a few minutes early. Good." Victor's voice comes from inside. "Goldman, make sure my 2 o'clock conference call is ready to go after this." Goldman nods and hurries away as you walk in the room and shut the door. You immediately notice that the chairs that usually sit in front of Victor's desk are gone.

"Come here." Victor says, no nonsense as usual. "I'm trying out a new program for finance spreadsheets." He's not looking at you, focusing on the screen in front of him. You forget how good he looks with glasses on.

You feel your brows knit together as you make your way across the room. Why would he schedule a meeting with you for that? He's got an entire floor of IT specialists and web page designers and he wants a producers opinion on spreadsheets? Ugh, CEO's...

You walk around his desk and Victor finally glances at you. He turns away and you miss the way his lips curl at the edges. You're wearing a loose knee length skirt and a fitted silk blouse. 

"Oh, wow!" You look at the screen and even though you don't really understand most of it, you're impressed with how well everything is organized. Your eyes momentarily swell when you see that some of the notes are scans of forms from before your father died, his handwriting bringing forth a burst of old memories. "This is really impressive, Victor. But I'm not sure why you wanted to meet with me for this. It's not exactly my field."

"Hm? Oh, right, I wanted to go over the proposal for your next show. The one with that singer, Kipo is his name?" Victor turns the chair and casually takes his glasses off. It's a benign action but you swallow hard, watching how his long fingers are so delicate with the thin metal as he sets them down on the desk.

"Kiro," you correct him, "I asked him to take part in a dating simulation with Chik. You remember her." Your eyes cut back to his. He looks guarded but also...amused.

"Indeed." The gravel of his voice sends a tremor through you.

"Well I'd be happy to go over it with you but I don't have the paperwork-"

"I called your office and asked Anna to email them."

"...you also seem to be missing an extra chair." You get the prickling sensation in your scalp that there's something else going on here that you're missing. Victor isn't the type who would demand a meeting without giving you all the information. He hates when people aren't prepared. And why are all the other chairs gone??

"I don't see how that's a problem." Before you can respond he leans forward, large hands on your hips turning you before pulling you to sit squarely in his lap. You make a high sound in your throat as he quickly turns back to the computer.

"Victor!" you squeal. "What are you doing??" You turn your head and blush, seeing Victor staring down at you with a victorious smirk.

"Going over your proposal. You should really listen when I talk." His arms cage you in as he reaches around you and navigates to a different screen. You see the proposal notes written out in your own hand. "Start from the beginning." 

You don't know how you're supposed to concentrate with the broad expanse of his chest pressed tightly against your back or the warmth of his breath against your ear. You can see the tremor in your fingers as you reach for the mouse. Large hands settle on the curve of your hips and you exhale hard.

"We've already received confirmation from both Kiro and Chik's managers that they're interested in doing the show. If we secure the funding then we'll reach out to finalize their involvement and..." His thumbs are distracting, rubbing circles on your back. "...and then get a list of dates that they are available. From there we will try and coordinate a period of two weeks that we c-can..." You stutter to a halt as he reaches around and casually starts unbuttoning your blouse. 

"Victor!" You hiss. You turn your head but he's staring straight ahead at the monitor with a barely concealed grin. "We are in your office! We could get caught!" Sapphire eyes flick towards you, then away.

"Then you should read faster." He finishes with the buttons and parts the fabric, large hands covering your breasts and squeezing through the thin lace of your bra. Your gasp turns to a whimper as he rolls your nipples between his fingers. He waits a moment before ducking his head and biting your ear lobe. "You're not reading." The deep rumble of his voice makes you shudder.

"W-we will try and co...coordinate a two week period for filming. We've al...already scouted some good..." your breath catches as he reaches down and pushes his hand under your skirt. "...g-good locations. Kiro-and-Chik's-agencies-will-be-responsible-for-providing-security--Victor!!" The last part rushes from you as Victor shifts your knees then spreads his legs, opening your legs to his probing fingers. He ignores you and his fingers brush against your clit through damp cotton. You huff loudly, knuckles white as you grip the edge of the desk.

Victor takes advantage of your hair being pulled up in a twist, biting softly at the curve of your neck before whispering roughly in your ear: "You're terrible at multi-tasking."

"You...you're evil!" You whine as long fingers push the crotch of your panties aside and stroke along your wet slit. You give up, shamelessly parting your legs farther and arching against him. He chuckles and you fleetingly think that such a sexy sound should be outlawed. You reach one hand back and grip his hair, the other hand gripping the arm of the chair. He teases your hole with one finger until you're dripping then leaves you breathless by plunging two fingers fully inside you.

The only sounds for the next torturous ten minutes are your soft cries and the wet sounds of his relentless fingering. His free hand gripping your knee tightly, stopping you every time you try to close your legs to gain more friction. You throw your head back against his shoulder, eyes wet.

"Please please please Victor...I'm so close...it feels so good..." the sound of pleasure he makes at your pleading reverberates in your ears. His thumb finds your clit and rubs it, your muscles clenching as he drives you toward the finish line.

His voice, deep and husky with desire, breaks you as he murmurs in your ear: "Imagine how good it will feel when I come inside you tonight."

Your fist flies to your mouth and you bite your knuckles, trying to stifle the noises you make as your pussy clenches down on his fingers, undulating waves of pleasure bursting as fireworks behind clenched eyelids. He prolongs the sensation, continuing to finger you slowly until you're breathlessly sobbing for him to stop. When he pulls his fingers out of you and brings them to your mouth you don't hesitate to suck them clean, intentionally mewling with satisfaction and biting at his fingertips. He growls, grabbing your chin and turning your head, kissing you savagely. He can taste sex on your tongue and sucks it greedily in to his mouth, eventually releasing you with a sharp bite to your bottom lip. 

Large hands on your hips again, standing you up. He fixes your skirt while you button your shirt, and as you reach up to make sure your hair is still in place, you finally become aware of the pressing silence. Looking at the clock on the wall you see the hands frozen in place: 1:54:42

"Victor..." you turn to him as he stands and runs his fingers through his hair, smoothing down the bits that you mussed. "You stopped time. Why?"

He snorts. "I wasn't about to have Goldman come knocking and interrupt our meeting." Your eyes flash down to the bulge in his pants and you lick your lips, reaching out to cup his erection. 

"You know, if you keep it frozen for a few more minutes-" he leans down and cuts you off with another kiss as the clock on the wall and his watch start to tick. You giggle as he pulls away.

"You masochist." You whisper with a cheshire grin as you walk around the desk. Seconds later there's a knock on the door.

"I'll pick you up at your office at 5. Don't be late." Victor says as you walk away. You turn and blow him a kiss before opening the door and stepping out in to the hall.

"Productive meeting?" Goldman asks, noticing the slight scowl on your face.

"He is such a slave driver." You bemoan dramatically, just loud enough for Victor to hear. You smirk as you make your way to the elevator. That ought to earn you a decent punishment later tonight.

[stuckinmy-wonderland]

Magnetic Moon ~ Gavin HC/ShortFic

           Listen to: * ~ Magnetic Moon by Tiffany Young~ *  

{Imagine with: Gavin’s SSR Karma Starstruck (above)}

·     The stars seem brighter tonight with the full moon by their side.

·     MC is dancing alone on her apartment rooftop in the dead of night.

·     Gavin feeling her in the expansive wind goes and watches her for a moment while floating in the sky, but then he sees how sad she seems trying to dance with an imaginary partner.

·     How like her, he thinks.

·     MC twirls on her own and her dress swishes softly in the night, and then she lifts her head and eyes to the starlit sky as she slows to a stop in her lonely dance.

·     Gavin sees her pull a hand up to cover her heart and manages to hear her mumble, “Let’s see…where are you?”

·     He stays hidden from her sight as she scans the expanse of the sparkling sky.  Was she looking for him?  Did she even know he was there?

·     Her eyes light up with a wide open mouthed smile.  “There!”  She raises her arm high as if trying to reach the stars.  He sees the glint of the ginkgo bracelet he gave her for precautions.

·     MC’s face softens as she says, “Watch over him will you, Jupiter?  Bring him back safe to me…please…”

·     Gavin’s expression goes from a brief moment of shock to softening in affection.  He makes his move as she was lowering her arm from the sky.  He catches and stops its descent.

·     “May I have this dance?”

·     She gasps, opening her eyes, “Gavin…” tears prick her eyes, but don’t dampen her smile.

·     Gavin is a little shocked and stutters, “H-hey what’s wrong?”

·     She shakes her head.  “I just thought you wouldn’t show up because you were busy on a mission…and how they take you away from me…”

·     Gavin smiles pulling her into his arms.

·     “I couldn’t leave you right now even if I tried…” he whispers.

·     He pulls back a little to look at her, his amber eyes alight with tender longing.

·     “Would you like to dance among the stars?”

·     She gives him a nervous look as if afraid she would fall, but how could she when she was with him?

·     “Don’t worry,” he assures her, “I won’t ever let go.  Never.”

END.

~~

If you’re reading this, I am NOT dead! xD I’ve just been very inactive with finishing college up and other things happening in life. I hope to write even more (even just little things like this that are less than a thousand words; this one is less than 500) and post them here so I’m sorry for the inactivity, but I’m back! :D I hope you continue to read my things and give me support! <3 THANK YOU~!

I hope you enjoyed this one! I have a werewolf Gavin hc in the works ever since the Wonderland After Dark event trailer was released owo here’s to hoping I can pull him!! asdfghjkl

[mrlove-loveme]

Am I currently writing mlqc fanfiction? Yes

Do I feel confident about it? Not at all

[laxmiree]

[CN] MLQC Season 2 Chapter 59 Translation [Lucien’s Route (1/3)]

⚠️  SPOILER ALERT  ⚠️

This post contains a VERY HEAVY SPOILER for the chapter that has not been released in EN yet! Feel free to notify me if there are any mistakes in the translation~

I turn around and see Lucien standing behind me, the fine mist enveloping his expression in a haze.

"Would my little lady lie to me?"

A brief silence flows through the air as the pool continues to steam, making every breath sound incredibly distinct.

For a moment, I almost think that Lucien had already discovered my identity before the first night even began.

Translation under the cut!

[Previous Chapter-> Click Here]

—[Prologue]—

Before the summer heat sweeps across Loveland City, the Loveland City Digital Technology Summit, jointly organized by the City Hall and Infinite, officially opens.

This summit is the first online summit held in virtual reality in the history of Loveland City.

The stage is at the center, with audience seats arranged in a circular formation around it. Floating holographic screens are positioned between the stage and the audience.

I look around, and the thousand-seat venue is fully occupied. On the stage, Aether is speaking calmly about the prospects of digital technology and virtual reality applications.

[T/N: just to fill in y’all, Aether is representative of Infinite, the company that develops Odyssey]

Aether: Infinite's scientific and technological capabilities will lead society to new heights in medical care, education, culture, and other fields.

Aether: "Odyssey" is one of our greatest challenges in presenting virtual reality.

Aether: In the future, it might not be the pinnacle of the field, but it will undoubtedly be an important starting point. We are also challenging different technological updates…

As he speaks, some scenes and objects from the Odyssey occasionally appear in the audience.

The life-like presentation catches the eyes of many, and the low murmurs of other attending entrepreneurs can be heard.

??: Indeed, it's pretty impressive. No technology company currently on the market can match this level of technical capability and R&D.

??: It's just that we don't know the development costs…

Taking in these bits and pieces, I poke the chibi black swan "flying around" beside me.

The black swan spins around and pops out a line chart, showing the trend of Infinite's tech product coverage in Loveland City over recent years.

The black line representing Infinite shoots straight up into the sky, leaving a vast and unattainable gap between it and other technology companies.

Looking at such a straightforward image, my thoughts drift far away along with my memories…

From the launch of the Golden Apple 2 capsule pod to the official release of Odyssey, Infinite's technological development has left others far behind.

Even now, other companies are hiring "protection shields" in a desperate attempt to catch up.

I know their ambition has never been just a globally popular game but rather broader and more significant fields.

After the representatives from the relevant fields finish speaking, the host announces on the spot-

Long story short, an announcement is made of a beta test for the new "Carnival Night" gameplay of "Odyssey”, “Carnival Night” is based on the popular board game Werewolf (commonly known in the West as “Mafia”). Participants are transported to a virtual ballroom, and as MC navigates the crowd, she gets a message from Kiro, that has entered the game and encounters some familiar faces, like Gavin and Victor. Each male lead participates in the beta test and chooses a different scenario.

I put away this brochure and picked up several others, planning to study them all. The staff at the service desk smiles and hands me a form.

Staff: Hello, we are conducting an interest survey within the game. Could you please sign under the scenario you're interested in on the registration form?

MC: Sure.

I sign under several scenarios, and when I get to the last one, “Seaside Mansion",  I see a familiar signature — Lucien.

He messaged me the day before yesterday, saying that Infinite sent beta test invitations to the top three players on the in-game achievement leaderboard.

[Yes, Lucien is one of the top players; the chapter before this reveals that due to his deteriorating condition, he spends more time in the Odyssey to free himself from the pain:". The R&S that accompany the chapter shows how he spends his time in the game besides experimenting, which is observing the game, and from this observation, he finds many hidden mechanisms and achieves many hidden achievements along the way. A game world is full of puzzles after all and he's the greatest puzzle solver~]

I look around the crowd but don't see him.

MC: Has he already entered the game?

Thinking this, I also plan to study the brochures I just picked up.

Which one should I look at?

-Choose “Seaside Mansion”

Surrounded by the blue ocean, a seaside mansion with a luxurious design rises from the island.

A group of people from around the world are invited by the mansion's owner to the island, unaware that danger is silently approaching in the shadows…

Players will take on the role of guests arriving at the "Seaside Mansion," tasked with finding the werewolves responsible for the killings on this secluded island.

This scenario is designed for 13 players, with the following roles: Hunter, Guardian, Seer, Gravekeeper, and Hidden Werewolf, each one player; two Outsiders; three Werewolves; and three Mansiongers.

After reading the scenario introduction, I turned to the standard game rules at the end of the brochure:

This time, eight game scenarios are available, and players can select the one they are interested in by clicking to enter.

In all scenarios, everyone must return to their rooms and close the doors by 23:30. The werewolves and unique roles must go out within the system-specified times.

The action times are as follows:

- 23:30-23:59 - Guardian

- 0:00-0:29 - Werewolves

- 0:30-0:59 - Seer

- 1:00-1:29 - Witch

- 1:30-1:59 - Hunter

The werewolves win if the number of good players (human and unique roles) reaches zero. In contrast, the human and unique roles win if the number of werewolves (including the hidden werewolf) reaches zero.

Additionally, each scenario will have designated areas equipped with live-streaming cameras. A prompt will appear on the user panel when entering a live-streaming area, so please be aware.

MC: The introduction is relatively straightforward...

Closing the brochure, I opened the selection interface. Looking at the various scenarios before me, I felt a bit overwhelmed…

[T/N: Before we jump to the next part, here is a quick explanation about the roles!

- Villagers: Their goal is to identify and eliminate the werewolf.

-Werewolves: Their goal is to deceive the villagers and eliminate them.

-Witch: Has two potions, one to save a player from being killed and one to kill another player.

-Hunter: Once they die, they can kill the one player by their choice (usually kills who they believe to be their killer).

-Gravekeeper: can check the roles of the player that has already been killed.

-Seer: each night, the Seer can choose one player to identify their role.

-Guardian: each night, the Guardian can choose one player to protect from being killed.

-Hidden Werewolf: Werewolf that appears as a normal villager when investigated by the Seer or other investigative roles]

✂———————–

—[Lucien's Route - 1: Raging Sea Storm]—

Without hesitation, I pressed the confirm button for "Seaside Mansion."

White light envelops my vision, and when I open my eyes again, the sunlight pierces through the thin mist, falling on the gray-black low cliff beneath my feet.

The deep blue sea water tirelessly crashes against the steep cliffs as if trying to engulf the entire island.

MC: So high…!

I shiver in fear at the cliff beneath my feet and take a few steps back. Turning around, a modern mansion fills my entire view.

The seaside mansion boasts a luxurious design, rising with opulent grandeur and resembling the safest fortress perched on the cliff.

I rush towards the door. As soon as I arrive, the door opens for me, and a butler dressed in a pitch-black suit steps out from behind the door to greet me.

Butler: Welcome home, madam*.

[T/N: fun fact: the Butler calls her with the same title (夫人, read: fu ren) as the one in Lucien's latest Halloween Date 🤧; this title used to refer to a married woman. Interesting that both this chapter and that date have similar kind of ending-]

MC: Ah…?

Although I know the "Carnival Night" mode assigns roles to players, I am still a bit confused when such an address suddenly comes up.

Butler: Madam, you are the owner of this mansion.

The butler hands me a letter as he speaks. I break the wax seal on the letter, and the crimson handwriting catches my eye — “Werewolf”.

MC: …!

Butler: Once all the guests have arrived, you need to conceal your identity as the host and choose one guest each night to be thrown into the pool—

Butler: End their life and offer it to the sea.

I didn't expect to be the werewolf... My initially steady heartbeat skips a beat, and I take two deep breaths to calm myself.

It seems that no other guests have arrived at the mansion yet. With such a "villainous" role, it's better not to be the "first to arrive" and draw attention…

So, I paused my step into the mansion, quickly ran back outside, and planned to hide behind the wall to observe secretly first.

I wait until most players have entered before I pretend to be entering the game myself, lifting my skirt as I step through the door.

Suddenly, my gaze meets a pair of familiar eyes.

Lucien walks through the crowd in white clothes. The sea breeze tousles the strands of hair on his forehead. His silent eyes spot me through the crowd and curve into a smile.

The raging sound of the waves in my ears seems to have instantly dissipated by that silence, and my rapid heartbeat from a few minutes ago gradually stabilizes.

I take a few quick steps to his side, and Lucien naturally takes my hand.

MC: Mr. X, are you good at playing this kind of game?

Lucien: [chuckle] I can only say I'm average; perhaps I might need your help, Miss MC.

If it really is "help," then that would be nice…

Perhaps it's the werewolf identity at work; the game hasn't officially started, but I've already begun scheming in my mind.

I wonder what Lucien's identity will be... Will he be a werewolf like me?

I absentmindedly ponder this while casually chatting with Lucien, and we enter the mansion together.

The butler leads us to the banquet hall, surrounded by a circle of exquisitely designed luxurious pools.

The clear pool water shows a faint aquamarine hue, reflecting off the gilded walls and casting a cold-colored light on us.

A long table divides the banquet hall in half, with a name tag displaying an ID in front of each seat.

Lucien and I sit down according to the name tags. I quietly count the name tags on the long table; there are thirteen in total.

Suddenly, three clear, rhythmic sounds emerge on the bustling long table, interrupting our cautious scrutiny of each other.

Lucien lowers his hand after lightly tapping the dinner bell and stands up from the long table. The light, fragmented into countless tiny ripples by the water's surface, penetrates his deep eyes.

Lucien: As a member of the human faction with a divine duty, I think it’s not too presumptuous for me to start the game abruptly. So…

Lucien's face unfolds into a calm, confident smile, and his unhurried voice clearly resonates throughout the banquet hall.

Lucien: I am the hunter in this game.

MC: ?!

The originally somewhat dull atmosphere in the banquet hall instantly simmers like boiling water.

Everyone seems somewhat surprised by Lucien's decision to reveal his identity at this moment, while I have no interest in participating in the discussion.

It's over. It seems I will have to spend the following nights alone and be forced to keep my distance from Lucien during the day so he doesn't see through my identity…

Although "engaging in a battle of wits and valor" with him is quite interesting, I still prefer being together with him.

I am immersed in my "thoughts" when someone nearby suddenly lets out a disdainful snort.

Player: Huh? Do you even know how to play?

I look up and see a young man with the name tag "Brother Genius" on the table, who is the first to speak against Lucien.

Brother Genius: Revealing your role on the first day? The werewolves will “kill” you tonight, and at most, you can only take one person down with your shot.

He tilts his chin up and shakes his head.

Brother Genius: The human faction is really out of luck, starting without a hunter. Learn from me; only someone with my role can reveal their identity openly.

He gestures with his chin towards the farthest corner.

Brother Genius: Look at us, the two outsiders.

Brother Genius: We arrived at this Mansion only after the werewolves appeared, so we can't be werewolves. We don't have any skills, but we are definitely good people. Do you understand?

The person in the corner, whose identity was suddenly exposed, stands up coldly and abruptly, causing the chair to slide backward with his movement.

The ear-piercing scraping sound makes everyone's scalp tingle, and almost everyone frowns in unison.

??: Idiot.

He had been sitting silently in the corner, and I hadn't noticed him before. Now that I look closer, I see his dark green hair and hollow dark gray eyes...

MC: ...Joker?!

✂———————–

[Some fun fact: Lucien's route is the only one where MC and the ML belong to opposite factions (they're truly Lovepro’s star-crossed lovers ahah🥹); other ML's (and MC) roles in their respective split routes are:

BQ/Gavin: Werewolf MC, "Hidden Werewolf" BQ

LZY/Victor: Guardian MC, "Witch" LZY

XM/Lucien: Werewolf MC, Hunter XM

ZQL/Kiro: Seer MC, Gravekeeper ZQL]

[Also, if it's not predictable already, Lucien already knows that MC is Werewolf; man can read her like an open book after all 😂 I think this is what leads to his decision to reveal his role as Hunter so early because doing so, he can gain others’ trust and have more ‘’control and power” for the sake of protecting her. There's also (spoiler) reason, but you all will know about it eventually~]

✂———————–

—[Lucien's Route - 2: Humid Airflow]—

Past experiences flood my mind, making my scalp tingle instinctively. How did this terribly nefarious person also end up in this game!

He hasn't appeared for so long, and his mind is always full of the lighthouse. How does he even have the time to "waste" here?

If I remember correctly, he's still wanted. How does he come out without changing his appearance?

As if in response to my question, the ID "Joker" above his head flickers glaringly a few times.

I instinctively glance at Lucien. He only casts a fleeting look in Joker's direction before shifting his gaze away.

Hearing what Joker said, Brother Genius seems a bit incredulous.

Brother Genius: ...What did you say?

Joker ignores him, shifts his gaze to Lucien, and speaks in a cold tone.

Joker: Fortunately, this game is at least worth participating in.

After saying that, he turns around and leaves the banquet hall without looking back despite everyone's gazes.

Lucien does not respond to his words at all, simply watching everything unfold calmly.

I quietly watch Joker's back, mentally drawing a big X over it.

Arrogant bastard, I will kill you tonight!

After the scene quiets down, Lucien speaks gently.

Lucien: Since three players have already revealed their identities, I suggest we start the election for the sheriff early.

Lucien: The sheriff has 1.5 votes, and they can also guide and organize thoughts…

At the long table, Lucien explains the necessity of the sheriff in a clear and understandable manner to those who are still confused.

And for those who raised objections to the sheriff system, he accommodates their opinions and adopts a compromise approach.

The more I listen, the more I feel that this Mr. Hunter beside me is like a "kind-hearted God” who calmly accepts and gently gives.

And the weaker players on the field seem to share my sentiment, their faces showing apparent trust.

Ultimately, Lucien is elected sheriff without any suspense due to his revealed hunter identity and charismatic personality. I can't help but sigh.

MC: It'll be difficult for the werewolves…

Lucien: What are you talking about?

I shudder all over, realizing that Lucien has finished the discussion and is now looking at me gently.

I give him a guilty smile, but a dangerous thought arises within me.

If Lucien is willing to "favor" me just a little... Maybe him being the sheriff could actually be a good thing?

With this in mind, I discreetly wink at Lucien.

MC: I was thinking, this mansion looks so big, I have a feeling I might get lost if I'm not careful.

MC: [smiles] Would the newly elected Sheriff X accompany me for a walk?

The clear water surface reflects a faint glow as if whispering unknown secrets.

I did not expect such pools to occupy this mansion's corridor and every room.

No matter where we go, the sound of flowing water never ceases.

The heavy and silent humid air wraps around us from head to toe, causing a wave of discomfort to surge within my heart.

MC: I thought a seaside mansion would be a beautiful, fresh-air vacation spot.

MC: Lucien, don't you feel like we've been swallowed by a giant monster, all sticky and slimy…?

Lucien is observing at the direction of the pool not far away. Hearing my words, an inscrutable smile tugs at the corner of his mouth.

Lucien: Based on the current findings, it is likely that these pools are connected underground, forming some sort of waterway...

Lucien: If these waterways are like circulating blood vessels, then the pools are the organs that transport the blood. In that sense, we do seem to be inside some kind of giant monster...

The hairs on my body instantly stand on end, and I turn and throw myself into Lucien's arms. He catches me as if he had planned it, then gently pats my back.

MC: ...I was already scared enough, and now you're scaring me even more!

Lucien: [coaxing by whispering softly] I just wanted to agree with this imaginative girl's metaphor. Is that not allowed?

Seeing his cunning, squinting eyes, I can't help but let out a huffy little hum.

MC: Let's not talk about this anymore and change the subject!

MC: For example... weren't you worried about being targeted by the werewolves on the first day when you revealed your identity today?

I glance around and ask the premeditated question, only to see Lucien's eyelashes flutter slightly as he responds in an innocent tone.

Lucien: Huh... was I supposed to keep my identity hidden?

MC: Hmph, Professor Lucien, don't play innocent. I know you're a master at these kinds of games.

Lucien: I just don't want to lie in front of you.

He speaks frankly, with no intention of hiding anything. Being gazed at like this makes my heart skip a beat, and I almost want to confide my own secrets to him.

I quickly suppress the impulse, turn away to escape from his gentle allure, and hold his hand to lead him forward.

MC: Alright, alright, it seems you already have your own strategy. You're so intelligent. You definitely don't need a fool like me to worry needlessly.

I speak in a listless tone, with a little wistful expression, when I suddenly hear Lucien's voice.

Lucien: And what about you?

MC: What?

I turn around and see Lucien standing behind me, the fine mist enveloping his expression in a haze.

Lucien: [softly] Would my little lady lie to me?

A brief silence flows through the air as the pool continues to steam, making every breath sound incredibly distinct.

For a moment, I almost think that Lucien had already discovered my identity before the first night even began.

...No, I can't lose my composure first! I secretly pinch my palm, look straight into his eyes, and smile.

MC: Professor Lucien is so smart; how could my little tricks ever fool you?

MC: Why not take a guess?

After all, more than winning, I want to enjoy this game with you in a "special way".

✂———————–

[Dang, the way he said, “would my little lady lie to me?” 🤧🤧🤧, you can almost hear his insecurity and sense of feeling wronged(?). 😂 This is one of many instances in this chapter that show, under his calm and composed demeanor and how he acts as if everything is under control, he isn't as in ease as he appears to be🤧 there's still a possibility and choice that the MC might want to win and abandon him to achieve that, and her not answering his question definitely doesn't put his heart at ease. He will respect her choice, whatever it may be, yet selfishly, he wants her to choose to trust him and 'be with him' instead of winning]

✂———————–

—[Lucien's Route - 3: Sneaks through the night]—

As night falls, I quietly leave the door and see a bald man and a slim young man standing in the corridor from afar.

MC: You must be my teammates, the Ferocious and Superior Baldhead* and... Super Mousy*, right?

[T/N: not sure if it's deliberate, but the name… I'm going to scream lmao. The bald man's complete ID is 邪魅狂狷的光头. While "光头" (guang tao) literally means "bald head," it's also a term that lovepro players use to refer to the neighboring game 光与夜之恋 (guang yu ye zhi lian), also known as Light and Night. The slim man's ID is 超人鼠鼠; in Chinese slang, "鼠" (shǔ) is often used to describe someone timid, cowardly, or passive. It's like a person behaving like a mouse, often in the context of being overly cautious or submissive. Anyway, after this, I'll refer to the mouse guy as Mousy and the bald guy as Baldhead]

The bald guy responded with a grunt through his nose, and the slim guy timidly greeted me.

I remember these two; the bald guy is indeed "ferocious and acts superior" as his ID suggests, while the slim guy seems socially anxious and introverted, barely speaking during the day.

Baldhead: Stop wasting time discussing. Let's find someone who talks a lot and kill them first!

The bald guy speaks up domineeringly, leaving no room for doubt, while the young man timidly opens his lips but says nothing.

I can't help but sigh inwardly; how are we supposed to defeat Lucien and Joker with teammates like this….

However, they don't seem good at logical games, so maybe I can try to induce them.

Not giving them time to think and possibly connect the dots to Lucien, I quickly nod, showing a look of agreement.

MC: I agree. And I already have someone in mind.

Both of them look at me, and I try my best to put an air of authority.

MC: I suggest taking out Joker first. I've played other games with him before... and he's a very tricky player.

MC: You can also sense his attitude today, right? He's very dangerous. Eliminating the smart ones first will increase our chances of winning.

I deliberately mention Joker's attitude during the luncheon; sure enough, both the bald guy and the slim young man frown.

Baldhead: It'll be him then! D*mn it, daring to act arrogant in front of me, he won't live through the night!

I can't help but feel a secret delight inside. Joker, oh Joker, you never thought there would be a day when you'd be "at someone else's mercy," did you?

We hit it off and head towards Joker's bedroom together.

The lights in the mansion are dim at night, making the pool seem even more unfathomable. I nervously swallow hard.

At this moment, Baldhead, who was walking in front of me, suddenly stopped. Mousy and I almost bumped into him but managed to steady ourselves.

Before I can ask, I see from beside him that a bedroom door, which should have been tightly closed, is wide open about three meters away, with someone standing in the doorway.

At this time, only werewolves are supposed to be out and about. How can there be someone else outside?! My heart jumps to my throat as I hear that person speak.

Brother Genius: Oh, finally, you're here. I've been waiting for you wolves for quite a while.

...it's the Brother Genius who was mocked by Joker in the banquet hall earlier today.

Brother Genius: I have discovered the biggest loophole in this game. Now... just watch and see!

A brass candlestick is suddenly pulled out from behind him, and in the blink of an eye, it is plunged into his own body.

MC: ….?!

Everything happens so suddenly that we don't have time to react, and Brother Genius falls right in front of us.

Still in shock, we step forward to check, and he is indeed motionless.

Mousy: How... isn't it true that only the wolf can commit suicide in "Carnival Night"? How did he manage it? Did he find a bug in the game?

Like the blood, an uneasy atmosphere spreads from the still soft corpse before us. Just then, the three of us simultaneously receive a private message.

Butler: There are 10 minutes left until the werewolf activity time ends.

Mousy: What... What should we do... The system doesn't seem to show any issues. Should we still follow the plan to kill someone?

Baldhead grits his teeth, seemingly making up his mind.

Baldhead: We're already here, let's go!

Even though I am still slightly confused, I follow them, stiffly walking towards Joker's room.

I input the werewolf's fingerprint and press down on the door handle, but the door remains firmly shut.

Seeing that I am not taking further action, Baldhead shoves me aside and forcefully presses the handle, but the door still won't open.

Could it be another bug, or...? I ponder momentarily, then suddenly think of a possibility, and my heart sinks instantly.

MC: ....Could it be that he is being guarded? Since the werewolf's fingerprint can unlock it, the Guardian might be able to add another lock...

Baldhead curses and, still unwilling to give up, tries other doors, but none of them open.

Eventually, the werewolf's activity time ends, and we can only return to our respective rooms in defeat.

I lie down on the bed with a headache. The werewolf's action failed, and Brother Genius inexplicably "committed suicide"......

Trouble keeps piling up, and I feel like my brain is about to burn out.

The pool inside the room reflects a cold, icy light. I toss and turn, not knowing when I finally manage to fall asleep.

When the rapid knocking sounds for the third time, I groggily wake up and open the door.

Lucien walks straight in, the worry in his expression not yet completely gone. He relaxes only after seeing me.

Lucien: Did you sleep uncomfortably?

I look at his slightly disheveled cuffs, clearly showing he hurriedly threw on his coat to rush over, and I can't help but open my arms to hug him.

MC: I was a bit nervous and didn't sleep well... but now that I see you, all those feelings have vanished.

Lucien wraps his arms around my waist, allowing me to hold him tighter.

His clean and pleasant scent wraps around my tense nerves, making me unable to resist nuzzling closer.

Although the tension wasn't due to fear of being killed, last night was really too frightening.

Just at that moment, a scream comes from the other end of the hallway.

??: Brother Genius is dead!

I shudder all over, pretending to have just relaxed only to be scared again, and bury my head in Lucien's shoulder.

Lucien's hand moves up to my chin, and he looks me in the eyes. I can clearly see my own unease reflected in his eyes.

Lucien: [in a gentle tone] Were you scared?

MC: Mm...

——Not because of them, but because I have to walk through a night without Lucien. I purse my lips and hold Lucien tighter, yet I seem to hear his barely audible chuckle.

When Lucien and I arrive at the banquet hall, I notice that everyone's faces look rather pale, and there is little discussion.

Although it is just a game, the solemn atmosphere brought by "death" grows even more chilling with the constant sound of running water.

I sit down with an uneasy expression, my heart filled with doubts.

Before coming to the banquet hall, Lucien and I went to see the crime scene.

To my shock, Brother Genius, who was dead by the door last night, is now found inside the room.

The butler claims that Brother Genius fell victim to a werewolf last night, but this is clearly not the truth.

...Could it be that he really exploited some loophole in the game, and the game's rules tacitly allowed his actions?

Just when I am puzzled and unable to figure it out, someone nearby breaks the silence.

Red Nose: It's almost time to vote. Why is no one talking? I'll go first.

A guy wearing a clown nose accessory anxiously taps the dinner plate with a spoon.

Red Nose: Could it be that the wolf targeted "Brother Genius" because he exposed his identity as an outsider…

The middle-aged man sitting at the head of the table hears this and slowly shakes his head.

Uncle: "A gentleman does not deceive in the dark." I suggest we all play openly; that would make the game much simpler…

[T/N: basically, the uncle would rather have everyone reveal the role, while the red-nosed guy is afraid that if anyone reveals their role, they will get targeted. Hmm, I wonder why-]

The two begin to discuss it heatedly, and soon, Red Nose's increasingly sharp voice turns it into a one-sided argument.

Watching the human faction fall into disarray, I wish they would argue even more fiercely. However, when I look up, I see Lucien's thoughtful expression.

Lucien: Based on your discussion, I believe that Brother Genius's death is not the worst situation.

Lucien: Please don't forget that his identity was that of an outsider, and the seer is still among us.

Red Nose: So what, are you suggesting that the seer should reveal themselves like you?

Red Nose: Seer, I don't know who you are, but if you didn't identify a werewolf last night, don't reveal your identity!

Facing Red Nose's targeting, Lucien merely shows a gentle smile.

Lucien: I can't control the seer's actions, but since we currently lack sufficient clues, I have a suggestion for everyone to consider.

Lucien: Tonight, I hope the seer can verify the identity of whoever is willing to prove themselves first.

✂———————–

—[Lucien's Route - 4: Banquet Social Season (Non-story/a.k.a Stage part)]—

Every banquet is an encounter.

✂———————–

—[Lucien's Route - 5: Misty Water Mirror]—

Whoever is willing to prove themselves first...?

What does that mean? I pause slightly and then hear the uncle burst into hearty laughter.

Uncle: Good! Great idea. With so many people present, the seer does indeed need some "hints!"

Lucien: So, who is willing to be verified by the seer tonight?

Lucien's lips curve into a relaxed smile as if he is merely making a casual suggestion.

However, alarm bells go off in my mind, and the fork in my hand unconsciously scrapes the plate twice.

Could he really just be signaling the seer hidden in the crowd to start working? No, based on what I know about Lucien, there's definitely more to it than that…

I instinctively want to stay silent; we still don't know who the seer is. What if I'm the only one who raises their hand, and the seer really investigates me? But…

My heart is beating faster and faster, and my mind is whirling.

Until an almost terrifying thought suddenly flashes through my mind, exploding within me.

——Could Lucien be setting up a trap? This trap targets not only the wolves but also the humans.

If I think outside the perspective of a wolf and view it from a human's standpoint, only the wolves wouldn't want to be verified by the seer...

With this thought, I impulsively raise my hand, cold sweat running down my back.

Whatever, I'll take the gamble!

MC: I am human. If the seer doesn't have a suitable candidate, they can verify me tonight.

It seems my action also encouraged others, and soon, more people raised their hands.

As the first to raise my hand, I openly look at their faces, only to notice that the uncle is also observing in secret.

He was so supportive of Lucien's suggestion, yet he didn't raise his hand... Doesn't he want to prove his identity first?

As I ponder this, Red Nose suddenly stands up from his seat and almost shouts from his throat.

Red Nose: Stop doing foolish things! How can you be manipulated by a few fancy words and consider exposing yourself?

Exposing...? In a flash, I suddenly realize Lucien's trap for the humans—the seer, who isn't good at scheming, risks being exposed because of this!

Unfortunately, such shallow and aggressive rhetoric would only enlighten someone with ulterior motives like me. Who else would want to listen?

Joker: Ridiculous.

Leaning against the wall, Joker speaks coldly, casting a glance at everyone present as if looking at a group of monkeys in a zoo.

Finally, his gaze falls on Red Nose.

Joker: Your stupidity makes you useless in information sharing, only capable of creating arguments and stirring emotions.

Joker: Even if you are not a wolf, your voice is redundant for the human faction.

After speaking, Joker ignores the discussions and Red Nose's curses that follow, crossing his arms and closing his eyes as if to sleep.

.......even though the situation is favorable to me, I still feel that he is more of a "shit-stirrer" than the werewolves.

The interruption leaves everyone a little unsure for a moment, and Lucien takes the opportunity to speak up.

Lucien: In deduction and confrontation games, good people always hope to prove their innocence regardless of skill level.

Lucien: Therefore, those who actively seek to have a voice are naturally more eager to prove their identity first, thus leading the direction of the voting.

The cold, shimmering light blurs his expression, drawing more attention to his firm words.

Lucien: Actively seizing the right to speak while not wanting to be checked... If there is still no reasonable explanation, then it's very likely a wolf trying to confuse the humans.

Immediately, everyone’s hands shot up in unison as if driven by a death warrant.

I watch as Lucien steers the situation, effortlessly controlling everyone's emotions, making me feel both proud and nervous.

Then, everyone's eyes converged on the one person who had yet to raise their hand.

Red Nose breathes heavily, his bloodshot eyes glaring fiercely at Lucien, his face full of unwilling rage.

Red Nose: If you're going to vote, then vote!

As expected, Red Nose is unanimously voted out. The attendants take him to the edge of the banquet hall's pool and push him in.

Like the empty stomach of a giant monster finally capturing its nutrients, the calm water surface surges and engulfs his body violently, a striking crimson color spreading across the water.

The pool becomes very bright instantly, but just as quickly, it calms down again. The vivid red water reverts to a pale aquamarine, just as it was before.

Obviously, such a display in the game doesn't relax anyone. People start to leave one after another, unwilling to stay any longer.

I walk to the edge of the long table and turn back to take another look at the uncle, who remains in place.

He sits at the table enjoying his dessert, his brow relaxed, and he seems much more at ease than before the luncheon.

I go over his behavior today in my mind, and an answer becomes apparent to me.

Lucien: [gently] Are you feeling better?

Lucien walks toward me, naturally taking my hand, and I instinctively avert my gaze from the uncle.

MC: Hmm, much better~ Maybe because I ate something, I feel more energized!

My palms are still sweaty from the luncheon, and although I let Lucien hold my fingertips, I never dared to fully open my hand and interlock fingers with him.

Lucien's long fingers gently squeeze my fingertips, seemingly unaware of my little thoughts.

It's just that the time he spends gazing at my face seems... a bit longer?

Lucien: But your complexion is still a bit pale. Have some more sugar.

Lucien picks up a glass of juice from the table and hands it to me. I happily take it and drink a sip, then immediately frown.

...Why does it taste so strange? It's not good at all.

Lucien: Don't like it?

MC: ...No, of course I like anything Professor Lucien gives me!

As soon as the words leave my mouth, I feel a bit regretful. There was no need to explain something so trivial; I'm being overly cautious…

Lucien just smiles slightly, his eyes as gentle and profound as always.

But perhaps due to the mindset of a werewolf, I have the feeling that he is subtly punishing me for lying.

...With him by my side, I have to be even more careful with every move I make.

[When she doesn't answer last night, he understands why. He understands her choice, hesitation, and pain. So, he still comforts her with so much care. However, he can't help but still feel a bit wronged that MC doesn't trust him enough to tell him the truth and chooses to endure everything alone, so that not-so-palatable drink was his small retaliation.... this fox can be a bit petty sometimes skskks]

[Next Part-> Click Here]

[thestickinvictorsass]

It’s 2 am and I had barely enough pink hair dye to do my whole head. No gloves we dye (please don’t kill me) like men.

[ikenbar]

I've been wanting to write again so comment or dm me a number or a specific prompt with a name from someone from Mr. Love: A Queen's Choice or Obey me and I'll write a short story around your suggestion.

A few things before you leave a comment:

Specify a gender (Male, female, gender neutral, Trans male/female, etc.)

Specify the number or prompt specifically (ie, 1, 2, 3, or, "I still love you and I hate myself for it") (I can do multiple prompts at once)

Specify a character (Lucifer, Victor, Thirteen, Kiro, etc.)

I will NOT do any sort of sm*t or anything like that so dont expect it... I'm way too ace to touch that...

I will do hurt comfort so if you want a happy or sad ending let me know. Other wise I am one for happy endings

If you'd like I can also throw one of my OCs in the rink if you'd like me to write about them. Either my Obey Me or my MLQC OCs are fine but I won't do your ocs. I need extensive data to write those well and I'm not in the mood to do that.

I'm excited to write again so don't hold back and leave a comment/dm :D

[the-masked-ram]

Written Commissions TOS

Commissions TOS-

I only do written commissions, NSFW/SFW are both available and payment plans are available for larger pieces.

Payment-

Ko-fi or Paypal only

Payment plans are accepted for larger works

General Prices- (new commissions will be updated to the new price of .015 per word)

500-800 words: $5.00 (USD)

1k-2k words: 20.00 (USD)

2500-4k: 30.00 (USD)

5k-7k: 65.00 (USD)

10k: 95.00

Past initial 10k: .015 per word (new comms .018)

Heavy Dark Content tax: Things like non-con, drugging, or torture (etc.) require a 10% tax

Additional characters passed 3 are an extra 5.00 ea

Species I will write:

Hybrid

Feral

Human

Anthro

(any mix of these)

NSFW kinks I will NOT write:

Scat

Pedo

Hyper Muscles

If there are things I haven’t listed you want to talk about go ahead and ask, the worst I can say is no, and trust me I won’t judge. Most of my no stuff is just because I can’t portray the reasons behind it correctly why someone would like it.

I do strongly suggest if you have preferred characters to use, is to send me a short paragraph of their general personality. I usually can understand them from that. If it’s NSFW and I don’t understand something about a certain kink I will ask. If you have a certain way you want the story to go, I suggest writing a plot summary in the form of bullet points. It doesn’t have to be really detailed unless you want it. I will ask if I have to. I will send a rough draft for approval before the final draft is complete. I also would like if you could provide a drawn ref sheet or a written description of any characters involved.

I reserve the right to use any written work I have been commissioned for as an example, though I will ask first if the commissioner wants to remain anonymous or want me to change names of characters/etc. before posting.

All my examples of furry work are older, but my current work has been in anime fandom, I still write furry it's just don't have anything recent to use.

I write a lot of fanfiction (human), OC, AU, so let me know if you have an interest in any of the fandoms I write in (mostly anime) and what you may like (I can change any of these fandoms to hyrbid/feral/anthro if you wish). Also please be aware I will not write for a fandom I'm not a part of.

Fandoms:

BNHA

KnB

Windbreaker

JJK

YYH

Genshin Impact (I cannot write all characters, but with research I can write most) 

Haikyuu!!

Blue lock

Obey Me! Otome Game

Fairy Tail- Seasons 1-4 only currently

Tokyo Ghoul

Food Wars!

Inuyasha

7DS

BSD

MLQC

Wolf's Rain

Vampire Knight

Cowboy Bebop

DRRR!

Psycho Pass

Squid Game

Stardew Valley

Stranger Things

Supernatural

The Walking Dead

Baldur's gate 3

Commissions -

Bnha fandom continuation ( second installment starting soon)

YCH Corruption piece- (1/2 finished)

Bday bnha sfw piece- (researching)

Tumblr fanfic crossover yyh x the slayers (rough draft started)

Waitlist (no longer open)

Altair (oc) x reader piece (date with a fanfic, playlist finished)

Resident evil x furry (Researching this week)

Serial killer bnha genderswap piece

Halloween monster transformation ych

PLEASE BE AWARE! I struggle with tendonitis from writing too much, commissions can take up to 3 weeks to 2 months or longer depending on your status, to be completed.

[ey8508]

5 minutes encounter with …… (…… X MC)

Chapter 4

[Breaking news]

Loveland City: Investigations into an incident where thieves entered a victim’s house in broad daylight are still underway. It is highly advised to keep all doors and windows locked says the chief police officer.

 -------------------------------------------

5: 25: 07 p.m.

It was another usual weekend. A nice weekend indeed.

Why?

Because I’m finally free for the meantime.

Just finished the case.

I smiled.

Lifted my handbag and casually walked towards the main door.

I planned to buy some delicious cake for a small self-celebration.

My hands were seconds away from the door knob while thinking what flavor should I buy.

Buy Tiramisu or just the regular Blueberry or the….

 “Argh!!”

 I let out a small scream in reaction towards the sudden change of situation.

Well of course including the fast retreat of my hands away from the person. Ignoring the fact that I almost touched him

It happens so fast, to the point I lost my balance. It’s actually better if I just fall down right there on the floor

Unexpectedly, he swiftly grabbed on to my waist with his right arm and carefully pulled me back towards him.

I shut my eyes close while slightly frowning.

I probably even held my breath, afraid to move, afraid of the outcome.

Well, my downfall was cancelled of course but…

 Damn it.

 If this is the cause of my death…

 He’s this close... 

 5: 25: 30 p.m.

He slowly released me as if expecting me to fall again.

I quickly ran two meters away from him.

My brain was in disoriented. I couldn’t quite process what has happened…

 “Calm down. I’m not here to eat you”

 He said, a slight frown was visible.

I couldn’t quite understand why was the worried look written all over his face.

Was he worried about me?

That’s weird….

But of course, my reaction didn’t change. I’m still in this flight or fight mode.

This is the third encounter with this peculiar man. The second encounter was weeks ago.

However, he is still labelled as the ‘stranger’ who absolutely could harm me.

Once again, we were in this staring at each other moment.

I was frowning.

He was just calm as usual.

Suddenly he smiled.

That caught me off-guard. Trying to ignore the fact that his smiles were so bright and peaceful

 5: 26: 00 p.m.

He slowly walks up to me.

Every step he takes to cover the distance between us made my heartbeat increase.

I was about to throw my handbag at him when suddenly he stops at about a meter away from me.

 “Weren’t  you supposed to buy cakes today?”

 He casually asked.

 “Well, I bought you some”

 He lifted a regular cake box, casually showing it to me. His right hand were clenching on the red ribbons that was neatly tied to secure the decorated box in its place.

I did not notice about it before. I must’ve been so focused on this person.

I was amazed. It was beautiful

I frowned. Totally skeptical about the whole situation.

A soft smile slowly crept across his lips.

 “I see that you’re still alive after eating the food I cooked for you 2 weeks ago”

 He jokingly said with a slight laughter within his tone.

If he was some normal person, I could’ve rolled my eyes in annoyance.

Instead, I just quietly observed whatever reaction or movement that he’ll do next.

I couldn’t predict him like how easy he predicted my every next move.

 “Here. Take it.”

 “No. I don’t want it”

 “Go on. My hands are not designed for this”

 Almost rolled my eyes upon hearing that.

I know he was persistent.

There’s no way I could escape from his demands.

Whatever.

I cautiously took a few steps towards him.

Until, I’m just a grasp away from the cake box but then he suddenly lifted it higher from my reach.

Instantly, I took a few steps back away from him.

Knowing that he was up to something and I’m no falling into that.

 “Go on”

 He smiled. Seemingly amused.

Is he teasing my height?

What else could it be... I know, I’m nothing compared to this building.

I sighed.

 “Fine.”

 Then, I didn’t even try to reach for it again.

 5: 27: 00 p.m.

 Instead, I walked my way towards the living room couch and sat there.

Casually switched on the TV and legit ignored him.

Unexpectedly, he carefully placed the cake box on my lap.

He was somehow already seated right next to me.

I don’t know how did he cover the time to walk so fast and be somewhere in just seconds??

I stayed silent without movement.

To be honest, it feels weird to sit next to someone else. Especially if it’s a man who can randomly shows up inside your house and knows everything about you.

What did I get myself into…?

 “Quit staring at the box and open it”

 He exclaimed instantly taking me back to reality.

I carefully placed the box on the mini table and slowly opened it.

Did not expect anything from it but….

It was the exact cake I want from the cake bakery that I’m supposed to go today.

I slowly turned my head towards the right side to where he was seated.

His eyes were already on me. Showing off that slight smile.

I’m not really good to judge a character by their looks but I do not sense any malicious intents within him.

He’s confusing me...

I quickly looked away. Didn’t actually know how to react to the whole situation.

 “Happy?”

 He questioned me.

 “No.”

 He obviously knows that I wasn’t telling the truth when a soft chuckle escaped from him.

 5: 28: 00 p.m.

Unexpectedly, I ended up taking a few bites myself from the cake by using the provided spoon from the box.

It tastes delicious of course. But for some reason the mini cakes and puddings he previously made was way more delicious….

What. Am. I. even. Thinking.

I slowly sighed.

 5: 29: 40 p.m.

 “Do I know you?”

 I abruptly questioned him before finally turning my head and made eye contact with him

 “Yes.”

 He answered without much thinking.

However, I was totally taken aback by his answer.

How can that be?!

Did I lost a memory or maybe something happened?

 “Who am I to you?”

 “A dummy”

 A smile was now visible on his lips.

 I frowned.

 “Are you stupid?”

 I remarked back.

He just chuckled while slightly closing his eyes in unison. How can he look as if he could kill you I an instant but look soft and cute at the same time...

Should I even trust my eyes?

 “Why do you always showing up at certain time that would spook me?”

 I asked again, knowing that he won’t answer me on the same question.

Once again his attention was on me.

 “What, you expect me to say ‘Darling! I’m home’ kind of thing?”

 “You’re not even answering the question and no. Why would I want that. No, never do that.”

He smiled intently.

 5: 30: 06 p.m.

 “Good night.”

 He managed to softly say before vanishing from sight.

I blinked twice.

Somehow, feeling unreasonably disappointed about it.

Why…

I didn’t understand myself either.

At some point, I do think that I’ve gone mental but looking at the box of cake…

It’s real.

 “’Darling, I’m home?’ What a peculiar thought”

 I unconsciously smiled upon imagining that idea played inside my head.

Recalling his few words really made me somewhat amused.