To show her attitude, Funina looked firmly at Yae Shenzi, her voice full of gratitude and determination:
"Ms. Yae, thank you for your help when I was most helpless. Don't worry—no matter how Alechino tries to instigate, I won't have any doubts about you."
Yae Shenzi was both pleased and somewhat amused by Funina's trust. Her smile carried a mix of mystery and depth, with the corners of her eyes curving into crescent shapes. Internally, she thought to herself:
"Ms. Funina is so naive and cute. I really can't bear to attack her later… Of course, that's a lie."
Alechino observed this scene and sighed helplessly. Glancing at Funina's unguarded demeanor, she felt an inexplicable annoyance.
"This girl has lived as the Hydro Archon for five hundred years—how can she still be so easily deceived?"
Her tone carried an air of exasperation, lamenting Funina's innocence.
Despite her irritation, Alechino refrained from trying to persuade Funina. It wasn't just that Funina was now lost in Yae Shenzi's deception—Alechino knew that no matter what she said, Funina would view it as quibbling or manipulation. Even if Alechino could present undeniable evidence, Funina's unwavering trust in Yae Shenzi would render any explanation pointless.
"Well, actually, today's gains are sufficient." Alechino's sharp gaze swept across Lin Anyi's face, a glimmer of pride shining in her eyes.
Today, she had managed to get closer to Lin Anyi—the person she had always dreamed of—while also sowing seeds of doubt in his hatred toward her. Considering the scope of just one day, it was no small feat.
"I can't push him too hard next time. It's better to give him time to let these complicated feelings ferment."
Her eyes then shifted toward Funina, and the satisfaction in her expression gave way to displeasure.
"Speaking of which, Funina's behavior today was truly aggravating," Alechino muttered.
Recalling the events, a sneer curled at the corner of her mouth.
"I wanted to change her perception gradually, but now… it's time to teach her a lesson!"
With her plan clear, Alechino wasted no time. Snapping her fingers lightly, her body transformed into a crimson shadow.
Before disappearing, she deliberately glanced at Lin Anyi, then turned her gaze to Yae Shenzi. A provocative, playful smile appeared on her lips as she said:
"If you want a chance, I'll give you one. Don't forget to thank me for my kindness~"
"I'm looking forward to your next performance."
With that, Alechino, now a shadow, dissipated completely into the air without leaving a trace.
As Alechino departed, a strange silence enveloped the room. Lin Anyi and Funina exchanged worried glances, their eyes filled with unease and contemplation.
It was clear to anyone paying attention that Alechino's retreat wasn't a surrender but a calculated move—a strategic withdrawal to prepare for something bigger.
Meanwhile, Yae Shenzi remained lost in thought. Although Alechino had left some provocative words before disappearing, attempting to disrupt her focus, Yae Shenzi dismissed them without concern.
"Alechino's little tricks are insignificant," she thought.
Her current focus was on weighing the timing of her own actions. Subconsciously, she reached into her robes, her fingertips brushing against a strangely shaped, pocket-watch-like button. Her gaze drifted toward Lin Anyi, her expression complicated as she appeared to deliberate over some internal choice.
In the end, Yae Shenzi sighed softly and shook her head with a hint of self-mockery.
"Forget it. There's no need to act so impatiently, as if I'm some desperate fool."
"As long as I stay one step ahead of that shadowy schemer, that'll be enough. There's no reason to rush."
Her eyes lingered on Lin Anyi once more, eventually settling on his lips. A trace of contempt crossed her face as she muttered:
"There must still be some of Alechino's saliva on them, right? Just thinking about it makes me nauseous. Better to wait until Lin Anyi takes a shower tonight before taking any action."
As the situation eased, Yae Shinko adjusted her demeanor and turned her gaze to Lin Anyi with a more friendly expression. She opened her red lips slightly, her tone carrying a warm smile, and asked:
"Hello, I guess you are Lin Anyi, Funina's boyfriend?"
Although Yae Shinko maintained her signature ease, the necessity of using Funina's relationship to introduce herself to Lin Anyi left her feeling slightly conflicted.
Lin Anyi, a little surprised by the interaction, responded politely:
"Yes. You look like the Lord Yae of Inazuma, right?"
Upon hearing this, Yae Shinko smiled and lightly covered her lips, her tone radiating rare intimacy and ease.
"There's no need to be so formal. Just call me by my name. If you like, you can also call me Sister Shinko~"
"This..." Lin Anyi hesitated, not expecting such familiarity from Yae Shinko.
Funina, holding Lin Anyi's hand tightly, smiled and reassured him:
"It's okay. Miss Yae is truly a good person. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have known the bad woman hid you here."
Lin Anyi's expression shifted from confusion to sudden realization.
"No wonder Yae Shinko appeared out of nowhere and confronted Alechino without warning. So, she was the helper Funina invited?"
This realization dispelled his doubts, and Lin Anyi, feeling more at ease, obediently said:
"Sister Shinko."
"Hey." Yae Shinko's eyes gleamed with a warm light at the sound of the long-lost, intimate address. Smiling, she replied in a relaxed tone:
"You've just escaped from danger, and I believe you're anxious to have a good rest. How about you head back first, and I visit you another day?"
Although her words suggested she was about to leave, Yae Shinko remained, as if awaiting an anticipated invitation.
And just as she expected, Funina, thoroughly convinced by Yae Shinko's benevolent demeanor, quickly extended an invitation:
"It's okay, Miss Yae. Please come to my house now. You helped us so much today; we must repay you properly."
Yae Shinko's smile deepened, her gaze slowly drifting to Lin Anyi. With a tone laced with subtle meaning, she replied:
"In that case, I would rather obey your order respectfully."