https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-628-Lanchi-Refuses-to-Believe-It-Will-Ever-Blow-Up/12584978/
Chapter 629: Lanchi's Ultimate Confidence
Chapter 629: Lanchi's Ultimate Confidence
The Ice Snow Witch shook her head, deciding not to dwell on the matter further.
Compared to her, who had only arrived from the Northern Continent a few months ago, Loren and Florence had known each other for several years and were undoubtedly more familiar with each other.
She rarely ventured out of the Temple of God in the Forest Capital, G'dalia, and it had been centuries since she last visited the Southern Continent. Sometimes, she found the city of Icarus novel and intriguing.
"Where did you go today? I couldn't find you all morning."
The Ice Snow Witch approached Loren, her demeanor still somewhat displeased as she steered the conversation back to the matter at hand.
Loren had seemingly vanished into thin air that morning.
If her suspicions were correct, this guy probably took advantage of the day off to do something clandestine.
Being stronger than her, if he intentionally concealed his magical presence and movements, she had no way of locating him and dared not recklessly follow him.
"I... I went to see a friend." Loren explained nervously.
"...'"
The Ice Snow Witch fixed her gaze on Loren, taking in his flustered appearance, and remained silent for a moment.
If Loren had been completely calm and composed, she wouldn't have thought much of it, attributing it to his skill as a backstage manipulator.
But the fact that he could feign just the right amount of panic was unnerving.
It was as if he had been caught by a colleague while on a weekend date with his girlfriend.
His awkwardness was so natural that it seemed excessive.
"I understand." The Ice Snow Witch nodded after some deliberation.
Since Loren wanted to play this game, she had no choice but to go along with it for now.
Before gaining his trust, it would be dangerous to reveal her intention to expose him.
"You have indeed been working tirelessly, and I've noticed. But next time you have some free time, would you consider letting me help you with your overtime as well?" She said, her face still devoid of a smile, her tone even.
"I'm sorry... I don't know how to thank you..." Loren said, holding the back of his head with one hand and bowing his head.
Gratitude mingled with guilt, leaving him at a loss for words.
"Then, if there's another day off like this, take me with you, or I'll feel left out." The Ice Snow Witch said.
To avoid exposing her intention to investigate Loren while also wanting a valid reason to keep an eye on him, the best approach was to naturally obtain his permission to stay by his side. That way, no matter how she tracked him, it would be reasonable and justified.
After all, a woman's curiosity could explain away most things.
"Er... Miss Almis, but we..." Loren's voice trailed off, unsure.
Even he, as dense as he was, understood that when a man and a woman went out together on a day off, it was probably considered a date.
"Just as colleagues. Or do you find me so boring that you don't even want to spend a single day with me?" The Ice Snow Witch took a step closer and looked up at Loren, her eyes unwavering.
"No, I truly appreciate you, and you are someone I find incredibly dependable. During my most difficult times, only you were willing to support me so steadfastly. I don't know how I would have gotten through last month without you." Loren replied sincerely.
"...'"
The Ice Snow Witch was left speechless for a moment.
Staring into his sincere eyes, she momentarily let her guard down.
For some reason, she felt that Loren's emotions at this moment didn't seem feigned at all.
No, that was precisely what made him terrifying. She couldn't discern whether he was deceiving her or being genuine.
The scenes from the Hero's Stage in the Northern Continent flashed through her mind, and the words of the Destroyed Saint rang in her ears. Everything reminded her that there was definitely something amiss with Loren.
"So, what's your answer?" She snapped back to attention, her eyes regaining their clarity.
"Of course, I don't mind if you don't." Loren smiled helplessly.
From their first meeting, he had been unable to decipher Almis' thoughts, but one thing he was certain of was that she had been kind to him.
For now, it seemed that she didn't dislike him.
The instructor had said that it was quite normal for colleagues to spend time together outside of work, and that team-building activities could strengthen the church's cohesion.
"Then it's settled." The Ice Snow Witch turned and walked away, indicating that Loren could leave as well.
[...]
As the instructor remained silent, Loren once again opened the door to the Temple's confidential chamber and strode down the corridor, his steps quickening.
Less than half a minute later, his figure had crossed the Yala River, which surrounded the city, and the Harbor Bridge, returning to the opposite bank where the Ikelite Opera House was located.
"Instructor, how's the timing?" Loren asked.
【Since you left Juliana's side, 17 minutes and 20 seconds have passed.】
The instructor's voice immediately responded, proving that he hadn't disconnected earlier but had been listening silently.
Loren's heart filled with relief at hearing the voice.
Even though it was modified, making it impossible to discern the instructor's original tone, at this moment, all of Loren's sense of security hung on this voice.
According to the instructor's route plan, the most challenging part of the day had been safely navigated.
【The good news is that you have a lot of routes.】 the instructor suddenly said.
"And the bad news?" Loren asked, unsure what the instructor meant by "routes."
It didn't seem to refer to the route back to the opera house, as he was almost there.
【The bad news is that you've started them all.】
"?" Loren was confused and didn't understand.
【It's not a big problem either. For now, you're back on track with the date route. We'll deal with the brother and witch routes later. All you need to do is have dinner with Juliana, watch a show, and then spend some time at the Golden Bee Amusement Park in the evening, and the date will be over.】 the instructor continued.
"Whew." Loren sighed.
The amusement park the instructor mentioned still made him a little worried.
The Golden Bee Amusement Park in Ikelite was always crowded, famous for its unique souvenirs and limited-edition food prizes. During weekend evenings, it was often packed with people, and Loren had no experience going to such trendy places with girls.
It was the instructor who, after analyzing Juliana's preferences, had timely selected this itinerary for the date, and as expected, it matched her tastes perfectly.
【Don't worry. I'll also be at the amusement park tonight. If you encounter any trouble, I may appear as any passerby and help you.】 the instructor assured him.
"Thank you, Instructor." Loren felt incredibly relieved.
【Regardless, through today's drill, you've achieved minor success in time management. Have more confidence. Even if you face a real hellish difficulty next time, I believe you can get through it. What doesn't destroy you will only make you stronger.】
"What if I get destroyed?" Loren asked, unsure of the instructor's meaning but feeling like the wheels of fate had started turning, and he was completely in the dark about it.
【I'll be there.】 the instructor replied confidently.
"That's great then." Finally, the last of Loren's worries faded away.
"Can I ask for your guidance during the next date too, Instructor...?"
【No problem. Anytime, anywhere, even if I have a date myself, I'll do my best to help you simultaneously.】
"Great!" The instructor's unwavering confidence in the face of impending doom seemed to rub off on him.
After all, they had succeeded today.
And the next time, they would only be more successful!
...
On a bench at the edge of the Temple Square, a young man with black hair and a duck-billed hat took a sip of his coffee with one hand, finally cutting off the communication and putting away his earpiece.
He opened his notebook and removed the temporary bookmark, a 【Golden Bee Amusement Park admission ticket】, from it, referring to the hand-drawn map within.
His little black cat companion edged closer.
"Meow meow, what if next time, you happen to be on a three-thread yourself and also have to direct Loren's three-thread? Are you really confident about handling that?" Cat Boss asked, seeming to foresee the worst-case scenario and looking at Lanchi with some concern.
"First of all, that's a low-probability event, so it's unlikely to happen." Lanchi looked at the cat and smiled casually.
"Secondly, this difficulty level is nothing to me. Can you imagine me begging for mercy in fear?" His eyes, like the surface of a verdant lake, remained clear and calm, naturally carrying a hint of contemplation and ease.
"Meow." Cat Boss meowed and gazed at Lanchi, who was lost in thought.
Since Lanchi had assured him of success, there wasn't much to worry about for the future. For now, it was time to enjoy the day with Lanchi.
The cat then reached for the golden admission ticket that Lanchi had placed on the chair.
It seemed to remember that yesterday, when Tata returned, a corner of the shopping bag she carried had also revealed a glimpse of this golden ticket.
But perhaps it was just a coincidence; it was unlikely that the two of them would go everywhere together.
PS: Book recommendation
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
