Meanwhile, on the cliff above the river valley, two slender figures watched Arlecchino and Lu Li with complex expressions. They were her most trusted direct subordinates, the two battle-hardened Operatives, Dianella and Isotta Schneitzevna. Wherever Arlecchino's ashen shadow went, they were sure to follow.
At this moment, seeing her so generously reward Lu Li, the two women blushed, then grew annoyed and resentful.
"My lady is too indulgent with this little guy... It's completely different from how she treats the other children," Isotta said in a low voice.
"Don't tell me you're only just realizing this now, Isotta," Dianella said coolly, waving her scepter and unleashing a dozen wind blades to obliterate the Hilichurls trying to climb the slope. "And, my lady had us follow and stand guard to ensure no one would disturb them, not for you to slack off and watch."
"I know, I'm helping now. I was just resentful," Isotta huffed, then turned her attention to the monsters, unleashing a storm of icy slashes from her sword-staff that froze and shattered them.
"Dianella, almost every time Lu Li reports to the office, you're in the shadows, aren't you?" she asked, stabbing the corpse of a Hilichurl as if to vent her frustration.
"Correct," Dianella replied, blocking a Mitachurl's axe with a wind barrier before piercing its chest. "So, Isotta, I must remind you. My lady's attitude towards Lu Li is completely different. Don't harbor any ill intentions, or she will not forgive you."
"I know that," Isotta said, wiping the blood from her weapon. "It's just that, seeing the lady I admire so much be so tolerant and doting on this man, and even giving him her first... while we stand guard outside... don't you have any other thoughts, Dianella?"
"Are you saying you're jealous? Jealous that Lu Li gets to do that to her, while we can only watch?" Dianella asked calmly.
"..." Isotta was speechless, then huffed, her face red.
"Although you can never compare to that man's place in her heart, you're not without a chance," her colleague said with a small smile.
"What do you mean?"
"My lady is not one to indulge in desire. So, there will be times when she can no longer fight," Dianella said softly. "You just need to wait by the side. She will let you take over."
"You..." Isotta understood her friend's meaning and gritted her teeth. "That's your plan?"
"Correct. Think of him as just another... substitute. What's important is that you and I can get close to her..."
Isotta, who had been completely against the idea, was now stunned. A thoughtful expression appeared on her blushing face. "...That is indeed a good idea..." she said softly.
————
Just like with Chiori, but Arlecchino's inner passage was much hotter. Even though Lu Li was already trying to advance with a pioneering spirit, the pressure and temperature he felt in the searing volcanic torrent surpassed anything he had ever experienced before. It was as if countless open-mouthed pistils were enveloping the honey-gathering bee, trying to drown it in a sea of honey.
But even so, his endurance allowed him to make dozens of round trips between the outer and inner city gates. After a gentle initial march, and after being ordered by the city's defenders to be more vigorous, his assault had now become frantic.
After adapting, Arlecchino began to enjoy it more and more, commanding her army on the battlefield to better match his rhythm. Like overlapping waves that crash ashore after the tide recedes, Lu Li bent down and bit at the red beans that could not produce any milk, while her counterattack left bloody claw marks on his back, the pain triggering an adrenaline rush that made him even more tireless and unstoppable.
After dozens of rounds of tossing and turning, as he felt an unprecedented pressure, his vanguard was finally washed over by the searing torrent. It was followed by a sound she could no longer suppress, and an involuntary, deep scratch. And at that moment, he couldn't hold back either.
The pain and convulsion from being attacked from both sides made him lose control. Like a naughty child retaliating after being scolded by his parents, Lu Li, feeling as if his back was no longer his own, crashed through the inner city gate at the moment of her flood.
At that moment, feeling the scalding heat, Arlecchino could no longer hold back and bit down on his neck.
After a long moment, she recovered from almost fainting and said softly, "Phew... still have any strength left?"
"Huh..." Lu Li, his soul almost flown away, hadn't even reacted when she flipped over, taking control. She then took his hand, their fingers intertwining tightly.
"Then I'll take the lead," she said softly.
-------
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