"Today we gather here to discuss the Deep Sea Council, and the commission released by VIP client Yue, who has recently encountered some mysterious experiences."
The long-awaited high-level meeting at the Old Sen Magic Technology Store started with Ethan’s speech, highlighting the central issue of the meeting.
"Before that, I think there is another issue worth discussing."
Rowena pointed at the white plush cat on Ethan’s shoulder, firing on all cylinders, "Can you first explain why she’s turned into a cat again?"
As Lindong’s former partner, she knew that turning into a cat was a way to hide one’s identity; people rarely paid attention to cats. But now that the charges against the Violet Commune members were dismissed, Lindong was no longer the Empire’s most wanted criminal, she had no need to turn into a cat.
Worse yet, since this cat entered the room, it has been curling up on Ethan’s shoulder, looking quite listless.
Bad omens are gradually being confirmed.
This left Rowena heartbroken; she never expected that after guarding so carefully, Lindong managed to exploit a loophole, unexpectedly breaking through the last barrier while they were out dining.
"Rowena, haven’t you come to terms with it yet?"
Thera chimed in, not surprised by this at all, and even felt this day came a bit late. Though she hadn’t experienced such things, she’d attended many subordinates’ weddings; with the straightforward style of a Knight, usually within three days of mutual affection confirmation, they would cut straight to the chase.
It’s human nature, nothing worth concealing.
Yet Rowena always reacted so dramatically, making Thera puzzled, "Why do you always have such a strong reaction, could it be that you actually..."
She had heard of such situations in the capital; the chaotic private lives of great nobles had long become the norm, and she had heard they compete to outplay one another. She could only maintain respect for it.
"Since that’s the case, I won’t hide anything anymore."
Rowena steeled herself, a grim expression on her face, "There’s one thing I’ve deceived you all about, keeping you in the dark all along. Actually, the dozens of romantic experiences I’ve mentioned were all fake... What’s with those expressions?"
The room fell into dead silence, everyone avoided eye contact with Rowena, even the golden hair on Ave’s head couldn’t bear to look any longer, Rowena’s stance as if she was all in only left them feeling inexplicably sorrowful.
Only Rowena thought she cleverly deceived everyone.
Even Thera, who generally didn’t care about such things, had long seen through Rowena’s lies.
"Hmm, well, didn’t expect something ."
Ethan said, covering his eyes, once he took the lead, Ave and Thera echoed in flat tones.
"Really didn’t see that coming."
"Totally fooled by you."
Receiving comfort, some light appeared on Rowena’s face as she said, "Therefore, you should understand my feelings all along, right?"
"So, you’ve had a crush on Lindong all this time?"
Thera asked, puzzled.
Upon hearing this, the cat, previously drooping its head, suddenly had its tail stand upright, shrinking into Ethan’s arms in horror.
Rowena crossed her arms, speaking in an as-it-should-be manner, "I mean the kind of feeling where seeing friends earn money is more distressing than losing money yourself. From the first day I met Lindong, I knew she, like me, belonged to the type who wouldn’t get married, but I didn’t expect, really didn’t expect!"
Her tone grew more agitated, her body starting to tremble slightly.
This girl didn’t even hide her jealousy!
Ave was also shocked; in the capital, even those noble ladies with the strongest jealousy would usually publicly wish others happiness, then curse them in unseen corners.
"Actually, your image is quite good, and as a Great Mage, you should have many suitors, right?"
Ethan spoke honestly.
Rowena was quite charming when she wasn’t talking, and as long as she was willing, she wouldn’t end up being single forever.
"Too troublesome, being alone is more carefree, spend your money as you like, go wherever suits you, buy whatever you want."
Rowena said, "I am committed to spreading these positive ideas to everyone, but Lindong betrayed... Indeed, betrayal from a companion is the most powerful."
"Who would accept these strange ideas of yours?"
Lindong felt Rowena had rambled enough, just lacking discipline. This twisted mindset is actually quite simple to treat, just a few ice arrows would make Rowena behave.
It’s just today... she was feeling unwell, after leaving the Royal Palace, she had been weak, simply transforming into a cat form to let Ethan carry her.
"Rowena." The cat’s voice sounded chilling as if reverting to that past ruthless Witch, she squinted her eyes, gazing at Rowena, "Do you think I’ve been too lenient recently, that three days without discipline and you’re acting out?"
"I think we should start discussing the current state of the Western Continent."
Rowena lightly coughed and sat upright, instantly becoming as orderly as a model student in the academy.
Yes, the familiar feeling returned.
She knew Lindong had always been someone with strong action, if she says to discipline, she will leave zero ambiguity. And... she genuinely found Lindong’s threat reasonable; ever since visiting Ximu Town and meeting Ethan, her temper had improved drastically, so much so that it was hard to adjust.