Ryan was humming a tune, lost in the joy of crafting a delicious meal, when a sudden surge of resentment prickled across his skin. His instincts kicked in, and he looked up.
Mobius was standing in front of him. With the crowd finally dispersed, he got a proper look at her.
Her long green hair cascaded like silk, framing a wickedly beautiful face. She wore a sleek black dress—the plunging neckline drawing attention to her chest, where even a simple necklace disappeared into the deep cleavage.
The slit along her thigh revealed black garter stockings, complemented by red stilettos that lent her a striking, aristocratic allure.
"Hmm. This look suits you," Ryan said. "Didn't expect you to have such... taste."
"These were just some clothes Elysia left behind. I wore them because they fit," Mobius replied with a sniff, wedging herself next to him. "Didn't know you could cook. Even that plump woman couldn't stop raving about you."
"I'm full of surprises."
"Don't get cocky. I can cook too—it's not rocket science."
"Oh please. Your ramen is still a crime against humanity." Ryan gave her a sidelong glance. Given their height difference, his eyes landed squarely on her cleavage. He looked away quickly. "So, how's vacation treating you?"
Mobius was about to retort with "boring," but realized that would contradict what she'd said earlier. She adjusted her tone.
"It's… acceptable. The company's planning some kind of team-building activity. It's supposed to boost morale and productivity. I'm not exactly thrilled, but I won't oppose it either."
"Mobius, sometimes I think your mouth is tougher than Hua's chest armor." Ryan rolled his eyes. Despite the casual crowd, she was easily the most elegantly dressed person there—effortlessly raising the bar.
Chest armor? What the hell was that supposed to mean?
Mobius froze. Then the implication clicked—and her resentment flared once more.
"How dare you mention that blockhead?"
"Why wouldn't I? I raised Hua myself." Ryan replied, deadpan.
Their relationship was a strange one—both headstrong, both trying to control the other.
Luckily for Ryan, he held the advantage—for now.
"Alright, these skewers are ready. Go serve them. The cake's getting old—we need a change of pace."
"You think I'm a waitress now?"
"Are you going to do it or should I ask Sakura?"
"You—ugh. Fine. I'll graciously help you."
Mobius shot him a withering glare, but ultimately picked up the plate and walked away, clearly not pleased.
So you want to play it like that, huh? Ryan thought. Not the most noble tactic, but it works.
He watched her walk off. The dress cinched tightly at her waist, her hips swaying with each step. When she bent to place the plate down, the skirt flared slightly. Her legs, poised in those heels, straightened into a flawless arch—an image of balance and allure.
Still stunning. Any guilt he felt vanished in an instant.
He couldn't explain it, but every time he got the better of Mobius, a twisted sense of satisfaction bloomed inside him.
When she finally surrenders, I'll be good to her. Maybe. But for now... it's lively today.
Ryan looked up. Vill-V was gliding across the pool, seemingly walking on water. She twirled dramatically, sending ripples and glittering water droplets into the air. Griseo gasped and clapped her hands in delight.
Vill-V beamed with theatrical flair.
"Ladies and gentlemen, feast your eyes and ready your applause—behold, the dance of water, a miracle of grace!"
Her voice rang out like a stage call. Under her control, the pool shimmered—water rising and twirling like spirits in midair, forming an elaborate musical fountain.
This time, it wasn't just Griseo. Everyone applauded. Even Ryan found it mesmerizing, unable to grasp exactly how it worked.
The liquid moved like syrup, infused with faint traces of Honkai energy. His eyes narrowed when he caught sight of a tiny device concealed in Vill-V's sleeve, its circuitry blinking with red lights.
"That Vill-V... wasting research funds again," came a muttered voice beside him.
Ryan turned. Mei had appeared at his side, plate in hand, her expression tight.
"Wasting funds on what, exactly?"
"She submitted a research proposal for developing underwater combat equipment. It sounded promising, so I approved it," Mei explained, her tone laced with irritation. She pointed at the girl still pirouetting over the water. "And that's what she built."
The Honkai energy levels were barely traceable—certainly no combat application. At best, it was a flashy stage prop.
Ryan's lips twitched. He knew Vill-V had an... unconventional mind, bordering on genius and chaos. He was the one who'd recommended her, after all.
All he could do now was shut his eyes and brace for the explanation.
"Maintaining an interest in invention is crucial," Ryan said. "Besides, geniuses tend to be a little... eccentric. Like you and me."
Mei stared at him, watching as Ryan visibly shivered under her gaze. She shook her head. "Be that as it may, funding is limited. We can't let Vill-V spend it however she pleases."
"Scientific progress is built on trial and error. A small sacrifice in the name of humanity's future is, I think, a price worth paying."
"Then how about you sacrifice your own savings?" Mei replied flatly. "Contribute to the future."
Ryan fell silent. Why was everyone targeting his humble savings? Mobius was already draining him dry—if Vill-V joined in, he'd be bankrupt before the week was out.
"Hmph, always so full of ideals," Mei snorted, watching Vill-V swirl water into gentle ribbons, embracing a delighted Griseo in a watery hug. The girl's laughter rang clear through the air. Mei's features softened.
"I'll let her off this time. At least with Vill-V around, the party's lively. You didn't expect that from me, did you?"
"A little," Ryan admitted. "I thought you'd be cutting her funding next."
Mei gave a small, cryptic smile. Ryan knew she was a rationalist—such people could be hard to predict.
"Moments like this are becoming rare," she said. "The time we do have—we should savor it. That's the smarter choice."
She reached for a freshly grilled piece of pork belly, plated it carefully, then stood and gave a slight nod.
"I've noticed Mobius is fond of Griseo."
"Yeah, doesn't quite match her evil auntie aesthetic."
Evil auntie?
Mei quirked an eyebrow, nearly laughing. "You know, if you want to settle your little rivalry with her, there's a way to find out who wins."
Ryan's eyes narrowed. He couldn't hide anything from Mei. "What way?"
"Give her a baby," she said with a straight face. "Mobius would change instantly. I heard that the first time she held Griseo, she was so nervous her glasses nearly fell off."
With that, Mei swept away, balancing her plate, leaving Ryan alone and mentally reeling.
"…Still holding onto that, huh? Want me to tell Kevin to give you a baby first?" he muttered, flustered.
He stabbed a piece of grilled lamb, popped it into his mouth. The burst of hot, savory juices brought immediate comfort.
And, honestly, he had expected something else. When Mei appeared beside him so silently, he'd thought she'd finally break and ask about the Fourth Herrscher.
But she didn't. She'd held back.
We'll talk shop later, then.
He drew Crimson Blaze—a gleam of silver flashed—and in one smooth motion, the lamb leg was sliced into dozens of neat, steaming pieces. He clapped his hands.
"Anyone want grilled lamb?"
...
Night had fallen, and the temperature dropped near freezing. For Griseo's sake, the group decided to move the party indoors.
The villa's interior was spacious, easily accommodating everyone. Snacks were spread across the coffee table, cartoons flickering on the television screen.
Soon after, Elysia organized a second snack session. This time, though, she didn't call Ryan—just Blanca and Vill-V—to help her make pizza.
Those slim little troublemakers said I was too lucky and refused to play with me.
Ryan slumped onto the sofa, sulking slightly. Across the room, Kevin, Su, Himiko, and Sakura were playing cards—not for money, but with a drinking penalty. The loser had to down a huge glass of beer.
Ryan smirked.
I told Sakura to make sure Kevin loses. Hope she's following orders.
He looked down fondly. "Truly, fools. Our Griseo, at least, is well-behaved."
Griseo sat on a little stool in front of him, holding a crayon, utterly focused as she sketched. Ryan gently ran a hand through her hair.
She wore a light blue dress, her pure white tights peeking out as her small head bobbed in and out of view.
"Ato, you pulled it off. Got a last-minute ticket right before boarding." Ryan turned toward the man with the scar across his nose—married to Blanca for less than a year now.
Ato cast a quick glance at Mobius standing beside Ryan. "We just never had time. She's buried in research, I'm stationed in Shenzhou. Blanca said… she wanted to make up for the time we lost not having a child."
That look alone told Ryan everything. Blanca likely hadn't found a proper successor, so she followed Mobius's footsteps instead.
"Hmph. Someone's going to end up hanging from a lamppost one day."
"Not necessarily. Blanca chose this—same as Klein. After the Third Herrscher incident, I realized how meaningful Mobius's work really is."
"Later, go help Mei out. And make time for the kid. High-intensity work won't suit you for a while."
"I already talked to Klein. She's feeling a lot more at ease."
Mobius, who had been standing near Griseo, kept glancing back and forth between them, brows furrowed. "Why do I get the feeling you two are talking about me?"
"At least you're self-aware." Ryan leaned down, gently pinching Griseo's cheek, prompting the little girl to shake her head in protest.
"Hands off! Don't bully Griseo." Mobius slapped his hand away with zero hesitation, scooping Griseo up into her arms. "Come on, let's keep drawing. Ignore this idiot."
"Okay, Auntie Mobius, look at the banquet I drew!"
"How many times do I have to say it? Call me Sister."
Griseo blinked her large eyes, tilting her head in confusion. "But Mommy said you're an older single woman. If you're older, doesn't that mean you're an auntie?"
The room went silent for a few beats—then burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! Auntie Mobius, did you hear that? That wasn't me!"
"Pfft—Dr. Mobius, don't take it to heart! You know how kids are."
Griseo still had her head tilted, wondering why the grown-ups were laughing. Mobius clenched her fists, her face shifting from green to white and back. She couldn't bring herself to get mad at Griseo and nearly suffered internal injuries from sheer restraint.
So I came here just to be humiliated? Wasn't I supposed to teach that idiot a lesson?
Mobius suddenly realized her plan had somehow gone completely off-script.
Then she spotted Hua walking over with a fruit platter, and her eyes narrowed. A thought struck.
Hua had clearly heard everything; even she wore a slight smile on her normally stoic face as she picked up a peeled slice of tangerine.
She remembered asking Elysia about something earlier, and Elysia had just smiled and told her, "Ask Ryan yourself." Hua had hesitated at first—but after someone gave her a mocking grin, she'd clenched her jaw and downed half a bottle of beer.
It was that liquid courage that gave her the push.
"Senior Brother, have some fruit. I need to ask you something."
"Thanks." Ryan was still grinning as he reached for the fruit—only to spot another slice of tangerine held up to his lips.
Mobius, all smiles, was speaking in a sweet, uncharacteristically gentle voice. "Here, open up. Let me feed you."
Uh-oh…
Ryan froze. A second later, another piece of tangerine hovered near his mouth, this time offered with calm sincerity and a slightly tipsy voice.
"Senior Brother, I'll feed you too."
His gaze flicked from left to right. On one side was Mobius with a teasing, saccharine smile. On the other, Hua—serious and flushed from the alcohol.
Suddenly, Ryan didn't feel like smiling anymore.