On the other hand, the external pressure continued to mount.
After buying the figures, Bronya didn't delve into the source of that "familiar smell," but Shu still felt like he was sitting on pins and needles whenever he remembered her words.
Mei's identity as a "fan club member" seemed to be set in stone. She would really come to the shop every few days, sometimes to check out the newly arrived "Kiana-related merchandise" and tactfully offer some suggestions on details that only someone very close to her would notice.
...So the details that Shu had deliberately omitted were now added, which miraculously raised the quality of the Kiana figures by another notch.
And sometimes, Mei would just come to the shop and sit quietly for a while, as if observing the shop, and observing them.
And in the past seven days, the "acquaintances" who had visited the shop were far more than just Bronya and Mei.
By the way, Sirin was also one of the regulars.
But she was actually a fanatic fake fan in the Homu world.
Her love for Homu was indeed pure and ardent, second to none.
But having only been exposed to one picture book in her life, Sirin's "experience" was pitifully shallow!
Her goal in coming to the shop was clear and singular.
To sweep the film and television discs and carry out a frantic "binge-watching" session!
As for the exquisite figures and rare collectibles that even moved Bronya, Sirin mostly just glanced at them curiously, muttered, "I haven't seen this Homu model in the animation," and then turned around to continue searching for new discs.
And another heavyweight, a Homu fan with true "hardcore" potential, finally made her appearance on the fifth day of the shop's opening.
Theresa Apocalypse!
After finishing the first phase of the arduous migration coordination work and returning to the base for a short rest, the Headmaster received the news almost immediately.
What was this legendary tale of Bronya having a "meeting of kindred spirits" with the mysterious shopkeeper "Stelle" in a newly opened Homu shop and successfully obtaining a limited-edition-level figure?
This was unacceptable!
So, similar to how Bronya had brought Mei to "back her up" before, Theresa also brought her two most capable "adjutants."
Bianca "Durandal" Kaslana-Ataegina and Rita Rossweisse!
The three of them, with an aura that warned others to stay away, charged into "Hmoe Random Play" aggressively.
Theresa's goal was also very clear—exquisite Homu figures!
And, she was fully prepared for a "debate"! She vowed to have a good exchange with that mysterious "Stelle" shopkeeper about the depth of their understanding of Homu culture, and she absolutely could not be outdone by Bronya!
Hmph, hmph, hmph, when the Headmaster knew Homu, Bronya wasn't even born yet!!
Such a formation was naturally not something an ordinary clerk could handle.
In the office, pretending to be "rushing a manuscript," one was actually trying to optimize the production efficiency of Kiana's merchandise, while the other was staring blankly at the Kiana merchandise design drawings that were already making his eyes blur...
The two Shus, sharing the resentment of "I really want to just give up," were "invited" out by the fan club members for the serious reason of "the shop's honor and the orthodoxy of Homu."
The one who came forward was Shu.
Shu continued to shrink behind the office door, his heart clear as he prayed to the gods that his other self could hold on.
The following process, for Shu, was no less than another "interrogation" of a different form but of equal torment.
Theresa's "debate" was not Bronya's calm and precise technical analysis.
It was a passionate and surging exposition full of personal emotional projection, unconsciously mixed with a large number of "I think," "when I used to watch," and "this is the true essence of the Homu spirit!"
She researched details, was keen on discussing character spirits, plot metaphors, and the eternal pursuit of "love and justice" in Homu culture...
"This is the soul of Homu!!"
My god!
Was she Dementor Theresa?!
Shu had to maintain the appearance of a "kindred spirit shopkeeper listening attentively" throughout the process, nodding at appropriate times.
Occasionally, when Theresa threw out a specific question, he had to rack his brains to squeeze out a plausible-sounding answer that seemed impressive from his still-meager Homu knowledge base, even though he had crammed for it.
Shu felt like he was about to be burned by Theresa's passion, a mixture of innocence and obsession!
In the end, Theresa was satisfied and selected a few figures that she believed "best embodied the spirit of Homu's courage and sacrifice" and completed the transaction.
"I'll be back often in the future!" Theresa, holding several exquisite Homu figures, shouted excitedly at the smiling-through-the-pain Shu.
I'm begging you, don't come back!
Shu saw this great god off and collapsed the moment he returned to the office.
But the only time Shu had to rest was to drink water.
The office door was knocked gently.
Our elegant maid—Rita Rossweisse, with an impeccable smile, appeared at the door.
Her gaze passed over the dispirited Shu and landed precisely on Shu , who was trying to pretend to be organizing documents but was actually ready to escape into the ground at any moment.
"Pardon the intrusion, Miss 'Stelle.'" Rita's voice was soft and pleasant. "I just witnessed the pleasant exchange between your sister and Lady Theresa. It was very impressive.
"However, I have another matter to discuss with you on this trip."
Suddenly realizing that the new trouble wasn't coming for him, Stelle-sister sat up in his sickbed, startled from his near-death state.
And Stelle-younger sister's body stiffened. She turned around with a stiff neck, putting on the slightly awkward expression that a "quiet and introverted sister artist" should have.
Rita walked closer with light steps, her gaze sweeping over the scattered Kiana merchandise design drafts on the table, a hint of understanding flashing in her eyes.
"The merchandise your shop has made for Lady Kiana is exquisite and vivid. I'm sure you've poured countless efforts into it.
"Lady Durandal and I both admire it very much."
Shu leaned back slightly, trying to create some distance.
"Thank you... you're too kind."
"Therefore..." Rita's smile deepened, her tone as calm as ever, as if discussing the weather or the choice of afternoon tea snacks.
"I would like to take the liberty of commissioning your shop to customize a set of personal figures of similar precision for Lady Durandal and Lady Theresa. Would that be possible?"
So you're here to place a custom order?
No... why you, of all people?!
Seeing Shu 's undisguised astonishment, Rita tilted her head slightly and continued in her tone that seemed to be infused with the fragrance of black tea.
"After all, seeing a companion possess such an exquisite, art-piece-like embodiment of themselves, as a close comrade-in-arms and friend, it's only natural to have the thought of 'I want one too,' isn't it?
"Of course, this is not just my personal collection preference. Perhaps it could also play an unexpectedly positive role in some future team collaboration demonstrations or commemorative occasions?"
Rita, do you even believe those words yourself?
Shu continued to stare at her.
"Of course, you don't have to worry about the price. We will pay according to the standard of 'special custom art pieces.'
"I just hope that in the details... well, for example, the luster of Lady Durandal's hair accessory, the curvature of Lady Theresa's hairstyle, the layers of the folds in her skirt, and her petite figure... I hope it can be restored as much as possible.
"Oh, yes, Lady Durandal's image will also be her childhood image. I will provide reference photos."
Shu: ...
Mmm... this time, he really knew why Rita had come to find him.