"Ahem... Madam Herta?"
"It's just a minor matter. Ask Asta about it."
Observing Herta's distant expression, Lumina gently called out. Herta snapped out of her reverie, waving her hand dismissively to indicate that Credit Point matters were Asta's domain, not hers. Lumina should go to Asta for the funds.
"Understood, Madam Herta. We require a video and audio recording for verification." Lumina readily agreed, pulling out her phone, activating the recording function, and holding it directly in front of Herta's flawless, immaculate face, less than five centimeters away.
Herta: ...
Staring at the phone mere centimeters from her cheek, Herta gritted her teeth, desperately wanting to crack open Lumina's skull to see if it contained a Curio called "Lunatic."
"Madam Herta, please proceed."
After a long silence, Lumina gestured, indicating Herta could begin speaking.
"..."
Herta glared at Lumina speechlessly, but ultimately complied, recording the "verification" as instructed.
"Asta, transfer ten billion Credit Points to Lumina."
Although Lumina had specified 9,999,999,999 Credit Points, Madam Herta, being who she was, considered the extra Credit Point a tip for Lumina.
Hmm... though it's not like I'm paying out of my own pocket anyway.
Still, to show her sincerity, Herta was perfectly willing to cover this "tip" for Lumina herself.
"Not good enough, Madam Herta." Lumina frowned, clearly dissatisfied with Herta's concise "proof," like a teacher displeased with a student's sloppy homework.
"Where's the time? The location? The event? How can you call this proof with just a character?"
"Are you trying to make a fool of me?"
Herta: ...
I can't take this anymore! If I weren't so outmatched, I'd string Lumina up and beat her senseless right now!
"Madam Herta, as a genius, I'm sure you don't need me to repeat myself."
"Now, please."
Lumina gestured for Herta to begin speaking.
"Sigh..." Herta took a deep breath, suppressing the nameless fury simmering within her. Following Lumina's instructions, she recited a detailed proof.
Sometime, aboard the Radiant Feldspar in Penacony, before the Divergent Universe.
I, Herta, received the Full-Service Praise Package provided by Lumina, totaling 9,999,999,999 Credit Points.
With this certificate, Asta, pay up.
Clink~
"Not bad, not bad at all! But Herta, your expression is too flat. A smile would make it perfect." After reviewing the recording, Lumina nodded in satisfaction, while also pointing out areas for improvement.
"Heh heh heh."
Herta crossed her arms, her gaze cold as she stared at Lumina. She said nothing, yet her silence seemed to convey everything.
A closer look would reveal her hands twitching slightly and her eyes darting across Lumina's figure.
It seemed Herta was searching for the perfect opportunity to launch a long-planned sneak attack.
However, remembering the likely insurmountable power gap between herself and Lumina—like heaven and earth—Herta eventually withdrew her gaze after a brief observation.
After all... once she ambushed Lumina, it would be Lumina's turn to ambush her right back...
What a pity...
Lumina watched Herta's subtle movements, a hint of regret surfacing in her heart.
If Herta hadn't restrained herself earlier, Lumina would have had the perfect justification to deliver righteous judgment upon her.
Alas, Herta's consciousness ultimately triumphed over her desires.
Shaking her head, Lumina turned her gaze to the Divergent Universe above, a restless urge to dive in and conduct thorough testing gnawing at her.
"Stop right there. Stow that urge to test it out." Sensing her intent, Herta interrupted Lumina's thoughts.
"You can enter the Divergent Universe for testing, but you can't be the first one."
"Why not?" Lumina asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.
"Because the Divergent Universe records information. If you go in first, it will significantly impact subsequent testers," Herta explained simply.
"Fine by me."
Lumina wasn't an expert in this domain, so she trusted Herta's judgment implicitly.
"Oh, right!"
"Where are the snacks? Didn't you say you'd bring some for me?"
The excitement of seeing Herta's main body had made Lumina completely forget about this. Now, recalling the matter, she turned to Herta with eager anticipation in her eyes.
Hearing this, the corners of Herta's lips curled slightly as she crossed her arms and said:
"Call me 'Big Sister'."