If that manga shop was truly so miraculous,
Kong felt he absolutely had to make a trip there himself.
If luck was on his side and he obtained some powerful reward,
it would be of tremendous help to his plans!
"But I'll need to plan carefully first."
Kong thought to himself.
It wasn't without reason that he was cautious.
After all, the Abyss Order had previously schemed to use Stormterror,
intending to turn it into a weapon of war!
It had even posed a considerable threat to Mondstadt.
So if he were to head to Mondstadt, he had to tread carefully.
Even if the Knights of Favonius had released an Abyss Mage.
With that in mind, Kong ordered the mage below him:
"Continue to gather information there. Report back the moment you learn anything new."
"Yes, Your Highness!"
At the Solace Book House.
Not long after the Lady left, the three remaining Fatui also finished their manga.
Luck hadn't favored Luke and Dariel much—both only got some ordinary items.
But the Electro Cicin Mage's fortune was far better.
Just like that passerby before,
she obtained a dish straight out of Cooking Master Boy.
The fragrance instantly spread, filling the entire shop.
Little Paimon nearly drooled on the spot.
"Wow! It smells sooo good! I can't take it anymore, uuuuhhh…"
To a foodie like her, having delicacies right in front of her and not being able to eat them was pure torture.
But the Electro Cicin Mage herself was even more miserable.
Though she had received the reward, she couldn't taste it.
She had to deliver it by hand to someone else—
because the Lady had specifically instructed her to do so before leaving.
She could only pray…
that Her Ladyship would at least leave her a bite.
After those three left,
Noelle also finished reading her manga.
At that moment—
[Customer Noelle has finished reading Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered but Overly Cautious, and has obtained reward — Ryuuguuin Seiya Personality Imitation Card.]
[Ryuuguuin Seiya Personality Imitation Card: As long as the user imitates and adopts Ryuuguuin Seiya's personality traits, she will gradually acquire his abilities.]
"A personality imitation card, huh?"
Han Feng found it rather interesting.
So this was a third type of special reward,
after experience cards and random skill cards.
But imitating Ryuuguuin Seiya's personality…
That would mean becoming absurdly cautious.
Tsk, tsk.
Looks like he was about to gain a very excessively cautious little maid.
"Boss Han, what's my reward?"
After placing the manga back on the shelf, Noelle walked over, eyes full of anticipation.
She remembered that when Lady Eula had read this book,
she received powerful swordsmanship.
If she could also gain such an ability,
then she'd have a real chance at passing the next Knight's exam!
"It's quite a special reward."
Han Feng smiled.
"Special?"
Noelle tilted her head in confusion.
Just then—
a dazzling light descended from above, landing in Noelle's hands.
When the glow faded,
a pitch-black card rested there.
"This is…?"
Noelle looked at Han Feng, puzzled.
"A Ryuuguuin Seiya Personality Imitation Card.
If you can imitate his personality, you'll gradually acquire his abilities."
Han Feng explained.
"Acquire his abilities?!"
Noelle's face lit up in delight.
Having read the manga, she knew full well how powerful Ryuuguuin Seiya was.
Not only was he innately strong,
but he also mastered many skills taught by the goddess.
Like Lady Eula's Combo Sword.
Or even the Gate of Valhalla, which could seal away the Demon Lord—
though that one was a bit too costly in HP,
and not to be used recklessly.
But this personality imitation… sounded challenging.
She knew caution was important,
but Ryuuguuin Seiya's extreme caution bordered on madness.
That would be difficult to pull off.
She would have to give it some serious thought.
"Try it and you'll see."
Han Feng said.
"Okay!"
Noelle nodded, then silently activated the card.
Instantly, the black card dissolved into countless motes of light,
merging into her mind.
"Huh? Nothing seems to have changed?"
Noelle blinked, a little surprised.
She thought something dramatic might happen—
like glowing with golden light.
"You've already integrated the card.
If you succeed in imitating him, a notification will pop up."
Han Feng reminded her.
"I see!"
Noelle finally understood.
So that's how imitation cards worked.
Pretty interesting.
She would test it later, once she left the shop.
But right now, there was something else weighing on her mind.
Something very important—
asking Boss Han if she could stay here as a maid.
The thought of her decision made her nervous.
What if Boss Han rejected her?
He was so powerful—
would he look down on her lack of strength?
After all, she was just an ordinary maid,
who had failed the Knight's exam seven times.
"What's wrong?"
Seeing her lower her head so bashfully, Han Feng asked in curiosity.
Could there be a problem with the reward?
"Ah, um… actually, Boss Han… could I work here?"
Noelle finally gathered her courage to ask.
"Work here?"
Han Feng was momentarily surprised.
Oh right—he had been so preoccupied with trying out his cooking later
that he had nearly forgotten about this matter.
Who would've thought she'd bring it up herself?
That was rather amusing.
Seeing her blushing face, Han Feng teased:
"Why the sudden thought?"
"I… I think this manga shop is incredible, with mysterious powers.
And you, Boss Han, are so strong.
I'd like to stay by your side and learn."
Noelle said earnestly, her eyes full of admiration.
It was precisely because she had witnessed such wonders
that she wished to remain here.
Yet when she thought of her own circumstances,
her expression dimmed.
"But… I'm just a simple maid.
All I can do is cook and clean."
"Alright, I'll allow it."
"Eh? Y-you'll… allow it?"
Noelle's head shot up, her eyes wide with joy.
Had she heard him right?
This mysterious, powerful Boss Han… had actually accepted her?
"Mm. But there won't be any special privileges.
Just a monthly wage."
To Han Feng, there couldn't be a more suitable maid than Noelle.
But he wouldn't grant her any special treatment when it came to manga.
Venti had been a special case,
since his presence brought in more customers.
And if his referral power dried up, his "temp worker" status would vanish.
As for cooking,
Han Feng wouldn't mind teaching Noelle if he had time.
That way, he wouldn't have to cook himself in the future.
"That's fine! Just being here is enough!"
Noelle was ecstatic at his agreement.
She didn't care about privileges.
As long as she could stay,
she was certain she'd learn things to improve herself.
Seeing her excitement, Han Feng couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
The little white rabbit was finally stepping into the wolf's den.
Ah—no, wait.
It should be…
the kind and benevolent Boss Han offering a job
to a lost, helpless little maid.
Such a kind boss—
you'd never find another even with a lantern.
Afterward, Han Feng explained her duties:
like cleaning upstairs,
and receiving customers.
He had always been annoyed at having to repeat the rules to every new visitor.
Now, he finally had someone to share that burden.
"Stay for lunch later, try my cooking."
Han Feng invited after finishing the instructions.
After all, she was his new maid.
She should feel at home here.
"Boss Han cooking personally?!"
Noelle's eyes sparkled.
She had heard the rumors—
Boss Han was a master chef!
The dishes in Cooking Master Boy were all his own creations.
Indeed, she had made the right choice to stay.
So soon, she'd already have the chance to learn such skills!
~~--------------------------------------
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