"Hehe, Lin gets to keep the photo."
A slender hand took the instant photo and placed it on Lin's lap. The pink-haired girl tilted her head slightly, her smile enchanting.
Of course, they had to find the most troublesome person to take the picture.
Himeko and the others had gone ahead to the Partyroom to prepare; apparently, they were also going to change Hua's outfit, leaving only Lin and Elysia here, especially Seele, who had left quite hurriedly.
Lin slipped the four-person photo into his pocket, looking up and down at Elysia, who looked particularly charming today in a maid outfit. He asked, "What's with the getup?"
Elysia smiled upon hearing this. She turned around gracefully, displaying her figure. The sight of her lovely legs between the wind-blown short skirt and white stockings was particularly alluring.
"Ta-da! Maid Elysia makes a glittering appearance! Miss Elysia took great pains to dress up to make today's Party a little more extravagant," Elysia flashed a peace sign, winking and smiling. "How is it? Doesn't a cute maid who goes around taking pictures with a Polaroid feel extra special?"
"...Is there a necessary connection between the Party and you dressing up as a maid?"
It looked like Elysia's mischievousness was at work, as usual.
"Of course there is!"
Elysia smiled mysteriously, walking behind Lin to grip the wheelchair handles. She leaned in, placing her face next to Lin's, blowing a fragrant puff of warm air onto his cheek. "You are the protagonist of today's Party, so I am your exclusive maid, naturally~"
The girl's skin was fair with a rosy glow, beautiful to behold. The distance was barely half a palm, allowing Lin to see his own reflection in her crystal-clear pink eyes.
"Why am I the protagonist?" Lin asked calmly.
"Hmm, Lin, you really are asking the obvious." Elysia had no solution for this moving sculpture. She straightened up and spread her hands. "You are the biggest hero of the Third Honkai Eruption, you know? Both the Judgment-Class Honkai Beast and the Herrscher were defeated by you. Many young recruits who just joined hold your name in high reverence. You're a hero among heroes."
Lin's eyes flickered: "The Judgment-Class Honkai Beast was ultimately defeated by Himeko and Seele, and the Herrscher was killed by Mei based on calculations and strategies. I merely acted as bait, and before I went to Changkong City, it was always you..."
Elysia pouted, covering her ears and loudly shouting: "La la la, I can't hear you!"
"..." Lin swallowed the words he was about to say.
As always, he had no counter for Elysia's obstinance.
If it were anyone else, Lin could present the facts. If they were stubborn, Lin could try to reason with them. But once Elysia started throwing a tantrum, Lin could only resort to stand-up comedy with her.
Elysia smiled and pushed Lin's wheelchair back. "In any case, you must participate fully in the Party today and get along with the others, got it?"
"No..."
"No saying no."
"No..."
"No saying 'no saying no.'"
Elysia reached out and covered Lin's mouth, making it impossible for him to utter a single word.
The soft touch on his lips made Lin rationally keep his mouth shut. If he dared to continue, she would probably stick her hand in his mouth and pinch his tongue next.
Lin resignedly closed his eyes, lying back in the wheelchair, allowing the smiling Elysia to push him towards the Partyroom, without any intention of moving.
Forget it. It's just for today.
...
The reality was not as simple as Lin thought.
Or rather, it was overly complicated.
"Tap."
A pointy party hat was placed on Lin's head.
"Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!..."
Delta clapped and laughed: "Congratulations!"
Himeko clapped and laughed: "Congratulations!"
Blanca clapped and laughed: "Congratulations!"
Strangers surrounded Lin, clapping powerfully and making a uniform sound.
Elysia also clapped her white-gloved hands, congratulating him with a gentle smile: "Congratulations!"
"..." Although Lin's expression on the wheelchair was still flat, his piercing gaze completely revealed his current mood.
"What are you all doing?" His gaze swept across the crowd like a blade, instantly causing half of the clappers to stop.
It must be said that his glare was incredibly lethal. Those who were looked at felt a chill down their spine, as if gazed upon by Medusa's magic eye.
"Oh dear, Lin, don't be so stern! Everyone is here to celebrate you becoming the Captain of the Seventh Squad, aren't they?"
"I'm here for a Party, not a funeral." If Lin's legs weren't inconvenient, he would immediately make a run for the exit.
He shouldn't have believed Elysia's nonsense.
"Shh, Lin, your good friends and teammates are watching, too~ Even if not for me, just for them, can you please keep calm?"
"..."
Elysia's lips brushed against Lin's ear, her warm breath tickling him.
Hearing her words, Lin shifted his gaze and spotted Kevin and Mei also standing side-by-side in the crowd in formal wear. Kevin looked at him with some concern, which instantly calmed the Lin who wanted to flee.
"Alright, Lin says he's very grateful to everyone, but he's too shy to say thank you out loud, so I... Ahem, Maid Elysia will relay it."
Elysia's smile was magical. The previously tense atmosphere flowed again in the face of her smile.
...
The Moth of the Flame's sources of income were diverse: manipulating global stocks, national treasuries of small and medium-sized countries, and the occasional "leak" of advanced technology... It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the Moth of the Flame controlled the economy of the entire planet.
Therefore, holding an extremely luxurious Party to reward the warriors was merely a trivial matter, like casually cutting a few slices off their vault.
The red carpet covering the entire floor was accented with gilded lines, forming pathways. Delicacies from various countries and regions were displayed on silver platters on tables along the path, emitting enticing aromas.
Waiters and maids walked orderly through the crowd with trays, politely asking if someone needed a glass of fine wine. Upon receiving an affirmative answer, they would serve a clear glass of champagne. If refused, they would inform them that they could freely take a drink from the champagne fountain in the center of the hall.
Perfectly textured decorations hung on the walls around the hall. Soft light from crystal chandeliers illuminated the spacious dance floor, where a top-tier orchestra played a gentle prelude, marking the start of the Party.
"I arranged most of this, you know. Isn't it just as perfect as me?" Elysia pushed Lin along the side path of the hall so he could see the details of the grand Party.
No matter how much Lin denied it, Elysia's aesthetics were unquestionable. Even he couldn't find fault with the hall, where luxury and elegance were balanced just right.
It was like a meticulously crafted work of art—a beautiful crystal flower.
"Do you want anything to eat? Or drink? I'm your exclusive maid today, feel free to command me~"
"..."
That hazy tone and expression, and the suggestive words whose intent was completely unknown.
Lin stared straight at her, afraid she might cause trouble. "No."
"Eh? You're such a buzzkill... Hmm? Are you perhaps thinking of doing something to me? I didn't realize Lin had such a rich inner life! But unfortunately, even a maid can't satisfy every request~" Elysia poked her jelly-like lips, giggling coquettishly, and rubbed Lin's face.
"You're overthinking it."
"Which part am I overthinking?"
"Every part."