Black Herta stood up, walked gracefully to the window, and picked up the black curtain puppet that had been resting on the nightstand, gently stroking the puppet's witchs hat. "I came to retrieve this."
Stelle's attention was immediately drawn to the puppet, and she had another moment of realization. "So this puppet belongs to you, Sister!"
She looked Black Herta over and genuinely complimented her, "I have to say, Herta's sister, you have quite the presence."
This Dark Witch style outfit certainly added more mysterious charm than Herta's image.
Black Herta shook the puppet in her hand. "I originally planned to give my sister a surprise birthday gift, but who knew..."
She gave Stelle a meaningful glance. "...some little rascal took a picture and sent it to her beforehand. The surprise is completely ruined."
Stelle immediately felt a wave of embarrassment, her toes instinctively curling inside her shoes.
(Uh... that 'little rascal' seems to be me...)
She quickly changed the subject, sincerely praising, "This puppet is very delicate! Herta... Sister, you truly have good taste!"
Taking the opportunity to gossip, she asked curiously, "Um... why did Ms. Herta run away in a fit of pique back then?"
Black Herta looked at Stelle, her eyes asking, "Are you sure you want to hear?"
Stelle immediately nodded vigorously, her face clearly stating, "I want to hear it! Tell me!"
Black Herta sat back down in the chair and began her improvisation in a tone laced with nostalgia and a hint of sadness: "This goes back to when my silly little sister was young..."
"Ooh!"
Stelle excitedly leaned closer, thrilled to hear Herta's Dark History!
"Back then, Herta was quite chubby, like a Glutinous Rice Ball."
Black Herta continued to spout nonsense without changing her expression. "She wasn't very steady on her feet and would sometimes 'rumble, rumble' down the stairs if she wasn't careful..."
Stelle imagined the scene, bursting into silent laughter:
(Who would have thought! The imposing Ms. Herta has a Dark History like this!)
Black Herta continued her dramatic fabrication: "When she was little, it was mainly because... she was a bit insecure. It was just the two of us sisters relying on each other at home, and for a while, I was busy with... well, research, and neglected to show her enough care. As a result, she put on a mask, deliberately pretending she could do and know everything, saying things people didn't like. In reality, she just wanted to protect herself, afraid others would see her inner fragility. Simply put, she was a difficult Tsundere. She acted like nothing mattered on the surface, but deep down, she cared more than anyone."
Stelle nodded repeatedly, feeling this analysis was spot-on!
(No wonder Ms. Herta's words are always so annoying! It turns out it's a Protective Color!)
She immediately felt Herta's image had become "fuller," and even felt a little sorry for her.
Black Herta glanced at Stelle's thoughtful expression and added fuel to the fire: "Especially, she is extremely concerned about her figure."
Stelle's gaze subconsciously swept over Black Herta, and she silently made a comparison in her heart. (Hmm... it seems these two sisters are indeed 'inherited from the same source' in a certain aspect...)
"She tried all sorts of methods, but none worked, and she was often mocked because of it."
Black Herta's voice held a slight choke (fake). "She always suffered in silence alone. Eventually, she couldn't take the frustration anymore, so she secretly left home by herself to venture out. By the time I found out the reason, it was too late..."
As she spoke, she even raised a hand and lightly dabbed away non-existent tears with her fingertips, perfectly portraying a sister who deeply regretted neglecting her younger sibling.
Seeing "Ms. Herta's Sister" looking so dejected, heartbroken, and full of self-reproach, Stelle was instantly filled with sympathy.
(I never thought... behind Ms. Herta's glamorous facade, there was such a painful past... It must be so difficult to venture through the Star Sea, bearing such pain alone!)
Her gaze toward "Ms. Herta's Sister" was full of comfort. "Sister... don't be too sad. You did your best."
It seemed she was completely taken in by this carefully crafted (?) story.
Black Herta looked up, turning to Stelle with a hint of hope. "I heard Asta say that you seem to be quite familiar with my sister?"
"Yes! We're old acquaintances!"
Stelle immediately puffed out her chest, feeling honored. "She often asks me to help her test the 'simulated universe'!"
"Is that so..."
Black Herta seemed to have made up her mind, speaking with sincere urgency, "Then... could you promise me that the next time you see Herta, you'll give her a... long overdue hug from me?"
Stelle was taken aback. "Huh? Why don't you go yourself, Sister?"
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