After washing up and fixing her hair, Bonanus made her way to the living room. Yanfei had already prepared breakfast, as usual.
There were four servings today—one more person in the house now.
"Mm... Yanfei always wakes up so early." Bonanus stretched lazily, still looking sleepy.
She genuinely admired the girl's self-discipline. She could never match it.
For a woman who loved to slack off, what was self-discipline anyway? Could you eat it?
"Hehe, of course!" Yanfei grinned. Then, as if remembering something, she asked with a mischievous look, "How did you sleep last night, Sister Bonanus?"
She wore an expression that screamed "spill the tea." She had definitely heard something last night—it was quite exciting!
"Huh? Oh... uh..." Bonanus tilted her head in confusion. Then, catching the meaning behind Yanfei's words, her face darkened.
"Don't get too cocky. Just wait until I catch you." Bonanus put on a menacing expression.
"Ah, never mind then!" Yanfei immediately backed down. She knew she was no match for Bonanus. Knowing when to back off was key.
"Hmph!" Bonanus put her hands on her hips, striking a "I'm strong, don't mess with me" pose. She might not be able to beat Indarias, but Yanfei was no challenge.
Just as they were trading jabs, Indarias, who had been sleeping in, opened her door and walked out.
She yawned, and seeing the familiar faces and surroundings, felt a sense of calm wash over her.
"Indarias, you're awake!" Yanfei waved her over to join them for breakfast.
"I thought you were going to sleep until noon, Indarias." Bonanus said, puzzled, seeing her sister looking tired but still making the effort to get up.
"Can't sleep in. We have a contract with Rex Lapis to uphold." Indarias rubbed her messy hair, patted her cheeks, and flashed an energetic smile.
"Such dedication." Bonanus gave a thumbs up. This was the mindset of a workaholic. Respect.
After a bit more chatting, the three sat down and enjoyed their breakfast.
Since the portions weren't too large, they finished quickly and headed off to their respective tasks.
Bonanus went to guard her assigned territory. Yanfei left for her legal consultations. Indarias went to find Zhongli.
She had only just returned, and there were many things she needed to discuss with Rex Lapis.
...
Somewhere in the Wilderness
Bonanus lay lazily on a hard rock, soaking up the sun in a very relaxed pose.
She was slacking off because her thoughtful second brother, Menogias, had set up several formations in her area.
If anything seemed off or monsters stirred, Bonanus would sense it immediately and strike.
She had to admit, those formations were really effective. Her brothers were so thoughtful—they had created even more opportunities for her slacking plans.
Still, she wasn't going to just sit idle. She pulled out a few thick light novels from her storage space.
She hadn't had a chance to read them before. Now was the perfect time!
With eager anticipation, she flipped through the pages, savoring the content.
She had to admit, Teyvat's light novels were incredibly exciting. Even Bonanus found herself blushing at some of the spicier parts.
Her fujoshi side immediately surged. As expected of the divine books—they easily accomplished what her previous world couldn't.
"Hehe, drool." Bonanus sucked in her saliva, her smile resembling that of a fangirl. It was hard to look at directly.
"What are you reading?"
Just as she was deeply absorbed, a familiar male voice whispered in her ear. Startled, she jolted upright.
She quickly sat up, hid the book behind her back, and schooled her expression.
It was none other than Xiao.
Didn't this little brother have his own territory to guard?! He was always showing up like this, coming to find her.
"Alatus, I think you should focus on guarding your own area." Bonanus gave an awkward but polite smile, putting on a serious face.
"It's fine. Menogias set up formations there too. I can sense everything. I just wanted to talk to you." Xiao shook his head, his tone flat.
Why was Sister Bonanus hiding that book behind her back? Was it some kind of secret?
Not that it mattered. It was just a book.
"Again with that excuse. You say that every time." Bonanus said, amused.
Every time Xiao came, he said he wanted to talk. But in the end, he would just sit there awkwardly, unable to come up with a single topic of conversation.
She was always the one to start the conversation. And his responses were pretty much just "Mm," "Oh," "Yes," and "I see."
The textbook definition of a 24-karat pure, dense man.
Xiao coughed awkwardly, then wore an unyielding expression as he sat down firmly beside her.
"Classic you..." Bonanus covered her face, laughing. Seems like her little brother missed her. With that thought, she ruffled his hair.
"You could just send me a message. I'd talk with you. No need to come all the way." Bonanus said gently.
"I worry about you." Xiao said flatly, enjoying the head pats.
His foolish sister was always too careless and easily "ambushed." He had to keep an eye on her to make sure no one else got to her first.
"Again with that. I've told you a hundred times. Don't underestimate your sister." Bonanus shook her head.
She wasn't weak! But she couldn't convince Xiao otherwise.
Still, after spending so much time with him, she could feel her brother's possessiveness. She had the strange feeling of being his property.
Maybe he was just a sister-con. For a well-read woman like her, she loved that kind of dynamic.
No girl could resist a handsome, cute, cool younger brother with a sister complex.
"Come here."
With that thought, Bonanus hooked her big paw around Xiao's neck, pulled his head onto her lap, and gently stroked his face.
"Since you care so much about your sister, here's a little bonus." Bonanus grinned. Sneaking a little affection from Xiao should be fine, right?
The gesture clearly caught Xiao off guard, but he didn't refuse. Unseen by Bonanus, his face flushed.
His body felt hot. His heart raced. Even his steady breathing quickened.
"Are you feeling sick?" Bonanus asked curiously. Her little brother was blushing? How cute.
"It's nothing..." Xiao took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.
"Alright." Bonanus shook her head helplessly, watching his handsome profile. She truly liked him, but she couldn't—and she wasn't the real Bonanus anyway.
This so-called reunion was just a lie... because one person was still missing.
She sighed, feeling a sudden weariness. Maybe she just wanted to bring true happiness to the people she loved.
That day shouldn't be too far away...