The Herta puppets exchanged uneasy glances. They knew better than anyone how unreliable Herta's culinary direction could be.
And she had a habit of inexplicably introducing various curios into the process at the most inopportune moments.
"What are you all standing around for? Get to the kitchen. Now. Immediately."
The puppets had no choice. They began preparing the pastry as instructed.
Wisteria Cake sensed trouble.
"Meowmu. Herta. You're a terrible cook, aren't you?"
Herta froze. Then she feigned composure with a dismissive sniff.
"I, the great Madam Herta, am naturally accomplished in the culinary arts as well."
Wisteria Cake stared at her. When it comes to talent or beauty, she claims to be unmatched in the universe.
But cooking? Suddenly she's "naturally accomplished"? Modesty? No—she'd never practice that.
She must know she's terrible. She just won't admit it.
Wisteria Cake sighed.
"Meowmu. Herta. This is no time for pride. If you must, call Asta and Peppy. Discuss it properly."
Herta confidently smoothed her hair.
"Unnecessary."
"But—what if—"
"What if what?"
Herta changed the subject.
"Wisteria Cake. Didn't you say you were the leader of the cat-cakes?"
"Yet the Stellaron Hunter Cakes refuse to acknowledge you. They constantly interfere with your dates with Ruan Mei Cake. Isn't that right?"
Wisteria Cake's expression darkened. Classic Herta. Changing the subject and still managing to be insufferable.
Fine. Her situation is worse than mine anyway. Better not argue. Wouldn't want her to collapse.
"Fine, fine. You're in charge here. I'll go check downstairs."
Herta nodded smugly.
Little cat-cake. You may resemble me, but the gap is clear. I am truly unmatched. One of a kind.
Wisteria Cake entered the kitchen. Several puppets were about to add various curios. She rushed to stop them.
"Stop!! All of you, stop right now!"
The puppets ignored her.
Bam.
First kitchen explosion.
Second attempt. Herta demanded a different curio. Wisteria Cake pleaded.
Bam.
Third attempt. Herta yawned and half-closed her eyes for a nap.
Wisteria Cake found the three puppets and Herta #99.
"Change the plan. No more strange curios! This is just a simple pastry!"
Herta #22: "We follow Madam Herta's instructions."
Herta #11: "A pastry for Madam Ruan Mei cannot be ordinary! It must contain curios. Madam Herta's words are absolute. Her instructions are the answer."
Herta #33: "Wow! So many of me! It's like a galaxy of stars! A celestial vision!!"
Wisteria Cake pinned her last hope on Herta #99.
"Ninety-nine. Herta's not watching the kitchen. Remove all the curios."
"But... Madam Herta's instructions."
Wisteria Cake insisted.
"Trust me. A finished pastry. Presented to Herta. That's the best outcome."
"...Fine."
Herta #99 went against the others. She removed every curio from the kitchen.
On the third try, the pastry was complete. She presented it to Herta.
Herta opened her eyes. She blinked.
Previous attempts always failed. Yet today, after just a short rest, there's a result?
Herta #99 closed her eyes, hiding in the crowd, trembling.
She could already foresee her fate: demoted from the Simulated Universe back to the platform. Maybe even formatting.
Just as Herta was about to question the puppets, Wisteria Cake interrupted.
"It must be your longing for Ruan Mei! The curios, the pastry—they were moved by the great Madam Herta's feelings! That's why it turned out so perfectly!"
Herta #33 joined in.
"Madam Herta! Unmatched in the universe! Even your longing moves pastries! So great!!"
The other puppets echoed.
"Madam Herta! Great! Beautiful! Talented! Unmatched in the universe! One of a kind!"
Herta nodded smugly. She didn't follow up on the details.
"Fine. Herta #3. You'll accompany me. We're going to see Ruan Mei."
A tiny Herta puppet, about Bailu's height, emerged from the crowd.
"Yes, Madam Herta."
"Wait. Go tidy yourself up first. I'll wait here."
"Oh."
---
In her laboratory, Ruan Mei gazed at the stars. Her expression betrayed nothing. She questioned herself.
"A month has passed. Should I go to Herta now?"
[Are you asking yourself? Or asking me?] ♪
"Then I'll ask you. Will Herta and I ever be the same again?"
[Of course not. You've already taken this step. But don't worry—you don't need to go to her. Just wait. She'll come to you.] ♪
Ruan Mei was silent.
"This wait... will it be a year? An Amber Era?"
[No. Trust me. I know these things better than anyone. Within days, Herta will come to you.] ♪
Ruan Mei sighed softly. She picked up her lute and played.
---
In Penacony, Tingyun met the Astral Express crew. But she also noticed the dynamic between Stelle, March 7th, and Firefly. She understood the gravity of the situation.
March 7th seemed oblivious, yet whenever Firefly was near Stelle, she never backed down.
Tingyun kept her distance. She exchanged a few words with the crew. When Yukong arrived, she quickly followed her away.
"You're Tingyun?"
Tingyun turned. A silver-haired, tailless foxian stood before her—radiating authority, eyes filled with undisguised hostility.
"General Feixiao?"
"Yes. Just Feixiao is fine. Are you returning to the Xianzhou with us?"
Tingyun quickly shook her head.
"I now carry the power of Destruction. I had intended to ask Helmsmaster Yukong to introduce me to the leader of the Seven Arbiter-Generals. To become a pawn in the revenge against Phantylia and Destruction."
"But Benefactor Ruan Mei has agreed to let me stay. My purpose in coming here was to personally reassure Yukong of my safety. And to bid farewell."
Yukong and Feixiao both froze. The hostility in Feixiao's eyes vanished.
Yukong lowered her head.
"You've only just returned. And now you leave again?"
"Helmsmaster Yukong. I bear Destruction's mark. No Lord Ravager will easily let me go."
"Staying with Benefactor Ruan Mei is both repaying her kindness and protecting myself."
Yukong nodded silently.
"Gratitude and repayment. Our Xianzhou foxians honor that, and Madam Ruan Mei can indeed protect you."
Tingyun smiled calmly. She looked at Feixiao.
"Truth be told, my only concern was Helmsmaster Yukong."
"But seeing you here today, General Feixiao, my worries have vanished."