6. The Wild West, The Very Wild

Rather than acting impulsively, like “exposing someone’s secrets,” I would prefer to choose a more cautious approach, especially considering the disruption it could cause to the “main storyline” that has finally re-emerged, belonging to both Kephir and Nilu. This is particularly true for the Merlin United Kingdom and the many matters concerning the kingdom’s “Supreme Leader,” Lin Ke.

Thus, even though I knew from the start that Lin Ke had lied and concealed the truth about the ruins, I pretended to be oblivious and accepted her invitation, deciding to stay at Lin Ke’s residence in the Merlin United Kingdom for a few days before “doing business” with her.

Naturally, Lin Ke’s so-called residence is the cluster of castles we see now, but from the outside, the level of luxury is enough to make even Nilu raise an eyebrow. Not to mention the parts extending deeper into the forest; just the section of the castle where we are staying is already “spacious” enough for the three of us.

The vast interior of the castle is entirely in a “classical style,” which seems particularly “strange” for the Merlin United Kingdom, a place that doesn’t emphasize “historical charm.” Lin Ke, who talks about business and trade every day, should have no “interest” in such things!

Moreover, the oddities don’t stop there: the exceedingly scarce servants; the followers of Lin Ke who seem to have evaporated into thin air; and the constant warnings from the script about danger… All of these remind me that the “Merlin United Kingdom,” this far eastern land, is likely more complex than just having “ruins.”

At this moment, a little later.

After Lin Ke arranged rooms for the three of us and informed us that all expenses in her home were “for free” before leaving, Kephir immediately sneaked over to me that night. Compared to the fatigue from the journey, Kephir seemed to be “mentally” even more exhausted.

“Kephir, if you’re worried about Lin Ke, she hurried off right after arranging the rooms.”

Seeing Kephir cautiously glancing around outside the door, I couldn’t help but remind her, unaware that this time the big shot was on the fifth floor.

“I’m not concerned about Lin Ke; I’m worried about Nilu. It seems she really is packing her bags, so she didn’t follow us after all.”

After confirming that Nilu hadn’t come or used some strange method to “monitor” my every move, Kephir, who carefully closed the door, finally let out a sigh of relief. “Phew… finally got rid of her. This Nilu has been clinging to us the whole way! And you, you idiot, didn’t even say a word to her.”

Turning around, Kephir placed her hands on her hips and looked at me with some dissatisfaction. It was like… no, it was exactly like a wife complaining to her unambitious husband.

However, at this moment, rather than complaining, Kephir seemed to just want an excuse to have a moment of vulnerability, breaking her usual icy demeanor.

“Ha… hahaha~ Well, there’s nothing we can do about it; Nilu was bound to follow us.”

So, while I finally found a reason to brush it off, she seemed eager to fill the void of frustration from the past few days, immediately lunging at me, knocking me down onto the bed as I was about to “console my wife.”

Fortunately, I fell onto the bed and not the floor, so I wouldn’t hit my head and become a vegetable. But… unfortunately… I was knocked down onto the bed!

Staring at the person so close to me, I was already flustered, and when I thought about how this girl, whose lips were almost touching mine, seemed to already be my wife, I felt that the atmosphere between us was dangerously shifting in a more perilous direction.

“Ha, haha~ Ke Fei’er, this is the distant Meri United Kingdom, and it’s also Lin Ke’s home, you know…”

Clearly, during our first time, there were troublesome requirements like atmosphere, timing, occasion, and level of romance. So, how is it that with each passing encounter, your thoughts on this matter have become more and more open, Ke Fei’er? This is someone else’s home in a foreign land!

“I know.”

No, my dear wife, you absolutely do not know. If I hadn’t reminded you, you would have definitely leaned in just now. Once the first kiss happens, the rest… well, it would be uncontrollable.

“Then…”

“What? That woman Ni Lu held you all the way here, and now I can’t hold you?”

Ke Fei’er’s jealous retort immediately silenced me. Fine, I’m in the wrong. You’re the boss, you’re my wife; whatever you say is right, do whatever you want, I have no objections.

As I watched the script where [Ke Fei’er is acting cute], which somewhat contradicts her aloof and beautiful girl image, I felt the ticklish sensation of her face rubbing against my chest like a little cat. As she rubbed, Ke Fei’er paused slightly and whispered.

“About what Lin Ke said this morning…”

[Ke Fei’er suspects Lin Ke is lying.]

Sure enough, Ke Fei’er had her suspicions long before, and her doubts were spot on.

“It’s better to pretend we know nothing. Although on the surface we are the buyers, in reality, we are the ones begging others to tell us about the ‘relics.’”

As I brushed aside the white hair that had fallen on my cheek, I replied, “We need to avoid letting them discover our true intentions as much as possible. So, regarding Lin Ke’s lies, we should act as if we don’t know. As long as there’s a problem with the ‘relics,’ if we don’t speak up, Lin Ke will eventually come to us for help. That will be our opportunity.”

“Mm.” Ke Fei’er, holding onto me, gently nodded. “Then… what about Ni Lu?”

“Ni Lu should understand.”

Without thinking much, I answered according to my instincts. However… that was a landmine!

“!”

By the time I realized my response was a bit “off,” Ke Fei’er had already sensed it first!

“What do you mean she should definitely understand? Oh, so in your heart, you think she’s much smarter than me, huh?”

“Unjust, oh dear boss!”

When have I ever treated you all equally… No, it should be “treated equally in serious matters,” and then, in this kind of situation…

I’ve always favored you, Ke Fei’er.

Seeing Ke Fei’er puff up her little lips, looking both angry and not angry at the same time, I immediately understood how she wanted me to “apologize.” Sigh… Since the big boss doesn’t mind this kind of situation in a foreign land, then… I naturally have to cooperate, right? My wife has already “hinted” this far; if I don’t take the lead and be a bit more proactive, that would be too useless.

I rolled over and switched positions with Ke Fei’er, our fingers interlocking. After all, it wasn’t our first time; we had long mastered the art of “creating atmosphere.” However…

【Knock knock knock】

【Knock knock knock knock!】

Before the atmosphere could build, it was already interrupted by the sound of knocking! My first reaction was: Nilu, don’t come and mess things up at this time! If you interrupt now, Ke Fei’er will really want to settle things with you!

However, I quickly realized that this very “wild,” very “Western” knocking was definitely not something Nilu would do, so…

“Good evening, sir! Do you like the retro style of my home!?”

Reluctantly, when we opened the door, it was indeed… Lin Ke.

“I’m sorry to disturb you at this hour, but I wanted to ask if you’d like to come over to my place to watch a movie! And it’s a Western-style blockbuster! By the way, our late-night snacks are all-you-can-eat! For free!”

Stop with the for free every day, Miss Lin Ke! Just look at Ke Fei’er’s expression! Look at the person beside me!

Although she wouldn’t go so far as to settle things with you, still… can you be a bit more perceptive?

“No, thank you! We’re not bored!”

“…Huh? What? Wow, I just realized you two are actually together… Ah?”

Ke Fei’er’s “decline” finally made Lin Ke notice her presence! Phew… It seems this commander lady still possesses the most basic emotional intelligence of a human; at least she can understand the current situation.

“Ah~ ahaha~ then, I won’t disturb you two any longer~”

After awkwardly responding, Lin Ke dashed away, quickly disappearing around the corner of the stairs. I could only hear her muttering complaints as she ran off.

“Fxxk, when did they become that kind of relationship…”

Lin Ke, even if you knew how far my relationship with Ke Fei’er has developed, it wouldn’t mean much, would it? Speaking of which, can you not show up at such awkward times in the future…