Deadline Is Raining in the Status Window - Chapter 142

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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“I’m glad it doesn’t hurt.”
“Thank you for worrying about me.”
“I’ve already tasted the beverage. I’ll prepare a meal to complement it.”
Coming all the way to the Hotel just to cook in the kitchen himself? I suggested he take it easy today since he was here to relax anyway. No matter how much Gerth enjoyed cooking, it was still labor.
“But wouldn’t a place like this have a fixed menu?”
“It’s fine. Letem seems to have control over this place.”
Given that there’s a room kept vacant year-round for Letem, it’s either VIP or Letem’s personal property. Since we’re Letem’s guests, we can afford to be a bit demanding. If I hand over the collaboration beverage and ask them to prepare a course of dishes to match it, they’ll handle it without question. When I explained this, Gerth’s eyes widened with admiration as he looked at me. It was adorable.
“Remarkable. You know so much, Evan.”
That’s because I’ve lived in Neftis for a long time. Living as the mad dog of Neftis, I’ve even gone to restaurants not even owned by House Neftis in our Territory, chased out all the customers, and thrown a fit demanding they make me a piping hot seafood noodle soup. This is nothing in comparison.
That place was definitely a vegetarian restaurant. I remembered the time I froze the table and flipped it over because there were no mussels and it wasn’t spicy enough. I really was garbage back then. I think I even had a hangover at the time.
“Gerth. The fact that I dyed my hair blue is a secret. That I’m hiding my silver hair is also a secret.”
“Understood.”
Since Gerth said he understood, the secret would be kept. After all, the Department Head Professor was also keeping the fact that he was Ilyong a secret from me. I felt reassured and called over a hotel staff member, handing them the beverage and stating my requirements.
After spending about an hour admiring Dekarucha posters and listening to music, a tablecloth was laid on the table and dishes began arriving one after another. Since Gerth’s expression was gentle after tasting the appetizer, I finally felt at ease and picked up my fork and knife.
“Sometimes it’s nice to eat food prepared by someone else.”
“I think when you come out to relax, you should fully embrace laziness.”
“I learn so much from you today, Evan.”
Gerth must have lived incredibly fiercely over the past five hundred years, fending off unwanted visitors to the Tower, managing the household, and raising Hubert. It was time for him to rest a bit.
“There’s a swimming pool downstairs. Let’s rent it for about an hour and have some fun.”
“Sounds good.”
It’s not very noticeable when clothed, but Gerth is covered in scales from head to toe when undressed, so it’s better to block people from entering and rent it privately. The money can be put on Letem’s account anyway, so it’s fine. Thanks, buddy.
“Leave the empty bottle as is.”
“Why?”
“I’ll carefully remove it without causing damage.”
So he was going to peel off even my photo printed on the collaboration beverage bottle. I was about to feel upset, but I controlled myself, thinking this was Gerth’s freedom. Since this was his first time collecting merchandise, he probably didn’t know where to draw the line. Thinking of it that way made me feel better.
True to the name “Heart of Rejected Ice,” I gulped down the vivid blue lemonade and then went to the swimming pool with Gerth, where we played in the water for quite a while.
Gerth’s stamina was incredible, so by keeping up with him, I ended up completely exhausted and flopped face-first onto the bed. After playing so hard, I’d sleep well tonight.
“Mm…, Evan.”
Just as I was thinking about drifting off to sleep, Gerth climbed onto the bed and knelt down.
“If you don’t mind….”
Gerth was unusually bashful. He fumbled for words, his ears turning red. With his hair still damp from the pool and moisture glistening in his eyes, he looked incredibly….
“…Ahem.”
My heart raced. It pounded just as much as knowing Hubert was in the adjacent room.
“That is….”
“I’ll listen to whatever you want to say.”
“You shouldn’t say such things carelessly, Evan.”
He’s making a fuss even though I said I’d listen to anything. I stubbornly kept my drowsy eyes open and waited for Gerth. After a long pause, he took a deep breath and stated his request.
“If you’re comfortable with it, I’d like to hold your hand while we sleep.”
“I’m very comfortable with it.”
Why make such a fuss over something so trivial? The atmosphere was pleasant enough that if I weren’t so drowsy, I’d suggest doing more—though Gerth would probably refuse by bringing up the fact that I’m Mija.
I grasped Gerth’s hand—the one that wasn’t mechanical—and prepared to drift off. Even with my eyes closed, I could sense how delighted he was.
“I apologize for making such an impertinent request.”
“It’s not impertinent. If it’s you, Gerth, I’m happy to hold your hand anytime.”
“I see… is that so.”
Gerth, whose hand I was holding, fidgeted tremendously. He seemed both tense and ticklish, so when I grasped the ring he wore and dragged my finger upward across it, I felt him flinch in surprise.
“Evan. Please don’t startle me like that.”
“What?”
“That… right now… this…”
If he wouldn’t explain clearly, how was I supposed to know what to stop? As I chuckled, Gerth realized I was teasing him and tried to release our joined hands.
“If you dislike it, you don’t have to hold my hand.”
“I don’t dislike it. I won’t let go.”
“…”
Gerth, who had been squirming for a moment, eventually gave up and went limp, his arm drooping. Good boy. I’d reward him generously by kneading his muscles.
“Evan. My body is burning with heat, like when I took medicine.”
“That’s troublesome. Want me to cool you down?”
“Please do.”
Using free-form ice magic, I lightly froze the robe I was wearing and cooled Gerth’s body. Leaning against him, his skin was smooth and soft, and sleep came easily. Gerth must have felt drowsy once his body cooled, because not long after he embraced me, his breathing became steady and even.
He slept soundly, but something around my neck felt itchy, so I brushed it away with my hand—it sounded like metal clinking. There were a few more irritating sounds after that, but since it didn’t seem like a serious problem, I fell into a deep sleep.

When I woke up, the bed had been shredded to pieces. My uniform was torn as well, and Gerth stared blankly at his right arm, which had become a lethal weapon.
“Evan. It wasn’t intentional.”
“Mm….”
My school uniform should be back from the laundry by now. Let me change clothes first and think things through.
I washed my face quickly to clear my head and put on my uniform. Gerth, who had been carrying various blades sorted by type, roughly tore off his mechanical arm and threw it to the floor. So Gerth would have to live with just his left arm for a while. That must be difficult.
“The Machine King made that arm, right?”
“Yes.”
“I think the Machine King probably tried to kill me in my sleep.”
I still carry the Machine King’s wrath in my abnormal state. Since all the machines the Machine King created are hostile toward me, Gerth’s right arm must have been desperate to kill me as well. The bed and clothes were completely destroyed while I slept, but my body remained unscathed—I suspect my skill deserves most of the credit for that.
No matter how little Gerth’s strength was involved and the arm only pushed forward using its auxiliary power, I didn’t receive a single wound. Invulnerable Blade truly is the greatest skill. I should level it up more when I get the chance.
“I’m going to confront Makina right now.”
“It’s fine. I’m not dead, am I?”
It’s such a waste to come yesterday and leave today! Let’s play more!
When I burst out loudly, Gerth quietly agreed and rolled up his sleeves to cover the severed end of his arm. Since he can’t use his right arm anymore, I’ll have to take better care of Gerth’s needs.
“If we’re stopping by Bunny Land before heading back, let’s ship all the luggage ahead. If we send it to City Hall’s address, Leri will take care of delivering it.”
“I’ll follow your lead, Evan.”
Good. Then today I’ll show him around the Academy like we planned yesterday. I went to the post office and sent the Dekarucha merchandise as a package, then got visitor passes at the Academy and took Gerth around various places.
The spot where Reina and I usually fight, the building I constructed during my volunteer work at the Construction Site, the Dragon Lake that Professor Ha created, and so on. After touring all the notable places, we even went together to the Dormitory building where Reina and I are staying.
When I entered my room, Reina was studying intently while wearing red-tinted glasses. Now that I think about it, we’re in the middle of exam season.
“Yaa…, you…, quite….”
After greeting us briefly, Reina whistled upon seeing Gerth, who had lost one arm.
“What kind of history do you have to accumulate to lose an arm?”
“It’s a misunderstanding.”
“So you didn’t accumulate that kind of history?”
“I didn’t go all the way.”
“Ooh, self-control.”
Reina seemed both to pity and praise me for securing the room but not following through before returning, and she said it was fortunate timing before adding her concern.
“Hey, but check on White One for me. He’s had no energy since yesterday.”
Huh? White One? That creature who was always so healthy it seemed unnecessary?
I looked at White One’s bed with confusion. Upon closer inspection, the creature hadn’t even touched the braised meat I’d prepared and was just curled up inside.
“Gerth. Is White One sick?”
When I hurriedly called for Gerth, he gently pulled White One out and cradled him with one arm. White One certainly did seem lethargic. Whenever he met Gerth, he always wagged his tail vigorously.
“Evan. I think we need to visit Makina after all.”
“Is it serious?”
“I’m not sure. It doesn’t seem like he’s simply lacking energy.”
Then we should go right away. I took out the carrier I usually use when carrying White One and wrapped it around Gerth. The man secured White One firmly on his back and said he would report on White One’s condition later through the Machine King’s subordinates before leaving the Dormitory.
“Mm…. I’m worried.”
“Hey, aren’t you supposed to be studying? You have an exam tomorrow?”
What if White One is seriously ill? I couldn’t focus on studying or anything else. I had a premonition that this midterm exam would be a disaster.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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