Chapter Thirty-Five: Envying You

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Seeing Artoria’s grave expression, Zhao Tianhe furrowed his brows, feeling a bit tense.

“Well, the cauliflower today isn’t exactly fresh. It wasn’t prepared well either—its texture is quite poor,” Artoria said seriously, gazing at Zhao Tianhe.

“…I’ll mention it to the owner,” Zhao Tianhe replied, his lips twitching slightly.

“That’s good,” Artoria nodded in satisfaction, then turned the conversation back to Zhao Tianhe. “Using a bow is a fine choice. I know many knights skilled in archery, such as Tristan and Lancelot. As for me, I have some knowledge in this field, though not as impressive as theirs. Still, I’m qualified enough to guide you. To be honest, when it comes to archery based on extraordinary perception, Tristan would be more suitable as your teacher. I can only share my own experiences and methods.”

“That’s alright. I believe in your abilities!” Zhao Tianhe responded resolutely, recalling Artoria’s water gun queen form.

It was a special state from an event in the game FGO, where Artoria battled using a water gun and the holy sword—a unique posture.

But it proved one thing: Artoria truly possessed exceptional marksmanship.

“Hey! Didn’t we agree to go shopping today?” Eresh, twirling a plate of fried noodles with her fork, pouted as she asked.

“How about we switch to dinner? I’ll take you to the best barbecue restaurant in town tonight!” Zhao Tianhe knew there was no way he’d have time for leisure today, so he could only offer an alternative.

“Dinner, huh? That’s fine, but it can’t be too casual! You can’t just summon me out of nowhere like last time!” Eresh reminded him sternly.

“Got it, got it. I’ll give you plenty of notice this time,” Zhao Tianhe replied with a smile.

After completing his tasks, Zhao Tianhe took a half-hour nap, then went to wake his teammates to prepare for clearing the other two dungeons.

As the sun set, the squad members, exhausted, flew back to their apartment on their vessel, and each retreated to their rooms without a word—most likely planning to sleep before thinking about dinner.

But Zhao Tianhe couldn’t afford that luxury; he still had duties to fulfill. He could only nap for ten minutes, then wake up to wash his face and refresh himself.

At the entrance to the Grand Barbecue House, Eresh, who had spent quite some time preparing, was summoned. This time, she wore a refined black skirt, knee-high stockings, and her chest and shoulders were adorned with golden floral decorations instead of the usual skull motif.

“How do I look?” Eresh asked, smiling at Zhao Tianhe.

“I feel much more energized!” Zhao Tianhe replied honestly; his fatigue seemed to have been swept away.

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“What do you mean? Well, whatever, as long as you like it,” Eresh said with a smile as she pushed open the door and went inside.

This barbecue restaurant was run by the seasoned adventurer Zhao Ming. Zhao Tianhe had paid him in advance to spruce up the place, so pots of flowers adorned every nook and cranny, and beside every table and chair.

“Oh…” Eresh looked around the restaurant, smiling as she settled at a table in the corner.

“How does it feel? A bit old, but not too bad, right?” Zhao Tianhe asked, embarrassed.

Despite the abundance of flowers, the aged grease and dust clinging to the ceiling and walls couldn’t be concealed, and the worn chairs creaked loudly when sat upon…

The air was stuffy, and it was clear Zhao Ming’s ventilation system was lacking.

“Hmm, it feels like hell in bloom—a strange charm…” Eresh’s smile was subtle, almost serene.

“Ereshkigal Favorability +100”

“Ereshkigal Warrior Mode Activated Early”

‘What the hell is going on?!’ Zhao Tianhe was stunned. He hadn’t expected his two silver coins’ worth of simple decorations to have such an effect!

He knew Eresh was fond of flowers, which was why he’d asked Zhao Ming to prepare them. But he hadn’t anticipated the combination of the rundown restaurant and the floral displays would stir something delicate within her!

“I still lack confidence in myself… My old disagreeable personality becomes even more obvious in contrast to this child. But since I can’t hate myself, I have to try to change…” Eresh’s gaze and demeanor grew unusually calm, quite different from her usual impulsive self. “But it’s like flowers blooming in a lifeless hell—it feels unnatural, doesn’t it?”

At this moment, Eresh was not purely the mythological goddess of the underworld, Ereshkigal, but, due to certain reasons (mainly lazy character design and the desire to create a popular figure), her being was blended with the body and personality of an unknown modern girl. Thus, she could re-examine her own character and actions from another’s perspective and develop a desire to change herself.

“…I don’t dislike this version of you,” Zhao Tianhe said, his heart aching at the sight of such a girl. “It’s hard for people to change, let alone gods. When one gains power, their true nature is often revealed—like a nouveau riche. No, it’s different for you, born a god. The nouveau riche reveal desires suppressed in everyday life, but what you display is your original nature.”

“All of you is genuine—it’s rare,” Zhao Tianhe said with a smile. “People worship gods not just for their power, but for this rare authenticity. After all, for ordinary folks to survive, the first thing they must learn is how to hide and deceive. I envy you.”

“Pfft!” Eresh laughed aloud, clutching her stomach and pounding the table.

“Hahahahaha~~~”

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“You really are amusing. It was boredom at first, but now I truly like you a little,” Eresh propped her chin in her palm, pinched Zhao Tianhe’s cheek, and said, “Interesting people like you always appear—that’s why ‘humans’ are so fascinating!”

“Haha, my beautiful lady, your meal is ready!” Uncle Zhao Ming carried over a huge platter of barbecue. “So, miss, are you new here? There isn’t a girl as pretty as you in this town! Hahaha~ And you, kid—how did you manage to win her over? You’re quite something!”

Zhao Ming set down the barbecue, laughing as he nudged Zhao Tianhe’s shoulder with his elbow.

“You’ve got it wrong, Uncle Zhao. I… I’m the one with a crush,” Zhao Tianhe replied with a smile.

“I knew it! How could a beauty like her fall for a useless spirit like you?”

Listening to their conversation, Eresh’s cheeks flushed, her gaze drifting toward the flowers.

“Favorability +1” “+1”…

Half an hour later, Eresh stood at the apartment entrance, waving as she saw Zhao Tianhe with a huge bag of barbecue. “See you soon.”

“Mm.” Zhao Tianhe nodded, and after Eresh vanished, he entered the task space.

In the living room, Eresh had just removed her headpiece and ribbon, her hair falling loosely.

Artoria was holding a steering wheel, playing a racing game.

“I’ll pass on the food—I’m a bit tired of it,” Eresh said, waving her hand as she headed to her room.

“Barbecue again? Hmm, it tastes much better today—did you use your own seasoning?” Artoria paused her game, came over the sofa to the table, and began to assess the quality of the food with solemn concentration.