When it came to Sanzang, Riku honestly did not know how to handle her. For someone with such an unwavering heart, he was at a loss. It was a dead end.
People like her were indifferent to death or agonizing pain.
What was Riku supposed to do with that?
After a brief moment of thought, Riku decided not to overthink it. He spoke directly, "Sanzang, I cannot give you a clear answer. You understand the unique nature of the [Longhuang Universe], so I cannot simply let you leave."
"This humble monk understands," Sanzang nodded with a smile. She continued, "Benefactor, I am quite interested in the universe you called the [Saint Seiya Universe]."
Riku did not hide anything from Sanzang, mostly because he had no idea how to deal with her. Have a chat, talk it out. If that failed? Send her away. He would just find a place to drop her off. She could go elsewhere and do whatever she pleased.
As for getting rid of Sanzang, that was unnecessary. She had not offended him.
Normally, Riku would certainly choose to keep someone as capable as Sanzang. The problem remained that her heart was too firm. Did he expect to trick her? Give him a break. Riku never considered himself a silver-tongued orator. That was a joke. Expecting to fool someone like her? He had not even eaten as much salt as she had rice.
His relationship with Saori was one of mutual benefit.
As for Sanzang, hearing her words made Riku think of something. He smiled helplessly. "To be honest, Sanzang, if it were anyone else, I would force them to stay. If that did not work, I would simply kill them. The trouble is that it is you."
"This humble monk understands," Sanzang nodded with a smile. "So, do you plan to let someone else try?"
"Yes," Riku said helplessly. "Let Saori try. Maybe you two will hit it off. If it really does not work out, you can just stay in that universe. As long as you do not interfere with our plans, you can do whatever you want."
Sanzang smiled but said nothing.
Riku waved his hand and sent Sanzang away, letting Saori handle the situation. He could not figure it out anyway.
"A firm mind. No interest in personal gain. People like that are actually the hardest to deal with."
Along with the calm voice, Rhinedottir walked over.
Riku replied helplessly, "Yes. I cannot handle someone like Sanzang. If it were anyone else who could not be used, I would have dealt with them directly. It is just... to me, seeing someone from the stories of my past feels a bit different."
It was not just because Sanzang came from the [Type-Moon Universe], but because of her other identity.
"Not surprising," Rhinedottir said calmly.
Riku turned his head to look at Rhinedottir and asked curiously, "Did Alice not go looking for you?"
"That 'big cutie' of yours is easily distracted. I just let her go play in the two universes that were recently connected." Rhinedottir's voice was casual. Clearly, distracting that "big cutie" was far too easy for her. They were old friends, after all.
"Speaking of which..." Riku thought of something and asked, "The two newest universes connected by the [Universe Gate]?"
"Very ordinary low-tech universes. We can just proceed according to plan, they are not much trouble." Rhinedottir walked over to the lounge chair next to Riku and sat down, crossing her long, slender legs with a calm expression.
Currently, while there were not many people in the [Longhuang Universe], they had enough hands to get by.
"Then..."
"However, one of those universes is one you are familiar with."
"Huh?" Riku was stunned. Rhinedottir continued calmly, "Why else would your big cutie be so interested?"
"That makes sense." Riku rubbed his chin. If it were not a universe she knew something about, Alice would not care that much. There were already low-tech universes before, why would she care now?
"Which number? Which universe?" Riku asked, his interest piqued.
"Number five, the [Saekano Universe]," Rhinedottir said calmly.
"So it is that universe!" Riku understood now. He realized why his big cutie was suddenly so interested.
'Mmm... a certain blonde, twin-tailed, tsundere "loser heroine" was likely what his big cutie was most interested in. Exactly. When his big cutie watched the anime, she was only mildly interested in the main heroine and the senior, but she really liked that "loser heroine."'
"Not interested?" Rhinedottir asked, a smile playing on her lips.
Riku blinked and said strangely, "Should I be... Wait! Are you trying to start a rumor?"
"Am I really..."
"Aren't you?"
"I..."
Riku did not know how to respond to Rhinedottir.
Saeko Busujima, Yuriko Takagi, Saya Takagi, Rei Miyamoto, Rika Minami, Shizuka Marikawa. Every single one of those six women was already with him.
As for Rhinedottir? Riku did have a relationship with her, but it was not particularly close. It was not that she was not beautiful, but... 'Dammit! Could you imagine Rhinedottir looking at you like you were an experimental subject while you were doing it?'
Riku figured as long as she was happy, it was fine.
"Utaha Kasumigaoka, Eriri Spencer Sawamura, Megumi Kato. I have investigated them. All three have decent talent. And!" Rhinedottir switched her crossed legs, her smile deepening. "After researching five universes, I have discovered something interesting."
---End Of Chapter---
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Bonus chapters every 50 Power stones :D