A faint spark of lightning flickered in Lisa's eyes.
On the surface, she still wore a gentle, harmless smile
But beneath it lurked something dangerous.
Cao Zhong immediately sensed it. A trace of awkwardness crept into his heart.
Getting caught peeking by the person herself… that was embarrassing.
Seems like he'd gotten rusty lately. Not enough practice.
He silently reminded himself to stay sharp.
Yet outwardly, he remained completely calm.
A true "sea king" never panics—even when caught red-handed.
Not only did Cao Zhong stay composed, he even raised his hand and pointed… directly at Lisa's chest.
At the side, Lumine felt her heart jump into her throat.
What was he doing?!
Was he seriously going to touch her?!
Had he given up already—planning to enjoy his final moments before getting blasted?!
Just as Lumine braced herself for the inevitable slap—
Cao Zhong suddenly stopped his hand mid-air and pointed instead at Lisa's Vision.
"I was just looking at your Vision," he said sincerely. "You know, I've always longed for one… but I've never received the gods' recognition. It's a lingering regret of mine."
His voice was filled with emotion.
He even squeezed out two tears for effect.
Lumine cursed internally.
Damn it! What an actor!
If she didn't know him better, she might've actually believed it.
"Oh? So you were looking at my Vision. You should've said so earlier~"
Lisa feigned sudden realization.
She casually brushed her fingers over the Vision at her chest, a sly glint flashing in her eyes.
"Would you like to touch it, cutie? Feel the power of a Vision for yourself?"
Combined with her soft, sultry voice—
It was absolutely lethal.
Gasp—
Lumine nearly choked on her drink.
This… this was way too direct!
Now she understood.
This wasn't an ordinary exchange.
This was a high-level duel.
A cunning witch vs. a shameless scumbag.
And so far—
No clear winner.
Cao Zhong wasn't some naive rookie, nor someone ruled by impulse.
There was no way he'd fall for such an obvious trap.
He immediately put on a touched expression.
"Lisa, you're too kind. But I prefer having something of my own. Once I get a Vision, I'll bring my 'precious treasure' and have a proper exchange with you."
Sharp.
Lumine sucked in a breath.
What a move!
A perfect redirection—deflecting the attack while countering in the same breath.
No wonder he had such a notorious reputation.
Impressive…!
Meanwhile—
"Om nom nom…"
Paimon continued eating, completely absorbed.
Lumine turned to Lisa, curious how this "once-in-two-centuries genius" from the Akademiya would respond.
Lisa lightly clapped, still smiling.
"My, such confidence. When that day comes, be sure to tell me right away. I'll invite Jean, Barbara, Amber, Eula… and let them all witness your 'treasure'~"
She gave him a playful wink.
The meaning was unmistakable.
Lumine was stunned.
Incredible.
Truly incredible.
That counter used his own momentum against him—and struck straight at his weak point.
Now what would Cao Zhong do?
"Om nom nom…"
Paimon kept eating.
"Oh? So Lisa prefers… group activities? You should've said so earlier. When the time comes, I'll personally inform Acting Grand Master Jean and the others that it was your brilliant idea."
Cao Zhong didn't retreat an inch.
He struck back head-on.
Lumine nearly exploded.
Shameless!
Clearly losing in direct confrontation, he switched tactics—twisting the narrative entirely.
Blaming Lisa instead.
Ruthless.
Even so… she had to admit—
It was a devastating move.
From refined librarian to something far more scandalous in an instant.
Who could handle that?
But—
Could this end the match?
Lisa remained unfazed, calmly dismantling his attack.
"Such a pity… with your reputation, I'm afraid Jean and the others wouldn't believe you~"
Her smile was soft—
Like a whisper from a devil.
Lumine was in awe.
Faced with underhanded tricks, Lisa chose a straightforward approach:
Facts. Reputation. Authority.
Pure pressure.
How could anyone not fear that?
Lumine silently gave both of them a thumbs up.
This was unbelievable.
Even now—
Still no winner.
Just as Lumine thought the battle would continue—
"Wow… I'm so full! That was delicious!"
Paimon suddenly chimed in.
"Huh? Why aren't you guys eating? Aren't you hungry?"
She looked at them in confusion.
Something felt off…
But she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
Lumine shot her an annoyed look.
You usually eat way more than this—why stop now?!
You just ruined the whole show!
She bonked Paimon lightly on the head.
"Ow! Traveler, why'd you hit me?! That's so mean!"
Paimon clutched her head, glaring.
But with that interruption, the tense atmosphere dissolved.
"My, it's getting late. And we still have work to do," Lisa said with a soft laugh. "Cutie, perhaps we can continue our… deeper exchange next time."
"With pleasure," Cao Zhong replied with a smile.
Paimon looked between them, puzzled.
Why did everything they say sound so strange?
Like there were hidden meanings she couldn't understand.
Humans were so complicated!
Meanwhile, Lumine had already retrieved the overdue library book from Sara.
With nothing better to do, Cao Zhong decided to accompany them to the next borrower.
After all—
Spending the day with beautiful company always lifted the mood.
Even if…
That beauty was a little dangerous.
Still
That figure was absolutely worth it.