I'm on the Ark, and I start out as Gretchen.

It can only be said that the little girl was careless last night. Encouraged by everyone, especially the Yeti team, she played until very late before going to sleep...

This meant that Gretchen, who had been maintaining a good sleep schedule for the past few months, was destined to have a difficult time getting up early today.

"Did I wake you up? Go back to sleep. You went to bed so late yesterday..." Looking at the little girl next to her, who was struggling to keep her eyes open and was still half asleep, Alyona paused for a moment and said softly.

"Ugh~ Alyona went to bed really late yesterday too." Upon hearing this, Gretchen rubbed her eyes and said softly.

"That's different."

Looking at Gretchen, who was clearly in a different mental state than herself, Alyona reached out and gently stroked her forehead, saying helplessly.

While it wasn't anything to brag about, before meeting Gretchen, Alyona had always been in a state of poor rest and heavy labor. So, this little all-nighter was really nothing to her.

Not to mention, with the little girl by her side making her feel safe, her sleep quality has improved many times over.

“What’s the difference… Alyona can get up, so can I.” With that, Gretchen ignored her friend’s attempts to stop her and slowly sat up, still covered by the blanket.

As she stood up, the cool breeze instantly sobered her up considerably.

"..."

Seeing this, Alyona gently shook her head and stopped trying to stop them. She simply sat up and quickly put on her clothes.

As for why it needs to be fast, it's obviously because it's cold. After all, not everyone can be as resistant to the cold as Greta.

……

Greta, who had already changed into a new dress and was washing up with the help of the knight, seemed to suddenly remember something and turned to Alyona, saying, "I'll take you to meet Sakura-neechan in a little while. She'll be here for the next few days, so if you're interested in swordsmanship, you can ask her for advice."

"it is good."

Chapter 66 Arrival at Lungmen

After washing up, Gretchen asked her friend to wait for her at Talulah's place, and then secretly summoned Sakura, who had already asked for leave and was ready.

"Long time no see, Sakura-neechan."

Looking at Sakura, who was giving him a gentle smile, Gretsch smiled back and waved to her lightly.

"Yes, it's been a long time, Gretchen." Upon hearing this, Sakura reached out and gently rubbed Gretchen's head in response.

"Alright, let's go, don't keep your friends waiting."

"it is good."

Led by Gretchen, Sakura carefully made her way to Talulah's tent. After a brief introduction and to lighten the mood, Alina, Alyona, and Sakura chatted idly.

At that moment, Talulah spotted Gresh and called her aside.

"???)Um?"

Gretchen, who had been called aside, looked up at Talulah with some confusion, waiting for her to say something next.

"Gresh, do you have any shoes that fit you right now, or rather, does your knight have any?" Talulah looked at the little girl who was staring at her with wide, curious eyes, leaned down slightly, and asked softly.

"shoe?"

Upon hearing this, Gretchen thought Talulah was about to say something important, and she was stunned for a moment before obediently nodding and whispering, "Yes... what's wrong, Talulah?"

"Uh... cough cough, last time I didn't know where you were going, so I didn't say, but since you're going to Lungmen this time, little guy, you should put your shoes on."

Talulah, who had been brimming with ideas, suddenly choked upon hearing Gretsch's words. She then coughed awkwardly twice and forced herself to continue:

"In the Reunion Movement, it's fine to go barefoot as long as you don't get injured, but over there it might be a bit strange, and some people might even mistake you for a runaway kid."

"Um... okay, I understand, Tarua."

After hearing Talulah's words, Gretchen did not immediately agree. Instead, she stroked her chin, thought seriously for a while, and then nodded.

To be honest, the little girl didn't want to wear shoes. She'd developed a habit of wearing them, and it actually made her feel uncomfortable. But she also knew that Tarua was right…

Therefore, Greta didn't want to dwell on or drag things out on this issue. She decided to agree first and then figure out what to do next...

After all, Talulah can't go all the way to Lungmen, and whether or not she wears shoes then is entirely up to her.

As Gretchen nodded her little head, a huge, azure-blue knight silently appeared behind her, holding a pair of shoes that perfectly matched the little girl's white dress.

"Thank you for your trouble, Sir Knight..."

……

After staying a while longer and listening to Tarua and the others' instructions, Gretsch was "escorted" by Sakura to leave the Reunion camp and begin her journey to Lungmen.

--------------

After watching Sakura see Gretchen and Alyona off to their own ends, Alina seemed to remember something and looked at Talulah with a teasing smile, "Pfft, how does it feel to not be able to give away the gift you prepared for several days?"

"It's just a pair of shoes, it doesn't really count as a gift. I can give it to you another time." Hearing this, Talulah turned her head slightly and muttered softly.

Although she said that, the Dragon Girl secretly wished she could punch her past self twice. How...how could she have asked that question without thinking? Why didn't she just send him away directly?! Damn it...

"Is that really the case~"

"Of course! Need I say more?"

"Ha~"

Seeing Talulah's awkward expression after being amused, Alina covered her mouth and chuckled softly before regaining her composure and saying:

"Alright, alright, let's not talk about this anymore. I'll take advantage of the few days that little Gretchen is away to prepare some things. Although everyone says that we don't need anything right now, knowing that little one's personality, she'll definitely bring something back."

"I don't want to be a bad older sister who keeps receiving gifts from my younger sister and never reciprocates!"

"..."

Upon hearing Alina's last words, Talulah raised an eyebrow slightly, feeling even more frustrated...

"So, Alina, what are you planning to give her?"

"Well, that's a secret!"

……

Sakura led Gretchen to a safe place outside the Reunion Movement's base, and only after watching Gretchen be summoned by Hua and the others did she turn back to the camp.

Not long after entering the camp, Sakura spotted a familiar face waiting for her not far away. She returned a slight smile and said, "Please take care of me for the next few days, Alyona."

"Um……"

----------------

Meanwhile, inside the hotel—

"Hey, this is a rare guest indeed! It's been a long time, or rather, it's our first time meeting!" Xiao Shi greeted Gretchen, who appeared in front of her, in a very casual manner.

"Yes, nice to meet you, elder sister..."

Upon hearing this, Greta nodded obediently in response.

"You...I...never mind, you can just leave it at that."

Let's call it that...

Xiao Shi was about to explode when Gretsch addressed him, but after meeting her innocent gaze, he was speechless for a moment and chose to give up.

That's right, only temporarily... The great Herrscher of Knowledge decided that there's plenty of time, and that a brief argument now is useless. She decided to learn from the Alicia in her memories later and properly change the way the little loli addressed her.

It would be best to change the way Gretchen addresses herself to "Great Herrscher of Knowledge," and then change the old-fashioned "Sister Hua" to "Old-fashioned" which she calls herself...

"..."

Just as Xiao Shi was filled with "bad ideas" and secretly plotting his plan, Hua, who had been sitting quietly to the side, put down his teacup and spoke in a low voice:

"Xiao Shi, is it possible for me to know what you're thinking right now...?"

"...Tsk!"

"I never thought that an old relic would have a penchant for spying on what others are thinking!" Upon hearing this, Xiao Shi clicked his tongue in displeasure and said.

"I don't have that kind of fetish, it's just that your thoughts were too strong just now."

"I don't care, it's your problem, you old fogey!"

"..."

Watching the interaction between the two, Greta blinked her large violet eyes, then gently curved her lips into a faint smile. She was already looking forward to her life in Lungmen with Hua and Xiaoshi.

P.S.: I've been so busy lately, helping to prepare all sorts of miscellaneous New Year's goods. We also have a new dog at home, although it's only temporarily staying with me, it's still quite a hassle.

Also, I've been writing slowly and stuck lately, not in terms of plot, but in terms of description... Have you noticed the fragmentation?

Chapter 67 Gretchen, "Lost"

"Here you are, Gretchen, for your breakfast."

After ending his "debate" with Xiao Shi, Hua Cai reluctantly stood up and placed the breakfast he had prepared for Gretchen in front of her.

"Hmm... pineapple bun?"

Looking at what was placed in front of her, Gretchen paused for a moment, then said somewhat uncertainly.

“Last time I ate it, Gretchen, weren’t you very curious? So, great Herrscher of Knowledge, I bought it for you today. Eat up!” Upon hearing this, Xiao Shi instantly perked up and, like a child about to be praised, proudly patted her chest and said.

"Um, thank you, Sister Xiaoshi..."

After hearing Xiao Shi's words, Gretchen thanked him earnestly, and then obediently picked up the pineapple bun in front of her and began to eat it in small bites.

"Hmph, it's nothing. Besides, Gresh, you're the youngest among the Heroes, so it's only right that you take care of her!" Saying this, Xiao Shi waved dismissively at Gresh, then, as if suddenly remembering something, changed the subject and asked:

"So, what are your plans for today? If not, how about going out with me, Old Man? I saw that arcade earlier, but I haven't had a chance to go yet!"

"Um...yes, I'm planning to go out and see if there are any people with really nice colors, and I'll also go see Sister Chen while I'm at it."

Faced with Xiao Shi's excited question, Gretchen thought for a moment before answering.

Although the little girl really wanted to spend the first few days traveling and playing with Hua, Xiao Shi, and even Padu Eden, she decided to complete her mission first to avoid unnecessary trouble with so many people around…

"Alright then, you finish your task first, and I'll call you to go together later. Don't you dare refuse me then!"

After hearing Gretchen's words and sensing her thoughts, Xiao Shi felt a pang of regret, but didn't say anything more. After all, family understands family matters...

"Yes! I will."

Upon hearing this, Gretchen gave Xiaoshi a slight smile and earnestly assured him.

"Since Gretchen is busy later, then you old fogey, come with me. Let's have a showdown at the arcade today!" After receiving Gretchen's assurance, Xiao Shi quickly shifted his focus and turned to look at Hua Dao not far away.

"it is good."