American comics: Praising the sun, starting from Gotham!

When Serafina smiled, Hugh felt that he had already exceeded expectations for his business trip.

He patted the little girl's hair contentedly, then called out to a sunflower tree not far away that was diligently photosynthesizing.

"Hey! You over there, the one who's cosplaying as a vegetable sunbathing! Stop slacking off! Come to work!"

In the shade of that sunflower tree, another Xiu opened his eyes.

He yawned deeply and stretched.

"Huh? What's up?"

The summoned clone of Xiu En scratched its head, looking unwilling, and teleported over.

"I just dreamt I was baking cookies."

"Stop grilling, we're getting down to business."

Xiu En, who was taking care of the child, pointed to the Lord of Hell, who was watching them talking to themselves with great interest.

"This gentleman, Mr. Lucifer, wants to discuss a collaboration project with us regarding full network access to the Hell Database. You and your little flower will handle the negotiations. I'm going to take Seraphina back to Gotham to change into some new clothes and replenish my cookie stock."

The summoned Shuen glanced at Lucifer, then at Seraphia, and understood the situation.

"Alright."

The negotiation clone immediately switched to work mode, his expression becoming slightly serious. He reached out his hand to Xiu En, who was taking care of the child.

"We can discuss cooperation, but let's settle the compensation for emotional distress first. My dream was interrupted, so I'm demanding 100 yuan worth of Afu cookies as compensation."

Ivy sat up, and green vines wove into a swing in the air, carrying her to the ground.

She walked up to Serafina and gently brushed away a speck of dirt from the girl's cheek with a leaf that radiated a soft glow of life.

"Go ahead and have Alfred prepare some food that a real little girl should eat. Remember to stay away from the experimental subjects in the kitchen; some of them contain metals that ordinary people shouldn't eat."

Then he looked at Xiu En, who was preparing to slip away.

"Keep an eye on her, Xiu En."

"receive!"

Finally, Ivy's gaze fell on Lucifer.

"Lucifer Morning Star".

"For the sake of Xiu En and the little girl, you are welcome to the Ximu Realm this time. But if you have any intention of corrupting or tempting any of the souls here!"

Countless vines shimmering with gold and green runes stretched out from behind Ivy.

"Your fate will be far more interesting than that of an evil god named Sithon."

Finally, Shuen, along with Serafina and the equally excited Luceria, embarked on their journey home.

He opened another portal.

This time, the other side of the door led to a study.

"arrive."

Shuen smiled, took the still somewhat nervous Serafina's hand, and walked out of the portal.

"This is Wayne Manor, and from today onwards, it will be your home too."

"Mr. Xiu En? You're back."

Alfred Pennyworth.

The ever-elegant and ever-reliable head butler of Wayne Manor stood there with a smile on his face.

When his gaze fell upon the little girl behind Xiu En, who was timidly looking around like a startled fawn.

A hint of surprise flashed in Afu's eyes.

But more than anything, it stems from heartfelt compassion and heartache.

He put down the tea tray in his hand, walked up to Serafina, and bowed slightly.

"Welcome to Wayne Manor, young lady."

"It seems we have the good fortune to welcome a new member to the family. I am Alfred, the butler of this manor. If you don't mind, may we first take a hot bath and then change into something more comfortable?"

"I have prepared dinner. Considering your long journey, I specially prepared roasted lamb chops."

Seraphina, somewhat bewildered, clutched Shuen's clothes tightly, looked up at him.

Xiu En smiled and nodded at her.

"Go, Serafina."

He encouraged them.

"Afu is the best magician in the world. He can conjure up magic from flour that can make even the gods happy."

After receiving Hugh's affirmation, Serafina finally mustered up her courage and whispered something to Afu.

"Thank you, Mr. Alfred."

"It is my honor, Miss."

A warm smile appeared on Afu's face.

He naturally took Serafina's hand, then offered his other hand to Luceris, who had been on high alert since entering the room.

"Don't be nervous, big guy."

"I smell the good scent of dutifulness on you. In the kitchen, I'll prepare some bone-in beef ribs for you."

Luceria stared at the hand that was being offered to him.

It smelled of flour, butter, sunshine, and countless lonely afternoons.

It hesitated for a few seconds.

Finally, it stuck out its tongue and licked the back of Afu's hand.

An hour later.

When Serafina reappeared before Shuen, led by several maids.

She has been completely transformed.

She wore a little princess dress with lace trim and tiered skirts. Her long black hair was also washed clean and flowed smoothly over her shoulders, tied with a cute bow by a light blue ribbon.

It washed away all the dust and unease of the journey.

This gothic doll, who had always lived in the shadows, finally transformed back into a little girl like an angel.

She stood there somewhat shyly, nervously clutching the hem of her skirt, but her eyes sparkled with joy and light.

Wow.

Looking at the scene before him, Xiu En let out a heartfelt exclamation of admiration.

"Ah Fu, you're practically the embodiment of a miracle!"

"You flatter me, Mr. Xiu En."

Afu stood behind the girl, a similarly relieved smile on his face.

"I was just doing my job as a housekeeper."

Afu clapped his hands.

"Afternoon tea time. I've prepared strawberry pancakes, chocolate mousse, and cookies—all brand new flavors, of course."

Under Alfred's afternoon tea offensive, Serafina quickly adapted to the pace of life at Wayne Manor.

When she finished the last strawberry pancake and let out a satisfied burp, Xiu En knew it was time to take her to see her first social circle in this world.

"Ah Fu, we need to go out for a bit."

Xiu En wiped his mouth and said to Afu, who was clearing away the dishes.

"Of course, Mr. Shuen."

"Do you need me to prepare a vehicle for you?"

"No need, we'll walk there ourselves."

As Xiu En spoke, a golden portal slowly opened on the living room carpet.

"We'll go to the orphanage and introduce Serafina to some new friends."

"A brilliant idea."

Afu agreed, went to the kitchen, and soon came out carrying a wicker picnic basket.

"Please make sure to give these to the children there. Consider it a small token of my personal appreciation."

The basket was filled with all sorts of steaming hot snacks.

"You're always so thoughtful, Afu!"

Xiu En smiled and took the basket.

When Shun led Serafina out of the portal, accompanied by a delighted Lucerne.

They were facing the perpetually sunny backyard lawn of the Martha Wayne Memorial Home.

It was during the afternoon's free time.

Dozens of children were chasing and playing in twos and threes on the lawn.

A giant who looks kind and honest is helping several little girls take down the kites that are stuck in the tree.

Xiu En's appearance drew everyone's attention.

"It's the Lord God!"

"It's Brother Xiu En!"

"It's the boss!"

The children cheered and gathered around Xiu En.

"Quiet, children."

Xiu En smiled and placed the picnic basket he was holding on the grass.

"This is afternoon tea that Grandpa Afu prepared for you."

The children were drawn to the delicious food.

But soon, their curious gazes fell upon the new face that was timidly hiding behind Xiu En.

And the giant black dog that tried to hide behind the little girl but couldn't completely conceal its body.

"Wow, what a beautiful dress!"

A little girl exclaimed in envy.

"Who is she? Is she new?"

Another boy asked curiously.

Surrounded by these innocent and warm gazes, Serafina felt somewhat at a loss, and she subconsciously clutched the hem of Hugh's clothes.

Meanwhile, outside the crowd, Jerami, sitting on a bench, squinted his eyes.

He looked at the giant dog.

His intuition told him that the dog was no ordinary animal.

It had the same dangerous aura about it as the killers I'd seen on the streets years ago.

"Big brother."

A quiet little girl with big eyes and pigtails squeezed out of the crowd; she was Jenny.

She looked at Serafina with curiosity, her eyes able to see things that ordinary people couldn't.

"This new older sister is so strange."

Jenny whispered to Shum.

"Oh? What's strange?"

"Her color..."

Jenny frowned slightly, as if searching for a suitable adjective.

"It has no color. It's like a blank sheet of paper. But behind that blank sheet of paper, there's a terrifying black mass hidden."

She was referring to Serafina's pure soul and the dark pact between her and Lucery, a pact originating from hell.

Hearing Jenny's words, Serafina lowered her head in fear.

She was afraid that her differences would make her seem like a monster to her new friends.

"There's nothing strange about that."

Xiu En ruffled Jenny's hair.

"This shows that this newcomer, Serafina, is a blank canvas on which the most beautiful pictures can be drawn. And that black blob is the most powerful bodyguard protecting her."

Serafina looked up and gave Hugh a grateful look.

After listening to Xiu En's explanation, Jenny nodded as if she understood but not quite.

Then she mustered her courage, walked up to Serafina, and gave her a friendly smile.

"Hello, Serafina. My name is Jenny. Your bodyguard looks very cool."

Just as the two little girls were engaging in their initial friendly social interaction.

The enormous figure beside them moved.

Solomon Grandi, the immortal giant with the mind of a child, walked toward Serafina.

Serafina looked at the giant who exuded an aura of death, and fear inevitably flashed in her eyes.

She instinctively took a half step back and hid behind Luceria.

Lucerne sensed its master's tension and bared its teeth at Solomon.

Solomon stopped three meters away from Serafina.

Then the giant crouched down.

He fumbled in his suit pocket for a long time.

Finally, he took out a white daisy that had been slightly wilted by him, but was still very beautiful.

He secretly hid it this morning while tending to the sunflower garden.

He placed the daisy on the ground.

"...Grandi...friend..."

He could sense a clean scent emanating from the tiny human cub before him.

He wanted to be friends with her.

Serafina looked at the small white flowers on the ground.

Then I looked at the giant in front of me. Although he looked frightening, his eyes were like those of a child.

Luceria behind her slowly retracted his fangs, and the low growl in his throat turned into a confused whimper.

It could also sense that the big guy in front of it meant no harm.

Serafina peeked her little head out from behind Lucerne.

Then he picked up the daisies.

She pinned the flower to the bodice of her princess dress. Then, she gave the giant, who was looking at her expectantly, a radiant smile reminiscent of Shuen's.

"Thank you, Grandi. My name is Serafina."