Arknights, but the sickly pretty girl starts

"Ah, Miss Viviana, we were just talking about you," Amiya said with a smile. "Operator Noya said that Miss Viviana is more adept at using magic. She asked me to transfer you from the Guard Operator to the Warlock Operator. I think it's a good fit. What do you think?"

"Well..." Viviana hadn't expected it to be a business matter, but she didn't mind. "Well, if Rhodes Island makes any arrangements, I'll abide by them."

"I'm glad you understand." Amiya nodded happily, "Then I'll arrange it quickly!"

Amiya skipped away, but Noah hesitated for a moment and pulled Viviana back. "Are you free? I need to talk to you about something."

"Huh?" Viviana was stunned. "Of course, it's always available!"

She nodded quickly, but was afraid that her performance would be too impatient, so she waved her hand. "I mean, I'm free now."

"That's great. Let's go to the deck and get some sun?" Noah nodded. She had actually wanted to talk to Viviana about this before, but she hadn't found the opportunity. This time, she and Viviana were both free, so they decided to take this opportunity to talk things over.

However, Viviana obviously didn't know what Noah wanted to say. To be honest, she was a little panicked. She even kept considering whether to put on some makeup, wanting to stay in the best condition to face what Noah might say.

Although it may not be a good thing...what if Noah wants to reject me?

Viviana wasn't a sanguine person, so it was only natural for her to think this way. After reading her poetry collection, which was practically a confession of love, it was normal for Noya to have such thoughts. Or rather, it was reasonable for her to already understand her feelings. After all, Noya had always been a considerate person, so it wasn't surprising that he understood her.

No... The more I thought about it, the more panicked I became. What exactly did Noah want to say to me?

Do you want to reject yourself?

I...I actually...don't want to know so soon.

Viviana was panicked, or rather, she couldn't help but be panicked. This was the nature of a girl's mind, full of twists and turns, turning steel into soft silk. An outstanding person like Noah always had people more dazzling than herself around him. Kuro, Glory Knight, and even Glory Knight's sister seemed closer to Noah, and she didn't seem to have any...advantage.

When she thought of this, Viviana hesitated. If she ran away now... would she still be able to avoid having to face this matter?

Oh... I really am... the one who always thinks of backing out at this moment.

Viviana's mood sank even lower. Honestly, she knew she had never been a worthy choice. Rather, what advantages did she have? She wasn't as good at bonding as the Radiant Knight, and she wasn't as good at companionship as Kuro...

Phew... Be mentally prepared first.

Noah will definitely take care of everything, so... you just need to accept it.

Although it was very negative, this was her path forward! Viviana was ready to end her first love.

Noah had no idea that Viviana was struggling with her inner conflict. She was simply lost in thought, unsure how to explain what had happened to her recently. Should she say she could lose control at any moment, so why not get close to her? It always felt a little strange, but after being reminded by Dr. Kel'tsit, she belatedly realized that her limits were being cut.

The use of Originium techniques has become more and more natural. To be honest, if Dr. Kal'tsit hadn't told me not to worry, I would have already asked for a jail term.

Well, maybe I was thinking too seriously. The loss of control of Originium skills should not happen in the short term. At least I still have a bottom line.

It can be said that the two people, each with their own ulterior motives, finally arrived on the deck. The warm sunshine made their moods a little better and allowed them to relax a little.

"...The sun is shining brightly." Viviana played the weather card first. "Noah, do you remember the last opera we watched?"

"I remember it was a thunderstorm, right?" Noah nodded. "Now that I think about it, maybe I should have communicated with you more."

But at that time, I couldn't stop at all. I had to carry out the plan, and I couldn't expose too many flaws in front of the Chamber of Commerce. I was really walking on thin ice. When I think about it carefully, I was lucky that I could carry out the plan to the end.

Viviana was one of his earliest partners. Without the name of Candle Knight, which helped him quickly develop, he wouldn't have been able to quickly become the spokesperson for the Business Federation. In a sense, choosing Viviana was one of his earliest successful investments. Their relationship stemmed from a sense of identification with Margaret, but in the end, it completely transcended the boundaries of being just fans.

We have become real good sisters, right?

I wonder if Viviana thinks the same way...

"I know you're very busy, so I'm glad you could spare some time for me." Viviana said with a smile, "Yes, sometimes I do feel a little lonely, but that's bearable. I've been lonely for so long, I don't mind a little time."

"Well, Viviana, I remember your hometown is in Leitania, right?" Noah asked curiously, "What kind of place is Leitania to you?"

"I... don't remember it very clearly." Faced with this question, Viviana didn't know how to describe it. In her memory, she spent most of her time in the attic, and there was also her father whom she hardly ever saw, and the one who took her away... Viviana recalled the past, she was always curious about the outside world, but after she really walked down from the attic.

She found that the outside world was too big, too big for her to adapt to.

Fortunately, I found a fulcrum, an anchor that could keep me on the ground, and her name was Noah.

The picture book may not be true, but she still holds on to her romantic expectations. Or rather, if we don't embrace some romantic things in life, how can we face the torture of reality?

Noah must also have an unattainable dream to be so outstanding, right?

Viviana closed her eyes. "Although Leitania is my hometown, I have very few memories of it—perhaps only the music floating in from the window?"

The music drifting in from the window was rare. Viviana felt that compared to the beautiful memories in the small attic lit by candles, the music floating in the air was alive and fresh. It was a message from the earth that she could not understand, but was beloved by her.

She would often respond softly, saying that music, rather than poetry, should be the main theme of Leitania.

Maybe one day, she will return to that place.

Just like Noah, he will return to Casimir one day.

Who can predict the future?

"I'm sorry, I might have brought up your sad memories." Noah apologized softly, sensing Viviana's low mood. "Actually, I was just thinking about how to say it."

"Is it important?"

"Ah."

"Then... do you have to say it now?" Viviana's body trembled a little. Fortunately, Noah just hesitated for a moment and then shook his head.

"I am also not certain."

"Well, let's talk about it next time. It's a rare time for us to be alone together—why not just bask in the sun together? The sun is shining brightly today." Viviana breathed a sigh of relief. "I don't know when we'll be able to spend time together like this again. Why don't we put those things aside for a while and have a good rest?"

"...That's right." Noah was convinced. Dr. Kal'tsit had said that there would be no problems with his Originium skills for the time being, so there was no point in worrying about it. Dr. Kal'tsit was a doctor, and her words were always more accurate than his own judgment. Moreover, if his Originium skills really got out of control, he would have Amiya on Rhodes Island. With Amiya suppressing him, it shouldn't be a big deal...

Noah subconsciously escaped. Although she was mature, she was just a young girl. How could she really be so relieved?

She always wondered if things would get better or if there would be a miracle.

Ore disease tormented her for so long, but now she has reconciled with her body. Isn't this a miracle?

Miracles do exist, Noah always believed.

And if you want to create miracles, at least don't give up.

She needed to thank Viviana for helping her strengthen her faith, so she spoke.

"Thank you, Viviana."

——What is there to thank me for...

Viviana thought, I should thank you for not saying those words, which allowed me to continue dreaming.

She lowered her eyes, feeling both relieved and regretful. A thousand emotions surged in her mind, and she felt like writing a poem.

As expected, emotion is the best teacher. The poems that I couldn't write when I was busy writing now seemed to flow out of my mouth. However, these bitter poems were not suitable to be read to Noah.

So, chew and swallow these bitter sentences.

She turned her head and looked at Noah's profile. Although her eyes were dark, they trapped the love of a young girl, who was quietly imprisoned under the attraction of her eyes.

She must not know what an excellent girl she is, just as she herself does not know why she is so lucky to meet her.

No, maybe it should be misfortune?

Let yourself indulge in this bitter love that has no results but always fantasizes about the future.

I like you, Noah.

No matter how abstract the poem is, it cannot distort the original meaning of this sentence.

After all, this is the purest love of a girl.

——Maybe first love is just so bitter?

Viviana murmured quietly, and finally closed her eyes like Noah.

Chapter 15: Xinteleya's Occasion

After concluding a cross-server conversation with Viviana, Noah felt a little relieved. Thankfully, Viviana was a qualified friend and listener. She must have understood him, which was why she said those unnecessary words. Her unique gentleness constantly saved Noah's shaky heart.

A strong-hearted Noah Kyrielight? If only that were the case, Noah couldn't help but laugh at herself. No matter what she did, she seemed to be constantly worried about the outcome, unable to find a balance that would bring her inner peace. Perhaps it was simply that there were too many things to consider, forcing her to worry constantly. The result... she had almost forgotten that she could rely on others.

So she would occasionally think how nice it would be to have Margaret around to help her make decisions, but it was just a thought.

Noah had experienced so much that he rarely had the opportunity to rely on others. This was the case in Casimir, Kjerag, Hill County, and Rhodes Island.

The only person who could allow her to vent a little was someone like Viviana, who had her own opinions and was willing to listen to her. That was rare, so Maria was ruled out first. In Noah's mind, she was just his little sister, and she wanted to maintain her dignity in front of her.

Kuro was also excluded. She was indeed reliable, but there were many times when she really couldn't help - at least in non-combat situations, Kuro's abilities could not be fully utilized.

Well... if we settle the accounts, only Zofia and Viviana will listen to my complaints.

Of course, if he was willing to talk to Amiya or the Doctor, they would probably agree. But having said that, Amiya felt somewhat guilty, and he didn't see the Doctor very often. Although they were very close, it would be a bit too social for him to start discussing life and other things as if they were just friends after just a few meetings.

Noah is not a social bully. Strictly speaking, she is closer to social anxiety. It's just that because of her ability, she can grasp the attitudes of others more smoothly and wear a more suitable personality mask. The saying "speak differently to different people and tell different stories to different people" probably means this.

She was actually quite annoyed by this kind of behavior, but in order to survive, there were some things she had to do.

Even if you are socially anxious, you must find a position that is beneficial to yourself in social situations so that you don't get into trouble or get targeted.

This is also a kind of knowledge...

Originally, she was scheduled to interrogate Mandela today, but according to Dr. Kal'tsit, it would be best to minimize the use of her abilities. So, she decided to give Miss Mandela a day off today, and herself a day off as well. After the original appointment was canceled, Noya fell into a state of confusion once again... For someone like her who likes to set goals for herself every day and stick to them, this was a difficult situation.

Losing your plan is the worst thing that can happen.

If you lose your plan, you lose control of time. If you lose control of time, then the schedule will also need to be adjusted. Ultimately, plans cannot keep up with changes, and changes always bring more trouble to Noah.

The depressed Noah finally decided to put his own affairs aside for the time being and relax, but where should he go...

Just as Noya was thinking about how to relax, her ears suddenly moved, she looked up and said, "Xinteleya? Why are you on the ceiling?"

"...Can someone even detect this?" Xinteleya had originally intended to give Noah a surprise, but ended up being caught. She once again realized how terrible Noah's hearing was. "I tried my best not to make any sound."

"But it's very quiet here - if possible, you can come down from the ceiling first. Don't worry, Kuro didn't follow me today."

"I'm not hiding from her. This... Wasn't I the Platinum Lord of the Helmless Alliance before? I'm just a little worried that she will hold a grudge." Cintrea scratched her head. She would never admit that she was hiding from Kuro. After all, she was a big shot after all... at least a former big shot. Strictly speaking, she had never had a head-on fight with the Black Knight.

Maybe, possibly, perhaps, should, probably, maybe...it can be 50-50?

This is not impossible, right?

Although Xinteleya knew that she was deceiving herself, she had an inexplicable desire to show off in front of Noah.

At least we have to act like Kuro and I are evenly matched!

"Alright, alright, I can't beat Kuro either—" Noya soothed, "You don't have to be able to beat Kuro to talk to me, right? There's no need to be so stubborn."

"That's different. It's a matter of my dignity," Cintela whispered. "But why are you just sitting here in a daze? I've seen you in a daze for ten minutes."

"Actually... I just don't know what to do. It's like... well, it's vacation time?" Noah described. "Anyway, I suddenly have some free time, so I'm thinking about what to do, or what to do to relax."

"Relax...relax. Shouldn't this be easy?" Cintela said, hands on her hips, grumbling, "Don't you even know how to play?"

"Play?" Noah asked doubtfully, "How? What do we play?"

"What was your favorite game as a child?" Xinteleya seemed to have noticed something and began to ask.

"When I was a kid... When I was a kid, I had a heavy workload. I had to learn piano, swordsmanship, oil painting, Originium skills, and catch up on my homework. There wasn't much time left in the day, and I would fall asleep as soon as I touched the pillow..." Noah counted on his fingers and told Xinteleiya about his daily schedule as a child, but Xinteleiya's expression was as confused as it could be after hearing these words.

"No, are your parents that cruel? They won't even let you play as a child?" Cintela scratched her head. "At least you have a few friends, right?"

"Of course, Margaret." Noah nodded. "Occasionally she would ask me to go out with her to practice swordsmanship or to appreciate the flowers."

"...Gone?" Cintrea frowned.

"No more." Noah nodded.

"Did she come to you just to practice swordplay or look at flowers?"

"Ah."

"...Is this the Radiant Knight..." Cintela covered her face, sensing the lack of entertainment Noa and Margaret had previously offered. "Don't you have such an interesting project?"

"I can play the piano." Noah thought for a moment and said confidently. "Margaret also said that I play the piano very well."

"That's also a performance... I mean fun, something that makes you happy," Cintela said gently. "Anything is fine."

"...I...I don't know." Noah pondered for a long time, then shook his head. "I think practicing swordsmanship and playing the piano for Margaret are the happiest things for me."

"Are all of you knight nobles sick?!" Cintela was truly speechless. "Can't you at least have one or two other interests?"

"No..." Noah answered honestly, "To be honest, I like opera, but Rhodes Island can't listen to it..."

"Okay, it's my fault." Only then did Sintela realize that Noya had very few entertainment options in Casimir. She was basically working all the time, a highly efficient work robot, except when she called her to eat. Sintela often worried that she would suddenly die from overwork, but as of now, she seemed quite healthy. "You've prepared so many things for the company, even set up a cat cafe, why don't you think of giving yourself a chance to relax?"

"Isn't sleeping relaxing?" Noah tilted his head and replied, "Getting enough sleep means you'll have enough energy to work the next day."

"...You're taking it a bit too far." As a professional slacker, Sintela expressed her frustration at Noa's involvement. She said seriously, "You need to rest. In many ways, if you keep your nerves constantly on edge, they'll break."

"I'm not nervous either..." Noah tried to explain, but Cintrea didn't believe him anymore. She went to the back of Noah's wheelchair, pushed him, and ran. "Come, I'll teach you what relaxation means!"