I'm in Mota, and they all want me to confess my feelings!

"Abu, wake up, come out now."

A moment later, a golden light shone, and Abu, rubbing his sleepy eyes, slowly emerged from the sound trail.

"Hmm—um!" It stretched out its little paws, lazily yawned, and swayed in mid-air, looking like it hadn't woken up yet. "What's wrong? Is it mealtime?"

"All you do is eat all day long. Look at your stomach." Duanmu Yan poked Abu's little belly helplessly, then turned to introduce him to Koleta, "As you can see, Second Miss, this is Abu. The remnants of the Kuroshio Current in the Rijoli Islands were dealt with by it. Uh, to be precise, it was eaten by it."

Koleta's eyes widened slightly as she stared incredulously at Abu, who had emerged from the sound trail.

She had never heard of a voice relic residing in the body of a resonator before; this was the first time she had witnessed it firsthand.

Abu landed lightly on Duanmu Yan's shoulder, sat down, and waved his little paw at Koleta:

"Hello, my name is Abu."

Koleta tilted her head, staring at Abu incredulously. After a moment of silence, she turned to Duanmu Yan and asked, "You mean... this little guy ate the Black Tide? Really?"

Just as Duanmu Yan was about to speak, Abu jumped out impatiently, hands on his hips: "Hmph, of course it's true! It's just the Black Tide, I'll eat it all up even if it comes a few more times! Also, I'm not called Little Dot, I'm called Abu! I have a name!"

Suddenly, as if it remembered something, it covered its little mouth and thought for a moment, then shook its head repeatedly: "But forget it... that stuff is just too awful to eat."

Koleta watched Abu with great interest.

This little guy has a rather interesting personality, quite different from any of the other voice skeletons she's ever met.

"Sorry, sorry, Abu, I'll remember." Koleta smiled and extended her fist. "I'm Koleta Motari, Duanmu Yan's boss and girlfriend. Nice to meet you, how about... I treat you to a big meal?"

"Really?" Upon hearing the word "food," Abu's eyes lit up immediately. He flew over and bumped fists with her. "Miss Koleta is so amazing!"

—They've taken the bait!

Although the relationship between Abu and Cat's Eye Stone is not yet fully clear, based on the available information, they are clearly in a symbiotic relationship and inseparable.

That being the case...

Why not bring Abrahim over and make him a little eyepiece placed next to the cat's eye stone?

Koleta smiled slightly, then sat up straight and clapped her hands gently.

A waiter quickly came over with the menu. Koleta took the menu and handed it directly to Abu, proudly raising her chin: "Here, order whatever you want, it's on me."

"Really? Then I won't hold back!" Abu practically threw himself onto the menu and ordered all the dishes that looked delicious.

"This... isn't that a bit inappropriate?" Duanmu Yan looked at Abu, then glanced at Koleta.

"It's alright." Koleta rested her chin on her hand, giving the excited Abu a meaningful smile. "As long as Abu is happy. By the way, Abu, you can come find me anytime if you get hungry in the future."

"Mmm-hmm-hmm!!" Abu nodded his little head like he was pounding garlic.

"Abu, order less, or you'll get a stomachache." Duanmu Yan covered her face and sighed softly as she looked at Abu's pathetic behavior.

"A stomach upset?" Kolatta said dismissively. "Since it can even digest the Black Tide, this little bit of food shouldn't be a problem for it."

“That’s why I’m even more worried.” Duanmu Yan’s expression was slightly solemn. “We still don’t know if the Black Tide has any side effects on Abu, and why it’s residing in my body is also a mystery.”

Koleta tapped her fingertip on the table, lost in thought: "Indeed, the existence of a Resonator residing in a Voice Relic is unheard of. You'd better find an opportunity to conduct a full examination. Moreover... Abu can also devour the Black Tide."

If it is only the former, it can be considered a rare exception.

But the latter means that the nature of the whole thing has changed fundamentally.

The Kuroshio Current represents the erosion of civilization by the Ming Shiki.

Once it erupts, it is almost impossible to reverse without the arrival of the Year Lord.

The black tide that occurred twenty years ago was barely contained only by sacrificing her life to perish alongside it, thanks to the resonant of the Holy Maiden of the Order—the Lord of the Year.

Even so, Laguna has not yet fully recovered from that disaster.

"Duanmu, do you really not understand why Abu chose to reside inside your body?" Koleta pressed.

Duanmu Yan shook his head: "I really don't know."

He looked down at the sound marks on the back of his hand, lost in thought.

To this day, he doesn't even understand what his true resonance ability is—it can't just be that he's strong, can it?

And why did Abu appear in his voice traces?

"Is that so?" Koleta pursed her lips and pondered, "But it's best if the order doesn't find out about this—by the way, Phoebe. Was that priest from the order also present?"

Duanmu Yan nodded: "Yes, Phoebe is indeed here. But I know this matter is of great importance, so I've already asked her to conceal the parts about Black Tide and Abu when reporting to the Order. There's no need to worry about that."

Upon hearing this, Coleta raised an eyebrow.

She crossed her arms, crossed her legs, and leaned back in her chair. "Oh? You sound like you trust that priest a lot. So,...did something happen between you two?"

The jealousy and resentment that had previously dissipated unconsciously seeped back into the girl's tone.

"Second Miss, it's really not true." Duanmu Yan touched her nose. "If you don't believe me, ask Abu! Abu can testify!"

"Abu, is that so?"

"Mmm-hmm!" Abu nodded his little head happily. "But after the Black Tide incident was resolved, Duanmu has had so much fun playing with Miss Phoebe these past two days! And Miss Phoebe even bought me lots of delicious food out of her own pocket!"

Duanmu Yan's lips twitched: "Abu... you didn't actually have to say that last sentence."

"Huh? Is that so? Hehe..." Abu scratched his head, "Then I'll be more careful next time."

This guy……

Couldn't it be intentional?

Koleta's brow twitched slightly, but she maintained her elegant smile: "Having fun, huh? I see. Since you're so energetic... well, your vacation is over. You can come with me on this business trip and stretch your muscles."

"Uh, I have no problem with going to work, but a business trip?" Duanmu Yan was taken aback. "Where to?"

“Seven Hills.” Coleta snorted. “Everlad Bank is expanding its business in Seven Hills soon, and as the second young lady of the family, I have to go and inspect it myself. I’ll also visit some old friends while I’m at it.”

PS: 16 chapters still owed.

Volume 1: Chapter 76 The Mysterious Telephone Girl

Seven hills.

A city-state that shares the same roots as Laguna, yet took different paths due to their differing views on faith.

Among them, the Grand Gladiator Tournament held every four years in the Seven Hills is considered one of the most prestigious events in Solaris.

Duanmu Yan had long heard of the gladiatorial tournament's fame and had always wanted to witness it firsthand.

Unfortunately, I'm always tied up with work and can't find the time.

But this time...

I could take advantage of this business trip to see if the legendary gladiatorial games are as exciting as people say.

"You should have brought everything, right?"

Duanmu Yan stood in the center of the room, his suitcase already packed. As agreed with the Second Miss, today was the day to depart for Qiqiu.

He hasn't been idle these past two days since he got back. Yesterday, at Koleta's recommendation, he made a special trip to the Motari family's private hospital for a full checkup. The results showed that his health was perfectly normal.

As for Abu...

Their relationship remains a mystery.

The only thing that can be confirmed at present is that he and Abramovich have formed some kind of symbiotic relationship.

But what price must be paid for this symbiosis? No one can say for sure.

After all, there had never been such a precedent before.

"Should we check it again?"

Duanmu Yan muttered to himself. Although this trip was supposed to be a business trip, he really wasn't sure how long he would be staying in Qiqiu.

Fortunately, by following the second young lady, at least I don't have to worry about food, clothing, or daily necessities.

So his luggage was very simple, consisting of a few changes of clothes and Abu's snacks—a whole bunch of snacks that Koleta had bought for him before.

For some reason, the second young lady seems to be very willing to spend money on Abu.

Could it be that she also likes the adorable voice actor?

Ok……

To be honest, Abu is indeed quite cute.

It's not surprising that the second young lady would dote on it so much.

Just then, his terminal suddenly vibrated.

Two messages came into view—one for Coleta and the other for Phoebe.

The weather's nice today. Have you packed everything? We're about to leave.

I bought you a coffee; it's right here at the pier. Come on over.

—This is the second young lady.

Mr. Duanmu, are you there?

Today, Miss Margaret and I helped out at the orphanage and made a lot of traditional Laguna pastries.

There's still quite a bit left... I wanted to give you these that I made myself as a thank you for your previous help.

【Yes, yes, Abu got a share too.】

—This is Phoebe.

Two completely different styles.

but……

Phoebe's pastries?

That's interesting...

Her cooking skills shouldn't be too bad, right?

Okay, it's alright.

Even if the taste wasn't quite right, he still had to say it was delicious—after all, it was the girl's heartfelt gift.

A handmade gift is inherently meaningful.

Moreover……

If it really tastes so bad that it's inedible, then Abu is still there.

Trust Abu's stomach.

Then, Duanmu Yan replied to them respectively.

【Um. 】

—This is a reply to the Second Miss.

[Did Phoebe make the pastries herself? I'd love to!]

I'm about to head to the pier; if it's convenient, we can meet there.

Abu also asked me to thank you on its behalf; it's practically pacing around, drooling with envy.

—This is a reply to Phoebe.

……

……

In the afternoon, the sunlight in Laguna bathed the white walls in a honey-like glow.

The sea breeze, carrying a salty taste, travels through the winding streets, filtering through the lush foliage and casting dappled shade on the windowsills.

Koleta held a cup of citrus-flavored coffee—a habit she had gradually developed since becoming a member of the Motari.

The espresso base is blended with the sweet aftertaste of citrus, and this refreshing touch neutralizes the bitterness, achieving a pleasant balance.

It's suitable for those about to experience a moment of anxiety, as well as those who want to relax afterward.

—For example, right now.

As the executor of the Motari family, Corletta's life actually has no time for herself.

Ever since she took the gun that symbolized responsibility from her grandfather, she has walked in the shadows of Laguna under the name "Motari".

Such leisure time, free from family affairs and tasks, is something I have almost never had before.