Manager, give me a membership card too!

“I didn’t ask you this out of consideration for your feelings, but since you insist, I have no choice but to be presumptuous. Ms. Harlowen, what do you know about the Book of Darkness incident eleven years ago?”

"The Book of Darkness"

Lindy, who had been filled with suspicion, suddenly turned pale when she heard Rorschach mention the word representing her painful past. Her index finger clenched tightly around the wooden box containing twenty-one Holy Stone Seeds. After a long silence, she asked in a very low and hoarse voice:

"May I ask, Mr. Rorschach, where did you learn about this term? The Book of Darkness should theoretically be one of the top secrets of the Time and Space Administration. Even most members within the Administration have only heard of its name and do not know its true nature. As the entity that manages the outer world, Earth should be even less likely to know of its existence."

As Lindy spoke, she stared intently into Rorschach's eyes, as if trying to discern the truth or falsehood in his next words.

Faced with the captain's probing gaze, Luo Xia did not hide anything but told her the truth directly.

"Because the so-called Book of Darkness is now stored on this planet beneath our feet, and it has been stored there for a full eleven years."

Chapter 317 The Book of Darkness? The Book of Night Sky?

Chapter 317 The Book of Darkness? The Book of Night Sky?

"Looks like I won in the end, Fate."

Holding the blonde girl who was unconscious from the shock of her own artillery magic, Nanoha wore a tired, victorious smile.

Even with expert guidance and ample practice opportunities this time, the Starburst-level artillery magic still took a toll on Nanoha's body. Fortunately, thanks to the professional training, Nanoha at least understood how much effort she needed to exert to defeat the enemy without harming herself, thus avoiding the suffering she endured in the original timeline.

Holding Rising Sun Heart, still in firing mode, in her right hand, and embracing the dazed Fate with her left arm, Nanoha manipulated the flight magic released from her feet, slowly approaching the ground.

"Teacher Lindy! Big Brother Luo Xia! Look, I won this time!"

Before her feet even touched the ground, Nanoha excitedly waved her Rising Sun Heart at Rorschach and Lindy, who were waiting for the two girls not far away, her joy overflowing.

"Well done, Nanoha has grown into a child who can stand on her own."

With practiced ease, Rorschach reached out and touched Nanoha's slightly upturned twin tails. With a smile, he waved his hand in front of Fate, who was in Nanoha's arms. The blonde girl, who had fallen into a state of confusion due to exhaustion, slowly opened her eyes.

"Nanoha... Lord Rorschach... Teacher Lindy... What's wrong with me...?"

"Hehehe, Fate-chan, I won today's match! Let's go to Midori-ya for cake later!"

Nanoha affectionately rubbed her smooth cheek against the still somewhat bewildered blonde girl, and excitedly suggested their next plans.

The blonde girl, who was still confused, visibly blushed under Nanoha's sudden attack. Her eyes, which had just come to their senses, began to look around shyly, but she didn't dare to look at Nanoha who was holding her. Her hands were nervously tucked into her chest, and she didn't know what to do. It was obvious who was the top and who was the bottom.

Unlike Fate, who was so shy she practically turned into a sauna, the carefree Nanoha didn't see anything wrong with her usual affectionate behavior. Instead, she excitedly looked up again and asked Lindy, who seemed a little absent-minded beside Rorschach:

"Ms. Lindy, Fate and I are going to my house for cake later. Would you like to come along?"

"Eh? Oh! Me...me? Hmm, okay, count me in too. I was just thinking of having a chat with Mrs. Takamachi."

Lindy, who was in a daze, didn't notice Nanoha's question at first. It wasn't until the girl called out loudly again that she belatedly came to her senses, nodded to cover up her confusion, and indicated that she could go eat with Nanoha.

"What about Brother Luo Xia? Do you want to come along?"

"Sure, I don't have any official business today."

Rorschach glanced at Lindy, whose expression was starting to drift off again, thought for a moment, and then agreed to Nanoha's request.

"That's great, Fate! It's rare for everyone to get together today. I'll call Mom right now and ask her to prepare a seat for us, along with some special pastries!"

Having received promises from her two elders, an excited Nanoha hugged the blonde girl in her arms and happily spun her around. Meanwhile, Rorschach, standing in front of her, was using telepathy to inquire about Lindy's condition.

"Ms. Harlowen, are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Lord Rorschach."

Forcing a bitter smile at the man beside her, Lindy lowered her head, hesitated for a moment, and then whispered:

"Lord Rorschach, is the matter of the Book of Darkness true?"

“I have no reason to deceive you. The Book of Darkness has indeed been reincarnated into this world. Admiral Gil Grimm probably knows more about this than I do, which is one of the reasons I am looking for him. In addition, the Book of Darkness is not the real name of that magical artifact. The Book of Night Sky is its true name, which is hidden in the corner of history.”

"The Book of Night Sky...?"

"Yes, the Book of Darkness is just a stigma given by later generations out of fear of that magic book. The Book of Night Sky is the real name of that book. The reason I am looking for this Book of Night Sky is to completely resolve the mess that your Time and Space Administration is about to create, so that your husband's tragedy will not be repeated."

Hearing Rorschach mention her deceased husband again, Lindy's expression darkened. However, as a professional soldier and archmage, her keen intuition allowed her to accurately grasp the key point in Rorschach's words:

"What do you mean by the mess that the Time and Space Administration is about to create?"

"Ah, about this, I have to bring up your old friend Gil Grimm again. But it would take a long time to explain all the good things he's done, so you'd better see for yourself what your good friend has been up to."

Upon hearing Lindy's question, Luo Xia rubbed the back of his head with a headache. Finding it troublesome, he finally chose to extend his right hand and point a finger at the green-haired beauty's forehead, where four sealing marks were embedded, and began to play the relevant information he knew in the other person's mind like a movie.

Instantly, countless fragments and images flashed through Lindy's mind. A massive amount of information and records were brutally crammed into her brain. The burden of receiving so much information in such a short time made her head throb, but Lindy remained silent, enduring it without even changing her expression. Because, in the scene before her, there were too many things that looked familiar to her.

Nanoha, Fate, Chrono, even herself, along with those strange girls who called themselves Bellka Knights and the child named 'Hyperwind Yagami'. Everything she saw was so real, so lifelike, as if it were a complete presentation of a possible future from another world right before her eyes.

But what surprised and bewildered her most was everything her old friend Gil Grimm had done.

He actually violated the laws of the Time and Space Administration Bureau, not only investigating the location of the Book of Darkness—no, the Book of Night Sky—but also secretly raising the current holder of the Book of Night Sky. In the end, he even sent his familiar to forcibly activate the management program of the Book of Night Sky, causing everything to fall into an irreversible state.

Although Admiral Grimm's motivation for doing all this was to completely destroy the Book of Night and prevent the tragedy of her deceased husband from repeating itself, it is an undeniable fact that she, as a high-ranking official of the Time and Space Administration, openly violated the Administration's laws.

Even though those things haven't happened yet, everything Admiral Grimm has done has clearly exceeded the limits of what Lindy can tolerate. Deceiving an innocent girl and using her health or even her life as a bargaining chip to solve problems makes the captain think of everything Rorschach told her some time ago.

Could it be that beneath the Bureau's glorious and imposing exterior lies a truly vile soul? If even a good person like Admiral Grimm can act so recklessly, who else in this world can she trust?

However, Lindy quickly recovered from her negative emotions and began to focus on other things, such as how Rorschach obtained those lifelike images.

As if sensing the meaning behind the captain's expression, Luo Xia answered the question before she could even ask it.

“You know, in those miscellaneous religions, the messengers of the gods often assume the role of ‘prophet.’ And I happen to be able to see things that others cannot. For example, certain possibilities in the future, or secrets that some people are trying their best to hide.”

Looking at the smiling man in front of her, Lindy had much more on her mind.

"Could it be that your ability to launch a silent surprise attack on Asura back then was also..."

"Ah, that's right. I knew you would appear a long time ago, so I deployed a large number of probes in the starry sky near Earth. Before you even arrived, my intelligence gathering center had already detected the energy fluctuations caused by time travel."

Without any psychological burden, Luo Xia spread his hands, his expression even showing a hint of smugness. Easily capturing a spaceship capable of time travel and equipped with terrifying weapons like the Rainbow Cannon was something even the wealthy Mr. Luo was quite satisfied with.

After all, who would complain about their faction's tech tree expanding with new branches? The Rainbow Cannon is a weapon even more terrifying than the Yamato Cannon; acquiring it is definitely worthwhile.

"I see, that's really...unfair."

"There is no such thing as absolute fairness in this world. If I hadn't appeared, could everything your Time and Space Administration did to Nanoha and Hayate have been fair? I never thought that you would still be so naive."

Listening to the shop manager's lukewarm rebuttal, Lindy remained silent for a moment, but finally showed a relieved smile.

"That's true, I was too rigid in my thinking."

"It's good that you understand now. In that case, let's cheer up and go get something to eat together."

"Ah."

Half an hour later, Nanoha, who had taken a bath at the Chaldea base to erase all traces of the battle, excitedly ran towards the other girls in front of her family's coffee shop with the blonde girl beside her, waving her little arm as she ran.

"Suzuka, Alisa, Alicia! Sorry, sorry, Fate and I were late because we had something to do. I hope you guys didn't have to wait too long."

"Really, Nanoha, it's impolite of you to make your guests wait as the host. But if Aunt Momoko is willing to bake me a special donut later, I can reluctantly forgive you."

"No problem, Elisa, leave this to me!"

Seeing a group of young girls chatting happily not far away, Luo Xia walked over to them with a smile, about to greet them, when suddenly his expression changed slightly and his gaze shifted to a similarly young girl nearby.

It was a young girl in a wheelchair, her short, ear-length hair adorned with hair clips giving her a vibrant look. If she were healthy, she would likely be a very lively and outgoing child. Sadly, however, this child was now sitting in a silver-white wheelchair, her clear, deep blue eyes staring with a troubled expression at the steps in front of her. Combined with her adorable little face, it was a sight that evoked a pang of heartache.

Hayate Yagami, a third-grade elementary school student, is currently in a dilemma. After school today, she heard from her classmates about a coffee shop called "Midori-ya" near the school. Everyone says that the desserts and drinks at that shop taste very authentic, and as a girl who has just reached the age of ten, Hayate is naturally very interested in these sweets.

So, after specifically inquiring about the location of 'Midori-ya', Hayate unusually didn't go straight home, but instead prepared to go to Midori-ya to have a taste.

However, when Gale was less than twenty meters away from the Green House, a new problem arose for the little girl.

It was a stone staircase, not high, just the height an ordinary person could easily step over. But for Gale, it was like an insurmountable chasm blocking his path to the Emerald House.

Looking at her legs, which she had been unable to move since she could remember, and then at the long queue that had begun to form spontaneously at the entrance of the 'Midori House', the girl named Hayate Yagami lowered her head with a somewhat gloomy expression, sighed quietly, and prepared to reverse her wheelchair and return the way she came to leave this place.

However, just as the girl's hand rested on the steel rim of her wheelchair, a gentle male voice suddenly sounded behind her.

"Do you need any help, little girl?"

"Uh, I..."

The sudden voice startled Hayate Yagami for a moment. Before she could react, a deliberately adjusted force surged from behind, gently lifting the girl's wheelchair onto the steps. At the same time, the same gentle voice rang in her ears once more.

“I’m sorry, I noticed you were staring at the coffee shop next door, so I took the liberty of making the decision. If you don’t want to go there, I can send you back where you are.”

"No, no need, that's exactly where I want to go. Thank you, kind big brother."

After a while, Hayate Yagami finally came to her senses and politely thanked the kind person behind her. As she spoke, she tried her best to turn her body to see who had helped her.

Standing around 1.8 meters tall, with a strong yet not bulky physique, and a pair of eyes gazing at him with gentle eyes beneath a neat head of short hair. Handsome and well-dressed, the man before him exuded a strangely captivating aura, causing Yagami Hayate, who rarely interacted with women due to his physical condition, to unconsciously blush. The words he had prepared began to stammer.

"That's fine. I can go to the coffee shop by myself. Thank you, thank you for your help."

After thanking him, Hayate Yagami, her face flushed, quickly turned around, her small hands ready to push her wheelchair away from the man who had made her feel somewhat strange. Unfortunately, before she could even reach out, that familiar force reappeared, pushing the somewhat flustered Hayate Yagami slowly towards Midori-ya.

"Hehe, no need to be so polite, it's just a small favor. My sisters are going to have something to eat at Cuiwu, so I'll give you a ride along the way."

"Yes, really... Well then, I'll have to trouble you, big brother. Oh, right, my name is Yagami Hayate, what's your name, big brother?"

Having recovered from the initial tension, Hayate Yagami, who was being pushed around in a wheelchair by the man, suddenly had a thought and, unusually, took the initiative to ask the stranger's name.

"Me? Little Gale, you can just call me Rorschach. That's what my sisters call me."

Rorschach...

As the coffee shop drew closer, the girl in the wheelchair kept the kind person who had helped her firmly in her heart.

P.S.: Black Myth: Wukong looks pretty good. If the quality is good after the official release, I'll buy a copy to support domestic products.

Chapter 318 Hayate Yagami's New Friends

Chapter 318 Hayate Yagami's New Friends

"Is this Little Gale's home? Hmm, it looks... like a very homey place?"

Lowering the handle of her wheelchair, Luo Xia looked around the two-story house with interest. For an orphan girl, this house was indeed sufficient. In some ways, it was even a bit too big, which might create a sense of loneliness and discomfort.

After all, facing an empty house every day after school can be uncomfortable over time. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why Hayate later developed such a fondness for the Four Horsemen. Only those who have truly lost something truly understand the importance of family and companionship for a child.

"The furnishings are a bit simple, I hope you won't mind, Brother Luo Xia."

"No, no, it looks very clean and tidy. Little Gale must be very enthusiastic about doing housework. By the way, where is the kitchen? I need to put these vegetables away properly."

Slowly pushing open the door to the Gale House, Luo Xia looked around the room while deftly taking the various vegetables and meats he had bought on his way home from the girl, preparing to put them in the kitchen.

"The kitchen is in that direction. Brother Luo Xia, can you take me there? Some things have special storage locations."

"it is good."

After spending a few minutes helping Jifeng sort and put away the vegetables, fruits, and meats they had bought, the two of them brewed a pot of light tea and rested on the sofa in the center of the living room.

With a gentle exhale of air still carrying a faint aroma of tea, Yagami Hayate put down his teacup and smiled as he looked at the man opposite him who was carefully savoring his tea with his eyes slightly closed.

The girl made no attempt to conceal her gaze, which was naturally caught by the man with his keen senses.

However, Luo Xia wasn't one of those naive young boys who would blush and have their heart race at the slightest glance from a girl. As a seasoned man who had seen it all, Boss Luo not only didn't shy away, but leisurely put down his teacup and looked back with a smile.

"What's wrong? Is there something I've done wrong, little one?"

"No, no, it's nothing. It's just..."

The young girl, slightly embarrassed by the man's gaze, clutched the half-empty cup of tea in her hand and said somewhat shyly.

"I never imagined that these teacups I prepared in advance would ever be used. My feelings are... a bit complicated."

Hearing Jifeng's words, which were tinged with joy, Luo Xia's smile gradually faded, and his gaze toward the girl became filled with tenderness.

Perhaps most people wouldn't understand the hidden meaning in the girl's words, but Luo Xia, who happened to know about her background, understood perfectly what the girl was really thinking.

As a girl born with paralyzed legs who cannot walk, a gentle girl who has lost both parents, the word "friend" is a very sensitive topic. Perhaps her classmates and teachers at school will take the initiative to care for her, look after her, and provide her with certain conveniences, but those people are not Hayate Yagami's friends.

Not to mention, as a traditional skill in a high-pressure society like Japan, discrimination against the weak is deeply rooted in the darkest corners of most people's hearts. Perhaps just a casual glance is enough for this girl to understand the other person's true thoughts.

Fortunately, Hayate Yagami is a child who is gentle on the outside but strong on the inside. Having survived independently until now, she is immune to and can ignore those malicious looks and cold words. But this does not mean that this young girl does not yearn for her own family and for friendship.

Thinking this, Luo Xia concealed the pity in his eyes, for that would be disrespectful to the child before him, and once again showed a gentle smile on his face.

“Perhaps these were just spares before, but these teacups will come in handy from now on. As you’ve seen before, my sisters recently moved to Haiming City from another place, and it’s time for them to make new friends. Although I haven’t known you, Jifeng, for long, I can tell you’re a good kid, so it’s a good opportunity for you to get to know them better.”

"Fate and Nanoha, right? They are all very warm and kind people."

Hearing Rorschach's words, Hayate Yagami smiled. Not long ago, Rorschach had pushed her to the café "Midori-ya," where she was welcomed by a group of girls led by Nanoha. Facing this stranger they were meeting for the first time, the girls didn't focus excessively on her imperfect lower body; instead, they warmly welcomed her to their party, and after the lively gathering, they offered to have Rorschach escort Hayate home.

This rare experience filled Hayate Yagami with affection for these girls he was meeting for the first time. It was as if he had drunk a cup of perfectly warm milk tea on a cold winter's day—sweet, comforting, and unforgettable.