Chapter Fifty-Four: Fortune and Misfortune

Afterward, Furina continued to discuss the matter of the Servant with Neuvillette, and through their conversation, she gradually began to understand the Servant’s current mindset. Lu Mingfei could punish her, but when he used the Dream Tapir, it wasn’t a direct attack on the Servant. The process had to go through her—using her dream as the foundation, the Dream Tapir would be activated, and the attack would pass through her as a conduit, allowing for a second-stage strike against the Servant under the guidance of Divine Furina.

In other words, whenever Lu Mingfei used the Dream Tapir, she herself would inevitably fall into a dream, and so would the Servant.

Would this really be all right?

Back in her bedroom, Furina sat on a chair, propping her chin with one hand as she fell into deep thought.

If the core of this situation were dramatic, perhaps such developments could be accepted. But all of this was predicated on nothing going wrong!

The Servant was no ordinary foe. Given her understanding of me and her ability to anticipate my actions, she would surely consider the possibility that I might attempt a counterattack through sleep. If she were to have her subordinates launch a surprise assault during this period, the consequences for both myself and the people of Fontaine would be grave.

As the vessel of the Dream Tapir, if I sleep, I truly sleep. Should I be attacked or harmed, the people of Fontaine might begin to doubt my power and abilities. If she seizes upon this moment, then...

Should I ask Neuvillette to make preparations for my protection?

That’s not ideal, either. As the Hydro Archon of Fontaine, if I need someone else to protect me during a judgment, and if the attack happens through an unseen dream, even if I win, the people might think it was just an act. But if from the beginning it’s regarded as a performance... that doesn’t seem right, either.

“Ah, what a hassle!”

Furina groaned in frustration, clutching her head. Among the available options, nearly all carried risks, the only difference being the nature of those risks.

Isn’t it perfectly normal for there to be no absolutely safe choice? Things were always like this before, yet now, I can’t make my decision in silence as I once did. I feel restless, I want to seek his help, instead of bearing everything alone on my own strength.

Perhaps I truly have changed.

“Sigh~”

Furina flung herself onto the bed, burying her face deep in the covers. In that moment, she suddenly missed the feeling of being embraced in her dreams. It was far warmer and more comforting than hugging a blanket—something no object could replace.

Lu Mingfei... Lu Mingfei...

Once again, the face of the gentle youth appeared in her mind, his cheerful smile warming her heart, and her thoughts began to shift.

Ah, forget it!

Since I’m going to rely on his strength anyway, speaking a bit more, seeking a bit more help—it shouldn’t be a problem, should it? He... he probably wouldn’t mind, right?

After all, I’ve never really helped him in any meaningful way—at most, just exchanged a few words. Why is he still so willing to be good to me? Is it only because I brought about a change in him?

Perhaps.

But I know very well that my help isn’t crucial for him. His own potential is strong enough—that’s why he could improve so quickly in such a short time.

If it hadn’t been me, if someone else had inspired his change, he might have risen just as swiftly, becoming stronger in ways others couldn’t hope to match.

How fortunate for me...

...

In the classroom, Su Xiaoqiang’s gaze repeatedly and unconsciously drifted toward Lu Mingfei, the hint of a genuine smile on the boy’s face leaving her somewhat mesmerized.

So, after class, she approached his desk and asked, “Hey, what’s up? You seem so happy today. Did you win the lottery or something?”

“I did, actually. I hit the jackpot,” Lu Mingfei replied with a grin.

“How much did you win?” Su Xiaoqiang asked, curiosity piqued. She thought to herself: He usually doesn’t buy lottery tickets. Did he really get lucky? He doesn’t look like the type.

“I won a wife.”

“Huh?” Su Xiaoqiang stared, baffled. How could you win a wife in a lottery? But she quickly realized—he must mean he drew a character in a gacha game, and since it’s one of those anime games, getting a “wife” would make him happy.

Once she understood, she scoffed, “What’s there to be happy about? Do you even have a girlfriend? If you graduate high school without a girlfriend, your life is already on the road to failure.”

As she spoke, her ears reddened and her heart beat a little faster, but she forced herself to maintain the attitude of a good buddy. “Little Lu, take my advice—look at the people around you. While you’re still in school, find a friend. Otherwise, once you get to college, it’ll be much harder to find a girl like those in high school.”

“Well said!” Lu Mingfei nodded approvingly, the image of Furina floating into his mind. It was only because of her that he had become who he was now. Otherwise, he’d probably still be just another invisible face in the class, silently pining after Chen Wenwen like a clown.

Unfortunately, she’s not in this world.

After a brief moment of regret, he pressed his lips together, remembering that first gentle touch—a softness he would never forget in this life.

“I’m not in a hurry. But what about you? Is there someone you like? Want me to help you out?” Lu Mingfei said with another smile.

“Who I like... Don’t you know already?” Su Xiaoqiang clenched her fists, still emboldened by love. The proud little goddess would never give up easily—if she wanted something, she was determined to get it.

“Oh, I get it!” Lu Mingfei exclaimed, as if suddenly enlightened.

“You really do?” Su Xiaoqiang relaxed her fists ever so slightly, her heart beginning to race, fingers trembling as if ants were crawling under her skin.

“Of course. Isn’t it Zhao Menghua? Everyone in class knows,” Lu Mingfei said matter-of-factly.

The little goddess was instantly stunned.

“Sigh~” Lu Mingfei heaved a sigh, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “You can’t always know what someone’s like inside. Liking someone like Zhao Menghua isn’t your fault—you just wanted a little competition with Chen Wenwen. We’re friends, I get it. You’ll meet someone better.”

“...Okay.” Su Xiaoqiang was silent for a long time before she finally managed to squeeze out a word. For the first time in ages, her fist tightened again, even more so than when she’d been flustered earlier.

“I know you’re upset. It’s all right, it’s not your fault. Everyone misjudges people sometimes. I didn’t expect him to be that sort, either. Really lacking in character! Making our little goddess so angry—look at your fist, so tight it looks like you could hit someone.”

“If Zhao Menghua were still in school, you’d probably drag him out for a beating right now. Lucky for him he ran fast—otherwise, he’d have a hard time ahead!”

“Heh... yeah.” Su Xiaoqiang forced a stiff smile in reply.