Bang!
Amber watched as Hera stormed back into her room, slamming the door shut with a loud crash. Standing outside, her expression remained unchanged, except for a slight delayed tilt of her head.
Lord Otto is angry again—or at least, that's the impression he's giving, but Amber could see through it instantly.
Maybe it's part of some important plan. Likely, it's too high-level, involving secrets so deep even Amber isn't privy to them.
But that doesn't matter to Amber. She only needed to follow Lord Otto's commands.
Like a doll, her existence's sole purpose was to act upon Otto's will.
...
"Lady Ana Schariac and the pseudo-Herrscher body are of great importance. To avoid complications, we would need Lady Durandal to personally escort them."
"Understood, leave it to me!"
"Regarding Lady Theresa, due to various reasons, it might not be convenient for her to handle things alone. So, for the time being, please oversee the reconstruction work of the Far East Branch, Rita."
"Rita understands."
"Also, the ban on Welt's ideology was lifted yesterday by the Archbishop's orders."
"What? Isn't that..."
"Lord Otto has his own reasons. We only need to follow orders."
"As you say."
"Next, regarding the supply chain and media direction for the aftermath, my plan is—"
One projection screen after another opened and closed as Amber processed a continuous stream of video calls and electronic documents. From sunrise to sunset, she didn't leave her desk even once.
When the last task was finally arranged, the lights in the office had already turned on. Amber raised her head, adjusted the golden eyepatch on her face, her sharp chin delicate as a painting, her skin white as snow.
Then, she glanced at the time displayed on the eyepatch's electronic window and pursed her lips.
"I must hurry and bring Lord Otto his refreshments."
Her voice was as cold as usual, speaking softly to herself.
Amber stood up, left the office, and headed toward Otto's private kitchen.
She washed her hands, boiled water, cleaned the cups, brewed tea, and then took out pre-baked snacks from a warming unit.
"Today, we'll have to use the pre-prepared snacks," she murmured. "I hope Lord Otto won't mind."
Carrying the large tray filled with refreshments, Amber walked through the long corridors and entered Otto's room.
"Lord... Hera, here is your tea. Today we have Darjeeling, paired with milk almond cookies."
"Oh! That sounds lovely... wait a bit, I'm about to break my high score!"
Fingers moving rapidly over the tablet, clutching a soft yellow pillow in her arms, Hera was curled up on the sofa, her face alight with excitement as she focused on her game.
'Using body No. 0475 again?' Amber thought as she placed the tray down, setting the tea and snacks in place.
0475—that was the identification number for the body Otto was using under the codename "Hera."
Lately, Otto had grown more and more accustomed to using this body. Even within headquarters, his original male form spent more time soaking in nutrient tanks than outside. Aside from necessary appearances, it had become rare for Amber to see Otto in his original, handsome male form.
It wasn't because Otto had any particular preference, but because the 0475 body, which contained both Schariac and Kaslana bloodlines, had undergone the fusion warrior experiment. It was the strongest and most aesthetically appealing body Otto had, simply making it more convenient to use.
To this, Amber had only one thing to say:
"Lady Hera, due to excessive expenditure, for the sake of Schicksal's financial stability, I suggest... we reduce unnecessary costs, such as the unconditional support of certain gaming companies."
"—Ahem! Let's have tea first. It's after hours, business matters can wait."
Hera quickly closed the game on her tablet, threw the pillow aside, and sat up primly, assuming a ladylike posture, ready to be served. She blinked her eyes, her cherry-pink lips glistening under the light with an irresistibly delicate allure.
The light reflected off Amber's eyepatch, but she said nothing. She quietly poured the tea.
Hera elegantly began to enjoy Amber's refreshments.
At first glance, the scene was that of a spoiled little princess being served by a tall, cool maid—a picture of beauty and harmony, something worthy of an artist's brush to capture and preserve for future generations to admire.
...
"Then, I shall take my leave. Please rest well."
Half an hour later, Amber stood at the door, holding the tray. On it were the empty tea set and plates, along with Hera's gaming tablet.
"My game, I—"
"Goodnight, Lady Hera."
Despite the eager look in Hera's eyes, Amber, her expression unchanging beneath her golden eyepatch, gently closed the door.
"Phew..."
Standing outside, Amber let out a soft breath, finally feeling like her day was coming to an end.
"So, why not just jump ship and work for me? Whatever he's paying you, I'll offer ten times more."
The gaming tablet on the tray suddenly lit up, displaying the stern face of a silver-haired, blue-eyed man.
Amber was startled.
Though her face showed no reaction and the tray remained steady in her hands, she was indeed caught off guard.
"Lord Sigurd, when did you—"
"When she started playing her game. I've been here, discussing things with her the whole time. From beginning to end, I was here."
"Did I disturb the two of you?"
"Not at all. Let's get to the point. Are you really not considering switching sides? I need someone like you."
Sigurd emphasized his request. One Amber was worth more than Cocolia, Bronya, and Raiden Mei combined when it came to efficiency—both in handling information and managing day-to-day affairs.
Amber shook her head, her cherry lips parting as she respectfully answered:
"I am flattered by Lord Sigurd's offer, but I must decline."
"Ugh! Still as stubborn as ever, sticking with that guy no matter what. Fine, have it your way."
The screen went dark.
Amber stood still, thinking for a moment. She carefully flipped the tablet over, covered it with a cloth, and made sure both front and rear cameras were entirely blocked.
Only then did she breathe another sigh of relief.
She wasn't sure when it started, but Schicksal's system now seemed like an open garden—Sigurd could enter and leave freely whenever he pleased.
Maybe he had always had this ability, just being more restrained earlier out of respect for Otto's position. Now, however, even if Sigurd tore apart the Sky Base, Lord Otto would probably just clap and say, "Well done."
Amber was lost in thought for a moment.
Once, she would never have believed there could be anyone in the world capable of making Otto compromise like this. But now, that person had appeared.
Shaking her head, she carried the tray and walked to the end of the corridor, disappearing around the corner.
<+>
Tn: If you want to see more chapter of this story, please go to my Patreon[1], just for $5 each month, you can read till the latest chapter.
Latest Chapter in Patreon: Chapter 284: The Herrscher… is Me!?[2]
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