In an instant, Ada became dazed, as if she had returned to the time on the train, because she had thought the same way back then. But… such a simple wish, yet it was somewhat out of reach.
Ada gave a self-deprecating smile without leaving a trace, but quickly recovered her smile. She pinched Aiden's palm and said, "Where in Country Z is your home? How's the scenery? Is there a sea nearby?"
Hearing these few questions, Aiden honestly answered, "The scenery is picturesque, but there's no sea."
"No sea, huh, that's okay too. As long as there's beautiful scenery." Ada said.
Then she continued to ask some things about Aiden's family, like what his parents' personalities were like, what hobbies they had, what kind of girls they liked…
These questions made Aiden feel more and more off the mark the more he thought about it. How come it sounded like preparation for meeting the parents?
Although this would be normal between two people who liked each other, but… was Ada an ordinary woman?
Aiden couldn't quite figure it out, but still answered Ada's questions. At the same time, he was also thinking in his heart that next time, he needed to ask the system how to bring story characters into the real world.
Just like that, one person asking questions, one person answering, soon, they walked out of Roanapur and arrived at the pier Aiden had once been to.
This pier was just a relatively ordinary pier in Roanapur. Usually there weren't many people during the day, and it was even quieter at night.
Under the moonlight, the two of them sat on a long bench, quietly listening to the sound of waves hitting the shore.
No one knew how much time passed. The two suddenly turned to face each other as if by telepathy, and then kissed.
When they returned to their residence, it was already midnight.
And at this hour, Koko and Roberta actually hadn't gone to sleep yet, only Valmet had gone to rest.
Seeing the two return, Roberta suddenly let out a sigh of relief, while Koko looked at the two of them curiously, then said something shocking, "I thought you two weren't coming back tonight. Or rather, have you already finished your business?"
"Don't think nonsense." Aiden gave her a glance and said, "We were just normally strolling around."
"Just strolling? I don't believe it." Koko clearly didn't believe it. She glanced at Ada and shook her head vigorously.
"If you don't believe it, then whatever." Aiden shrugged, sat on the sofa, took the tea Roberta handed over, and lit a cigarette.
Ada walked over to Koko, pushing her toward the room.
But Koko still said with her mouth, "While you were 'strolling,' didn't anything happen? Also, what's it like to stroll with a man?"
"If you want to know, first go find a man you like." Ada forcefully pushed Koko into the bedroom, then slammed the door shut.
Looking at the living room with only herself and Aiden left, Roberta walked over to Aiden and asked, "Aiden, are you going to rest now?"
"In a while." Aiden said, "Oh, right, later could you grab a blanket from my bedroom? I'll lay out a bed on the floor."
"You can sleep on the sofa, just like in the afternoon." Roberta said, "I don't mind."
———
In the following days, Aiden lived very comfortably. Each day, aside from cooking, he just accompanied Ada and the others to stroll around.
Yes, "the others," including Koko and Roberta, and even Revy, who came to drink with Aiden.
It's just that their purposes were all different. Koko took the chance while shopping to dig out more of his preferences, while throwing out countless benefits to tempt him.
Revy simply came to drink. Of course, each time she got drunk and stayed over at his place for the night.
As for Roberta, she just bought clothes and had him come as a reference.
But Aiden's fashion sense wasn't great, and he accidentally said that maid outfits looked pretty good, so Roberta ended up buying several sets of different styles of maid outfits.
But such leisurely days didn't last long. As Roanapur slowly came back to life, things started piling up.
First was the Black Lagoon office. They took on many commissions, most of them from Hotel Moscow.
Then Koko, after learning that Hotel Moscow and the Triad urgently needed a batch of replenished arms, went to talk business with them herself, then said goodbye to Aiden and Ada, heading to Europe.
As for Roberta and the others, they started preparing to leave, since Hotel Moscow had finally cleared their hands and arranged everything for their return home.
A few days later, after sending off the reluctant Garcia and Roberta, Ada also received a recall order from HCLI headquarters.
The night before Ada left, the two found a quiet place, drank wine, and chatted about various things.
Then, the night passed without a word…
When Aiden woke up the next day, Ada had already left, leaving only a lingering fragrance on the pillow.
Feeling a bit melancholic, he sat dazed for a while, then tidied up briefly and prepared to return to the rented room.
However, before returning, Aiden first called Balalaika to say goodbye, then went to the Black Lagoon office to say farewell to Revy and the others.
After all, the plot of the first Black Lagoon season had ended. He should soon be able to return to reality.
But he had bad timing, the office was empty, probably still out working.
"That's fine. Farewells are always sad. It's better to just leave like this." Aiden sighed, then returned to the rented room.
In the room, Aiden organized the items in the system space, tossing out things he could buy in the real world and didn't need for now, and packed up the leftover guns and ammo.
After finishing everything, Aiden called out to the system.
[My respected host, may I ask what you need?] the system's emotionless but polite voice rang in Aiden's mind.
"Of course, to send me back." Aiden said as if it were obvious.
[Now?] The system asked, [I thought since you've been enjoying yourself these past few days, you'd want to stay a bit longer.]
"What do you mean?" Aiden was confused, "Besides, they've all left, and the plot has ended."
[No, it hasn't ended yet, because a new plot is about to begin.] The system said. [Of course, everything is up to the host. If you want to go back now, you can.]
"Wait… a new plot?" Aiden was stunned, "Is it Resident Evil series? Or the continuation of Black Lagoon? Or maybe Jormungand?"
[Sorry, this system can only tell the host that the next plot takes place in South America. As for what will happen, please experience it yourself. Due to your involvement, the plot in this world has already undergone various changes.]
"South America? Don't tell me…" Hearing the location, Aiden was surprised again: "Don't tell me it's Operation Javier? No, the Black Lagoon characters are still here, maybe it's about Garcia and Roberta… Damn, this is really hard to guess. Could it be another crossover plot?"
[Please experience it yourself.] The system still gave the same response.
"Alright then." Aiden curled his lips.
[So, now, may I ask if the host will return to reality or stay in the current world?] The system asked.
Aiden thought for a moment, then said very firmly, "I'll stay."
Since he wasn't leaving for now, Aiden gave up the idea of moving out, even though he didn't care about the rent. Afterward, he went outside and used a public phone to call Balalaika's office.
"Hello, is this Balalaika?"
"It's me, Aiden. What's up?" Balalaika asked. "Don't tell me a verbal farewell wasn't sincere enough and you want to treat me to a meal?"
"Hey hey, even if someone's treating someone to a meal, it should be you treating me! I'm the one who's leaving," Aiden said irritably.
"That works too. You pick the place, or we can find a place to drink. The Yellow Flag Bar has reopened. We can have a good drink there." Balalaika chuckled.
"Anywhere is fine, I'm not picky… Wait, why am I discussing this with you?" Aiden smacked his forehead, he'd been led off-topic again by Balalaika.
"It's like this, Balalaika, I need to trouble you with something." Aiden refocused.
"Go ahead, as long as it's not borrowing money, I can do anything." Balalaika rested her chin in her hand, speaking casually.
"I need a… uh, a ship to South America." Aiden said.
Originally, he wanted to ask for a plane ticket, but he didn't have a legal identity in this world, and with what had happened in Roanapur, he didn't want to be targeted by the U.S. the moment he boarded a plane, so he changed it to a ship.
"Oh. Going to find that maid? She hasn't been gone a few days and you're already missing her?" Balalaika paused, then narrowed her eyes.
"Uh, not like that." Aiden was speechless and explained, "Just want to go travel over there."
"Really? Just traveling? Alright then." Balalaika didn't ask more and waved for her adjutant.
"Check for the next ship heading to South America."
"Yes, Captain." The adjutant saluted and left the office.
A few minutes later, the adjutant returned. "Captain, the only ship heading to South America recently is a cargo ship, departing in about five days."
"Thanks." Balalaika nodded, then relayed the info to Aiden over the phone.
"Five days later, huh?" Aiden scratched his head. Looks like he had to stay in Roanapur for a few more days.
Then he said, "Alright then, thanks, Balalaika."
"You're welcome." Balalaika smiled with narrowed eyes.
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