Chapter 164
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Chapter 164: You’re Next
The inn recommended by Will and his companions was conveniently located near the guild, merely four hundred meters away.
It was a modest two-story establishment owned by a middle-aged man, with his daughter assisting at the reception desk, handling guest services and registrations.
The three youths appeared quite familiar with the proprietor, exchanging lighthearted banter and laughter.
"So, two double rooms in total, correct?"
"Exactly! Ah, before I forget—what’s on the menu for dinner tonight?"
"Our ingredients are running low… How about noodles?"
"What does Sister Army Lady prefer?"
"Noodles would be perfect."
In fact, noodles were precisely what I craved!
After days of consuming nothing but meat—whether raw or cooked—the monotony had grown tiresome.
I joined the trio in savoring several steaming bowls of noodles, which turned out to be unexpectedly delicious.
The meal concluded with three generous portions, costing a single small silver coin.
Following a quick wash-up, we retired to our respective rooms.
One had to admit—though compact, the inn lived up to its reputation. The beds were remarkably plush!
How vexing—I longed to sink into that softness for a proper rest.
Yet, the body needed to be returned to Army Lady… Moreover, spending an entire night away from my true form left me vaguely unsettled.
My daughters would fret as well.
I’d also made a promise to Red Pupil: to relinquish possession of Army Lady’s form before sleeping each night.
…
The following morning.
My eyes opened to the familiar sight of a slightly aged, crumbling ceiling.
"Good morning, Mother."
"Good morning."
Perhaps someday I could hire the town’s builders to renovate this castle?
And this wretchedly firm wooden bed!
Today—without fail—it would be replaced!
As these thoughts crossed my mind, something warm and soft nestled against me.
"Mother’s possession seems to have gone smoothly these past few days."
Red Pupil embraced Lin Yu’s right arm.
"It’s time for your daughter to resume hunting."
"Setting out already?"
"Does Mama not want me to leave?"
"Mmm…"
Just… just a little reluctant…
Besides, when I was possessing another body, my original form was being cared for by Red Pupil.
Now that Stealth One has gone to town with Army Lady, if Red Pupil leaves too… in the castle, apart from the newly born daughters, the only remaining senior high-potential daughter would be… Lvzi.
Just as this thought crossed my mind, a rustling sound came from the window.
Turning to look:
A green ant hopped onto the windowsill, then leaped down into the bedroom.
"M-mama… ehehe… g-good morning…"
The green ant greeted while drooling.
Ah… something unclean has invaded our intimate space…
It’s an ant monster~ Save me~
Just joking! The scene does look like a monster suddenly barging in to devour the two "human race" members on the bed.
But speaking of which, isn’t Lvzi next in line to receive the "Shapeshifting" skill?
"Good morning, little sister Lvzi."
Red Pupil greeted the green ant.
"It’s so nice… sister gets to sleep with Mama every day."
The green ant panted heavily while inching closer to the bed.
"If Mama agrees, you could too, little sister."
"R-really?… That’s… that’s wonderful!"
Upon reaching a certain distance, Lvzi suddenly pounced toward the bed. Her abrupt movement startled not only Lin Yu but even caught Red Pupil off guard.
The giant ant is attacking!
Eh! Why?!
Wasn’t she supposed to be unable to approach me?
In an instant, the green ant landed on the white-haired girl.
The moment she made contact:
"I… I touched her… haah!"
Before Lvzi could do anything else, the ant’s head lolled to one side as she lost consciousness.
…
Whew…
That scared me to death! What was that sudden move about?
But I remember she used to faint when getting within about one meter of me… and now… she can actually reach me?!
Although she fainted again the moment she touched me…
She’s genuinely adapting bit by bit…
Eww… that gave me goosebumps.
If a giant drooling ant kept pouncing on me with that devouring look several times a day, I’d definitely have nightmares at night.
"Gross…"
Lin Yu carefully moved the slobbering green ant aside with her fingertips.
Not just the bed, but both her clothes and Red Pupil’s nearby were dotted with Lvzi’s saliva.
She tentatively sniffed the saliva-stained fabric.
The absence of any foul odor made Lin Yu exhale in relief.
Though…
Was it her imagination, or was there actually a faint, pleasant scent?
"Sister Army Lady should be awake by now. Isn’t Mother supposed to possess her? Let’s finish breakfast quickly – I’ll take care of disciplining little Lvzi."
The young girl spoke softly while stroking the unconscious Lvzi’s head, smiling at Lin Yu.
Though her expression showed no anger…
Lin Yu’s eyes flickered to the child – who appeared to be even more drenched in saliva than herself.
…
Red Pupil carried Lvzi out of the bedroom.
Following Red Pupil’s suggestion, Lin Yu retrieved some raw Class A Monster meat from the dimensional storage and ate just enough to satisfy her hunger.
She settled back onto the bed.
Then shifted her consciousness into Army Lady.
"Mother, you’ve finally come…"
"What happened?"
"Sally woke up half an hour ago to rouse us. I was conscious but couldn’t respond."
Naturally, since she couldn’t speak the human race’s language…
"Mmm."
The "Proficient in all Languages" skill… that’s another ability she should bestow soon.
She couldn’t shake the guilt of letting Army Lady be mistaken for a sleepyhead.
After rising, she washed up, dressed, and descended the stairs.
"Ah! Sister Army Lady, over here!"
In the first-floor dining nook, three youths called out eagerly upon spotting the golden-haired girl on the staircase.
So they hadn’t left…
Were they waiting for her?
"Good morning, Sister Army Lady."
"Morning."
"Shall we have breakfast at the inn?"
"Hmm… what’s available outside?"
"There’s heaps of street food! We haven’t eaten either – shall we explore together?"
"Alright."
Thus she accompanied the trio outside.
Having stayed in town for some time, they navigated the streets with practiced ease.
As the lively chatter of her companions filled the air, they sampled various breakfast stalls until Lin Yu’s gaze caught on a particular storefront.
A furniture shop!
Exquisitely carved wooden tables and chairs flanked the entrance, with glimpses of other furnishings inside – including several wooden beds.
The spacious kind meant for multiple sleepers!
And… unless her eyes deceived her, weren’t those mattresses and pillows behind the beds?