Abyssal Chronicles

Chapter 493 - 494: The Family’s Mask [1/2]

"Hey, hey! What is this book?!"

Imagining the hentai scenes that might appear in the book, Yumo’s face turned slightly red. She stared at the foxy lady in front of her with a somewhat angry expression.

At this moment,

The serious image that Noya had just established in Yumo’s mind instantly collapsed, replaced by an impression of being not to be taken seriously...

Who gives an adult book to someone they’ve just met? How could that be reliable?

’Is she a hidden master or just some pervy old writer? ’

’What is she thinking?!’

’Wait a second... ’

’Could it be? ’

In a flash, a strange thought popped into Yumo’s mind.

’Does this foxy shopkeeper think I’m the kind of person who’d be interested in these kinds of books? Or did I give her the impression that I like such material? ’

’Is that why she recommended it to me? ’

Thinking of this, Yumo’s face showed some struggle, and her eyebrows twitched involuntarily. Considering people often say she looks like a dangerous, beautiful but thorny rose, Yumo felt her guess might not be wrong.

’Ugh... ’

’This dark and eerie aura is not what I want... ’

The black-haired girl couldn’t help but complain inwardly.

After taking a few glances at the R18 books Noya handed her, Yumo bit her pink lips.

However,

’This book... seems... ’

Although she acted resistant on the surface to save face, her small hand couldn’t help but accept the two 18+ books Noya handed over.

"Fine, since it’s a gift, it would be rude not to accept it."

"Oh, ho~"

Seeing this, Noya’s face showed a playful smile. As if thinking of something interesting, the fox lady even moved closer to Yumo.

"Miss Yu, you’re so beautiful~. If you want to practice what you read, you can come play with me~, I’d be happy to~."

Saying this,

Noya seductively lowered her neckline, revealing her tempting cleavage partially to Yumo. At the same time, the fox lady stealthily lifted her long skirt, unabashedly exposing her smooth, round, and beautiful legs, even giving a glimpse of her black underwear.

It must be said,

The fox lady’s actions were bold and seductive.

"Don’t be fooled by my appearance; I have quite a bit of experience in this area. If you want, Miss Yu, I could even offer some guidance~. Or do you want me to give a live lesson right now~?"

"..."

Hearing this and seeing Noya’s seductive actions, Yumo’s eyebrows twitched.

At this moment,

Yumo realized that compared to the silver-haired girl who occasionally acted coyly in front of her, this fox lady was blatantly provocative...

After a moment of astonishment, looking at the hand that was trying to touch her face, Yumo’s eyes narrowed slightly, a cold red light appearing in them. The girl’s gaze was like a sharp sword, cutting directly at Noya without any courtesy.

"Cut it out!"

Yumo’s glare stops Noya in her tracks.

For a moment, Noya feels that if she actually touched Yumo’s face, her hand might get crushed on the spot.

’Oopsi~’

’Guess she’s not in the mood for jokes.’

Seeing Yumo’s irritation, Noya wisely gives up on the teasing, pulls her hand back, and lets her skirt fall back into place, covering her eye-catching legs.

"My bad, just kidding. Don’t take it so seriously, Miss Yu."

Noya’s eyes flash a mysterious smile as she goes back to her professional face.

But,

That smile also seems to say something more.

"Oh, by the way, Miss Yu, here’s another book for you."

"Another one?"

"Yes, but this one’s a serious book."

"A serious book?"

"Yes, it’s a lesser-known novel. But I find it interesting and thought you might like it."

Saying so,

Noya snaps her fingers. A red and black book floats down from a shelf far away, enveloped in platinum magic, and lands in Noya’s hands.

"This is the one. It’s not popular, but I have a feeling you’ll like it."

"What is it?"

Taking the book from Noya, Yumo frowns as she reads the title.

"[Family Masquerade]..."

It doesn’t seem like an erotic novel.

But,

’The title?’

Makes her uncomfortable for some reason.

"What’s it about?"

"Well, the first half is about the main character working hard towards his dreams, but the more he tries, the further he gets from them. Eventually, he finds out the reason he’s failing is..."

"The reason?"

"Turns out, the family he loves so much is actually the reason he keeps failing. Quite sad, really."

"..."

...

---

Minutes fly by.

After storing all the rare materials she needs in her storage ring, Yumo quickly leaves the somewhat odd magic bookshop. Only after watching Yumo leave does Reina finally relax.

Taking a few deep breaths, the blue-haired girl looks at Noya, who’s still striking poses, and scolds her.

"Mom, you went too far. You know your aura can easily tick people off. Teasing her like that... Even if you’re strong, you’re not a match for someone like her! She’s at goddess-level monster."

"Sigh."

Feeling guilty, Noya smiles at her daughter’s concerns and gives her cheek a little squeeze.

"Sorry, Reina, didn’t mean to worry you. But really, there’s no need to be so tense. Even if she gets mad, she won’t do anything to me."

’At most, I’d just get a broken arm ’ Noya adds silently in her mind

Hearing this, Reina frowns, puzzled.

"How do you know she won’t do anything? She’s... like, a super-powerful being!"

"The goddess told me."

"The goddess?"

"Yep, the goddess said that even though Yumo seems a bit dark, she’s actually a pretty good person. So there’s no need to be too scared when dealing with her. As long as I don’t show hostility, she won’t harm me."

"Okay, if the goddess says so."

Reina reluctantly nods, then squints skeptically.

"But, Mom... why did you give her that book? As an observer, aren’t you not supposed to interfere?"

"Oh, don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s just a book!"

Noya says, covering her mouth with her hand and looking quite excited.

"Besides, it makes things more interesting~"

--

Elsewhere,

As Noya and her daughter talk, Yumo is walking down a deserted street, contemplating the title of the book, "Family Masquerade."

Something feels off about it.

"Why... would she recommend this book to me?"

Yumo wonders to herself.

Just then, a burst of powerful magic suddenly invades Yumo’s senses. She looks up, surprised, towards a distant part of the street.

"Huh?"

The next moment,

Boom~!*

With a deafening noise, a burst of flame erupts, sending debris flying. Flames surge in all directions, inevitably involving Yumo.

"Is this... a fight?"

Hmm,

Yumo looks annoyed.

Clearly,

She doesn’t want to get involved. She’s seen enough human drama since arriving in this empire and has zero interest in stepping in. Most importantly, there are no kids involved in the fight.

’Ugh’

’Let them sort it out. I should go back to preparing the potions for Luminous, and also get Mengxi ready for the big competition.’

Thinking this, Yumo continues walking towards where the Black Rose family’s carriage is parked.

But just then, a hoarse and slightly sinister voice suddenly reaches her ears, causing her to stop.

-"Hahaha!! Aya, no matter how lucky you are, you won’t survive this time!!"

Hearing this, Yumo slowly turns her head back towards the smoky explosion area.

’Hmm?’

’Aya...’

’Why does that name sound familiar...’