You've found the Gusha-hime Knight, so put your hair up in a bun!

When the core begins to vibrate restlessly, the spellcaster senses something is wrong.

But before he could withdraw the magic, the magic circle shattered with a crash, turning into a sky full of crystalline light that gradually dissipated before everyone's eyes.

"Hehe~ It's really easy~"

Fufu opened her eyes, put her hands on her hips, and let out a wicked "wahahaha" laugh at the results of her training.

Then, her bright gray eyes turned to the next lucky audience member. Fluffy rubbed her hands together and grinned, "Hehehe~ Who's next~?"

The malicious laughter sent a chill down everyone's spine, and seeing their companion's magic circle destroyed by a mere maid using purely theoretical methods, the light in their eyes gradually faded as the facts spoke for themselves.

Seeing them slowly withdraw the magic circle, swaying and looking utterly dejected, Fufu curled her lip and said regretfully, "That's 'shattered Dao heart'? How boring..."

Frost also felt annoyed by the evil deeds these people had committed against Shiloh. If she could, she would definitely try harder to shatter all the dignity that these people were so proud of.

"Now, does anyone still have any objections?"

Shiloh gently rubbed Fphro's head, then opened his arms and made his final declaration.

"Now, I'm saying that The Second Theory is a flawed theory. Who agrees and who disagrees?"

Silence reigned all around; no one dared to speak.

The teachers watching from the sidelines were equally baffled by Shiloh's methods.

Without a way to prevent it, even if they go up there, it could very well become one of their achievements.

By then, the reputation of the Second Theory had truly hit rock bottom.

Although the current situation is equally worrying...

The teachers looked extremely grim. If word got out today, there was a high chance that a large amount of investment in the "Second Theory" manufacturing industry would be withdrawn the next day.

A wind called "doubt" is slowly blowing across the entire capital, casting a dark cloud over the Second Theory school.

Only after Shiloh left by car did they slowly approach and carry the unconscious Markel away.

After boarding the carriage, Shiloh did not actually go home with Arya and the others. Instead, he put on a black robe for disguise halfway home and then secretly got off the carriage.

The reason why Aria and the others were sent back first was because what they were about to do was to deceive the heart of an innocent young girl.

Wearing a black robe, Shiro took out two baskets filled with food from his personal space and walked towards a small alley in the suburbs.

Prices in the capital are extremely high, and ordinary people can barely make a living if they live in the suburbs.

Of course, if one received some patronage from nobles, life would be relatively better.

As we approached a shed, we heard the cheerful laughter of children playing inside, interspersed with the clear, melodious voice of a young girl, as sweet as a nightingale's.

"Hmm~ Ruby, are you leaving so early?"

As the little girl said this, another soft and affectionate girl's voice rang out: "Well, it's getting late... Remember to share those breads with your other friends, and I'll come to see you again sometime."

After speaking, the girl in the black, tight-fitting leather outfit turned to leave.

But without sensing that Shiloh was getting close, she bumped into his arms.

A warm masculine scent filled Ruby's nostrils, but Ruby felt a chill run down her spine more than the pleasant aroma!

who is it? !

As an assassin skilled in stealth and assassination, Ruby could hardly imagine what kind of terrifying being could arrive nearby completely undetected.

Chapter 142 Ruby's Past (3k)

"Uh~!"

A startled Ruby let out a cute gasp, and just as she was about to feign a fall backward to create some distance, her slender waist was suddenly enveloped in a warm, large hand, which then pulled her tightly into a hug—

"you--?!"

The small, fried egg slapped against Shiloh's broad chest, the hard, thick, and warm touch bringing a faint blush to Ruby's honey-colored skin.

"Miss, you can't be so reckless."

When Shiloh lowered his head to speak, Ruby naturally saw his handsome face hidden under his hood, and then her eyes widened uncontrollably, a hint of horror flashing in them.

How did I end up meeting him here?!

Once you've seen Shiloh's face, it's almost impossible to forget it.

Not to mention that when Ruby observed Shiloh from afar that night, he gave her a chilling feeling that she had been seen through. So Ruby's first impression of Shiloh was that he was dangerous and someone she should avoid.

But I never expected to run into him here!

With her thoughts racing, Ruby bit her tongue sharply. The stinging sensation brought her back to her senses, and she quickly regulated her breathing to suppress her unnatural instinctive reaction.

Although Ruby didn't expect Shiloh to miss her earlier unusual behavior.

Just as she expected, Xi Luo slowly frowned, but what she said was unexpected.

"You...you don't live around here, do you? I've never seen you before."

The hand that had been gently holding Ruby's slender waist gradually increased its pressure as the words became more forceful, causing the girl to tremble slightly. She felt as if she had fallen into the jaws of a ferocious beast, as if she would be torn in two at any moment.

Ruby gasped slightly, and just as she was about to explain, a voice suddenly came from behind her.

"Huh? Ruby, aren't you going home?"

The little girl's clear, questioning voice rang out, causing Ruby's expression to change drastically. She immediately called out, "Little Flower, quickly go back inside—"

"Huh? Is that your older brother?"

Ok?

Ruby's anxious expression froze on her face. She mechanically turned her head to look at the dangerous person who was holding her tightly in his arms, her gaze blank.

Shiloh seemed to realize that Ruby and Bloom's relationship was somewhat unusual, so he loosened his grip, maintaining only a range of strength that kept her under control and prevented her from escaping.

Shiloh's gaze passed over Ruby and landed on a little girl with two pigtails behind her. He pulled down his hood and smiled gently: "Long time no see, you've grown quite a bit."

Wow! It really is a big brother! Little Flower missed you so much!

Upon seeing Xi Luo's face, Xiao Hua's eyes instantly lit up, and then she took off running towards him with her short legs.

Sylvie felt a little helpless, but still lovingly opened her arms and picked up the little guy who was running towards her, then held him up to her chest.

After successfully ascending the "throne," Xiao Hua hugged Xi Luo's neck, then skillfully snuggled up to him, rubbing her little head against his chin repeatedly, making Xi Luo a little ticklish.

"Pfft, alright, alright, stop fooling around."

After giving the little guy a couple of bounces, Xiluo asked gently, "Have you been eating well while I haven't come to see you?"

"Yes! Look, I've grown so much taller!"

As if afraid of disappointing Xi Luo, Xiao Hua placed her two little hands at different heights to create a distance between them, then put her hands on her hips and waited expectantly for Xi Luo's praise.

Since Shiloh had Ruby in one hand and Little Flower in the other, he could only give her a kiss on her rosy cheek and smile, saying, "Great job, great job, keep up the good work!"

"Wow!"

The little flower, having received praise, raised her arms high and shouted a victory cry.

The two chatted happily, as if they had temporarily forgotten about Ruby.

Seeing the bright smile on Xiaohua's face, Ruby couldn't help but clench her fists. She had never seen the little one so happy before.

Since arriving in the capital, I've visited her whenever I have time; it's been over two months...

So Ruby couldn't help but ask, "Um... do you know Xiaohua too?"

Ruby's voice drew their attention. Shiloh raised an eyebrow and said, "That's the question I should be asking you. Miss, what is your relationship with Xiaohua?"

"I……"

"It's my older sister!"

Before Ruby could answer, Bloom gave her a response first.

Upon hearing those words, Ruby's eyes widened instantly, her nose tingled, and tears welled up in her violet eyes.

That word "sister" involuntarily reminded her of that petite figure from her childhood.

That figure gradually faded away in the shattered village and the blood-stained waters...

Ruby lowered her head, clenched her fists, and tried to calm her breathing.

Filled with emotion, she didn't see the way Shilo looked down at her.

Looking at Ruby's swaying snow-white hair, Shiloh's lips curled up slightly. He thought to himself that it was fortunate that his memories were unlocked early, otherwise he might have really missed the chance to run Ruby away from the protagonist Aaron.

Regarding Ruby's background, the setting only mentions that she is related to ancient gods, and that her talent related to shadows will gradually improve as her extraordinary rank increases. Apart from that, there is no other information.

When Ruby was a child, she lived in a small village next to Aaron's village.

Ruby's parents died when she was very young, but she showed a strength that was not common among her peers from a young age. She refused to accept the villagers' charity without reason and always earned her food through her own labor.

Besides herself, she also needs to support her younger sister.

Ruby's younger sister was much younger than her and had been in poor health since childhood, but even so, Ruby did her best to keep the two of them alive.

The two sisters have a very good relationship. Every time Ruby comes home and sees her sister's smile, her tired body and mind are always revitalized.

The doctor said that my sister's condition will gradually improve after this winter.

Upon hearing the news, Ruby, who is usually strong, finally shed tears in a corner where no one could see.

However, just when she thought things would gradually get better, cruel fate once again ruthlessly crushed her hopes.

Flames, blood, broken blades... and the corpses of the villagers.

Judging from the traces, it seems to be the work of bandits.

Ruby escaped unharmed upon returning from a hunting trip, but this might not necessarily be a good thing.

She searched frantically for her sister, and finally found her on a patch of snow.

There were also many wounded corpses of villagers around, seemingly trying to protect their sister as she left.

But in the end, it still failed.

A sharp arrow pierced the back of the petite figure, and the blood blooming beneath her signified the passing of life.

Ruby didn't cry or scream.

As if he had lost his soul, his eyes were empty. He mechanically walked to his sister's side, pulled the arrows out of her body, grabbed a piece of rag to wrap her up, picked up his sister, and left the place aimlessly.

After walking for an unknown amount of time, the snow blinded her. Walking in the cold snow, Ruby quickly lost her strength and finally collapsed helplessly in the snow.

She was rescued by the people of Aaron's village. When she woke up, her sister had already been placed in a coffin so that she could see her sister one last time and say a final goodbye.

Ruby did everything like a zombie, and five days later, she prepared to say goodbye to the village chief and become an adventurer.

Just then, Aaron also needed to go out for training, so the two became partners.

Ironically, Xiaohua's appearance is remarkably similar to Ruby's.

So from the moment Ruby saw Flower, she couldn't help but want to get close to her and protect her.

The Wells family had sponsored many commoners in the area, and Shiloh often disguised himself and hid his identity to interact with the children.

Among them, Xiaohua was the one he was closest to.

So soon after Shiloh's memories were unlocked, he remembered this incident and ordered the Wells family's spies, who were hiding their identities in this village, to protect Little Flower well.

Knowing Ruby's deepest pain, Shiloh will naturally pry open her heart slowly and then quietly let herself live inside.

"Really? When did you secretly adopt an older sister, hmm?"

While Shiloh appeared to be asking Little Flower, Ruby knew from the sudden tightening of his fingers that he was asking about herself.

The sight of Xiaohua and Xiluo being so affectionate eased Ruby's tension somewhat, so she immediately looked up and said, "I meant no harm, it's just that seeing Xiaohua reminded me of my sister..."

Silo didn't speak, but simply gazed into Ruby's purple eyes, as if calmly reading her heart.

Although Ruby felt a little uneasy being stared at like that, she forced herself to relax and try to make her gaze sincere.

Xi Luo nodded, neither agreeing nor disagreeing: "In that case, why don't you stay for dinner tonight?"

Sylvie's long, strong fingers did not loosen their grip at all, her vigilance was self-evident.

But this actually made Ruby feel much more relaxed, at least proving that Shiloh's concern for Little Flower was genuine, so she nodded and said, "Well... I'm sorry to have bothered you."

Little Flower bit her finger, looking at the two rather strange adults with a puzzled expression.

But then her older brother and sister suddenly decided to stay and keep her company, and Xiaohua naturally smiled happily. She nimbly jumped out of Xiluo's arms and ran towards the kitchen, leaving behind a joyful cheer.

"I'm going to start a fire!"