Volume 2, Chapter 58: Herrscher of Sentience - Really? What Do You Like About Me?

Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for most novels - There are at least twice as many available chapters on Patreon, compared to here on Webnovel. Additionally, there are also free extra chapters available for Free Members, so head on over:

Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff

******

[Schicksal World Simulator activated.]

[Current Scenario: Intrinsic World - Present Civilization Era, Arrival of Herrscher of Sentience.]

[Equipped Weapon: Red Sakura.]

[Selected Stigmata: Ana Schariac; Sirin Ascension.]

[System generating records...]

On the second day after Xia Chen returned to Saint Freya Academy, he once again initiated a simulation.

Unexpectedly, he encountered the Herrscher of Sentience once more. However, this time it wasn't at Taixuan Mountain but in the small town where they had previously shared a meal together.

Xia Chen's identity was straightforward - the owner of a small restaurant.

The restaurant had little business since it wasn't yet dining time. Nonetheless, there were still some customers present.

The Herrscher of Sentience turned to Xia Chen and said, "Bring me more peanuts and some pickled vegetables. Basically, give me all your tasty dishes."

Xia Chen hesitated, feeling somewhat conflicted despite having met the Herrscher of Sentience before. She had already consumed quite a lot.

The instinct for Gluttony remained strong, at least now Herrscher of Sentience felt sheer delight.

She enjoyed doing things that brought her happiness.

Xia Chen replied calmly, "I'm all out."

"What?" The Herrscher of Sentience pouted unhappily. "But you had them earlier."

"You finished everything," Xia Chen stated mildly.

Since their last encounter, his feelings towards the Herrscher of Sentience had become increasingly complex. On one hand, she ultimately chose not to kill him and left on her own accord. On the other hand, her childlike stubbornness often caused him considerable frustration.

He felt it would be best to keep distance from the Herrscher of Sentience until this simulation scenario concludes.

There was no easy way around it - they couldn't be friends, yet it's difficult to consider each other enemies. Dealing with her truly tested his patience. Moreover, considering Fu Hua's influence on the Herrscher of Sentience, she should arguably be the least troublesome among all Herrschers.

However, the Herrscher of Sentience wasn't pleased.

"I don't believe you; you're definitely lying, right?"

"You can check yourself."

Xia Chen casually responded, "I've been feeling unwell lately. I'm about to close up and head to the hospital; haven't prepared much food today."

Of course, these were all fabricated excuses.

However, Xia Chen didn't anticipate that the Herrscher of Sentience had a 'helpful' side.

"You're sick?" she quickly asked, "Let me take a look at you."

"Are you skilled in diagnosing illnesses?"

"Hmph, who doesn't know the Red Kite Immortal's versatility? Whether it's fighting or diagnosing ailments, I excel in both," the Herrscher paused before continuing, "Don't worry, Shopkeeper, I am very reliable."

With Fu Hua's memories, which included experiences from the previous civilization era, and having lived in Shenzhou for over five thousand years, her medical knowledge, though not unparalleled, was undoubtedly extensive.

Despite occasional unreliability in other matters, the Herrscher of Sentience held great confidence in this aspect.

Nevertheless, Xia Chen declined, "No need, I've already booked an appointment with a doctor."

"Don't worry, I won't harm you," she reassured him.

She blinked and said, "Come on, extend your hand."

Xia Chen reluctantly complied.

"Hmm, strong pulse, healthy complexion, vigorous heartbeat... Wait, what? Proprietor, you're perfectly fine."

"Impossible, absolutely impossible," Xia Chen denied vehemently. "I was feeling unwell just recently; it must be due to your inadequate medical skills."

"Is that so?" The Herrscher of Sentience began doubting herself.

Xia Chen promptly nodded. "Yes, indeed."

The Herrscher sighed, "Alright then."

With that, she left without any intention of paying.

Xia Chen didn't plan to ask for payment either. After all, the Herrscher of Sentience's arrival hadn't caused significant disasters for humanity, so let her go wherever she pleases. It wasn't his responsibility to intervene.

However, this nonchalant attitude raised suspicions in the Herrscher of Sentience.

"How strange, I didn't manipulate his consciousness earlier, did I?

"He didn't stop me..."

Xia Chen, for once, was enjoying a simple life as an ordinary person in this world.

Although he had to manage tasks like preparing ingredients, cleaning dishes, and clearing tables at his small restaurant, Xia Chen found these activities quite fulfilling. He experienced a long-awaited sense of inner peace.

In this dream realm, even daily exercises were unnecessary, giving him ample free time which felt truly refreshing.

He began to slightly immerse himself in this newfound tranquility.

Before crossing over, he had imagined how thrilling it would be to woo beauties and defeat adversaries in the Schicksal World. However, upon actually experiencing it, he realized that merely surviving demanded constant vigilance, making leisurely pursuits like gaming or watching movies a luxury.

Xia Chen couldn't help but admit, he yearned to return to his pre-crossing-over world.

"What a pity."

Shaking his head, Xia Chen maintained a relatively composed mindset. Although briefly shaken, he quickly regained his composure. While enjoying the present moment, he didn't dwell on any regrets.

However, just as he settled into two days of peaceful enjoyment, the Herrscher of Sentience returned.

"Ah, so you weren't really sick after all." She looked triumphant, as if catching Xia Chen pretending, akin to a gleeful child.

"Hmm?" Xia Chen blinked. "Why do you say that?"

"You seem fully recovered now."

"That's because the doctor prescribed medication."

"But how can someone recover from illness so quickly?"

"I never claimed it was a serious ailment," Xia Chen replied.

He couldn't understand why the Herrscher of Sentience seemed so interested in him. Curious, he asked, "And why should my health concern you?"

"Of course it does," she responded matter-of-factly. "Your food is delicious, and you're a great person. There's also this indescribable yet very appealing scent around you."

The Herrscher of Sentience spoke like a child, "I really like you, Mr. Proprietor."

Indeed, only a child could express affection with such candor.

Xia Chen, somewhat taken aback, hastily agreed, "Uh-huh, I like you too."

Having learned from his previous painful experience, he decided to change how he interacted with the Herrscher of Sentience.

"Really? What about me do you like?" she persisted, not letting go of her question.

"I like... how enthusiastically you eat," Xia Chen replied mildly. "Watching you eat can make me have at least one extra bowl of rice."

"What do you mean?" The Herrscher seemed displeased. "Is that the only good thing about me?"

Fortunately, she didn't grasp that Xia Chen was actually teasing her.

A child's mindset is often straightforward, lacking the complexities and hidden motives found in adults.

And it is precisely this simplicity that makes the Herrscher of Sentience so terrifying.

Acting solely on personal preferences can effortlessly give rise to the purest forms of evil.

Despite himself, Xia Chen continued, "Of course, there are other positive traits too - young, healthy, optimistic, and approachable."

"Tell me more, tell me more! I love hearing these things."