Chapter 29: 18 The Songstress's Talent_2
"Retrieve venom?" Belfeng was startled, her voice tinged with panic.
"You didn't get tricked by Botis into that terrifying snake pit of hers, did you?"
"I'm still here, aren't I? Watch your mouth when talking about someone behind their back. Also, why call it a snake pit? There are other animals too, like spiders and frogs." The big sister with emerald hair hugged Hexia from behind, making her slightly flustered as she lay in her arms, and then started to argue with Belfeng.
"Huh, keeping snakes and spiders in such a relaxed and delightful shop. If I were the manager, I'd have been annoyed by now. What if it scares the customers?" Belfeng stood with hands on her hips, her ears perked up, looking dissatisfied with Botis.
"You said it yourself, the manager has agreed, what else do you want to do? Or is it because you, this bunny, are actually afraid of snakes and want to settle personal vendettas?" Botis revealed a mocking smile, which infuriated Belfeng, but she didn't dare to actually start a fight since she was truly scared of snakes.
Watching the two formidable seniors argue in the shop, Hexia felt like she was just a small animal caught in the crossfire, but being held by Botis, she had no chance to escape.
After the two debated for a while and neither could persuade the other, it was Vurowus behind the bar who broke up the fight, silencing Belfeng with a drink through a straw.
"Alright, I won't argue with you, little bunny. Is Hexia coming tomorrow?"
"I can come." Hexia's eyes glanced to the side, hoping to get help from Belfeng, but the bunny was busy typing away on her personal terminal and drinking her beverage, completely oblivious to her.
"Coming is good~ No need to retrieve venom tomorrow; I'll teach you something else." Observing her smile, it seemed she already had a full plan in mind.
Relieved to hear there was no need to retrieve venom, Hexia also breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe it wouldn't be as scary as today.
However, it seemed just like what Botis had said, despite the initial tension, by the end, she really wasn't all that afraid of the spiders and snakes anymore – perhaps that was the power of habit?
Regardless, the pleasant second day of work finally ended, and she was going to have a good sleep once she got home.
——
After Hexia left, Botis continued sitting at the bar, sipping her rippling red wine, lost in thought about something.
"You've got something on your mind today, staying so late. I'm about to close up." Vurowus cleaned up the bar and came out.
"Indeed, a bit."
"Is it about the new maid 'Dantalion'?"
"Your observations are still so meticulous." Botis responded wistfully.
"Because of her, I recalled many past events today. I suppose I'm quite a character with a story too."
"Hehe, looks like I'll be playing the listener today." Vurowus covered her mouth with a chuckle before sitting beside her.
"I've told you guys before, haven't I? I was part of a band for a while because I had the Soul Resonance trait."
"Yes, I heard those days were crazy. You had a notorious reputation down in the South District No. 2; it's only now that I realize you were the lead singer back then."
"Vurowus, even a young lady like you has heard of that? I'm truly honored." Botis showed a bitter smile; after all, she really had gone too far back then.
"Back in the day, our band not only performed shows, but we indulged in death races, brawls, guild challenges, night raids, and causing trouble everywhere. I can't figure out how the big shots tolerated us so long with no serious punishment, considering the way we few carried on."
"It must have been because of indulgence, after all, our star system hasn't seen anyone with your kind of talent for many years." Vurowus gazed at the slowly darkening artificial sky, the little star lights sprinkled throughout.
"The Four-leaf Crystal Star System is in decline; if a famous songstress were to emerge, even if she couldn't engage in politics, being active in the entertainment industry or becoming a pop idol would be great publicity, bringing some economic benefits to the local area."
"The trouble you caused might seem significant to others, but to those at the top, it was just child's play, nothing to fret over. If you could bring a 0.1% change to the Star Domain, that would more than compensate for any damage you caused."
"I can't do it." Botis shook her head.
"I've thought about continuing to dig into my own talent, but I realized I just can't do it. Staying at the Starshine Level is already my limit. Although my performances can make people's blood boil with passion and excitement for a short time, this emotional impact is only temporary; as soon as the performance ends, it quickly dissipates."
"No matter how well our band plays live, it's hard to extend our influence to other star domains; at most, we become locally famous."
"So, I was greatly discouraged and eventually withdrew from the scene. Those big shots probably figured out my limitation and gradually gave up on me," Botis said, somewhat despondent.
"It's okay, you're already very fortunate compared to ordinary people. Besides, aren't you using that talent now to tame those dangerous animals? If you weren't so good at it, the manager wouldn't trust you to have a corner in the store to raise those dangerous creatures."
"Yes, that's true. Although the effect on people is limited, it still works pretty well on some animals with weaker consciousness and souls." She lowered her head and took a sip of red wine.
"Actually, I'm not here to talk about sad stories today." After she finished her drink, she suddenly looked up, a mysterious smile on her face that completely lacked the previous sense of loss, making the silver-edged maid next to her feel deceived. What a bad woman.
"Do you know, Vurowus, I've found a similar trait in 'Dantalion.' Although I'm still not sure how high her talent is, you should understand what I mean."
Upon hearing this, Vurowus's eyes widened, surprised by her companion's revelation.
"You mean little 'Dantalion' also has the talent for Soul Resonance?"
"Yes. During the day at work, I lent her the bell, and right then, I noticed something was off."
"If an ordinary person shakes that bell, it just triggers a conditioned response in the creatures, making them obedient. But when she shakes that bell, she truly exudes a power that calms the animals and people around her."
"I am more than familiar with that feeling."
"The ability to spread one's own emotions and intentions, infecting others."
"Without a doubt, she will also be a Songstress in the future, and a special one at that."
"At least at her age, I couldn't stretch this ability so effortlessly. Her talent will be at least at the Moon Level, or even at the Sun Level, which isn't impossible."
"As for me, I am now someone who isn't in the spotlight. As for you 'Vurowus,' even though I don't know which family's young mistress you are, you should also understand the value of 'Dantalion.'"
The maid with the silver-trimmed sleeves shook her head, "I may come from a great family, but do you think someone cherished as an heir would be working in a place like this?"
"The things you're talking about, even I can't reach them right now. I've long been on the fringe of my family, without much power, but also free."
"If you want to use my hand to invest in and bet on 'Dantalion,' I... sigh, looks like I'm about to get busy again. I thought I could enjoy a leisurely life for a while."
"I'll ask my grandfather, maybe he can give me some advice."
"But before I leave, I still need to confirm that 'Dantalion' truly has the talent you mentioned, otherwise it would be too embarrassing later on."
After finishing her statement, 'Vurowus' stood up. There weren't many people left in the store by then.
"That's all for today." Vurowus said goodbye to Botis, picked up her bag, and walked outside.
Watching the silver-trimmed maid leave, Botis also left the bar.
"I never expected she was really the daughter of a prestigious family. I always thought it was just a joke, but she exposed herself after being tricked today."
"Indeed, the identity and talent of a Songstress can easily make people lose their sanity," Botis said, her eyes' faint golden glow fading.
"Well, I can only do so much. When I get home, Vurowus will probably come around and then give me an earful. But it doesn't matter. Now that she knows, she can't stay detached like before."
"Sorry, Mother in Heaven, your daughter has done something bad again today. But rest assured, she won't regret it."
After a moment of silent prayer, Botis also left the quiet and empty Dream of Glazed Glass.