A Girl's Little Schemes
Everyone stared, stunned.
The Sin Hunter I'd kicked scrambled up, face burning with humiliation, and grabbed a chair.
Cassian Vance's voice cut through: "Enough."
Instant silence.
He spoke coldly: "We knew this life was dangerous when we chose it. We weren't afraid then—why now? What Valerian said has merit. Forcing a comrade to atone—is that what Sin Hunters do?"
Someone muttered, "But three of our partners died."
"Did any of us expect to live forever?"
They had no comeback.
Cassian Vance instructed: "Disperse. Await further instructions. We've all been through life and death together. I understand your grief, but this isn't her fault."
They might have been defiant in front of us, but when Yidi spoke, they dared not argue. Grumbling, they filed out.
I helped Valerian to his feet and gave Cassian Vance a grateful look.
"Their anger is understandable," Cassian Vance said. "This profession carries the constant risk of death. Nobody knows how long they'll last. You received different treatment from everyone else... the basic logic is clear to them, but their frustration has nowhere else to go."
Valerian said, "Thanks—if you hadn't spoken up, Sister and I would've been done for."
Cassian Vance glanced at him, then walked away.
"He's ignoring me again!" Valerian wailed.
I swatted his head. "Who told you to play hero? Don't you know your own limits?"
"If even the weak stay silent, who'll speak the truth?"
I smiled wryly and ruffled his hair. Somehow I'd started thinking of Valerian as a younger brother.
This silly boy—weak as he was, he always won people over.
I walked Valerian back to the apartment. Thankfully, his head wasn't split—just a bump.
Remembering how this weakling had stood up for me in front of everyone, warmth bloomed in my chest. At his door, I said, "When Juniper sees that bump, she's going to be crushed. I feel terrible..."
"Scars are a man's medals. A little bump is nothing," Valerian said dismissively.
Juniper must have heard us—she threw open the door. When she saw the bump, her eyes blazed: "Valerian, who bullied you this time?"
I sighed. "My fault entirely."
I explained what had happened. Her eyes went wide. "This is serious! Valerian only reached Earth-tier because of his weapons. Now he'll drop back to Human-tier?"
That... was actually the key issue.
Sure enough, Valerian's face fell as reality hit. "My burning passion goes unspent!"
He flopped face-down on his bed, utterly depressed.
But Juniper couldn't suppress a smile—she actually formed a fist and pumped it twice, whispering, "Yes!"
I couldn't help but laugh. Juniper hated Valerian's dangerous missions. If he dropped to Human-tier, she'd be thrilled.
Still, she quickly feigned concern, rushing to his side and taking his hand. "Valerian, you're so talented—of course they won't demote you. And if they do, it's their loss."
"No more missions for who knows how long..." He sighed. "I feel like every day is a year!"
"That's fine—you can spend time with me! We haven't relaxed in ages."
"Valerian, do I need to slap you? You're getting impatient with me?"
"No no no! I'm very happy to be with you!"
Juniper nodded, satisfied. She pushed up her glasses and said, "Since we can't do missions and they'll be re-evaluating tiers, let's take this as a vacation. Beach barbecue tonight—what do you think?"
"I'm in."
"Wonderful!" Juniper beamed. "Valerian, stop moping. Go grab some supplies from the cafeteria."
He trudged out. The moment he was gone, Juniper grabbed my hands, eyes sparkling: "Sister, he might get demoted! Did you see? Finally!"
"Nothing's certain yet."
"If he's not demoted while others are, will they tolerate it? You know how useless he is."
"Fair point."
Juniper said gleefully, "This means my grand plan can finally happen."
"Grand plan?"
"Sister, listen..."
She peered out the door to confirm Valerian was far away, then tiptoed to her closet and rummaged through it like a squirrel digging for treasure.
From the deepest corner, she produced a tiny box. Inside was an exquisite diamond ring.
"You're proposing to Valerian?"
"Of course not!" Juniper said seriously. "Sister, I want him to propose to me. Didn't you know? The person who confesses first ends up as the lower-status partner in the relationship."
"So?"
"I want you to give this ring to Valerian for me."
I was thoroughly confused. Juniper began explaining her master plan.
"Sister, I suggested the beach barbecue for a reason. It's getting cold—who wants to sit outside grilling? But here's the thing: I'll be obviously unhappy, constantly touching my stomach, frowning. What does touching your stomach and frowning mean?"
"Urgent bathroom emergency?"
"No! It means I have something weighing on my heart! Like the famous beauty who furrowed her brows!"
"She clutched her chest, not her stomach. Have you considered you might give off 'ugly imitator' vibes instead?"
"Whatever—point is, I'll say I need some air and walk away. But I'll 'accidentally' leave my bag behind, with a little opening, and something will be peeking out. You'll notice it, reach in, and the story begins!"
She handed me a small stick. A pregnancy test. Two lines.
My eyes nearly popped out. "Juniper... you're pregnant?"
She lowered her voice with a devilish grin. "Bought it online. I'll make him think I'm pregnant—perfectly explains why I'm clutching my stomach and frowning. Then, Sister, I need to ask you to do something. I'm sorry to bring up a painful topic, but could you present the ring as your late husband's possession? Say your love couldn't continue, but you hope ours can come full circle."
I thought for a moment. "Got it. Ring, check. Fake pregnant girlfriend, check. A romantic beach proposal setting—check. But two questions."
"Go ahead."
"First—this ring looks like it was prepared ages ago. Why only bring it out now?"
"Valerian's useless at everything. I knew he'd be demoted eventually—just didn't expect it this soon. Plus I was worried he'd be bitter about it. See, presenting the ring now makes him feel responsible. He's going to be a father! He'll stop dreaming about advancing tiers and settle down with me on this island."
"Smart. Second—what happens when he figures out you're not actually pregnant?"
Juniper blushed. "Sister! We've been using protection. Once he thinks I'm pregnant, will he keep using it? We'll just make it real! And if I don't get pregnant right away, I'll tell him it was a false positive. At that point, rice is already cooked—what's there to worry about?"
I burst out laughing.
Looking at her cute face, I said softly, "I'd never call you manipulative. You're wonderfully bold—a girl who fights for her love. A little dirty in the tactics, sure, but when the target is Valerian, overthinking isn't necessary. That man should count himself lucky to have anyone at all."
"I always feel like he's too good. Like every girl in the world is going to steal him from me."
I took the ring, chuckling. "Don't worry—I'll help make this happen. I should go practice how to pull out the ring naturally and without looking forced."
"Thank you so much, Sister!"
I tucked the ring away and headed home, feeling genuinely happy.
Watching them stay together forever... that would be wonderful.
Back in my room, remembering the important occasion tonight, I changed into something nicer and started thinking about what engagement gift I could give them—racing around the room, pulling things out of drawers.
Cassian Vance knocked on my door. When I opened it, he asked, "What's all the noise upstairs? And why are you dressed up?"
"Having a beach barbecue with Valerian and Juniper tonight."
"Barbecue? In this cold?"
I didn't want to reveal Juniper's secret. "It doesn't matter—we can't do missions, need something to do."
He considered this, then nodded. "I'm coming too. Too cold for barbecue—I'll bring a hanging pot. We can do hotpot instead."
"Fine by me."
What we ate didn't matter—this was all about helping Juniper.
By dusk, we were ready. Juniper appeared in a straw hat, a summer dress without stockings despite the cold. I worried she'd freeze and ruin her whole look.
Valerian crammed supplies into the car and asked Cassian Vance, "Hemlock, you're coming too? What's the hanging pot for?"
Cassian Vance glanced at him and started the engine.
"He's ignoring me again!"
"It's cold, so he wants hotpot instead of barbecue," I explained.
"Oh."
We set off. Juniper, already in character, gazed pensively out the window at the sunset, brow slightly furrowed, sighing softly.
I admired her performance—peak manipulative artistry.
At the beach, Cassian Vance and Valerian set up the pot. Though Cassian Vance ignored Valerian completely, they worked surprisingly well together.
Once the broth was bubbling, we sat around the campfire. Cassian Vance never removed his mask and never ate, but he carefully cooked food for me—plating tofu and handing it over: "Careful, it's hot."
I accepted the plate. Valerian immediately served Juniper, asking, "Babe, want chili sauce?"
Now Juniper was fully in character. She clutched her stomach, staring at the waves, lost in thought.
Valerian had to ask twice before she snapped back, gazing blankly at her plate. "Oh... sure. Thanks, Valerian."
He added the sauce, but she drifted off again—every gesture, every look, every line delivered with exquisite passive-aggressive elegance.
"Sister has something on her mind. Are you upset with me?"
Before she could answer, Cassian Vance spoke coldly: "Dressed so lightly, clutching her stomach—probably has diarrhea. Good thing I brought a hotpot instead of barbecue."
I wanted to smack him.
Juniper froze. Valerian, enlightened, said, "Babe, don't hold it in! I brought tissues. See that big rock over there—just dig a hole!"
I didn't know what to say. I shot Cassian Vance a murderous glare.
This man was a one-man proposal-ruining machine.
Juniper said weakly, "I'm not Having stomach problems. I'm just... never mind."
She shifted uncomfortably, then sighed. "I need some air."
She walked away. Valerian watched her go, looking troubled. "Sister, did I do something wrong? She seems upset."
"Probably just something on her mind. She's usually happy."
Cassian Vance, still eating, said, "Can't you tell?"
"Can you?" Valerian asked eagerly. "What's wrong? She keeps sighing—it breaks my heart."
Cassian Vance ignored Valerian entirely and spoke to me: "It's not my place to say, as it involves a girl's private business."
"Sister, make him tell me!"
I forced a smile. "Go on."
Cassian Vance set down his chopsticks and sighed. "It should be obvious. She's sitting uncomfortably, clearly needs to pass gas but is afraid it might be more than gas. She went for a walk to do it far away. Boys should know when to keep quiet."
I nearly slapped him.
YOU'RE the one who shouldn't speak! This is sabotage!
Their beautiful proposal setup—ruined by this man!
Valerian nodded sagely. "Yeah, even her walking style changed. She's not bouncing anymore."
Poor Juniper had tried to walk elegantly, like aclassic beauty—now it looked like she was clutching her stomach against flatulence.
This was a disaster! Why did we invite him?!
Desperate times call for desperate measures. I looked at Juniper's bag, slipped a hand toward it, and said, "What's thi—"
A graceful hand snatched the bag away and zipped it shut.
Cassian Vance placed it aside. "Zipper was open—sand could get in."
I...
Desperate, I tried again. "My phone's dead. Does Juniper have a power bank?"
I reached for her bag, but he caught my hand. "Don't go through people's things without permission—not even friends. You need a power bank? I have one."
He produced a power bank from his own bag and offered it.
I stared at him. What was I supposed to do now?
I squeezed out a smile. "Must I spell it out? I think I might be on my period, so I need to check her bag for supplies."
"Oh..."
He apologetically pocketed the power bank. I exhaled in relief—finally I could open the bag.
Then he produced a pack of sanitary pads. "Don't look in other people's bags. I carry these—they're great for shoe inserts. Sin Hunters need patience. Standing or sitting for long periods—these in the soles prevent foot pain."
I stared at him.
Fate had sent him specifically to destroy Juniper's plans.
She was still walking in the distance, shooting me meaningful glances.
But I couldn't!
"WHY do you have these?" I demanded.
"Shoe inserts."
"I learned something new, truly impressive, the strong really do focus on every detail..." Valerian added.
I couldn't take it anymore.
"FINE! I saw something in Juniper's bag!" I grabbed the bag and dumped everything out.
When the pregnancy test appeared, Valerian's whole body went rigid.
He picked it up, mouth opening and closing. "This... this..."
"Can't you tell? You're going to be a father." I spoke with gravity. "Juniper couldn't say it—she's still processing."
Valerian stared at her distant silhouette. He pressed his palms against his face, trying to wake himself up.
I judged the moment right. "Valerian, there's something I need to tell you."
"Sister... what?"
I said, "After my husband passed, the hardest part was realizing I hadn't cherished every day with him. Since becoming a widow, I've understood—every day alive is a day to treasure the people beside you."
"I understand!" he said, his voice gaining resolve.
I produced the diamond ring. "After he died, I went through his belongings and found this. Please don't feel guilty—it's not our wedding ring. He bought it secretly, maybe because he felt the one he'd given me was too small. He never got the chance to give it to me. I've always kept it, reminding myself not to live with regrets. This ring hasn't found its love yet. So... why don't you become a man who can carry the responsibility, and give it meaning?"
Valerian swallowed hard. His decision was made. "Sister, I understand! Thank you!"
He reached for the ring.
Suddenly!
Cassian Vance grabbed my arm. His beautiful eyes locked onto me, and he growled, "Don't you think someone else could give this to you? You'd rather give it away?"
"I—this—"
Before I could react, he snatched the ring from my hand.
His voice was cold. "Are you fucking kidding me? If you don't think I'm suitable, fine. But don't give my ring away right in front of me. Couldn't you at least do it behind my back?"
He stood, turned, and stalked off—pocketing the ring.
I called after him, "Hey! That ring—"
He glanced back, ice in his eyes. "One day, I'll have earned the right to give it to you on his behalf."
I stared at his retreating figure, face burning.
Did he... did he still like me this much?
No, wait!
The ring was Juniper's! I hadn't spent a single penny on it!
Why did I bring this man along?!