Chapter 25: Eisenburg (5)

She stole a glance at the woman beside her.

Seraphina looked impossibly young…

Her finely sculpted face glowed under the light, so youthful it was hard to believe she’d carved out such a domain in this chaotic world…

Yet the truth was undeniable—

This woman, barely in her twenties, had built one of the most formidable powers in the wasteland.

Forced to stay by Seraphina’s side, Mili had to face the countless gazes coming from all directions.

Curious, reverent, probing…

The dense stares made her squirm, wishing she could dig a hole and hide…

Frightened, she tried to slip behind Seraphina, but the woman grabbed her hand.

“Stand tall.” Seraphina turned her head, speaking softly. “You’re mine, and they should look up to you too.”

Mili forced herself to stand straight, trying to appear composed.

Goosebumps prickled her skin, and she kept her eyes fixed ahead, avoiding any contact.

“Come, let’s check out that area.” Seraphina took her hand, leading her toward the commercial district.

Clean, bustling streets stretched out, lined with shops offering a dazzling array of goods.

Clothing stores, general shops, tool shops, pharmacies, bookstores…

Everything imaginable.

The display windows showcased everything from daily necessities to luxury items, fully stocked.

Where was the wasteland in this?

—It was as prosperous as the pre-catastrophe world.

“Where… does all this come from?” Mili tugged lightly at Seraphina’s sleeve, whispering.

“Some we produce ourselves, some we trade for.”

“Eisenburg may be surrounded, but we’ve never lost contact with the outside.” She stopped before a boutique clothing store.

“Want to buy some clothes?” She pointed at the shop. “Your wardrobe’s too plain.”

“No… no need.” Mili shook her head.

“Don’t like them?” Seraphina’s tone was unreadable.

“It’s not that… I just… have enough already.”

The shopkeeper, a middle-aged woman, saw Seraphina and rushed out excitedly.

“Your Majesty! What an honor!” Her voice trembled. “How can I serve you?”

“No trouble, just browsing,” Seraphina replied coolly.

The shopkeeper stepped aside respectfully.

Other customers in the store retreated to the corners, holding their breath, silent.

Mili was dragged along as Seraphina toured the shop.

The clothesAfter resting for a while, Seraphina took her to a few more places.

At the street corner, there was a small sign.

It featured a simple cat drawing, with elegant script beside it reading—“Cat’s Time.”

A cat café in the wasteland world?

She felt like she’d missed out on the earlier coffee…

Mili couldn’t help stopping by the glass wall, peering inside.

Surprisingly, there was quite a variety.

Not just cats—two small dogs darted around among them, while hamsters spun furiously on wheels in wall-embedded niches…

Guests played with them, dangling treats.

The woman stood behind her, looking down at the top of Mili’s head: “Want to go in?”

“No… it’s fine…” Mili hesitated, shaking her head.

After all, she’d just had a cup.

Seraphina gave a soft hum, seeing through her insincerity:

“It’s not about the coffee. Petting cats is the main draw.”

“Eh…?”

“Just go in.”

Mili was pushed toward the door by the woman.

“Th-then… where do these animals come from?”

“Some are rescued from the wasteland, quarantined and treated before becoming pets. Others we bred later.” Seraphina explained:

“Moderate entertainment is key to maintaining the people’s mental health.”

“—A small investment for stable, high-value talent. A smart trade.”

“Oh…” Mili nodded half-understanding, lowering her head.

The cat café’s door opened, warm air mixed with coffee aroma and the lazy scent of cats wafting out.

The patrons and staff, spotting Seraphina, jumped up in surprise, bowing hurriedly.

Seraphina waved them off, indicating no need for formality, and led Mili to a window seat.

A plump orange cat lounged on the cushion beside them, belly up and dozing.

It didn’t even open its eyes when they sat.

At their feet, several cats approached curiously…

A bold white Ragdoll was the most daring.

It sniffed their pant legs with its pink nose, then rubbed its fluffy side against Mili’s leg, circling her feet.

Mili froze, hands withdrawn, unsure if she should pet it…

Looking at these furry creatures, a rare smile softened her eyes.

Seraphina’s gaze shifted from Mili’s face to the cat, her expression turning subtly odd…

She watched the Ragdoll shamelessly fawning over Mili, an inexplicable irritation rising.

“Hiss… Want to keep one?”

“C-can I?”

“As long as you behave…” Seraphina rose from across the table, sliding next to her, pressing close. “Anything goes.”

“…”

With that, Seraphina gave a meaningful smile, glancing sidelong at the cat.

The Ragdoll meowed and slinked away, tail tucked.

Mili quietly pulled her leg back.

“Like that one? The one from before?”

“No need… I… I wouldn’t know how to care for it…”

“Ever had a pet?” The woman’s arm encircled Mili, leaning close to her ear. “I can teach you…”

“N-no… no, no…” Mili shook her head frantically, gently pushing away the approaching hand, pressing it down.

“Hm, what a shame… I was going to give you several. If you want to buy…” Seraphina sighed lightly, straightening. “Such a bargain.”

Seeing Mili’s reaction, she didn’t push, just took her hand and stood, leaving the cat café.

“What? Afraid to touch even small animals?” Seraphina walked beside her, voice neutral.

Mili kept her head down, fiddling with her fingers, whispering: “It’s not that… I just… can’t care for them well…”

“Oh?” Seraphina raised an eyebrow. “What have you kept before?”

“Fish…”

“Goldfish?”

“Mm.”

“And then?”

“I… changed the water daily, fed them… but within a week, they… floated belly-up.” Mili’s voice grew smaller.

Remembering those short-lived little lives, she felt a pang of guilt.

Seraphina arched her brow, then chuckled: “You didn’t aerate the tank, did you?”

“Aerate?” Mili looked up blankly.

“Fish need to breathe.”

“The oxygen in a small tank depletes fast. Just water changes without aeration—they suffocate.” Seraphina eyed her like a fool:

“Or you overfed them, and they burst.”

“They lasted a week, so the seller gave you decent stock.”

Mili: “…”

She really…

Hadn’t thought of that…

The girl fell silent, cheeks warming.

Seraphina’s mood seemed to lift at her embarrassment.

They continued strolling the underground city streets.

Unlike the cold austerity of the surface industrial zone, every corner here exuded thoughtful livability.

They passed a bar, door half-open, neon sign flickering invitingly, soft blues jazz and muffled laughter seeping out.

It was evening now, with patrons gathering in twos and threes.

Most wore work clothes, glasses in hand, relaxed.

“Evenings get livelier here, but it’s early still.” Seraphina gestured. “Workers come after shifts or on breaks to unwind, release the day’s stress.”

Mili peeked inside; in the dim light, people seemed to drown their fatigue in drinks.

“Want me to take you in for a taste?”

“No… better not.”

“I bet you’ve never been to one.” Seraphina spread her hands, certain.

“No, no…” Mili quickened her pace, slipping ahead.

Further on, one side of the street held craft shops.

Display windows showcased varied metal sculptures—

Some pieced from scrap parts, blending rough and fine industrial charm;

Others woven, vibrant colors and simple patterns.

“Residents make these.” Seraphina explained. “Eisenburg encourages hobbies—they can trade for extra supplies.”

Mili gazed at the crafts, lost in thought.

The people here seemed to truly “live,” not just “survive”…

Seraphina noticed but said nothing, leading her onward.

She enjoyed showing off her achievements.

Occasionally, she’d check the monitoring device, making Mili’s heart clench.

Though she didn’t know why it tensed her…

But Seraphina seemed impatient.

—As if she couldn’t bear not having the screen glued to her eyes, missing every second…

Unnoticed, dusk had fallen.

The dome’s light had shifted from warm orange to black, replaced by massive incandescent rings circling the transparent ceiling.

Looking up, Mili felt like she was under a giant lamp.

“Hungry?” Seraphina stopped, asking.

Mili rubbed her stomach.

Post-anesthesia, hunger had finally hit.

Seraphina’s lips curved in rare softness:

“I’ll take you somewhere nice.”