Harem Online: My Party Is Full of Beautiful Celebrities-Chapter 66: Martin’s Bias!

Martin swallowed hard. Shit. I’m so tired and stressed that my worker mode kicked in!

Cassandra kept her cool expression. "Good afternoon, Emperoar. Calm down. I booked a private room for us at a restaurant. At this hour, the NPCs are busy mingling with players, so this place is at its busiest. Let’s head over."

She rose with quiet elegance and walked past Martin. He moved to follow at once, as respectfully as he could, but his eyes still betrayed him for a moment.

The pencil skirt shaped itself so cleanly over the full, heavy curve of her ass that each smooth step tugged at his attention in a way that felt almost unfair. It was not just the fullness of it. The severe, professional cut of the outfit somehow made it stand out even more.

That ass, man. She could rival Clause’s ass. Nah, I’m biased. My teammate’s ass is better!

A small triumphant smile tugged at his mouth as he followed her.

A short walk later, the familiar restaurant came into view. Warm light spilled from the windows, and the smells of roasted meat, broth, and fresh bread drifted through the open entrance along with the clatter of plates and hurried footsteps.

The moment they stepped inside, Samu’s stern voice cut through the bustle. "If you keep crowding the counter, your food will not come any faster. Move back and let my staff work."

A few players awkwardly stepped away. Near the counter, Buracchu sat with all the innocent charm in the world, his glossy black fur catching the restaurant light while his tail swept happily across the floor whenever someone so much as looked at him. More than one customer had clearly meant to leave a normal tip, only to crumble under his adorable stare and leave more instead.

Samu let out a quiet breath, then looked toward the entrance. The sternness in his face eased almost at once. "Oh? My kitchen helper is back already?"

Martin straightened a little at that. Then, seeing the perfect chance to show off in front of Cassandra Selfmore, he summoned palm-sized Ao Tenshin into his palm.

The tiny Dragon Turtle lifted her little head right away, looking smug enough to know she was about to be admired.

Samu’s mouth curved at once. "And you brought our favorite little glutton too."

Ao Tenshin made a tiny eager motion in Martin’s palm, and Samu chuckled. Even Buracchu trotted over, unwilling to let such an important greeting happen without him.

For a brief moment, the whole exchange felt so easy and familiar that Martin nearly forgot who he had brought with him.

He did not notice the brief look Cassandra gave him then. It was quiet and unreadable, but it lingered for a moment longer than it needed to.

Ao Tenshin went with Samu and Buracchu toward the kitchen while Martin followed the others upstairs and stepped into a private room with Cassandra, NukEncore, and Chaosgraphy.

Once inside, Cassandra took her seat with the same effortless composure she brought to everything else. The pencil skirt pulled smooth across her hips and thighs for a moment before settling neatly back into place.

As Cassandra organized the system messages in front of her like documents, Martin sent a short message to his teammates.

[Emperoar: Why are you two so silent? Help me!]

Chaosgraphy looked at him. Sorry, Martin. I’m way too stunned.

NukEncore looked away. If that’s how you act around Cassandra, you’ll faint when you see me in real life!

After arranging the last of the windows in front of her, Cassandra began. "Your report was so well done that it made me consider personally hiring you for one of my companies."

"It’s an honor!" Martin barked.

For just a moment, a small crack appeared in Cassandra’s cold composure. The corner of her mouth lifted before she pressed it flat again.

Chaosgraphy and NukEncore noticed it at once. Hey, you’re enjoying this way too much, Clause. Don’t praise him too much or we’ll lose our tank for a week.

"How is Kill Clause, the ranger I assigned to you?" Cassandra asked.

Martin got the feeling she was deliberately keeping the questions easy, giving him room to breathe.

He appreciated it.

"She’s a great ranger and an even better teammate. Her calm, analytical personality fits us really well and gives our party a different kind of perspective. We’ve already decided to form our own party for future runs. I couldn’t have asked for a better player!"

Something faint shifted at the corner of Cassandra’s mouth. "I see. That is good to hear."

NukEncore clenched her hands. Bitch! Stop making him glaze you! I want him to praise me more and more too!

Chaosgraphy could no longer stay quiet. "Yes. We value her as our teammate. Unfortunately, she couldn’t make it here because of personal reasons. I’m sure she would’ve loved to meet you in person as well. Hopefully she hasn’t wandered off to do something naughty, like prying into other people’s lives."

Martin’s mouth dropped open so far it nearly hit the table. CHAOS! What are you talking about?!

NukEncore gave Chaosgraphy a thumbs-up from under the table. Nice one, Alexandra!

Cassandra coolly looked at Chaosgraphy. "As far as I am concerned, she is a hard-working and reliable person. If she does anything ’naughty,’ tell me. I will address it as a guild leader."

"Of course. Will do. It’s reassuring to be looked after by Cassandra Selfmore. Maybe one day we’ll play together and have some fun too. Is there anything you enjoy besides managing people and running your companies?" Chaosgraphy continued.

"I enjoy films when I have the time. Sadly, I do not have much time to go to cinemas, let alone watch anything at home. I’ve heard there’s a strong run of movies coming out next year. The bar for them has definitely been raised by this game, since now everyone can feel like the protagonist or antagonist themselves. The pressure on actors must be immense. Hopefully they meet the standard."

Chaosgraphy crossed her arms and tightened her fingers around her sleeves. "You’re right. I’m looking forward to their performances."

Cassandra gave a slight nod, nothing more.

By then, Martin felt like his soul had already left his body. The two of them were still speaking politely, but every sentence sounded like it had three more hidden beneath it, and he had no idea which one he was supposed to react to.

NukEncore chuckled to herself. This is fun! I should help Alexandra somehow.

"They can do it! If they play the game themselves, they should be able to slip into their roles much more easily..." NukEncore said, only to stop when she saw two pairs of eyes sharpen on her.

She looked away like a startled cat.

Uh, did I almost expose Alexandra? Hehe... oopsies.

"Let’s cut to the chase and speak my language. The crystal spear you mentioned in your report, Martin. I want it, and I want to use it as a symbol in my bargain with the Forest Hidden Monster Hunter Academy. I’m willing to pay well for it. Here’s my offer."

[24 000 $]

Martin’s soul slammed back into his body, and his eyes practically bulged at the screen.

Even his worker mode died on the spot.

Is she fucking crazy?!