Chapter 448: Don't Bow Your Head—Your Integrity Will Fall

"That's right!"

After shoving a thick stack of task files marked "Completed" back into the drawer, the red-haired director smiled warmly and explained to Leon, who stood before her with a look of resignation:

"I'm not deliberately pushing you! Our bureau has always operated on the consensus that tasks go to those whose abilities match them.

Take Emma—she has immortality to protect her life, so her missions often involve physical destruction but rarely touch spiritual or ghostly matters. For instance, that monstrous beast reported from the Adolf Estate? That's hers to complete.

You, however, can obtain information about anomalous objects through touch, still hold that dead sheep, and see the state of others' souls, directly judging whether they're lying. With these two abilities, you're clearly born for investigation work! If not you, then who?"

"..."

That's true...

After considering his current abilities, Leon nodded in agreement.

Judging by his current capabilities, investigating was far more suitable than dealing with blood rain or five-meter beasts—and even if the family reunion failed, he could still retreat unscathed...

Right?

Recalling how the Black Goat had reacted when discovering the heart's location, Leon hesitated, then spoke with concern:

"Director, I'm not refusing the investigation mission—but if that 【Heart】 is like the 【Diagonal】, capable of sensing other components, and has already taken control of the Lyon family, I fear I'll be surrounded and might not escape."

"Don't worry—I've already considered that."

After sizing up Leon's frame, the red-haired director hesitated, pursed her lips, then reached back, grabbed the end of her hair, and pulled off several bright red strands, offering them to him.

"This, combined with the Witch's Broom, is enough to protect your safety in most situations. But... don't touch it yet!"

With a slight flick of her slender wrist, she dodged Leon's outstretched hand and warned him seriously:

"It can protect you on its own, requires no stamina or energy from you—but before I give it to you, you must swear to me: absolutely! Absolutely! Absolutely! Do not touch it with your hands!"

"..."

Don't touch it with hands... meaning she doesn't want me to learn its information?

"Never mind... I didn't say anything..."

Seeing Leon's puzzled expression, the red-haired director seemed to regret it, quickly snatching back her hand and waving it off:

"Emma's mission is nearly done. Wait a few days here at the bureau. When she returns, I'll have her take you on this investigation. Her bandages and my few hairs work similarly—they'll protect you too."

"..."

Hearing he'd still need Emma, his senior, to protect him, Leon—Mr. Hanger-On—felt a flush of embarrassment. Driven by a flicker of male pride, he immediately extended his right hand:

"Then give it to me—I promise not to touch it with my hands... uh..."

Embarrassed by the director's "you're an idiot" look, Leon quickly pulled up his sleeve with his left hand, revealing his wrist:

"You misunderstood. I didn't mean for you to place the hair in my palm—I want it tied directly around my wrist."

"Wrist isn't safe enough. You might accidentally brush against it."

Shaking her head, the red-haired director stepped closer, then hooked her fingers around the back of Leon's neck and pulled him gently toward her.

"Lower your head. I'll tie the hair directly around your neck."

"Uh... okay..."

Facing the ample curves now inches from his nose, Leon felt his ears warm. He quickly shut his eyes, bent his back slightly, and stiffened his neck, waiting for her to tie the hair—yet...

"Lower your head more. I can't reach."

Hearing the soft, alluring voice beside him, Leon's heartbeat surged. Blood rushed uncontrollably to his ears—he could almost hear the whoosh of heat racing through them.

Lower... lower and I'll be buried in it!

He'd sneakily glanced once before entering the building—but that was a tiny accident, an instinctive flicker, immediately followed by polite averted eyes.

But if he now obeyed her request and buried his head in there, he'd be confirmed as a lecher—no river could wash that clean.

Unconsciously clenching his fist, Leon awkwardly reminded her:

"This... I can't lower my head easily. Why don't you stand on your toes?" "Why would I stand on my toes?!"

Impatient, the director urged:

"It's just a simple bend of your waist! Why should I stand on my toes? Move already!"

"..."

He hadn't intended to take advantage—but he'd warned her this far. Maybe... fine, I'll warn her again!

To make her understand this position was inappropriate, Leon, eyes still closed, took a deep breath and forcefully exhaled through his nose.

"Ah!"

Accompanied by a soft, indignant sigh, Leon didn't hear her step back—he heard the director's complaint again:

"Why are you blowing on my chest? Stop fooling around. Lower your head! I've got work to do!"

"..."

Oh god... I really tried...

"Yes, that's right—lower your head!"

Watching Leon, eyes shut and expression resigned, bow his head, the red-haired director smiled warmly, then promptly urged:

"Did you lower your head even a millimeter? Move again!"

"..."

"Hmm, lower a bit more—still not enough!"

"..."

"Lower! Lower!"

"..."

Lower still? I'm already bowing at ninety degrees! Even a Pekingese standing on its hind legs would reach by now!

Why keep lowering? Clearly she's teasing me...

Frustrated, Leon finally opened his eyes. As expected, he didn't see what he expected—he saw the bureau's worn wooden floor.

As for the red-haired beauty who had stood before him moments ago, she was already back at her desk, sipping hot water slowly, still smiling and calling out: "Lower! Lower!"

"..."

"Ah~ Don't be upset~"

Seeing Leon's darkening expression, the red-haired director set down her cup, leaned back in her chair, and smiled:

"You hid the sheep's heart from me, then sneakily glanced when I was exposed—and I didn't get angry. Now I've just teased you a little. Don't be upset, okay?

Ah~ Don't move. Let me tie your hair first."

With her index finger, she traced a circle in the air, guiding the hair to wrap neatly around Leon's neck and tying a delicate little bow. Then she smiled:

"Perfect. You held your eyes shut this long, didn't sneak a peek, even had an excuse—and still didn't take advantage. Now I believe you'll keep your promise."

Remember! The hair tied around your neck is as good as my chest. If you accidentally glance twice, I won't be angry. But if you dare touch it with your hands... don't blame me for losing my temper!"

(End of Chapter)