Chapter: 19. Definitely Achievable!
This… this was quite unexpected for Princess Xue Feiya, wasn’t it?
In fact, she hadn’t had much expectation for Livra.
Xue Feiya thought that Livra would come over and say some clichéd remarks about “the world’s situation” or “the interests of both sides”, and she was prepared for a long-winded speech.
However… Xue Fei didn’t have much opportunity to speak.
Because deep within her heart, a strange feeling surged, making it difficult for her to articulate her thoughts.
From the past to the present, only Xiya had ever truly “understood” her, able to speak from her perspective.
Through the crossing of two lives, the understanding forged in life and death surpassed promises of eternal allegiance.
Originally, Xue Feiya thought that besides Xiya, no one else would ever say anything similar.
But…
【Insight】
No matter how the discerning eyes were activated, they could not see the shadow of a lie.
Before her, Livra extended her hand slowly, speaking words with no hint of falsehood, completely unrelated to national interests, and not out of necessity.
She genuinely admired and felt compassion for Xue Feiya’s efforts to pause the war.
Hmm… And Livra, who looked unremarkable, turned out to have some substance in her chest’s rise and fall?!
Xue Feiya politely retracted her 【Visual Magic】, not reaching for the hand Livra extended.
Instead, she simply shook the Magic Binding bracelet around her wrist, looking up at the flames burning in the Prison Cage, and chuckled.
“Hehe… Nice words, really heartfelt.”
“Your Highness Xue Feiya…? Do you mean…?”
“Eh, let me ask you, your name is Livra, right?”
“Yes… yes!”
“Now guess, will I accept or reject what you just said?”
Livra’s hand, which was reaching out in the air, trembled.
At that moment, she didn’t know how to respond to Princess Xue Feiya’s sudden question properly.
As her palm continued to extend, it was about to touch the flames of the cage.
On the edge of life and death, Livra had stood on the cliff’s edge multiple times today.
Is Princess Xue Feiya testing my sincerity by agreeing with my viewpoint…?
Or does she disagree with my opinion and has already decided to kill me?
Actually, none of that really mattered.
Livra had received endless favors and affection but had never done anything befitting a princess; she had always been protected and expected of.
Now, she could finally prove her worth to herself.
What did she have to fear?
Livra’s choice was to continue reaching out—directly probing into the flames of the cage.
If Princess Xue Feiya was testing me, then this is my stance.
In mid-air, two princesses of their respective nations.
Ink and white and fire, sorrow and compassion and song.
This was a scene that had never occurred in the long river of history.
The endless epic behind them had become the past, and as Livra reached out, she sought not the burning of flames, but rather, to create a peaceful world where commoners could laugh freely after the pains of burning.
This foolish girl…!
Xue Feiya did not expect that she would really reach out so directly; doesn’t she fear getting burned?!
However…
The unexpected burning did not come.
But Livra’s palm had fully extended into the range of the flames.
Livra blinked, turning her hand in the fire; the flames danced along with her movements, seemingly reluctant to burn the emerald princess, consciously lowering their temperature, forgiving her recklessness.
Of course, it wasn’t that the flames had any emotions.
Instead, Xue Feiya, at the moment Livra reached out, had temporarily nullified the sensation of heat from the flames.
“This… didn’t burn me?”
“Tch, are you really that stupid? I just wanted you to talk; I didn’t ask you to reach out! Ah… these flames can only burn demons; they won’t harm humans, so consider yourself lucky. Alright, fine… if you want to cooperate a bit, I don’t mind, but if you don’t do well or betray our agreement, I will cut you down at any moment.”
“!”
Of course, the reason the flames didn’t burn her was a temporary fabrication by Xue Feiya.
Xue Feiya nonchalantly complained, but her little hand had already reached forward, subtly grasping Livra’s palm, thus achieving what could be called an epic “Cage Agreement” between the two princesses.
As time ticked away…
Xue Feiya furrowed her brow.
She was puzzled why Livra didn’t give any reaction?!
Isn’t your task accomplished? At least give a concluding remark or something!
Wait until Xue Feiya turned around…
She was startled!
—Livra’s big watery eyes seemed to light up like little stars as she stared at the hands they clasped together, unable to believe it, her mouth slightly agape, looking stunned and thrilled to the point of being brain-fried.
If she had a tail, it would definitely be wagging vigorously like a puppy now!
Oh… how could Livra not be excited!
Living through this risky gamble of potentially dying was one thing; on another note, she had not disappointed her father’s expectations; she had truly accomplished something she never thought possible!
Just how excited was she?
Xue Feiya tried to retract her hand, but found it tightly held by Livra, who wanted to relish in the moment’s excitement, forgetting to let go of Xue Feiya’s hand.
You hold onto me; I’m not just going to let you keep holding on!
“Hey… let go, you foolish… hey…?! Are you an idiot?!”
“Oh? I’m sorry! I’m so sorry! I’m really an idiot!”
“……”
Realizing her impoliteness, Livra released Xue Feiya’s hand like she had been shocked.
Just as Xue Feiya was trying to retract her hand, the sudden backward force almost made her topple over!
Fortunately, the dignified Princess Xue Feiya promptly adjusted her posture in mid-air, avoiding the embarrassment of falling flat on her back.
Livra quickly nodded in apology; even if she admitted to being an idiot, she didn’t want her rudeness to result in ruining the hard-earned communication; that would be too unfortunate!
Xue Feiya wasn’t that petty~
She had merely condensed a flame into a fireball without temperature but with impact, and had lightly flicked it against Livra’s head~
“Ouch…!!”
“Consider this a lesson; remember, it’s just because I have a good temper. If it were someone else, you would have been cut down long ago.”
“Um… I understand…” Livra touched her head, muttering to herself, “Sorry… I got a bit carried away because when Princess Xue Feiya spoke just now, she reminded me of a friend of mine… just as fierce.”
“That’s your illusion.”
Thus.
The verbal agreement was considered to have been reached.
Although Livra didn’t have the ability to see through lies as Xue Feiya did, she inherently possessed intuition.
Regarding who lied and who didn’t, the words mirrored reality like reflections in an emerald.
Princess Xue Feiya’s words just now… must have been heartfelt.
Thank you for giving me, or rather, both of us, this opportunity.
Livra stood up; she was so happy that she almost forgot she was high up; she urgently wanted to show Princess Xue Feiya her sincerity.
“I will also keep my word, Princess Xue Feiya. I swear by the name of the Aulus Kingdom’s royal family that I will help you secure the chance to leave here, to break the bindings and restore your freedom.”
“Oh.”
“……”
Your… response is quite indifferent.
What else would it be?
I was originally free; it’s your sudden appearance that caused me to be locked up for several hours. You should go reflect on your misdeeds!
Although the response was simple and cold, the agreement to mutually grant freedom and peace had been established.
Livra felt relaxed after completing her task.
Even though they were underground, she stretched and looked up as if she could see a clear sky for miles.
“How wonderful… Princess Xue Feiya, I know I’m talking a lot right now… but please allow me to say one more thing, just one.”
“If you say two, I’ll flick your head again.”
“Let me organize my words… um…”
“That one you already said.”
“!”
This seems a bit unreasonable!
As Livra watched Princess Xue Feiya suddenly hide and giggle behind her wings, she became even more certain that this demon princess, whom the world branded as brutal, truly had a playful and humorous side.
So… saying what she wanted to say now wouldn’t get her hit, right?
Livra looked up at the stone wall illuminated by fire.
Her eyes shimmered, sparkling with countless memories.
She picked up the most precious glowing pearl from the sea of memories to say to Xue Feiya.
Also to say to herself.
“I truly feel… this is the most valuable thing I’ve done in my life; I… I never thought that I, being so weak, could do a little of what that late friend told me—‘to become strong and protect the ones I cherish’. Although I’m not as strong as her… but now, I can at least somewhat punish evil, uphold good, and protect my family, right?!”
“?”
Originally, Xue Feiya was dismissive of what Livra was going to say; it was just some sentimentality, after all, and had nothing to do with her.
However, after Livra finished her words…
Xue Feiya paused for a moment in thought.
Ah?
How strange.
Those words she just spoke, why do I find them somewhat familiar?
When Livra finished her sentiment and looked down, she suddenly realized she was still high up!
She quickly knelt back down on the stone pillar, her legs feeling weak.
Phew… fortunately, if I had pushed my luck any further, I might have happily tumbled down and been smashed to pieces!
That being said.
Livra had already said what she needed to.
The rest was to fulfill Princess Xue Feiya’s needs as best as possible.
“Princess Xue Feiya, it may take a day or two to release you; Lord Xialet might need some preparation as well. But, but… if you need anything, just tell me! Although I’m not smart… I am still a princess… I will do my best to help!”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely!”
Hey, you don’t say.
I really have something I need your help with!
Under Livra’s concerned gaze, Xue Feiya folded her six wings.
She wore a playful expression, raising one finger that looked more like “ordering” rather than “requesting”!
“I’m fine here, but I’ve always had a mental block.”
“Your Highness, please feel free to speak.”
“I heard you mention that you seem to know a girl named Shaya, right? This child is quite good; despite being responsible for sealing me, she has always been polite and respectful towards me, and I have high hopes for her.”
“Yes… indeed, Miss Shaya is exceptional; I admire her very much.”
“That’s good. Ah… it’s a pity that this child has a difficult birth background, suffering quite a bit. Sometimes, she may hesitate to tell the hero what she wants. Since you’ve already spoken with her, she has told me what she likes, so prepare two carts of strawberry donuts for her. Also, release half a lake of live fish into the lake; she mentioned that there are not many fish left in that lake. She is self-reliant, insisting on fishing for her meals; please handle this as soon as you can.”
“Rest assured! I will definitely get it done! Let me think… two carts of donuts…”
“You heard wrong, it’s three carts.”
“Okay!”
