Chapter: 7. Got It!
“Isn’t it fine if we don’t hurry over?”
“I’ve already informed the king using the communication crystal. I might arrive a bit late. With the necessity of ‘properly detaining the Demon Princess’ as a reason, it won’t be strange if I’m a bit late.”
“Hey~ I didn’t expect to have such an impressive standing! I got captured in the capital, and your king actually urgently summoned all the lords for a meeting?”
“You’re just not self-aware, Xue Fei… To be honest, this situation’s seriousness is no less than a royal succession.”
“Wow… I’m actually so great!”
“Yes, yes, yes, my Xue Fei is the greatest.”
“Why do I have to be yours…! Um, alright, under your roof, I have to lower my head. Since I’m temporarily staying at your place, let’s go with that for now!”
In the outskirts of the royal capital, slightly away from the town center.
A double-story mansion with porcelain-white walls built by the lakeside.
The entire mansion reflects in the shimmering lake water, creating an extraordinary sight as it sways with the wind.
This is the home of the kingdom’s only hero, Xiyalet.
It was granted by King Aulus in recognition of her accomplishments, representing glory and peace.
The carriage that brought Xiya and Xue Fei back is now parked by the lake.
Several tall horses that had run a long way are currently nibbling on the grass by the clear lake, enjoying a pleasant snack after a long journey home.
At this moment, Xiyalet and Xue Fei are standing in front of the exquisitely carved wooden door of the mansion.
Xiya channels her magic, creating a golden halo that spreads from her fingertips, gradually forming a circle of sparkling barrier to envelop the entire mansion.
The large-scale barrier, designed to fend off external attacks, only flashed a few times before becoming invisible.
It is unseen, but it is indeed effective.
Xiya knows that Xue Fei may not need protection, but she still wants to be more cautious.
Moreover, this barrier can completely block external perception, which is quite necessary.
Xue Fei tiptoes to extend her height as much as possible to survey the lake in front and the distant mountains.
This long-missed beautiful sight makes the brightness in her eyes magnify, even making her bounce happily for a moment!
Until she notices that Xiya is looking at her with a pampering expression, Xue Fei quickly refrains from her childlike antics and clears her throat with a certain authority to reopen the conversation.
“Well, I must say your home environment is quite nice; it’s all mountains and water. The only problem is that after bouncing around for hours, I can’t see a single person. In the end… is this really your mansion? It’s not some deep mountain forest?! Are you trying to live in seclusion? Xiya, you’re so young, this kind of thought is quite frightening!”
“I’m not as miserable as you think!”
“Um, ah!”
Xiya decisively gave a light chop on Xue Fei’s head to stop this little one’s vivid imagination from running wild.
She also took a moment to look around at the green mountains and water, nodding in satisfaction as she explained.
“The territory of Aulus Kingdom is vast, and we have no shortage of land, so the king rewards meritorious subjects with large estates. I don’t usually stay here; when I return to the capital, I generally go to the town to visit my parents. This place has been idle. Don’t you think it’s perfect for us to live together in the future? It’s secluded and quiet, and no one will disturb us.”
“Ah… this really fulfills my dream of being a hermit.”
“……”
So this was your dream, Xue Fei!
Suppressing the urge to give another gentle chop, Xiya let out a long sigh.
She led Xue Fei to the carriage by the lake, picked up the golden holy sword [Siletra] that was placed in the compartment with one hand, and secured it at her waist with her pure white dress.
Against the backdrop of the sparkling clear lake, Xiya’s golden hair shines splendidly like a golden galaxy, achieving a perfect unity of mature beauty and heroic grace.
This scene is far more beautiful than the distant scenery, prompting Xue Fei to give a big thumbs up in approval.
“Wow, it’s truly impressive!”
“Xue Fei, please stop saying strange things… Just wait at home for me to come back. Although being slightly late is fine, this meeting is too large in scale; all the nobles from the kingdom are here. If I don’t show up, it’s inevitable that people will talk.”
“Exactly! After all, it was you who got us captured! They’re having a meeting, and if you don’t show up, what’s the point? The kingdom might as well pack up and go home!”
“I really want to capture your silver-tongued little mouth…”
Xiya mercilessly ruffled Xue Fei’s adorable face, feeling thoroughly healed.
With one hand bracing against the carriage’s base, Xiya lightly jumped up to the bottom of the carriage in a rather elegant posture.
A hint of worry reveals in her gaze.
Xiya is clearly going to attend a major meeting, yet her mind is still filled with thoughts of Xue Fei.
“Xue Fei, I already showed you where the bedroom is. If you’re tired, you can take a nap. If anything happens, feel free to contact me anytime with the communication crystal.”
“Rest assured!” Xue Fei patted her steel-like little chest, producing a sonorous sound, “I just need a bed, a big soft bed! That will give me a level of exquisite sleep you can’t imagine.”
She was still energetically chatting in the previous sentence.
But in the next second, Xue Fei’s eyes suddenly dimmed, reflecting her thoughts in Xiya’s eyes.
“Also… if it’s convenient for you, can you bring me something on your way back? I’ve been missing it…”
“Xue Fei…”
Xiya feels heartbroken.
She thinks… Xue Fei must be uncomfortable being away from home and is recalling something from the Demon Territory that resembles her hometown’s atmosphere…
On this trip of “running away from home,” apart from hiding from the Demon King and Queen, she heard that there is a younger sister back home, the second princess of the Demon Race.
No one can be told… and she doesn’t know when she can return, how can she not feel lonely?
So Xiya tightly clenches her teeth and the holy sword, confidently assuring her.
“Just tell me, Xue Fei. As long as it’s something found within the kingdom… no, as long as it exists in this world, I will bring it back for you.”
“Really?!”
“Absolutely.”
“You’re so good! Then I’ll say it! Is there that kind of donut in your kingdom? Strawberry-flavored, oh, it’s best if it has real strawberries! Ah, you don’t know… I’ve been stuck in the Demon King’s camp for a long time, and I haven’t eaten a donut in ages. I really want it! I feel like crying just thinking about it!”
“……”
The hand gripping the holy sword… why is it gradually losing strength?
Xue Fei, are you getting drool all over the place?
It seems there’s really no need to worry… Xue Fei is even more indifferent than I imagined… cough, more resilient.
Settling properly in the carriage, Xiyalet nodded in agreement.
“Okay… I’ll check if there are donuts for sale when I come back, but that will have to wait until this meeting is successfully over. I guess the discussions will definitely involve matters concerning you, Xue Fei.”
“Stop playing cool; is that your guess?”
“Uh… it was Xue Fei you told me just now.”
“Hmph, that’s called wisdom.”
Silly Xiya can’t predict, but Xue Fei can!
When the time comes at the meeting, the king will surely mention the issue of her handling.
Xue Fei has already briefed Xiya on what to say on the way back.
Xiya gently tapped her own forehead, seemingly blaming herself for lacking wisdom.
Then she clenched her small fist and promised, “Actually, I’m not as stupid as you think, Xue Fei… I just have to adapt on the spot, and also… Xue Fei.”
“Yeah?”
Xiya’s gaze unexpectedly becomes a bit evasive, and the softness in her voice lacks the Hero’s gallant spirit.
“Xue Fei… I… I’ll be right back, okay?”
“……”
She stammered, glancing around, seemingly hoping Xue Fei would give a wonderful response.
Xue Fei blinked her eyes, which could never disappoint her!
The first princess of the Demon Race placed her hands on her hips and spoke with a clear rationale!
“Otherwise! If you don’t go and come back, wouldn’t my donuts be gone?”
“Xue Fei!!”
“Hahaha, sorry~~ I understand, I understand! I was joking~”
This time, Xue Fei slowly put her two small hands behind her back.
She leaned forward, tilted her head, and squinted her eyes, smiling brightly.
Her smile with little tiger teeth seemed like a prayer melting ice plains.
Her silver hair shines under the sun, showcasing the purest cuteness in the world.
Her sweet voice almost melts hearts.
“Sister, safe travels~”
“!”
The hero’s bright blue eyes suddenly lit up.
She turned her head and waved at the horses to set off immediately.
Even though the horses hadn’t had their fill of the lush grass, how could they ignore the master’s command?
With several fine horses whinnying in response, the carriage rushed off toward the inner city of the royal capital like the wind.
——Leaving Xue Fei standing there in a daze.
She squatted down by the lake, pinching a small flower, lost in a brief thought.
Ha… this thought may be a bit impolite.
But it always felt like after reuniting with Xiya, her state occasionally seems a bit strange.
For instance, just now… oh… it wasn’t hard to understand; she was going to a meeting and must be a bit nervous, which is understandable.
And on the way back… it seemed she was frequently glancing at me… no, no, this must be a misconception, right? Am I overthinking?
Hmph, anyway, Xue Fei firmly believes.
The pure sisterly bond between her and Xiya is deep-rooted, without a hint of impurity!
She didn’t even ask me for living expenses!
Although it’s a bit hard to admit— even if Xiya is silly, she is still a sister I respect.
I’m sure we will become even friendlier in the future!
Xue Fei clasped her hands behind her head, stepping forward to return home for a nap. Waiting for Xiya to come back, after all, being alone isn’t much fun, and right now, she can’t be too arrogant; she should wait patiently.
However…
As fate would have it, she passed by the lake.
Lake? Fish?
There’s a lake, and there are fish.
A lake with fish and a lake full of fish…
Hmm…
Got it!!
………………………….
(PS: This book will maintain two updates a day, at noon and in the evening. Little North Star will not be late!)
