Chapter: 71. Story (6000 words)
On the Night of the Two Moons in Full, fireflies flickered humorously.
Wearing a silky and exquisite blue and white nightdress, Xue Fei lay flat on a large soft bed, occasionally joyfully wiggling her little feet to make her toes touch, lively and spirited, completely devoid of sleepiness.
From time to time, she turned to her side to share her excitement with Xiya. Despite it being the early hours of the morning, this was already the umpteenth time she had happily recounted her feelings.
“Hehe… Xiya, Xiya! I think the gladiatorial arena is really great! You can eat food and watch matches, and the old king gave out tickets as rewards! It’s rare he made such a good decision! It’s really nice!”
“Alright, alright~ As long as my princess Xue Fei likes it! Hmm… next time, sister will take you again. This event happens every week.”
“Sure! I hope the Fire Cats bring fish next time~ I’m really curious to see how big the fish in the Fire Cat Territory are.”
“The Fire Cats might not always come to compete… I can’t say for sure on that.”
This evening was a rare experience for Xue Fei.
Well… except for that little incident involving Belis at the end of the event. Although it was mentally exhausting, it made her little treasure chest filled again, making it hard to say if it was a good thing or a bad thing.
Licking her slightly uncomfortable lips, she realized that the more she did so, the angrier they seemed to make her.
Belis, you really have grown bold… treating your own sister like this? If Father King and Mother Queen knew, they’d definitely give you a good slap!
Xiya didn’t quite understand why Xue Fei kept licking her lips tonight, but their connection never faltered.
So she turned over as well.
The soft yet formidable cotton candy pressed against Xue Fei’s shoulder, causing her expression to shift into one of solemn respect.
“What’s wrong, Xue Fei…? Thirsty? I see you keep licking your tongue.”
“Not that… I just remembered some unpleasant memories. You know, whenever I recall something bad, I tend to lick my lips. It’s a bad habit of mine.”
“Is that so…?”
Xiya pushed herself up, propping her hands on the bed.
Her golden hair, just dried with wind magic after bathing, smelled nice and felt soft.
She brushed her treasured, shining long hair to the side and leaned forward to Xue Fei’s face.
Mm… Xue Fei, you say this is an old habit, right?
In that case… for someone so restless, with her little tongue unable to stay quiet, this is how it should be done.
—A gentle kiss descended.
A soft kiss pressed against Xue Fei’s lips once more.
At the same time, Xialetla, which had returned to the sword’s body hanging on the wall, emitted a faint golden light!
Sometimes, she couldn’t help but admire the hero’s courage!
This kiss was like a dragonfly touching water, a brief contact that pulled away quickly, without lingering too long.
Even so…
It was enough to make Xue Fei’s eyes widen in surprise!
“Another kiss…? Cough! No, Xiya, you you you…!”
“Another?” Xiya found this phrasing a bit strange, “Xue Fei… your wording is not precise. I remember we didn’t kiss when we got home, did we?”
“You didn’t! But just now, Belis just gave me a peck! She…! Uh…”
“?!”
“!”
Sorry.
People are always like this; when excited, they can’t hold back some things in their hearts, so they just spill.
Xiya’s expression was exceptionally vivid, a perfect exemplar of human shock.
After the surprise, the jar of jealousy had spilled, and there was no saving it anymore.
Xiya’s gaze faltered as she struggled to speak, tightly focused on Xue Fei’s restless and trembling lips.
“Belis…? No… but Xue Fei, isn’t your relationship with her…”
“Ugh… about that, it’s hard for me to explain! Logically, she should be annoyed with me, right? Even if she’s not, she should have evolved into a good little sister who respects her elder sister. But just now…! She actually…! How could I not understand!”
Not understand?
What Xiya was thinking right now had nothing to do with why Belis did that.
Women’s possessiveness is strong.
Even someone as gentle as Xiya had the same unwavering principles as Belis.
This led Xiya to whisper her question, so softly that Xue Fei could hardly hear.
“Ex… except for… that…”
“Xiya?”
“Except for the kiss… Belis… she didn’t do anything else to you, right…?”
“Huh?!”
With her wooden-headedness, Xialet was probably slow in big matters, but she was sharp in matters of the heart.
Xue Fei was not bad either, but she needed a moment to respond to the current situation.
The reason was…
At this very moment, for the first time in her life, someone was getting jealous because of her.
Xiya’s eager questioning with her puffed cheeks… Xue Fei had never seen that expression on her sister before!
A moment of being stunned could decide the outcome of a battle.
Not to mention, Xue Fei had already been dazed for quite a while.
“Hmm?!”
The powerful First Princess of the Demon Race was once again pinned down by the hero on the bed.
This time, her pitiful lips were not just receiving a gentle touch, but rather a near-manic barrage of kisses.
Xue Fei’s cries awakened the Little Holy Sword, which emitted a golden light at an astonishing frequency! Xialet was very excited! She loved watching!
Xiya didn’t stop kissing Xue Fei until Xue Fei kicked her legs and fell silent, and she reluctantly moved her head away.
There was no time to wipe the glistening from the corner of her mouth; all her gentle affection was directed towards Xue Fei’s vacant gaze and the tear that glistened in the corner of her eye.
“…I promised this afternoon that I wouldn’t lay a hand on Xue Fei tonight… So… I will keep my promise, but just now… that was to express my feelings; please understand that this extent is necessary.”
“This extent…? Ah… I understand… Thank you so much for keeping your promise.”
Xue Fei replied weakly, lacking energy.
What else could she do but respond quickly!
Recalling the excitement of the afternoon, the poor little Xue Fei wanted to cry.
Wuwu, thank you, Xiya! If you had let yourself go a little more and done anything to me just now, I would definitely be in a deep depression tomorrow!
Fortunately, Xiya understood the importance of balance and keeping promises. She reluctantly rolled off Xue Fei.
Just when Xue Fei thought she had finally been saved, Xiya lay back on the pillow and delivered a harsh remark.
“Tomorrow, we’ll double it; otherwise, I’ll find it hard to calm down… I might end up unable to sleep tonight.”
“Damn it.”
The two of them silently gazed at the ceiling in perfect harmony.
Perhaps they were both trying hard to maintain a calm mood to avoid a battle breaking out.
Xue Fei turned away and began to pat her cheeks—she felt like her lips had been kissed out of place and was trying to reset them.
In reality, they were not askew; it was merely an illusion caused by strong emotions~
After a long while, Xiya turned to face Xue Fei’s back, her fingers moving over the silky fabric of her nightdress, making Xue Fei’s back feel ticklish, wanting to laugh.
“Pu chi…”
“Xue Fei, what do you think your sister really means…?”
“What do you mean? Isn’t it obvious? She’s just trying every way possible to get me back to the Demon King’s Castle. Unfortunately, I have no intention of going back right now. Moreover, if I return, the war between the Human and Demon Races will immediately restart—aren’t they causing enough chaos already?”
“That’s not… I mean… what kind of feelings does she have for you…? Clearly, you’re family… Why would she kiss you…? Is that some kind of cute act? Xue Fei, in the Demon Territory, is kissing between family members normal?”
“Not at all! How could it be normal!”
Xue Fei immediately turned back to face Xiya, refuting her with fervor.
The traditions of the Demon Territory are similar to those of the Human Race; how could they kiss upon meeting!
No, wait… Xiya, was this what you were actually concerned about?!
Goodness, I thought you were asking me what Belis was planning, like in terms of strategy, and it turns out the topic is still about emotional issues?!
Looking at Xiya’s near-perfect, slightly closed, exquisite lips, Xue Fei instinctively shrank back, avoiding the sharpness.
The two maintained a safe distance, gazing at each other, and with Xiya’s gentle sigh, it seemed they temporarily concluded this dangerous topic.
“Sigh… you really can’t be careless… By the way, Xue Fei, are you tired now?”
“What?!”
Don’t get me wrong, when Xue Fei exclaimed “What?!” it expressed a sense of fear, not a questioning tone.
“What?!” and “What?” convey different meanings.
Xue Fei’s startled cry indeed startled Xiya.
She hurriedly shook her head on the pillow, indicating that she didn’t mean it that way.
“No… I meant… if you’re not tired, would you like to tell me about the story between you and Belis? Didn’t we agree to talk about it when we got back?”
“Are you interested in hearing it?”
“Um… I think you should know the reason for Belis’s sudden change in attitude, but it seems to trouble you… If Xue Fei wants to talk, I’m willing to listen to your worries.”
“Xiya, it’s great that you can speak so normally without reaching out.”
“Hmm?”
Don’t ask, Xue Fei is really moved right now.
During the afternoon, talking was out of the question; all communication was based on physical contact. In such a state, how could there be room for verbal communication?
Now, being able to chat like this on such a tranquil and harmonious night is no less enjoyable than watching a match at the gladiatorial arena.
Xue Fei wiggled her body like a big fish, shifting towards Xiya.
She accidentally brushed against that soft area again, causing her to quickly retract slightly to avoid being too bold and facing consequences.
Thus, Xue Fei lay on the soft pillow, resting her silvery hair.
Her purple eyes sparkled, and her cherry lips parted slightly.
“Actually… this should be considered my own family matter.”
“Family matter? Hmm, then it’s easy to talk about; Xue Fei’s family matters are just sister’s family matters, right~”
“Hehe… that’s true, so listen to me, I haven’t said these words to anyone else but you.”
“Mm mm, I’m listening.”
The temperature outside the window tonight was moderate, comfortable enough without needing the Ice Magic Stone to emit cold air.
The story unfolded smoothly.
“Belis… was not always indifferent to me. When she was very little, she was quite clingy. She would let me feed her at mealtime and would seek me out at bedtime with her pillow. Apart from running away while fishing, she was generally well-behaved. It was probably when I turned nine and she was seven that she slowly started ignoring me.”
“She would come find you with her pillow…? She let you feed her…? Cough, wait a minute. What happened that year?”
“Well, the military was reorganized. That year, I just happened to break through to six wings. Father King appointed me as the commander of the Second Legion of the Demon King’s Army to gain experience.”
“You broke through to six wings at just nine years old…?”
Yes.
Perhaps it was because she was too young. At only seven, Belis protested in front of Father King and the elders of the Demon Race.
“Isn’t sister still a child! Other legion commanders are about the same age as Father King! Sister likes fishing; she should stay home and fish instead of going to war!”
The outcome was as one might guess.
Belis was harshly scolded by Father King and them.
With her three wings hanging limply, she cried while returning from the council chamber to her quarters without leaving her room.
The Demon Race revered strength, and at just nine years old, Xue Fei achieving the title of “the youngest six wings in Demon history” was seen as a supreme honor by all demons.
In this light, Belis trying to keep such a “child of destiny” at home and off the battlefield was a provocation of the Demon Race’s traditions; it was incomprehensible.
Just like how knights on this side of the kingdom would not train properly, only seeking pleasure.
Or like in Xue Fei’s previous life, those high-achieving children not wanting to study and only wanting to play games—it’s fundamentally similar.
“Of course, Belis also came to find me to talk. She told me to stay at home and play with her and not go to the army.”
“You must have rejected her…”
“Of course! No matter how irresponsible I might be, I wouldn’t neglect what I should do. At that time, the Second Legion of the Demon Race had not yet intervened in the war with the Human Race, and I never thought that the ambitions of the Demon Race would grow larger… It was several years later when the Second Legion was stationed at the Human Race’s borders.”
“Not to say you were irresponsible… um, I know about the Second Legion. It’s considered the strongest fighting force of the Demon Race, an ace.”
“Yes… uh, where were we just now?”
“You said Belis urged you, and you rejected it.”
Yes, I was bound to refuse.
But Xue Fei loved her sister dearly; at that time, she smiled while telling Belis that she would come back after some experience.
In three years.
After three years, I would return to the Demon King’s Castle for a while.
But… there were some realities Xue Fei was unaware of at that time.
During her absence, Belis’s living environment was extremely harsh.
This “harshness” did not refer to material aspects.
But rather, it pertained to her mental state.
—Suffering greatly.
“Have you heard! Princess Xue Fei led the Second Legion to capture the Northern Polar Lake! It is said that they produce abundant Northern Polar Fish! Our Demon Race’s resources are going to become even richer!”
“Don’t say; Princess Xue Fei’s research on magic has always caused destruction, but it’s really useful. Did you see the improved Light Magic Stone last time? It can last a whole month without extinguishing; the princess is truly a genius…”
At first, Belis listened to her sister’s various achievements at home, her mood soaring to indescribable heights.
She really thought her sister was amazing!
But things can change.
Gradually, the language surrounding her shifted.
People liked to compare.
After all, without comparisons, they couldn’t elevate the object of their boast to a higher position.
“First Princess is indeed impressive, but the Second Princess feels too mediocre… Ten years old and still hasn’t reached four wings? Such a waste of royal bloodline.”
“Haha… our Demon Territory is survival of the fittest. Just wait; maybe Princess Xue Fei will sever sisterly ties with her one day! Why? Because it’s embarrassing!”
Surely, these words couldn’t be directly relayed to Belis; they wouldn’t dare say it to her face.
But in this world, there are no walls that can’t be penetrated.
Day after day, Belis heard similar sentiments more than once.
She would retort, get angry, and repeatedly emphasize that her sister would never treat her that way.
She promised that she would return home after three years.
However, little Belis couldn’t understand; once you get involved with the military and power, many things are beyond your control.
Xue Fei was busy every day in the army, thinking of returning home to reunite with her sister, but three years simply wasn’t enough; five years passed in the blink of an eye.
By the time three years had come, Belis, already at four wings, stood at the promised place where they would meet, holding the letter Xue Fei had sent back, stating that she wouldn’t be home on time today.
She indeed did not wait for her return.
That day was overcast and cool, with many dark clouds.
Belis turned silently and left without a word.
After five years, Xue Fei had written ahead to tell Belis she would definitely come back this time.
And when Xue Fei joyfully flew to the gates of the Demon King’s Castle to reunite, no one was there to greet her.
All she heard was the news that Belis had taken the initiative to request to become the commander of the Fifth Legion of the Demon King’s Army.
What happened next was predictable.
Every time Xue Fei and Belis met, it was Xue Fei putting in great effort, trying various ways to amuse her, hoping to reconcile with Belis.
In her previous life, Xue Fei lacked familial love; in this life, she hardly wanted their relationship to become fragmented due to some rumors.
She had apologized to Belis many times, explaining that those people making snide remarks were merely talking without experience; she never looked down on Belis and hoped Belis wouldn’t overthink it. Belis would always be her cherished little sister, and that would never change.
But Belis’s responses…
Left Xue Fei utterly heartbroken.
Deeply pained.
“It’s not about the rumors, sister—you don’t need to explain; you haven’t done anything wrong. I never believed what they said; I’ve just grown up now, and I’m not as naive as before.”
So, what you mean is…
“I just want to become stronger; that’s enough. Boring games of pretend are done; I can’t always be that little girl waiting for you by the stream to come home. I am the Second Princess of the Demon Race, Belis Halder, and I have my own dignity. Maybe I’ll never catch up to you, this monster, but I’ll try not to fall too far behind. This isn’t your fault, sister, but I must have self-awareness. So, sister, if there’s nothing important, please try not to talk to me.”
Monster…?
The deeper the affection between family members, the more lethal the words become.
The closer they are, the more hurtful the poison.
That day, even Xue Fei, whose personality was so cheerful that she never had worries, collapsed on her bed in tears. She couldn’t believe that her family would look at her with such icy eyes, as if viewing an enemy.
Unable to stop crying, Xue Fei held her fishing rod and went to the lakeside to fish, continuing to wail with the big fish she caught, a truly pitiful sight.
As Xue Fei narrated her story, her small eyes began to redden, and Xiya hurriedly held her trembling little hand to offer comfort.
“Xue Fei, it’s alright… It’s over; those are all past events… Don’t think too much about it.”
“Mm… I… I know. After that, Belis suddenly stopped caring about me. Our parents also became stricter with me; every day in the Demon Race felt suffocating… Xiya, can you understand that feeling of suffocation?”
“I understand… I get it.”
While I hadn’t experienced that kind of suffocation, I was breathing the same air as Xue Fei, and I was willing to share her joys and sorrows.
Since then, Belis was entirely focused on seeking power, aiming to break through to five wings as quickly as possible, becoming the rightful Second Princess of the Demon Race.
In reality, she truly paved her own path through hard work, becoming the core commander of the Fifth Legion, gaining recognition for both her intelligence and strength.
But in Belis’s view… it was still far from enough.
During this time, Xue Fei did not give up; she often went to find Belis to fish together, inviting her to go out for walks or simply chat about mundane matters. At the very least, she hoped Belis would listen to her endless apologies.
The result was predictable; Belis rejected everything.
She said a multitude of hurtful things that wounded Xue Fei’s heart.
Xue Fei bit her lip countless times, wanting to cry but immediately smiling through the pain, insisting she would continue to persuade her.
Maybe Belis found her sister quite bothersome…
But the sister didn’t want you to walk down this torturous road…
“This happened when Belis was fifteen… she was overly impatient. In her quest for strength, to quickly break through to five wings, she abused her royal authority… and without permission, opened the Forbidden Library that had been sealed for a thousand years, finding a forbidden magic that could rapidly enhance power in a short time.”
“Forbidden magic…? Then that means…”
“Yes, the very fact that it is forbidden means there is a price to pay.”
As the snow fell and the flowers danced, the moon became full.
