Chapter 934
Yulia and the Butterfly
Yulia has grown up—this was something Alistair was quite pleased about.
The child now had her own ideas and had clarified her future path. Alistair no longer needed to cautiously support her as she walked a bridge of no return; instead, she could let her proceed alone.
In this regard, the Shepherd’s Method was indeed necessary.
It was like a child who had always stayed at home deciding to move out on their own. Simply the question of “Can the child take care of herself?” made Alistair worry, so he naturally wouldn’t withhold living expenses. At the very least, she needed to be able to study properly and walk the most promising path with peace of mind, without having to deplete her future for living expenses—that is, her current combat power.
And the only potential obstacle was the Flame Butterfly, Leah.
She had harbored hostility towards Yulia before.
The reason was simple: she was a native Phantom Demon, and her recorded memories began concurrently with Yulia’s. In other words, Leah and Yulia met Alistair at the same time, and therefore, both equally loved Alistair.
However, Alistair only cared about Yulia, wishing to alleviate her “pain,” cure her “illness,” and change her “cursed fate”—but that “pain,” “illness,” and “curse” was Leah herself.
This was like the relationship between a living being and their spirit that transformed into a Child of the Moon after death.
Even so, Yulia’s kindness prevented Leah from attempting to take over Yulia’s body.
She only felt sadness but was unwilling to harm others because of it.
This was why she so liked the name Alistair had given her—now she was no longer Yulia’s “pain,” “illness,” or “curse,” but she still didn’t want to be merely an extension of Yulia.
To distinguish herself from Yulia, Leah even changed how she addressed Alistair—
She called Alistair “Dad.”
Because of this strong sense of divergence, Alistair had mentally prepared herself to work with Leah for a while.
To her surprise, Leah agreed without a moment’s hesitation.
Facing Alistair’s confusion, Leah, in her Flame Butterfly form, perched on Alistair’s shoulder and spoke with a voice deeper and more mature than Yulia’s, “I’m not Yulia’s enemy…
“I had the exact same memories as her before we split. That’s when I was conflicted about ‘who am I.’ Now, we each have our own lives, and we won’t walk the same path in the future.”
Just like Alistair’s own dilemma.
The question of “Who am I?” also troubled the Flame Butterfly.
And the answer Yulia had given Alistair was also effective for the Flame Butterfly…
“Precisely because we are no longer the same person, her wisdom can enlighten me. This precisely proves that we are different. Since she has already grown up, I can no longer remain in the past and be willful.”
The Flame Butterfly spoke with firm resolve, “I want to move forward too.”
At this moment, Yulia was nearby—it was also her first time interacting with “another self” at such a distance and in such a capacity.
“…Dad?”
Yulia was a little confused, “Why ‘Dad’?”
“Because Alistair doesn’t accept the title of ‘Mom’.”
The Flame Butterfly’s voice was lazy, “You used to think that too, Yuli?
“Before you were adopted by your foster father, you also felt that Alistair was like a ‘Dad’ you’d never met. Even after being adopted, you felt Alistair was like the legendary ‘Mother’—so gentle.”
“…Mmm.”
Her childhood thoughts were spoken so frankly, making Yulia’s cheeks flush.
But she didn’t refute it, merely murmuring softly, “There’s no need to say such things…”
“—One more thing, Dad.”
The Flame Butterfly’s voice became a little more serious, “You know I’m a Phantom Demon of the Path of Devotion, right?”
“…Yes, what is it?”
Alistair seemed a bit puzzled.
“Could you, please, use me normally?”
The Flame Butterfly finally sighed, “You can’t bear to let me self-destruct. I actually feel that you still see me as ‘Yulia,’ cherishing and pitying me like a mortal.
“Devotees always yearn to dedicate themselves to others—that is my inherent nature. For those I love and those who love me, any sacrifice is worthwhile.
“I had the power to help Dad, but because Dad restrained herself, it couldn’t be used. Instead, other ‘Great Beasts’ had to appear… Isn’t that putting the cart before the horse?
“—I don’t want to be a canary protected in a cage!”
“…I can understand you,”
Yulia, standing beside them, widened her eyes slightly and said seriously, “More than being ‘dangerous’ or ‘in pain,’ I don’t want to be completely useless.”
It was like being confined at home by her foster father.
Rationally, Yulia knew it was for her own good. But sometimes, she would rather burn herself out completely… to break free from this gentle prison.
Since they were originally one person… she could understand the other’s feelings!
Hearing this, the Flame Butterfly flew from Alistair’s shoulder and lightly brushed Yulia’s wings against hers.
Yulia had braced herself, ready to suppress the fear she harbored towards Leah… After all, she had been slowly simmered by the Flame Butterfly for over a decade. Although the essence of that slow simmering was because the Flame Butterfly didn’t want to “boil it down” and take Yulia’s body in one go, it had indeed brought Yulia prolonged, unceasing torment.
And now, they were two different individuals. Moreover, the Flame Butterfly was an important helper to her brother, and intended to grant her the power to protect herself… At least, she couldn’t show any resistance that would make the other sad.
Especially… it sounded like Little Butterfly had always been jealous of her.
Because they shared the same memories and similar personalities, Yulia could easily put herself in the other’s shoes. When she switched to the other’s perspective, she immediately understood her feelings.
—How could someone offer help after overcoming prejudices, only for you to reject them?
However…
When their bodies actually made contact, Yulia unexpectedly discovered… her body showed no resistance to “Leah” at all.
On the contrary—she felt a strong sense of closeness to Leah.
As if they were only complete when merged, and she wouldn’t feel so lonely.
…Or rather, when the Flame Butterfly’s wings touched Yulia’s cheek, she unexpectedly felt a calm happiness, like being hugged by her own child—even though she herself had no mother or child.
Yulia closed her eyes slightly, feeling the warmth slowly returning to her body.
The girl opened her mouth and softly asked, “Can I call you Leah too?”
And the Flame Butterfly also unexpectedly didn’t feel the aversion she had anticipated.
Perhaps it was because their kindness was identical, or perhaps… their relationship was fundamentally different from that of the Shadow Demon Beyad and the Child of the Moon Beyad. Because their merged state was the original, complete form. This was perhaps closer to the relationship between Alistair and Alistair…
…So that’s why Alistair instinctively felt a sense of resistance towards the Flame Butterfly?
Because like repels like—they were the same kind of existence.
“Of course, Yuli.”
Little Butterfly’s deep, slow, and lazy voice emerged, “I also feel a sense of calm, almost like drowsiness… like sleeping in the orphanage.”
Alistair felt as if she could also understand this feeling.
…It was like returning home after a long time of working hard in the big city, back to her old home, back to her tattered but still tidy old room, lying on her childhood bed.
—It was as if forgotten memories were seeping out from a gap.
Alistair also felt her heart warm up.
“Then, I’ll go prepare the ritual.”
She said softly, her voice filled with doting affection. As if she were going to prepare Yulia’s favorite dinner.
“You two stay here and chat. Talk about your respective experiences…
“The ritual will be ready soon.”
(End of Chapter)
