The Prophecy and the Protectors

“Ziyao, do you have a moment?” Raphael’s voice echoed from outside the door.

It was around seven in the evening, and Aiya was still in a deep sleep, while Elena had already left. As a princess, she naturally had her own residence. Thus, the small wooden cottage was now occupied only by Raphael and Ziyao, the two guests.

“Of course, Raphael.”

The door creaked open, and a white-haired girl stepped inside. Her gaze fell on the desk, covered in scribbled notes. “These are…”

“Oh, just some initial ideas for a potion. Aiya’s condition is worse than I anticipated, so I need to recalculate the dosage.” Ziyao gestured to the stack of draft papers.

“You’re certainly dedicated. But have you fully recovered yet?” Raphael noticed the lingering bruises on Ziyao’s face, her tone tinged with concern.

“It’s nothing, just minor injuries.” Ziyao replied with a smile. “If I really wanted to heal, I could just take a potion.”

Raphael nodded, though her visit wasn’t merely to check on Ziyao’s work. “Have you taken a bath yet?”

“Huh?” Ziyao tilted her head. “Not yet, I’ve been busy with the potion.”

“Let’s go down to the hot spring and soak for a bit.”

“Um, allow me to decline. A quick rinse will suffice.”

But Raphael wasn’t about to let Ziyao escape. She stepped closer, gently brushing a strand of Ziyao’s hair. “Your hair hasn’t been cared for in a while, has it?”

“I’m a potion master; time is always short.”

“A waste of beauty. I’ll drag you there even if I have to.” Raphael’s voice deepened. “I’ll make you shine with the radiance you deserve.”

Wait, something wasn’t right. Ziyao felt a red ‘danger’ sign flashing in her mind. Why had Raphael suddenly become so intense?

Before Ziyao could react, Raphael scooped her up and carried her downstairs. After all, Ziyao was quite short.

“Oh, Raphael, are you going to take a bath?” Ailin appeared from nowhere, grinning. “Is everything alright, Ziyao?”

Ziyao tried to shake her head, but Raphael spoke first. “Yes, could you help us prepare? This young lady isn’t very kind to her own body.”

Hearing this, Ailin nodded. “Indeed, please make sure Ziyao is refreshed and rejuvenated.”

Why had Ailin and Raphael suddenly become so terrifying? Ziyao struggled, but to no avail. She was stripped and thrown into the hot spring.

“How does it feel?” Leaning against the hot spring’s stone wall, Raphael asked.

Thick white mist obscured the view, and Ziyao couldn’t see Raphael’s expression. Instead, she noticed Raphael’s massive… presence.

“It’s been a while since I had a proper rest.” The warm water lulled Ziyao into a drowsy state.

“You only agreed to come here so I could talk, right?”

“When did you figure that out?” Raphael raised an eyebrow.

“From the start. You don’t seem like the type to be so familiar. We’ve only known each other for less than a day, and you’re already dragging me here… It’s strange.” Ziyao traced circles on the water’s surface.

“It’s a pleasure to talk with someone so perceptive. But you’re wrong about one thing,” Raphael moved behind Ziyao, gently combing her silver hair. “Bringing you here was a spontaneous decision.”

The soft touch from behind made Ziyao’s body tense. She wanted to push Raphael away, but she dared not turn around.

“Let’s get to the point.” A transparent water membrane silently enveloped them, a spell cast by Ziyao.

“Wow, spellcasting without a wand or incantation. Your magical skills are just as impressive as your potion-making.” Surprise flickered in Raphael’s eyes. She hadn’t expected Ziyao to be such a powerful mage.

“This water membrane can block sound. Say what you need to say.”

“I want you to protect Aiya.”

“Protect… This sounds serious.”

“Aiya’s identity is crucial. Everyone on the continent, openly or secretly, has their eyes on her. She is the princess prophesied to unify the land.”

“You mean that prophecy?” Ziyao realized the gravity of the situation.

“Exactly.”

“Heavens, I thought it was just a hoax. Are you sure?”

“Of course. Otherwise, why would I be here?” As the second-highest figure in the Holy City, Raphael’s presence was a signal.

“Currently, a paladin, a sage, and a cardinal are stationed around this very cottage.” Raphael continued.

Paladins, sages, and cardinals—all at the pinnacle of human might.

“But they can’t approach the cottage. Aiya’s body can’t handle their aura, so we are her final line of defense.”

“Elena doesn’t know, does she?”

“That naive girl, of course not.” Raphael chuckled. “And you, I can tell you’re pure of heart and have a soft spot for Aiya. Will you join us?”

“If I refuse, the maid will barge in, won’t she?”

“Sometimes, being too perceptive can be troublesome.” A golden light appeared in Raphael’s palm, but it wasn’t a sign of attack.

“You really don’t care for your hair.” Raphael brushed the light over Ziyao’s silver locks, smoothing out the tangles. “This is much better.”

“I won’t join you, but I promise I won’t harm Aiya. Once she‘s recovered, I’ll leave and never return.” Ziyao didn’t want to be entangled in this mess. She just wanted to find a way to revert to being a boy.

“That’s good enough.” Raphael released Ziyao’s hair. “I can tell you’re not lying.”

After soaking in the hot spring a bit longer, Ziyao grew tired and excused herself to return to her room. Raphael, however, stayed to enjoy the soak a little longer.

“You’re too impulsive, Raphael,” Ailin appeared in the mist. “A seventh-level water mage, even we might struggle to take her down.”

And this was her home turf.

“I trust her. Anyone who can connect with Aiya won’t be a bad person.” Raphael wore a cryptic smile. “But have you noticed? This lady actually has no clear goals.”

“So what?”

“If she ever finds her purpose, she might unleash a power that could rival the heavens.”

“What are you getting at?”

“Her… Nevermind, let’s just go with the flow.” Raphael lowered her eyelids, hiding her gaze.