The Star Vow Corridor

The grand hall buzzed with an exquisite atmosphere, and the ballroom dance unfolded with flawless grace.

Invited by Della, Mylian became the undeniable belle of the ball, drawing all eyes to her. The envious gazes of onlookers enveloped her, nourishing a confidence she had long lacked.

It was as if this newfound attention had watered a parched soul, leading to a profound rebirth and elevation of her entire being.

“Miss Mylian, how do you find this evening? Has dancing brought you even a hint of joy?”

Stella whispered softly into Mylian’s ear, boldly taking her hand. Her body pressed against her older sister’s chest, a closeness she usually dared not indulge in, making their proximity far more intimate than ever before.

“It’s… quite nice, actually. Dancing isn’t as boring as I thought it would be.”

Mylian lowered her head, her bangs falling to obscure her face. She did not want Della to witness her shy demeanor, nor did she want her bird-like dependence to be easily perceived.

“Heh heh, then did you enjoy yourself tonight?”

Stella tightened her arm, her hand, which had been resting on Mylian’s waist, pressed down with a slight force. Mylian found herself almost involuntarily leaning into her, on the verge of collapsing completely against her.

“What are you doing? You’re too close!”

Mylian angrily lifted her head, only to see the smiling eyes behind the mask. She immediately realized this was Della’s teasing, and it was far too audacious!

“I simply wanted to see Miss Mylian’s expression up close. The eyes are the windows to the soul, after all, and they never lie.”

Stella offered her explanation, but Mylian only felt her cheeks flush. Never before had her chest been passively pressed so close to another person, and she was surprised by how unwilling she was to resist, even leaning into Della’s will.

Yet, Mylian did not want to obey her inner feelings. She stubbornly resolved to put up a verbal fight.

“I’ll lie to you, you perverted little young master who took advantage of me! Just you wait until the dance is over; I’ll deal with you properly and settle accounts.”

“If we’re settling accounts, then let’s square away the previous ones too, Miss Mylian.”

“Huh? You’re trying to force me to repay you now? And you still claim you’re not interested in my body?”

“It’s fine if you don’t repay me. I’d be content enough if Miss Mylian would simply accept me.”

Stella realized this was her sister’s attempt to change the subject. Judging by Mylian’s expression and actions, her sister was completely enamored with her, though her words still needed some taming.

Upon hearing Della’s response, Mylian couldn’t help but re-evaluate her feelings towards the young man before her. She wasn’t foolish; she could see that if Della truly harbored ill intentions, why would he go to the trouble of inviting her to dance?

Love is selfless, requiring no reason, but it can be reciprocated.

“Della… what do you… like?”

Mylian’s sudden question startled Stella, who was in the midst of transitioning dance steps. She slowed her pace, and Mylian followed suit, as if anticipating this very situation.

My sister is asking what I like? Could this be the part where we exchange gifts, symbolizing the foundation of our feelings!

In the original storyline, once someone’s favorability with Mylian reached a certain level, it would trigger a gift-giving scene. This symbolized that the person held an indispensable place in Mylian’s heart.

And from the moment that person was officially confirmed to be Della, there was no room for anyone else to interfere.

Truly, this is cause for celebration. I’ll just ask my sister for something simple, so she doesn’t have to rack her brains.

Stella had decided on her gift request, but before formally answering, she needed to act the part, fitting Della’s persona.

“I like you. Can you give me that?”

“Ugh… you scoundrel!” Mylian puffed out her cheeks like a hamster, her thumb, which was resting on Della’s chest, gave a fierce pinch. The pain caused Stella’s face to instantly tighten.

“Try being improper one more time! I’m serious.”

“Alright, alright, I won’t joke anymore, Miss Mylian. Then, please give me a box of chocolates.”

Stella endured the combined pain of her binder and the pinch, managing to respond to Mylian.

“That’s it? You actually like chocolate?”

“Yes, yes, any kind, bitter or sweet, will do.”

“I thought a young master like you would at least ask for something precious like jewels.”

“Jewels depreciate once they leave the shop. It’s better to choose Miss Mylian…” Stella saw Mylian clench her fist and quickly added, “…a gift imbued with genuine emotion.”

“That’s more like it. I promise you; just wait for your gift.”

Mylian abandoned her plan to chastise him further. A goal and an aspiration gradually formed in her heart, all a result of the precious experiences Della had brought her.

No matter what Della looks like beneath that mask, I must bring him home to meet my parents. Then, I’ll take off his mask!

Mylian solidified her plan, setting it as a long-term goal. She also prepared to adapt to the worst-case scenario in the near future: if Della were severely disfigured, she would still remain by his side without hesitation.

The music faded, accompanied by the ebb and flow of emotions. The moment Mylian affirmed her feelings, Della’s hand left her waist.

The song ended, and applause erupted ceaselessly.

“Thank you, everyone! I wish you all a wonderful evening!”

Stella waved goodbye to the appreciative audience. When she looked at Mylian again, Mylian was gazing steadily at her, as if waiting for something.

“Della, I want to go for a walk. It’s not convenient to talk here.”

“Mm, of course.”

Stella and Mylian held hands, their grasp unbroken from the beginning to the end of the dance. They departed from the lively crowd, stepping into the quiet, serene night sky outside.

“The air outside is much better. I felt quite stuffy just now.”

“Is that so, Miss Mylian? Perhaps it was due to the dancing?”

“That’s not important anymore, Della. In the future, could you please not be so formal when you call my name?”

“Not formal? What do you mean? Should I call you Young Miss Mylian?”

Stella tilted her head, observing Mylian. Her sister, in her pink gown, perfectly suited the title of ‘Young Miss.’

“Just call me by my name. We’re very familiar now.” Mylian gently pinched Della’s shoulder with her free hand.

“Alright, Mylian… How does that sound?” Stella actually felt a bit strange. After all, she usually called her ‘Sister,’ and it felt unfamiliar to abandon that customary address.

“It’s barely acceptable. Call me that from now on, otherwise it’ll seem like we’re not close at all.”

“Understood. So, Mylian, where would you like to go?”

“The Star Vow Corridor. It should be empty now.”

Just minutes after Mylian and Stella left the hall, Raphael and Sari, who had rushed out late, lost their target. They couldn’t find anyone at the entrance.

“Sari, activate your magic. It’ll be trouble if those old fogies on the School Board find out.”

“Whether it’s trouble for them, I don’t know, but Raphael, aren’t you in charge of auditing new students? That white-robed youth is clearly not an enrolled student.”

Sari cast spells to awaken the ‘surveillance’ creatures throughout the academy while complaining to the anxious Raphael.

“Don’t talk, just find them quickly! My personally trained student has been led astray by him!”

“Alright, I found them. They’re in the Star Vow Corridor!”