The disease is called love

This world is merciless.

It shows no pity to anyone.

Darkness, pain, and tears—these are its most abundant hues.

As for the brilliant fireworks, they are a beautiful luxury.

If you are lucky enough to encounter one, you’d better be extra careful.

It might just drag you into the abyss called despair…

The sky was a sheet of gray, and a drizzling rain fell unceasingly.

“There’s still blood here that hasn’t washed away.”

“Hurry, search nearby—she can’t have run far!”

In the woods, a group of bounty hunters refused to leave despite the rain, as if searching for some important prey.

In an inconspicuous cave nearby, traces of blood spread from the entrance to the inside.

A black-haired man was inside.

Opposite him, a silver-haired girl with draconic features knelt on the ground, her face dominated by fear.

She clutched her injured right arm and curled up in a corner.

“Don’t be afraid.”

“I’m not like those people.”

“I won’t hurt you.”

“Don’t be so defensive.”

“Let me see the wound.”

“Yes, that’s a good girl.”

“See?”

“With magic, it’s easy to heal.”

“How is it?”

“Doesn’t it hurt anymore?”

“Why am I helping you?”

“Hmm… I just don’t want to see a cute girl like you crying, I guess.”

“Don’t worry, I don’t care about your race.”

“Anyway, if you’re fine, leave quickly.”

“They should be finding this place soon.”

“Uh… are you serious?”

“Following me might not bring you anything good, you know?”

“Fine, I can’t help it.”

“Let’s go.”

“Who told me I’m bad at refusing girls?”

…

“You don’t have a name?”

“In that case, how about I give you one?”

“But I have to warn you, I can’t come up with anything nice.”

“Hmm… your eyes are very beautiful, like glass.”

“And seeing how pitiful you look, why not call you Li Luo?”

“Ouch!”

“Don’t hit me!”

“I was joking!”

“Joking!”

“If you don’t like it, pick another one!”

“Huh?”

“You’re using that name?”

“Then why did you hit me…”

…

“Ah, Miss Li Luo!”

“I was wrong, I was wrong!”

“I shouldn’t have mocked your poor magical talent.”

“Anyway, like this, carefully feel the flow of magic inside you, then release it through imagination.”

“Hey?”

“Why is your face red?”

“Ah… sorry, I’ll let go now.”

…

“I’m not lying.”

“I really have nothing left to teach you now.”

“Who knew you’d learn so fast!”

“Dragon talent really is enviable… Damn it!”

“What?”

“You’ll teach me from now on?”

“Sure, but I won’t learn any weak magic, okay?”

“Anyway, do your best, Miss Li Luo.”

…

“Don’t… don’t cry… cough… don’t make that face, okay… it makes me sad… I never thought… one day I’d be lying in your arms… I’m sorry… your plan to have me teach you time magic might fall through…”

“You shouldn’t be in danger.”

“Why did you step in front of me just now?”

“Why did I step in front of you… Didn’t I say before… I’m bad at refusing girls… so naturally, I don’t want to see a girl get hurt… especially… when it’s you, after all this time together…”

“Don’t talk anymore…”

“Anyway… you should run quickly.”

“My magic can’t hold them off for long.”

“Xi… he’ll definitely catch up soon.”

“I told you not to talk…”

“I’m sorry… I can’t be with you anymore… I’m really… sorry……”

“No… don’t… don’t leave… didn’t you say you’re bad at refusing girls… then don’t abandon me alone, okay?”

“Please……”

…

“Sister Li Yin?”

“Sister Li Yin?”

“Ah?”

Snapped back to reality, Li Yin was dazed.

She looked up and glanced around, remembering that she was sitting on the first floor of the inn.

“Those were…” Li Yin muttered to herself, recalling the strange images that had suddenly appeared in her mind.

But strangely, she could no longer remember them, even though not much time had passed…

“Sister Li Yin, if you don’t eat soon, the grilled fish will get cold,” Ai Li said, her small head filled with big questions.

She clearly remembered that grilled fish was Li Yin’s favorite, but now it was almost cold, and the other hadn’t taken a bite.

“Uh, okay, I’ll eat right away.”

With that, Li Yin picked up the wooden skewer with the grilled fish.

As soon as the fish touched her mouth, Li Yin’s face twisted in bitterness.

“…”

Cold and disgusting!

Why does this grilled fish lose so much flavor and texture once it cools down?

“Ai Li, can I get another serving?”

“I’ll pay.”

“Sister Li Yin, wasting food isn’t good,” Ai Li said, hands on her hips, imitating an adult’s tone.

“Sorry~”

Li Yin clasped her hands together.

“Just get me another one, okay?”

“I can’t help it with you, Sister Li Yin.”

“Wait a moment.”

With that, Ai Li took the plate of grilled fish away.

Meanwhile, Xi Mi, who had been silent, was giggling to herself.

“So your name is Li Yin~”

“…”

Li Yin felt despair.

Running into someone like this was definitely the worst luck.

“By the way, little sister Li Yin, what kind of egg is that in your basket?”

“It looks very precious,” Xi Mi said, dancing on the edge of death.

“No comment.”

Li Yin’s tone was icy.

But oddly enough, the other seemed to thrive on it.

In Xi Mi’s heart—

‘That cold expression, that gaze like looking at garbage in a sewer, combined with a beautiful girl’s appearance…’

‘I’m dead!’

‘Please, give me more!’

“…”

‘This girl is definitely a masochist, isn’t she!?’

Feeling creeped out by the staring, Li Yin deeply regretted not going easy on her earlier.

‘Or maybe now was the time to take her to Yilian?’

‘Great! Let’s do it!’

After the meal, Li Yin bid farewell to Ai Li and headed to Yilian’s place, with the black-clothed girl still clinging to her.

“Yilian!”

Standing in the yard, Li Yin called into the house.

Soon, the golden-haired girl poked her head out from the door crack, just like last time.

[This girl behind me snuck into my room last night,] Li Yin’s voice echoed in the other’s mind.

Yilian immediately understood.

But still…

This girl was really bold—she could still act as if nothing had happened.

Whoosh—

A whistle sounded, and two soldiers suddenly entered the yard.

“Arrest that girl in black and lock her up for a few days,” Yilian ordered.

“Yes!”

“???”

Xi Mi was stunned.

“Wait!?”

“I haven’t done anything!”

“Why are you arresting me!”

“Hmph, if the mayor is arresting you, you must have done something wrong.”

“No resisting!”

“Come with us obediently!”

“…”

Hearing the word “mayor,” Xi Mi finally realized she had been set up!

Now, she had no choice but to enjoy the luxury package.

But she didn’t give up.

“I will be back—”

“…”

Li Yin wondered if she should just kill her off.

“If you have nothing else to do, want to come inside and sit?”

“Sure.”

With nothing better to do, Li Yin didn’t refuse.

“Speaking of which, where’s that companion of yours?” Yilian asked after entering the house.

“She…”

Seeing the other’s expression turn sour, Yilian guessed something was wrong and immediately changed the subject.

“Forget it, let’s not talk about that now.”

“I’ll tell you, I got news from Stein recently.”

“They said that silver dragon abandoned its lair a month ago, and based on the magic flow it left behind, it seems to be heading this way.”

“I don’t think we’ll actually run into it, but I’m warning you just in case.”

Yilian’s casual remark made Li Yin’s heart skip a beat.

No way…

It’s only been a month, and they already found out?

“…”