Time, a relentless arrow, had flown, and a week had already passed since Qi Yue’an first ventured into the world within the Crown of Logic. These seven days had been filled with an unprecedented richness for her.
Each morning, she awoke feeling refreshed beside Lin Xiao—though the Demon Lord himself often sported faint dark circles, hinting at a distinct lack of sleep.
Thereafter, she was required to navigate the necessary social interactions within the Dawn Star Palace as the “Demon Lord’s Consort,” and, more crucially, to continuously enter the world within the Crown, furthering her mastery over the “Crown of Logic.”
As Lin Xiao had explained, one of the critical preconditions for the ritual he was planning was for her to “know” every iteration of “Qi Yue’an” residing within the Crown, to clearly understand their similarities and differences to herself, and ultimately to gain the complete approval of that unique entity—Qi Wei.
All of this was to ensure that, upon the ritual’s final activation, her powerful sense of self could remain anchored to reality, unassimilated and unconsumed by the vast ocean of collective memories and power.
For Qi Yue’an, whose nature was solitary and who lacked social graces, this task would ordinarily have been an extraordinarily difficult challenge.
However, the awakening of her secondary personality, Qi Yue, had become an unexpected boon in this moment.
Whether confronting the diverse members within the Dawn Star Palace or the various “selves” inhabiting the Crown’s world, Qi Yue always handled herself with effortless grace, conversing cheerfully and deftly drawing the primary personality, who usually lurked in the corners of their shared consciousness, into the heart of the conversation.
Qi Yue’an herself was striving to adapt, beginning to experiment by allowing Qi Yue, her “stand-in,” to initiate interactions before cautiously taking the lead herself, participating in discussions to hone her own abilities.
Despite the remarkable progress, her slightly detached tone and occasional clumsy phrasing remained strikingly different from Qi Yue’s sunny and vivacious style, making them seem like two entirely distinct individuals.
Consequently, as her acquaintances multiplied, and at some indeterminate point, this “Consort”—who actively participated in both internal and external affairs yet displayed vastly divergent expressions and words—earned a rather fitting moniker within and beyond the Dawn Star Palace: “The Two-Faced Demon Queen.”
Rumor had it that while the Demon Queen appeared aloof and unapproachable on the surface, she possessed a delicate and tender heart, extending a subtle, almost imperceptible, care to everyone, revealing a completely different, endearing side once one truly became acquainted with her.
She and the Demon Lord Lin Xiao were almost inseparable, and her unique charm, coupled with her soft, clinging dependence, even led some demons—who had initially harbored resentment and occasionally spoke ill of her “meteoric rise”—to begin envying Lin Xiao’s “good fortune” after truly interacting with her.
Yet, this certainly did not imply she was weak or easily bullied; if subjected to insult or excessive provocation during a debate or negotiation, pushing her too far would plunge her into a brief silence, after which her demeanor would subtly shift—her smile would brighten, and her tone would become light and composed.
However, those familiar with this sign knew that this was precisely when true caution was warranted. A “Demon Queen” in this state became exceptionally “petty”; she might still share drinks and laugh with you, seemingly unconcerned, but afterward, a precise and unexpected “return gift” could silently descend from any angle, in any manner imaginable.
****
Lin Xiao’s recent sleep troubles, however, did not stem from the complications brought by these diplomatic skirmishes.
Even if Qi Yue’an had completely ignored such matters, she would still have remained safely within the Dawn Star Palace; what truly vexed him was a far more private reason.
Ever since her return from the world within the Crown, Qi Yue’an seemed to have shed some heavy burden, becoming several times bolder and more clingy in her demeanor.
Now, every night, she seemed utterly unable to fall asleep peacefully unless she was pressed tightly against him, curled up in his arms like a darling small animal, and then rubbing against him like an affectionate kitten.
Lin Xiao, by his own admission, was no saint; he was an adult male, psychologically and physiologically entirely normal, sharing a bed night after night with such a beautiful girl utterly oblivious to her own allure, yet forced to uphold his prior words and allow nothing to transpire—this was undeniably an agonizing trial.
What made it even more difficult for him to resist was that whenever his feigned composure faltered due to her closeness, and she keenly noticed it, she would not, as usual, shy away in embarrassment. Instead, she would subtly curve her lips into a faint smile, then gently whisper in his ear, her voice a blend of concern and apprehension, asking if he required her “assistance.”
This was nothing less than the ultimate test of his willpower; despite being the absolute dominant figure in terms of both status and power, Qi Yue’an consistently displayed an astonishing, almost innate, seductive charm in these ambiguous moments.
Moreover, beyond that, her conversational overtures had significantly increased during their daily interactions. While their wedding was merely a ceremony and a procedure to protect their identities, neither of them had ever explicitly declared any affection for the other.
Yet, compared to the initial atmosphere, laden with silent guilt and even a faint undercurrent of animosity from her side, their current dynamic was undeniably more than a little improved.
****
“The day after tomorrow… we’re getting married, then…”
Qi Yue’an murmured with a faint sigh, walking down the long corridor of the Dawn Star Palace, preparing to meet the guests arriving for the wedding.
The internal layout of the Dawn Star Palace was vast and intricate. Despite its name evoking images of a palace for a demon king and queen, its true nature was not a feudal regime but a mutual aid organization and confederation among demons. Lin Xiao merely served as its leader, not an emperor, and it housed the greatest number of high-ranking demons in the world, making it more akin to a small city than a mere palace.
Over the past few days, people from across the world, aware of demons and magical girls, had been arriving in a steady stream. They easily became lost within the palace’s non-linear spaces, making the task of receiving and guiding them exceedingly arduous.
In truth, a task like this was entirely beneath her status. Her public identity—and perhaps her actual one in the perception of most—was that of a magical girl captured and incidentally favored by a brutal demon king. Thus, she garnered more pity or envy than respect.
Just days prior, she hadn’t even been permitted to leave her own living quarters, and even now, she was strictly forbidden from venturing outside her designated area unless Lin Xiao was by her side.
This time, however, was different; the arrivals were individuals she eagerly anticipated. As expected, the Night Watch had delivered invitations on their behalf to Xiyin’s squad, as their captain, along with a few other important figures, and her duty was to escort them to their temporary accommodations.
In truth, she wasn’t entirely prepared to face them again.
That day, she had pleaded with Lin Xiao in such a humble manner to stop Xiyin, who had been willing to sacrifice herself to help her escape. Though they hadn’t known each other for years, she understood Xiyin’s character completely.
‘That day must have been a tremendous blow to her…’
Qi Yue’an leaned against a cool corridor pillar, her silver eyes downcast, her mind awash with tumultuous thoughts.
‘We had clearly pledged to be companions for life, yet at that moment, she couldn’t even enact her final resort, forced to watch me beg so wretchedly… and now, here I am…’
Clutching the hem of her dress, a swirl of guilt, apprehension, and an inexplicable uneasiness settled in her heart.
How would Xiyin perceive her? Would it be disappointment, or would she deem her beyond redemption? The thought of soon facing those pale blue eyes, which always filled her with nostalgia, made Qi Yue’an’s breath catch in her throat.
‘Ah…’
She sighed unconsciously.
‘Oh dear, oh dear, how is it that the “Demon Queen” who dares to act spoiled and even boldly tease the Demon Lord in his arms is sighing here like a forsaken young wife?’
A voice, full of playful mockery and vitality, abruptly resonated in her mind—it was Qi Yue.
Qi Yue’an’s body stiffened slightly as she replied within their shared consciousness:
“‘…Yue, please don’t tease me. I… I’m a bit unsure how to face Xiyin.'”
“‘Face her? What’s there to be unsure about?'”
Qi Yue’s tone was light, imbued with her characteristic optimism that seemed capable of dispelling any gloom.
“‘Just say what you want to say! Tell her you’re doing well now, tell her that Lin Xiao actually treats you quite decently, tell her you really miss her! Why overthink it so much? Or are you saying…'”
Her voice took on a hint of sly teasing.
“‘You’re actually worried that your ‘main consort,’ Miss Xiyin, will abandon you when she sees you in this ‘fallen’ state?'”
“‘Don’t talk nonsense…'”
Qi Yue’an retorted in her mind, though her voice lacked conviction.
“‘I just… I don’t want her to be sad, nor do I want her to feel… that I betrayed our promise.'”
“‘The promise was to protect each other and ensure your happiness, wasn’t it?'”
Qi Yue’s tone became slightly more serious.
“‘You’ve found the path you chose for yourself now. Even if it seems a little crooked, as long as you chose it and you believe it’s right, then walk it. True companions will try to understand…'”
“‘And if she’s truly stubborn beyond belief…'”
Qi Yue’s voice lifted again, tinged with excitement.
“‘Then let me handle it! I’ve long wanted to ‘deeply communicate’ with that ‘Miss Star’~ Actually, I’ve been a member of both the Xiyin faction and the Qi Yue’an faction for a while now, and I can fulfill both desires at once…'”
“‘Hehehe…'”
“‘Don’t you dare!'”
Hearing her wanton laughter, Qi Yue’an quickly warned her. She couldn’t even imagine what it would be like if Qi Yue took control of their body to “communicate” with Xiyin; if anything truly happened, she would fully experience the physical sensations herself…
Taking a deep breath, Qi Yue’an forced herself to calm down. Though Qi Yue’s words were frivolous, one point was undeniably true: avoidance would solve nothing.
Adjusting the relatively formal black dress with silver trim she had changed into for receiving guests, Qi Yue’an stepped forward, heading towards the designated reception antechamber.
It was one of the more spatially stable areas within the Dawn Star Palace, specifically used for hosting external visitors.
As she reached the antechamber’s entrance, she saw a familiar figure in the distance.
Xiyin stood inside the hall, still dressed in practical, casual attire, her light blue hair simply tied back.
She was gazing slightly upwards at a magnificent mural on the wall.
Bai Zhi and Bai Jin stood a little behind her; Bai Zhi curiously looked around, while Bai Jin clutched her greatsword, wearing an expression that clearly stated, “I am displeased.”
Ling Ru stood quietly in a corner, her head bowed, her hands nervously clasped together, her expression unreadable.
Li Yan, who had guided them there, leaned against the doorway. Noticing Qi Yue’an’s arrival, he raised an eyebrow, gave her a look that seemed to say, “Good luck,” and then discreetly retreated, leaving them their space.
Qi Yue’an’s steps faltered, her heart accelerating uncontrollably. She watched as Xiyin, seemingly sensing her presence, slowly turned around.
Their eyes met.
For a single instant, the air seemed to solidify. Xiyin’s pale blue eyes, like the surface of a frozen lake, clearly reflected Qi Yue’an’s image.
Within them lay a deeper, almost freezing calm.
Qi Yue’an felt her throat tighten, all her prepared words caught there.
She opened her mouth, but only a dry syllable escaped:
“‘…Xiyin.'”
Xiyin did not speak, merely watched her in silence, her gaze sliding from Qi Yue’an’s face to the dress she wore—a style unmistakably of the Dawn Star Palace—and then back to her eyes.
That scrutinizing gaze made Qi Yue’an feel as though every pretense had been stripped away, leaving her utterly exposed.
And Xiyin… she stood there quietly, her eyes meeting Qi Yue’an’s.
There was no anger or accusation as anticipated, nor was there the joy of a long-awaited reunion; instead, her gaze held an extraordinarily complex mix of concern, scrutiny, and a faint hint of… worry.
“‘Xiyin… Bai Zhi, Bai Jin, Ling Ru.'”
Qi Yue’an stepped forward, adopting a more formal, distant form of address, striving to keep her voice steady.
“‘Welcome to the Dawn Star Palace. You must be tired from your journey. I will take you to your resting place.'”
Her tone was standard official reception etiquette, imbued with just the right measure of politeness and detachment.
“‘Yue’an, how have you been here? Have they been bullying you?'”
Bai Zhi leaned closer, asking in a hushed voice, her eyes constantly darting behind Qi Yue’an, seemingly searching for someone.
“‘I’m fine.'”
Qi Yue’an replied concisely, avoiding details.
“‘It’s… very safe here.'”
“‘Safe?'”
Bai Jin finally couldn’t hold back, turning to glare at Qi Yue’an with her red pupils.
“‘Being locked in a cage can be called safe? You petty fox spirit, has that Demon Lord bewitched you with some potion?'”
“‘Xiao Jin!'”
Bai Zhi tugged at her sister.
Qi Yue’an did not grow angry at Bai Jin’s words; instead, a pang of pain struck her heart as she looked at her with feigned calm.
“‘This is not a cage, and… this is my own choice.'”
“‘…Choice?'”
Xiyin finally spoke, her voice still gentle, yet carrying a power that seemed to penetrate the soul.
“‘An’an, after that day… what exactly happened? How did you make this ‘choice’ you speak of? Did you… did you truly think it through?'”
Facing Xiyin’s trembling questions, Qi Yue’an felt a surge of guilt, but she forced herself to meet that gaze.
“‘That day… thank you, Xiyin. Thank you for being willing to go that far for me.'”
She first offered a solemn thank you, then continued,
“‘What happened afterward is complicated, but I can tell you that Lin Xiao… he is not a bad person, and my staying here is not entirely against my will.'”
She paused, seemingly organizing her thoughts:
“‘The wedding… it has its necessity, but this doesn’t mean I’ve abandoned myself, and I will absolutely, absolutely never forget you all.'”
“‘Necessity?'”
Xiyin frowned slightly.
“‘Is it to protect you, or… for something else? An’an, I don’t want you to sacrifice yourself for any reason.'”
“‘My will…'”
Qi Yue’an murmured, and then her eyes hardened with resolve.
“‘My will is to find a path that allows everyone to live, including him, and including all of you.'”
These words carried a hint of determination that even she didn’t realize, yet they conspicuously omitted any mention of herself.
Just then, Ling Ru suddenly spoke in a soft, slightly trembling voice:
“‘Sister Yue’an… are you happy?'”
Her question was direct and sharp, her eyes fixed on Qi Yue’an, not missing any subtle change in her expression.
Happy? Qi Yue’an was startled by the question.
The word was too luxurious and foreign to her. Here, she felt unease, confusion, guilt over the past, and fear of the future…
But it also seemed there was a faint flicker of hope, a desire to grasp something, and… an indescribable expectation and entanglement with Lin Xiao.
She couldn’t simply answer “yes” or “no.”
“‘I… I don’t know…'”
Qi Yue’an gave an ambiguous answer.
“‘But I want to help him, and I want to help everyone, so… all of this is also my inner choice, so… I’m sorry, even though we promised… to be teammates for life… I’m afraid I can’t go back with you.'”
She answered from the bottom of her heart, a hint of reluctance in her eyes. The days they had spent together as teammates, sharing an apartment and supporting each other as magical girls in the city, were the happiest memories she had.
“‘So, today I’m not just here to receive you… I’m also here to announce something… I’m leaving the team.'”
“‘…Eh? No way? Even if you’re married, you should still be able to see us occasionally, right?'”
Bai Zhi said in surprise. Bai Jin, meanwhile, rushed forward and grabbed the collar of her dress. The surrounding guards were about to intervene, but Qi Yue’an stopped them, allowing Bai Jin to continue.
“‘Sister is asking you a question! And even if you’ve become the so-called Dawn Star Palace Consort, you could at least keep your name on the team, right? Are you just abandoning us after seducing a man?'”
“‘Xiao Jin!'”
Bai Zhi tried to stop her from saying anything more offensive, yet Qi Yue’an showed no anger whatsoever.
“‘He usually doesn’t allow me to leave the Dawn Star Palace, and I’ve also decided that I must always be by his side…'”
She turned her head to look at the ground. She had to do this; she was at the center of their future destiny, and only by staying could she better protect them.
“‘Can we please calm down? Let’s sit and talk properly…'”
Bai Zhi attempted to mediate again, but Xiyin stepped forward at that moment.
“‘Are you sure you truly want this? Your own wedding being treated as a ritual, and he’s even confined you…'”
“‘He has his reasons. I can’t tell you yet… but I will explain later.'”
She removed Bai Jin’s hand and turned towards the door.
“‘Goodbye… The next time we meet will be at the wedding, I suppose…'”
Closing the door softly, she let out a long breath.
‘Are you sure about this? It wouldn’t really hurt to keep your name on the team, would it?’
She gazed ahead, Qi Yue leaning beside her.
‘This is the best outcome. I’ll ask him not to involve them in future matters.’
Qi Yue’an recalled past moments, also envisioning the future.
‘I… I can’t go back. If I keep getting entangled with them, I’ll surely implicate them.’
She spoke with a sense of resignation, yet a pang of sadness arose deep within her.
Her remaining life would not be spent wandering other places, but living for Lin Xiao, loving him, becoming the most important person to him, and walking with him down a path that belonged only to them.
Therefore, these ties that once made her human, she had to abandon.
But the reluctance would still linger, especially seeing their reactions. If they had been indifferent, she might have felt better.
Qi Yue listened quietly beside her, but gradually, observing the current situation, a cunning smile crept onto her lips, as if she had thought of a new possibility.
“‘An’an~ I suddenly have an idea, one that could allow you to no longer be merely protected and led by him, knowing nothing, but to walk with him into the center of events, and afterward… there’ll be no need to completely sever ties with them.'”
From within their consciousness, she embraced Qi Yue’an from behind the chair on the left—who was too surprised to react—then whispered in her ear.
“‘…Though it might put us in danger, and it will briefly hurt them…'”