A Day with Elena and a Conflicted Heart

“So, milk tea, shopping, and a visit to the Imperial Central Park?” Raphael, sporting two exceptionally dark circles under her eyes, held her teacup, her amber gaze filled with disbelief.

According to Ziyao, she had first reenacted a real-life version of The Little Mermaid with Aiya—right in front of Elena, no less. And then, she had spent the entire day with Elena?

This was a date, wasn’t it? This was definitely a date! Raphael thought. Amazing, little Ziyao. She wants to collect all the sisters, huh?

“Aren’t your dark circles a bit too exaggerated?” Ziyao mumbled, taking a bite of bread. Even when she used to stay up for four days straight, her eyes were never this dark. She pulled a light pink potion from her small bag, swallowing the food in her mouth. “Need it? It’s specifically for dark circles.”

She had been quite idle these past few days. To pass the time, she had reviewed all the potions she knew how to make. Yet, she hadn’t managed to create a single Grandmaster-grade one.

Indeed, becoming an Alchemist Grandmaster is a significant hurdle.

“Oh, you can make this kind of potion?” Raphael took the test tube Ziyao offered, still finding the humor to joke.

“I was young and foolish then.” The small, white-haired head shook slightly. She had originally intended for the potion to be much stronger, ideally potent enough to alter one’s physique. As it turned out, it was quite effective for eliminating dark circles and other facial blemishes. It was an unexpected bonus, one might say. Though Ziyao herself had no need for it, it made for an excellent gift.

“Thanks.” Without bothering to ask for the full story, Raphael tucked the potion into her bag.

“Don’t mention it. What are friends for?”

After spending these past few days together, Ziyao and Raphael’s relationship had significantly improved. They could now truly be considered close friends. After chatting with Raphael for a few more moments, Ziyao returned to her bedroom with the items she had bought with Elena earlier that day.

They had spent a solid half-day shopping! Half a day! By the end, her legs were practically numb.

“Are all warriors’ physiques this powerful?” Ziyao had finally asked Elena, leaning against a wall—a question that had long puzzled her.

Elena, however, had simply tapped her chin, responding with an innocent air, “No, aren’t all girls like this?”

Well, Ziyao had to admit, she wasn’t quite “all girls.”

Flopping onto the soft bed, Ziyao peeled off her white stockings. Her feet were still aching. She took out a light blue potion, removed the wooden stopper, and scraped a little out with her index finger. This particular potion was rather viscous; it truly belonged more in the category of an ointment. Nevertheless, calling it a potion wasn’t entirely wrong.

Bringing her index finger to her nose, a delicate lotus scent wafted up, confirming the potion was still viable. Propping one foot up, Ziyao gently massaged her calves and delicate feet. Her pale, rosy toes were like the most perfect works of art—so much so that even Ziyao sometimes felt an urge to nibble them. Even after a day of activity, her feet remained entirely odorless. As a Sage of the Water element, her body had long since reached a state of purity. No impurity of any kind could ever linger on her skin. And sweat? She could control that, too. She was an eternally clean girl.

The potion worked wonders. Her previously sore calves now felt significantly more comfortable. A soothing coolness spread slowly upward, bringing immense relief. With a flick of her hand, Ziyao turned off the light and burrowed under the covers.

Hugging the blanket that carried Aiya’s scent, Ziyao began to ponder her future path. Aiya had awakened, meaning her first assignment was nearing its end. Healing Aiya’s body was now as easy as taking something from her pocket. Initially, hearing Elena’s description, she had thought it would be an incredibly difficult task. Yet, it turned out to be merely the Emperor and Empress’s secret way of protecting Aiya.

Now, the Empress also deemed it time. The Pope, Ziyao herself, the other Seven-Star Alchemists, and perhaps even the Guild Master would all be invited. Such a formidable lineup could likely bring even the dead back to life.

But what then, after Aiya’s body recovered? She had promised the Empress to take Aiya to see the outside world. What should she do at that point?

While not particularly sensitive to matters of the heart, she wasn’t truly a block of wood. She was very aware of Aiya’s feelings for her. But precisely because she was aware, she felt conflicted. In her view, Aiya’s feelings stemmed entirely from that initial accident—the body scent. It was as if a peculiar connection existed between them.

She liked Aiya, and Aiya liked her. But were these their true emotions? Was this truly not an illusion born from that strange connection? She didn’t know. And she didn’t want to know.

Undoubtedly, this golden-haired little girl had already claimed a place in her heart. And… they had even kissed. She hadn’t expected Aiya to be such a forward child. Ziyao would never forget how she felt when Aiya suddenly looked up and pressed her cherry lips against Ziyao’s own. Astonishment… and… a hint of secret delight.

In that moment, she had truly entertained the thought of utterly devouring Aiya, especially after Aiya extended her tongue.

Since Aiya initiated it… then it can’t be blamed on me, can it?

Then, Elena had pushed open the door. In that instant, Ziyao’s rationality regained the upper hand. For some reason, she had suddenly panicked. Seeing Elena frozen in the doorway made her heart race. Kissing Aiya in front of Aiya’s sister seemed a bit too thrilling. And it seemed Elena also harbored a slight fondness for her…

“Let me explain!”

Ultimately, Ziyao admitted she had acted impulsively. She had bound Elena, wanting to explain things clearly, even though she didn’t know why she felt compelled to do so. As for the outcome… Elena didn’t seem to care much.

“Haaah…” Ziyao yawned, sleepiness washing over her, making her eyelids heavy.

“I truly didn’t expect you to fall into such confusion so quickly.” The black-haired girl, firmly bound by chains, opened her golden eyes. She looked at the white figure that had reappeared, a hint of disdain in her tone.

“Yes, I’ve met two girls.”

“Again with this problem. I find you’re always like this; what manages to confuse you are merely these meaningless matters. What should I even say? If it were me, wouldn’t it be enough to just follow my heart? Why suppress yourself?” Flames burned fiercely in the golden eyes. To her, this was not a matter worth agonizing over.