A Familiar Ache

My head ached terribly…

Rubbing her temples, the white-haired girl slowly opened her eyes. The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle warmth upon the dimly lit room.

“I feel as though I had a truly extraordinary dream…”

Whose were those burning golden eyes?

“…heart…”

In the dream, that person seemed to have spoken a great deal, yet Ziyao could only recall a few words, their meaning elusive. She seemed to have been discussing something crucial with them, but… what could it have been?

Ziyao hopped out of bed, casually pulling an outfit from the wardrobe. For her, comfort was the sole criterion for clothing. Since Aiya was away, the wardrobe had effectively become Ziyao’s exclusive domain. Even so, the majority of the garments within still belonged to Aiya.

“Miss Ziyao, please feel free to take anything. Her Highness will not mind,” Ailin had told Ziyao before her departure.

Given that the two girls were similar in stature, Ziyao could effortlessly wear Aiya’s clothes. As for whether they looked good… it could be said that no matter what these two girls wore, they always looked exceptionally beautiful. Their clothes merely served to complement their innate beauty. While exquisite garments might enhance their charm, even less impressive ones would never diminish their loveliness.

Moreover, these were a Princess’s clothes. How could they possibly be anything but splendid?

This particular dress, unlike those impractical, restrictive gowns, was easy to wear. Even Ziyao managed to slip it on in mere minutes. She twirled before the mirror, holding the hem of the skirt, finding no fault whatsoever. Ziyao nodded, satisfied. Truly, she was the epitome of natural beauty.

“Oh, have I grown accustomed to wearing dresses now?” Occasionally, she would sigh, reminiscing about her lost masculinity. However, these dresses truly were comfortable. Especially Aiya’s dresses, which were hand-stitched by the Imperial Capital’s finest artisans. Ziyao simply couldn’t resist such comfort.

Descending the stairs, Ziyao found Raphael already gone. The Saintess had likely headed to the Church early that morning to oversee her duties. Breakfast had been laid out on the dining table by the maids. Although Ailin had accompanied Aiya to the palace, many maids still remained at work within the small courtyard.

Reaching for a still-warm layered pancake, Ziyao noticed a white piece of paper on the table.

“The Guild Master from the Alchemists’ Guild invites you to the headquarters.” It was Raphael’s handwriting.

Alchemists’ Guild? Hadn’t she just been there the day before yesterday? The old master probably had another matter to discuss. Thinking this, Ziyao devoured her breakfast in two quick bites, then bid the maids farewell and stepped out.

The streets remained largely deserted, perhaps due to the early hour, or perhaps because of the recent attacks. Nevertheless, Ziyao spotted a familiar figure.

“Miss Youlan!”

The enigmatic spear-wielder was strolling down the street, cradling an adorable black kitten. Hearing Ziyao’s call, she turned, a gentle smile gracing her lips. “Good morning, Miss Ziyao.”

Bouncing over to Youlan, Ziyao gently stroked the kitten’s head. “Is this your cat, Youlan?”

“Meow!” The kitten swatted away Ziyao’s fingers with a front paw. Yet, it seemed to realize that this white-haired girl was not to be trifled with, as its claws remained sheathed.

“Quite spirited, isn’t it?”

“It’s not my cat, actually,” Youlan said softly, stroking the kitten’s fur. “It belongs to someone who lost it. As an adventurer, the reward for this task is quite generous.”

The kitten comfortably narrowed its eyes, and Ziyao wondered how Youlan managed to keep it so docile.

“By the way, where are you headed?”

“The Alchemists’ Guild. I’ve been rather idle these past few days,” Ziyao said, spreading her hands. “Nothing to do, and I’m still at a loss regarding my alchemical breakthrough.”

Typically, girls her age would be learning etiquette and similar things. If talented, they might already be attending school. But Ziyao was no ordinary person. A Sage, a Seven-Star Alchemist—her path of learning had almost reached its zenith.

“A Grandmaster Alchemist breakthrough depends entirely on one’s own comprehension. One day, when inspiration strikes, it simply happens.” That’s what the old master had said.

“So it’s all down to luck,” Ziyao sighed, looking up.

Youlan’s hand, stroking the kitten, paused. Ziyao’s melancholic expression tightened her heart. She couldn’t help but ask, “Ziyao, do you have some time recently?”

Time? She had plenty, actually. Ziyao snapped back to attention. She opened her mouth, but no words came out.

This girl probably wants to flirt with me.

“I should have some time these next two days. Aiya will likely need a few more days to recover,” she finally replied. Lying would be wrong.

“Then, how about we have a meal together?” As expected, Youlan extended an invitation.

“Ah, this…”

“Sophia recommended the place; it should be good.”

Should I refuse? Ziyao felt her head begin to ache again. It was clear Youlan was interested in her. “Forgive me for asking, Miss Youlan, but do you like me?”

“Yes, I do,” Youlan answered calmly. “Although you’ve lost your memory, I haven’t. No matter what you’ve become, I will always be by your side.”

A direct hit.

Ziyao had never expected Youlan to be so straightforward. She had thought Youlan would be more elusive, but reality caught her off guard. And what did she mean, ‘I’ve lost my memory’?

I remember every single thing from my birth until now, perfectly clear!

“Then tell me, what was I like before?”

“As I’ve said before, unless that person agrees, I won’t speak of your past,” Youlan replied, shaking her head.

“I already have someone I like.”

“It’s alright, I know that child, but… I don’t believe I’ll lose.” Youlan stepped closer to Ziyao and gently stroked her head.

So comfortable… I want to just fall into her embrace…

“What did you do?” Ziyao quickly regained her senses. She took half a step back, her blue staff gripped tightly in her hand. If Youlan made any further moves, Ziyao would definitely defend herself.

However, this feeling… it was so familiar. Just like when she was near Aiya…

Wait… the same…

“Aiya, she…”

“The bond between you and that child is predetermined, and your reaction to me is for the same reason,” Youlan began to explain. “Once, we were very good friends—yes, very close. Even if you’ve lost your past memories, the instincts deep within your soul will not vanish. You will naturally feel a sense of closeness to both me and that child, and we feel the same toward you.”

Stop, stop, why don’t I understand? What is this ‘instinct deep within the soul’? And I really didn’t know you or Aiya before!

“This… what exactly is going on?”

“As I said, this question you must explore yourself. Until I have that person’s consent, I will not speak.”

“Then, I have one more question.” Ziyao looked up, gazing at the calm Youlan. “Were we lovers before?”

“Not exactly. Neither I nor she had the courage to make everything clear. Until that incident…”

Only then did we realize that some matters allow no hesitation.