Struggling free, Silverbloom scrambled in disarray to the second floor of the villa.
Feeling somewhat weary afterward, she took a shower. Since she hadn’t brought any clothes with her, Celia lent her a brand new nightgown.
Celia’s nightgown was both pure and alluring. Adorned with a tempting lace trim around the bust, the garment was otherwise pristine white, revealing nothing overtly seductive.
Once Silverbloom put it on, the lace trim at her chest stretched subtly, and the skirt’s hem gathered in soft folds. Coupled with the lingering steam from her shower, she resembled a delicate flower adorned with morning dew, radiating an innocent charm.
Celia, waiting outside the door, hadn’t taken her eyes off Silverbloom since she first appeared. This caused Silverbloom to instinctively cover her chest with one hand, pressing down on the nightgown’s lace, as a faint blush bloomed across her fair cheeks.
“Ah, Silverbloom-senpai looks quite suitable wearing this…”
Seemingly realizing she had been staring, Celia cleared her throat awkwardly, muttering a playful jab at Silverbloom. The latter simply smiled, her face reddening further.
After drying her hair, Silverbloom returned to the room and switched on the light.
The night in Hengteston was not much different from Vidona. A brilliant moon hung in the sky, and the golden glow of streetlights illuminated the city. Beneath the steam-powered machinery of its architecture, the entire city exuded a timeless, ancient feel.
Sitting on the bed, Silverbloom recalled Starshimmer, whom she had met earlier that day.
There was an indescribable strangeness about her former student, as if she harbored secrets unknown to others. Perhaps, Silverbloom mused, she ought to find a way to get closer to her.
As she pondered, her bedroom door softly opened, and a young woman, also clad in a white nightgown, stepped inside.
Looking up, Silverbloom felt a touch of surprise.
“Celia? What are you doing here?”
“Silverbloom-senpai, I rented this villa. I can go wherever I want at night.”
With her arms crossed, Lilia hummed softly, then her gaze settled on Silverbloom, eliciting an irrepressible, charming smile.
“Why did I never realize that you’d become so captivating after putting on my nightgown?”
Leaning against the headboard, Silverbloom naturally bent her legs, causing the nightgown’s hem to lift slightly, revealing a portion of her fair thighs. Beyond them lay a mysterious, profound expanse.
Her silver hair cascaded over her fragrant shoulders. In that moment, she was like a blooming flower, her unintentional allure enough to stir desire in any observer.
As if possessed, Lilia hesitated for a moment before instantly pouncing, embracing Silverbloom and nuzzling into her, muttering,
“So soft, so fragrant…”
A gentle slap landed on Lilia’s wandering hand. Lilia paused, quickly retracting her hand, then quietly snuggled into Silverbloom’s embrace, gazing at the moon outside the window.
The room fell silent, and Lilia’s thoughts drifted into the distance.
The wall clock ticked steadily. After a long while, Silverbloom suddenly asked, “What are you thinking about?”
Lilia lowered her eyes and replied, “I wonder if Lena-jie will feel lonely in Vidona after we leave?”
“And her romance with Guild Leader Sharlene… it’s been ten years, and they still haven’t gotten together…”
The first half of Lilia’s musing warmed Silverbloom’s heart, mixed with a hint of amusement and guilt. The latter half, however, made her eye twitch, prompting her to gently rub Lilia’s head.
“What nonsense are you thinking? They don’t have any romance; they’re just very good friends.”
“Is that really true? Or are you just saying that because Silverbloom-senpai is jealous?”
Silverbloom’s hand pressed harder as she ruffled Lilia’s hair due to the comment. Lilia covered her head with both hands, grumbling discontentedly.
“You’ll mess up my hair!”
“I’ve never seen you so gossipy before.”
“Hmph, I’ve just been reading more romance stories lately, and I think Lena and Sharlene’s relationship is very much like lovers.”
“It’s not.”
“Yes, whatever you say, Senpai.”
Lilia seemed to be humoring Silverbloom, unwilling to argue further. This sudden compliance filled Silverbloom with annoyance, making her wish she could engrave the fact that she and Sharlene were just best friends into Lilia’s mind.
Soon, however, Lilia’s mood visibly plummeted. Before Silverbloom could even ask why, the door was pushed open once more, and a sneaky figure slipped inside.
Upon recognizing the two women on the bed, she first showed surprise, then pointed a finger at Lilia, her movements becoming bolder.
“Well, well, Lilia! You little cheat!”
Like her favorite dried fish had been stolen, Isha bared her teeth, looking quite displeased.
“Aren’t you the same?” Lilia didn’t back down an inch. She hugged Silverbloom even tighter and sharply questioned, “If I weren’t here, you’d probably monopolize Silverbloom-senpai, wouldn’t you?”
“Who, who said that! I… I just came to catch you!”
Though she claimed she was there to ‘catch’ Lilia, Isha took two steps and climbed onto the bed, embracing Silverbloom’s other arm. She refused to let go, even under Lilia’s glare.
Since they couldn’t get Silverbloom to sleep in their room, they decided to come to Silverbloom’s room instead. Lilia and Isha’s thoughts were perfectly aligned.
To prevent them from arguing further, Silverbloom quickly interjected, “Alright, alright, let’s all sleep together tonight.”
At her words, the tension between Lilia and Isha instantly dissipated. They then closed their eyes, nestled in her embrace.
****
On the other side of the villa, Aurora calculated the time. Estimating that Lilia and Isha were both asleep, a captivating smile bloomed on her face.
To contend with her for Silverbloom’s affection, Celia and Isha were still too naive.
The night was long. What remained was her time alone with Silverbloom.
****
As if recalling something, her smile held a hint of mischief.
Sitting before the vanity mirror in her room, she deliberately tousled her smooth, long hair. Then, she picked up the large teddy bear from her bed, adopting a comically pathetic and helpless expression.
She checked her reflection in the mirror, nodding in satisfaction.
Manipulating Silverbloom was incredibly simple. A little feigned helplessness, and Silverbloom would pour out her affection without reservation.
Naive Celia and Isha didn’t even know this much. How could they possibly compete with her for Silverbloom?
Opening the door, the evening breeze in the hallway rustled her skirt. She tiptoed to Silverbloom’s room, trying her best to infuse her expression with a touch of fear.
Her fair hand rested on the doorknob, and she gently pushed the door open.
“Silverbloom-senpai, I had a nightmare…”
Using a soft, Sue-like voice to state her reason for seeking Silverbloom, she clutched the stuffed animal tightly and looked towards the large bed in the room.
Then, she froze.
Silverbloom, embraced by Celia on one side and Isha on the other, slowly raised herself. Seeing the slightly helpless Aurora, she felt a pang of tenderness.
Normally, Aurora was always calm and reliable, rarely displaying such vulnerability. The nightmare she spoke of must have truly frightened her.
Just as Silverbloom was about to offer gentle comfort, Isha, who was hugging her left arm, let out a soft murmur, “Meow, another stray cat has joined the prowl.”