Chapter 89: Unfoldable Connection (Part 4)
A week passed inside the White Holy Castle.
During that time, Hanuri slowly began returning to her cheerful, playful self.
But no matter how bright her smile appeared…
a single, heavy side of her stayed locked away_
the side filled with the emotions she hated most:
Sadness.
Hatred.
Jealousy.
Fear.
Her own heart had created a protective system.
A shield.
Something to keep those emotions buried so she could survive.
But even when she smiled…
everyone could feel it_
that strange emptiness hiding behind her eyes.
That quiet fear:
"What if White leaves me?
What if everyone else abandons me too…?"
It was the fear that shaped every breath she took.
---
Silvana Notices Everything
Silvana walked up to Hanuri with her usual charming voice:
Silvana:
"Aww, Hanuri~ can you pleeeaaase relax yourself a little?"
Hanuri blinked innocently.
Hanuri:
"Hmm? What do you mean, sis?
I am relaxed when I'm with everyone."
Silvana felt the lie immediately.
Silvana (soft sigh):
"…If you say so."
But she knew.
Hanuri wasn't relaxed at all.
Moments later, Silvana went directly to White's chamber.
---
Silvana & White
Silvana (worried):
"Lord… are you forcing Hanuri to stay here?"
White paused, then gave a small understanding smile.
White:
"Ohh… I know why you think that.
But no, it's not because she's being forced.
She chose to stay."
Silvana:
"Then why does she look so uncomfortable?"
White:
"Because she's terrified…
terrified that we'll abandon her too."
Silvana's heart dropped.
Silvana (shocked):
"W-what do you mean, Lord?"
White:
"She's endured too much pain for someone so young.
So now, even when she's safe,
she expects that the same tragedy will happen again.
That's what makes her uncomfortable…"
Silvana (softly):
"…Poor girl…"
Silvana:
"So how do we make her feel truly safe here?"
White:
"Even I don't know.
Her existence… is complicated."
Silvana:
"Complicated? How?"
White:
"She isn't like normal magic users.
Her potential…
she can even reach the Icicle Legacy.
But currently, she only holds about ten percent of that potential."
Silvana:
"Icicle Legacy…? What is that?"
White looked away.
White:
"A secret.
I'll tell you when the time comes."
Silvana nodded reluctantly and returned to her duties.
---
Pearl & Natalie's Request
The next day, Pearl and Natalie entered White's room with determined eyes.
Pearl:
"L-Lord… you mentioned that if we experience IOP,
we'll understand something important about Hanuri."
Natalie:
"So… may we have that chance?"
White stood up slowly.
White:
"Very well.
Get ready."
He lifted his hands.
One swing.
Two swings.
A tremendous flash of light exploded_
so bright it felt like the world reset for a moment.
When the light faded,
White stood holding two pure white crystals_
the same kind Hanuri once used on Silvana and Ixia.
White:
"Take these crystals.
Through them, you'll see Hanuri's past."
Pearl's eyes widened.
Pearl:
"R-really…?"
White:
"Yes.
Trust me."
Natalie:
"If it's our Lord… then I'm willing to see it."
Pearl:
"Alright… let's do it."
They each grabbed a crystal.
Instantly, their vision was swallowed—
and they were thrown into Hanuri's tragic past:
Her birth.
Her loneliness.
Her uncontrollable power.
Her realm collapsing.
Her betrayals.
Her pain.
Everything.
When the vision finally ended,
they returned to the room_
only to realize three full days had passed outside.
Both girls collapsed to their knees,
faces pale, eyes shaking.
Shocked.
Broken.
Devastated.
And one thought echoed inside them:
"We must protect Hanuri.
No matter what it takes."
---
Author Note
Thank you, readers! This chapter is short because of some health issues----please understand. More Hanuri lore is coming soon!