in a corner of Cherry Blossom City.
The sunlight filtered through the dappled shadows of the trees, casting a pattern of light and shadow on the ground.
Present Hiyakura sat quietly on a broken stone pedestal, her eyes slightly closed, looking as if she were in a daze.
However, although it appeared she was dazed, she was actually engaged in an intense exchange with a certain maid hidden outside the realm of the past world.
"Hiyakura, you are too restrained."
Shiro's voice echoed in her mind, carrying a hint of threat. "I need you to ask more questions about Tao Yao, to gather more data and information from the previous civilization, so that I can observe better."
Present Hiyakura's brows furrowed slightly, her heart full of worry and unease.
She hesitated for a moment and then cautiously replied:
"What about Violet and the others? You haven't done anything to them, right?"
Shiro's answer carried a hint of impatience but also provided Present Hiyakura some comfort:
"Don't worry, they are all fine. I still need them to report to your academy regularly, there's no need to harm them at this time."
Hearing this response, Present Hiyakura quietly let out a sigh of relief.
Although the situation was not as she wished, at least Violet and the others were safe for the time being.
She took a deep breath and tried hard to make her voice sound calm:
"I will do my best."
After receiving Present Hiyakura's response, Shiro seemed to have nothing more to say.
Just as Present Hiyakura was about to end this conversation, a familiar voice suddenly rang in her ear, sharply pulling her thoughts back to reality.
"What's wrong? Are you troubled by something?"
Present Hiyakura opened her eyes and saw Past Hiyakura sitting opposite her, her face filled with concern.
She shook her head and forced herself to smile:
"It's nothing, just thinking about some things."
Past Hiyakura chuckled softly, her voice gentle:
"Perhaps we still need to wait a little longer; Tao Yao is helping Little Forget-Me-Not pick out clothes. She always does this, keen on embellishing all beautiful things to make them even more perfect, in accordance with her heart's desires."
She paused, her expression turning serious.
"And while you prepare to set out, there are some things I want to talk to you about."
Present Hiyakura looked at Past Hiyakura opposite her, hesitantly opening her mouth:
"Is it about Tao Yao?"
Past Hiyakura nodded gently, her expression becoming serious:
"Yes. Tao Yao has decided to support the Southern River Snowfield. Although it has fallen, there may still be survivors waiting to be rescued. If you are going along, I hope you can help take care of her."
Present Hiyakura's eyes widened at these words, her face filled with disbelief.
"Ah? I take care of Tao Yao?"
Past Hiyakura looked at Present Hiyakura's surprised expression, lightly sighed, and her tone softened:
"Tao Yao is our best friend, but even so, we don't know everything about her."
"She seems to be hiding some secret, a dark side concealed under her enthusiasm, and this dark side may be very dangerous. So if I cannot accompany her, I hope someone can replace me and be by her side."
Present Hiyakura fell silent for a while, then retorted:
"And you? Are you really at ease letting me go along with her?"
Just then, commotion suddenly erupted not far away, interrupting their conversation.
"Sister Tao Yao, is this really okay?"
Little Forget-Me-Not's childish voice came, filled with uncertainty.
Immediately after, Tao Yao's bright laughter echoed:
"Of course, like a little princess! Come on, let's show everyone!"
Hearing the voice, Past Hiyakura stood up.
Before turning to leave, she gently said to Present Hiyakura:
"I believe in myself."
Present Hiyakura watched the figure of Past Hiyakura, her heart filled with complex emotions.
At that moment, Tao Yao walked over hand in hand with Little Forget-Me-Not, a radiant smile on her face.
Little Forget-Me-Not was wearing a beautiful little dress, looking exquisite, truly resembling a little princess straight out of a fairy tale.
"Look, my carefully orchestrated outfit."
Tao Yao proudly announced, "Isn't it especially cute?"
Present Hiyakura couldn't help but smile at the scene before her.
Seeing Tao Yao with the child, she easily recalled their first meeting in the orphanage.
Tao Yao, just as she was back then, was always fond of children.
"It's indeed adorable." Past Hiyakura also approached Tao Yao, admiring the delicate Little Forget-Me-Not, generously complimenting, "Just like Little Forget-Me-Not's name, like a blooming Forget-Me-Not, both beautiful and radiant."
When Little Forget-Me-Not heard this, a faint blush appeared on her face as she shyly hid behind Tao Yao.
"Right? Right? I specially chose this dress after quite a while!"
Tao Yao laughed happily and reached out to ruffle Little Forget-Me-Not's hair.
"Alright."
Past Hiyakura then asked, "Since you are nearly done preparing, Tao Yao, we should start discussing the support for the Southern River Snowfield."
Upon hearing Past Hiyakura mention the support for the Southern River Snowfield, a radiant smile instantly returned to Tao Yao's face, her tone filled with confidence and ease:
"Hiyakura, what's there to discuss? Can't I just go with Little Hiyakura directly? After all, we just need to check on the situation there and possibly rescue any survivors that might still exist."
Past Hiyakura's expression immediately turned serious upon hearing this.
She furrowed her brow, staring intently at Tao Yao, her tone carrying a hint of reproach:
"Be serious, Tao Yao! That's a Shadow Fairy. While I have great faith in your strength, and you really are not much weaker than a Shadow Fairy, after all, it is a fairy that brings disaster and suffering to humans. I hope you can take this mission seriously and not treat it as a game."
Tao Yao was momentarily stunned by Past Hiyakura's words.
Then, she put away her smile and replied:
"I'm just trying to lighten the mood. Don't worry, I'll take the matter of dealing with the fairy seriously."
At that moment, Little Forget-Me-Not, who had been quietly standing nearby, suddenly spoke up.
Her voice, though childish, was filled with determination:
"Sisters don't worry, although I am not powerful, I am also an extraordinary warrior! I will do my best wherever I can help!"
Hearing Little Forget-Me-Not's words, Tao Yao and the two Hiyakuras couldn't help but show gentle smiles.
Past Hiyakura gently patted Little Forget-Me-Not's head.
Then she turned to Tao Yao and Present Hiyakura and began to detail some specifics.
She elaborated on the terrain characteristics of the Southern River Snowfield, possible dangers, and how to contact local survivors.
She also emphasized the strategies to adopt when facing the Shadow Fairy and how to maximize rescue efforts while ensuring their own safety.
Under Past Hiyakura's instructions, Tao Yao, Present Hiyakura, and Little Forget-Me-Not made full preparations.
Soon after, they set off toward the Southern River Snowfield.
Meanwhile, Past Hiyakura stood silently by the city wall.
She wore a gentle smile, lightly waving her hand, watching Tao Yao depart.
Once the three figures had walked far away,
Past Hiyakura murmured to herself:
"With you by her side, I can rest assured."