"She's so young… and already a Captain…"
Eden gazed out the window, fingertips tapping lightly against the table as something stirred in her chest.
For the first time, she realized that between herself and that radiant little fan, there might be a distance as vast as clouds and mud.
An ordinary Captain was impressive enough.
But this girl belonged to Anti-Entropy, one of the three powers capable of reshaping the world itself.
"So young, and yet…"
Eden's voice softened, touched with quiet melancholy.
"She must have suffered greatly all these years. To cross continents just for one concert…"
She recalled the way Elysia's eyes had sparkled when speaking of her songs. That light, once pure enthusiasm, now carried a weight that tugged at her heart.
At this very moment, Elysia had no idea Eden had already guessed the truth. Nor did she know what complicated feelings she had stirred.
She was busy planning tomorrow's outing when a friend request popped up.
"Puffed Pufferfish? Who is that?"
She blinked at the screen and accepted.
Puffed Pufferfish: Come to my house tomorrow. Sending the address.
"…Huh."
Elysia stared at the location and muttered, "Why does this look like a military zone? I'm not going to get arrested as a spy, am I?"
Puffed Pufferfish replied almost instantly.
Come early. There's a lot of homework for you to deal with.
Messenger of Love: Received! I'll be there on time!
She tapped out the reply cheerfully, not taking the "homework" seriously at all.
The next morning, before dawn had fully broken, she changed clothes, threw on a white coat, and hailed a taxi to the Kaslana estate.
The car was stopped at the perimeter checkpoint.
But when the guards saw the unmistakable pink hair in the back seat, they immediately saluted and waved the vehicle through.
The driver in front nearly swallowed his tongue.
This girl was definitely not ordinary.
He did not dare ask a single unnecessary question.
The car crept forward like a snail.
Outside the window, white-haired men and women stood on patrol with firearms in hand, their expressions stern.
Even Elysia could not help thinking, This security is so tight it feels like catching a turtle in a jar. I just hope I'm not the turtle.
Her phone buzzed.
Puffed Pufferfish: Aren't you here yet?
Messenger of Love: I can't exactly fly, can I? If I could, I'd teleport straight in front of you. Wouldn't that be nice?
Puffed Pufferfish: Cut it out. When you get here, watch what you say. Understood?
A furious cat sticker followed.
Elysia smiled at the mental image it conjured.
Messenger of Love: Got it~
After another slow fifteen minutes, the taxi finally arrived at the grand gates of the old estate.
"I'm here, Sirin! Kiana!"
She thanked the driver, stepped out, and knocked on the heavy wooden doors.
A moment later, the door creaked open.
"You're late. Couldn't wake up earlier?" Sirin leaned against the doorframe, gaze cool and unimpressed.
Elysia huffed and adjusted her coat.
"Lack of sleep affects a girl's skin. Surely you know that much."
"You don't look sleep-deprived at all. Unlike me. I didn't sleep all night."
Sirin stepped aside.
"Get in."
The tone made it sound like Elysia was the one at fault.
Elysia shrugged. She was already used to it.
After all, noble ladies raised in adoration often spoke bluntly.
And besides…
She was beautiful. That helped.
Not that Elysia would ever admit such shallow reasoning.
One must appreciate inner beauty too.
Still muttering internally, she stepped inside.
The estate was enormous.
Servants polished vases and dusted antique paintings. The floors gleamed like mirrors.
"Your house is huge. Do you have a cat that can do backflips?"
She looked around curiously.
"Stop dawdling."
Sirin called back.
"Haste makes waste."
Elysia followed.
"It's just homework. Nothing I can't handle."
"Let's see if you still say that later."
Sirin smirked faintly.
—
Three seconds after entering the bedroom, Elysia turned and tried to leave.
A hand shot out and dragged her back.
"I don't want to be friends anymore. I'm going home!"
She struggled dramatically.
"Don't! You promised!"
Kiana clung to her desperately.
"If Mom checks tonight and this isn't done, I'm dead!"
"Even if I were a goddess, I couldn't finish all this!"
Elysia stared at the mountain of papers.
"Maybe we should just end our friendship."
It was the first time such words had ever come out of her mouth.
The homework truly looked capable of breaking her wrists.
"Please help me."
Kiana's bright eyes shone pitifully.
Elysia lasted half a second before surrendering.
"Fine, fine. I'll help."
She had given her word.
And it was a beautiful girl asking.
Minutes later, she was seated at the desk, writing at lightning speed.
"Wow! You're so fast!"
Kiana cheered from the side.
Inspired, Elysia's pen flew faster.
The blank papers dwindled. Completed stacks rose like small hills.
By seven in the evening, she slumped in her chair, looking utterly drained, eyes vacant.
"Thanks for helping. Have some fruit."
Feeling guilty, Kiana had snuck into the kitchen earlier and prepared a fruit platter.
When Elysia finished the last stroke, the plate was placed in front of her.
"My hands are so tired. I don't want to move."
"…I'll feed you then."
Kiana hesitated before spearing a strawberry.
"Open your mouth."
"Ah— so sweet!"
Elysia's eyes curved happily.
"I'll continue?"
Kiana asked shyly, slightly embarrassed.
"Mm."
Elysia closed her eyes and accepted the feeding comfortably.
At one point she even lightly tugged at the fork with her teeth.
"Hey. Eat by yourself. You're unbelievable."
Kiana pushed the plate closer, cheeks puffed slightly.
"I refuse. You promised. My hands hurt. My shoulders ache. I can't move anymore… boohoo."
She complained shamelessly.
And Kiana, once again, found herself completely outmatched.
…
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