After leaving the Night Palace, Lorraine returned all control of her body to Tina.

Back at her front door, Tina deactivated her transformation, took out her key from her pocket, and opened the front door. As soon as she got back, she found her mother sitting comfortably on the sofa in the living room watching TV.

"Mother?"

Although she seemed no different from usual, when her mother turned to look at her, Wu Tina felt that her mother's eyes were so clear today, and her overall demeanor was also very different from before.

How should I put it...

She found it hard to describe the feeling, but it was as if her mother had suddenly become much younger and more energetic.

What happened?

"Wu Tina, you're finally back. Where have you been all this time? Mom saved some dinner for you. Go heat it up and have something to eat."

"I had something to take care of, so I went out for a bit."

"It's good that you're back. Remember to let us know before you go out next time."

Something's not right.

This strange feeling became increasingly apparent in Wu Tina's heart. Today, her mother... even her voice and manner of speaking seemed to be gentler and more considerate than her mother before.

The increasingly stark contrast made Wu Tina wonder if this was a sign of an impending storm.

But upon closer reflection...

She doesn't seem to have done anything to upset her mother, does she?

——

"Um, Mom?"

"Um?"

Did something good happen to you today?

"ah?"

Upon hearing this, Lady Hiiragi felt a sudden pang of panic, but on the surface she remained remarkably calm.

She countered, "Why are you asking this all of a sudden? Isn't Mommy acting the same as usual? Did Mommy put on makeup today, making you think something good happened to her?"

"Did you wear makeup today?"

"I put on some light makeup because I was going out."

"I see."

"So why did you ask that?"

"It's nothing... I just think you look like you're in great shape today."

"Haha, maybe it's because I've been resting well."

Lady Hiiragi replied elegantly.

Tina still felt something was off, so she asked Lorraine.

[Brother Lin, don't you think Mom looks great today?]

She does look prettier than usual.

【ah? ? ? 】

【Uh, no, don't get me wrong, I didn't mean anything by it. Ahem, more importantly... let's go back to the bedroom first. It's getting late, and the soul docking device should be disconnected.】

That's true.

——

Just as Wu Tina was about to go back to her room.

Seeing her movement, Lady Hiiragi immediately called out in advance, "Wu Tina, wait a minute!"

"Mom, is there anything else?"

"There's something I almost forgot to tell you. It seems that Brother Lin was sleeping in your room for a while. Not long ago, three girls who claimed to be your friends came and took him back."

"What? Three girls..."

Could she be a magical girl?

Didn't we agree that they would come back in an hour?

Wu Tina was a little anxious.

Lorraine comforted him, "It's alright, maybe Sulfur couldn't wait, so it came to take me back first."

[Brother Lin, what should we do with the soul docking device?]

[It's alright. Since my body is safe, we can simply disconnect, and my soul should return to my body instantly.]

Brother Lin, are you leaving now?

Yes, you must be exhausted today. Get some rest.

Well... okay then.

Although she was somewhat reluctant to part, Wu Tina had no reason to force the other party to stay.

The soul docking device has been shut down.

——

Wu Tina shuddered instantly, and could no longer sense Lorraine's soul aura.

After getting used to this kind of coexistence.

Suddenly being alone again, Wu Tina felt a strong sense of loneliness, but fortunately, she could still see him anytime she wanted.

"Wu Tina, are you alright?"

"I'm fine... Mom, I'm a little hungry, I'm going to eat now."

"So, are you really alright now?"

"What do you mean by 'it's okay'?"

“You’ve been locking yourself in your room all this time, and you know that I’ve been very worried about you.”

"I'm sorry to have worried you, Mom, but I'm fine now."

Only now, after emerging from the shadows in my heart.

Wu Tina felt that her previous self-isolation was really too childish, and... compared with Brother Lin's evil deeds, the evil things she had done were really too kind.

Even after witnessing so much firsthand, including how Brother Lin did bad things.

Will I start to hate Brother Lin because of this?

The answer is obvious: no.

The reverse is also true.

Even if I do something terribly wrong and make a huge mess, Brother Lin will never blame me, hate me, or abandon me.

Just like herself... she would never hate the other person, it's the same principle.

perhaps.

It was only after fully understanding this that Wu Tina was able to truly feel her heart return to peace. As long as she raised her head again and looked at the vast world before her, the sunlight would still shine on her.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!