He sat down on the edge of the bed, reached out, and, ignoring Koizumi Akako's attempts to dodge, gently yet firmly tidied her long, reddish-brown hair, which was damp with sweat and clung messily to her cheeks.
"Okay, I'm not teasing you anymore."
His voice returned to its usual tone, with a hint of barely perceptible gentleness. "Potions are interesting, but if you want to win me over with them, Hongzi, you'll have to work for centuries."
Koizumi Akako was so angry she wanted to bite him, but she didn't have the strength.
Sure enough! That bastard! He's been playing her for a fool!
"but……"
Yu Shengnan changed the subject, gently brushing her hair with his fingertips, his gaze falling on her face, which was particularly vivid because of her anger, "Don't always stay cooped up in this castle studying magic by yourself in the future, go out for a walk once in a while."
He paused for a moment, then casually suggested, "For example, you could play with Qingzi more often. She's an outgoing and innocent girl, perfect for being friends."
Koizumi Akako was taken aback and looked at him with some surprise.
Aoko Nakamori? That silly, slightly chuunibyou (delusional) ordinary girl?
Why would he suddenly bring this up?
Yu Sheng Nan looked at her puzzled expression and sighed softly.
He could sense that Koizumi Akako's aloofness, her tendency to keep people at arm's length, and her view of all living beings as ants were not entirely innate.
Rather, it was caused by a long-term closed and lonely upbringing.
This magnificent yet empty and cold ancient castle, apart from the lifeless magical puppet butler, is almost devoid of any signs of life.
A little girl.
Growing up in such an environment, it would be strange if one didn't develop an eccentric personality.
Deep down, she probably longed to connect with the outside world more than anyone else, yet she was also afraid and disdainful of it.
"Even witches need friends, Akako."
His voice was soft, yet it carried a strange penetrating power. "The world is vast, filled with more than just magic and mystery. There are also many interesting people and things. Make more friends, and your world will become more expansive, hmm?"
It's better than talking to yourself in front of that broken mirror all day.
Koizumi Akako stared at him blankly.
She never imagined she would hear such words from Yuzuru Hanyu.
There was no mockery, no ridicule, but rather... a suggestion that bordered on concern.
She instinctively wanted to retort, to say that she didn't need ordinary friends; she was the noble heir to the Crimson Witch, and magic was enough for her world...
But when she looked into Yuzuru's unusually deep and serious eyes, she couldn't bring herself to say it.
A corner of my heart seemed to be gently touched.
He seemed to see right through the loneliness of being alone, guarding an ancient tradition, and feeling out of place in the world.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
