Chapter 24 Katniss made a huge blunder... After a tremendous amount of effort...
After a tremendous amount of effort, you have finally reclaimed the flame of [Conflict].
Life in Leonpharos always seems to be a rollercoaster of emotions, sometimes relaxed, sometimes tense. One minute you're locked in a life-or-death struggle with Kuroshio, and the next you're recommended by Aglaia to go on a day trip to the Tree Garden.
Looking at the smile on the face of the [Romantic] demigod, you know this trip is definitely not going to be peaceful.
You originally intended to righteously refuse her [Even an ox or a horse can't keep pulling a millstone like this!], but when you met her eyes, your tone inexplicably softened, "...Take a break before you go."
Anyway, as long as you don't push the task forward, it will just stay there and won't waste any time.
Aglaia respects your wishes. "If you're feeling bored, I'm going to have some business with the Senate today. Why don't you and Bai'er come with me?"
"senate?"
You vaguely remember that it was a rather influential organization. Aglaia had been dealing with them, and Bai Er had secretly complained to you that they were difficult to handle. The leader, [Kainese], was a cunning and treacherous opponent.
"...That works too. Actually, I'm quite experienced dealing with these kinds of people who are both official organizations and villains."
I'm not talking about you, God Sunday. Nor am I talking about you, Cocolia.
Bai E had been slightly injured during the [Conflict] trial and was now standing there letting you look him over. He felt a little embarrassed as you anxiously circled around him, pacing back and forth, as if you wanted to lift his clothes to see where he was injured.
The trial wasn't actually that tough, but it was a psychological battle, and he still wavered when faced with what he feared most.
He saw the raging fire, as if he were transported back to that moment of utter helplessness. Haystacks, crops, wind chimes… everything was burning. His carefree childhood, the kind villagers and elders, and the joyful times he shared with Xi Lian—all were completely wiped out by the black tide. That was the first time he realized his own insignificance and powerlessness.
He staggered to the big tree at the village entrance, wanting to search for your figure one last time—you always appeared here before. He looked up and saw only bare branches. Without the dense leaves to block the view, the sky above, burning along with the fire, trembled twice as if a signal was unstable, as if it were about to tear open a hole, before finally returning to calm.
Bai E thought, "If he leaves, will you not be able to find your way home?"
...But in the end, you still didn't show up. Bai E never blamed you; in the face of disaster, your strength alone couldn't change anything.
He's just a little afraid of losing you forever. Can you forgive his anxiety and overthinking?
"...Partner...I'm fine, don't worry." He joked, "You were the one who got injured before, now it's my turn, what goes around comes around. Thank you so much for taking care of me, haha..."
"Don't pretend nothing's wrong." You completely ignored his comment, turned his head, and said seriously, "And don't change the subject. Is there something you can't tell me? Or do you not trust me?"
Bai Er certainly didn't distrust you. He sighed helplessly, "...That's quite a huge accusation. If my partner were to participate in a debate competition, I probably wouldn't be the debate champion that year."
You don't speak, you just stare at him, trying to defeat him with your eyes.
The effect was remarkable; Bai Er blushed.
Although there were few people around, Aglaia's gaze remained thoughtfully fixed on this spot. Being shorter than him meant he couldn't block anything, and at this moment, he was caught in a dilemma—whether to hide or not was also a dilemma. His heartbeat rose in waves with the clamor of the crowd not far away, like a school of fish surging with the ocean waves.
The colorful school of fish tangled together, forming a small whirlwind, dancing in the waves to the tune hummed by Fajina, stirring up a cloud of foam.
Bai E stood still, in the windowless room. There was no wind, yet his soul seemed to be drifting away with something. He was powerless to resist and could only stand aside, watching the fish in his heart swim higher and higher.
He desperately wanted to say something cool, but unfortunately, your hands were still holding his head captive, squeezing his cheeks together. His lips were almost shaped like an "o," and his voice started to distort, turning a romantic scene into a comedy.
"...I'll...go back...and then I'll talk to you again..."
You couldn't help but laugh.
Aglaia, who was secretly watching the battle from not far away, also smiled slightly. Then she turned around and went out the door first, intending to pack her things and leave the space here for you.
But this isn't your fault—any woman, no matter how cold-hearted, would break down when she sees a handsome, fair-haired, blue-eyed man with a great physique standing in front of her, who could easily pull her away but just lets her play with his face and show weakness, and says such funny things with such an adorable face.
But you were considerate of the child's feelings, so you didn't laugh as loudly. Well, you did smile, maybe forty percent of the time.
The tense atmosphere relaxed.
Poor Bai E's face turned completely red. The blush spread from her ears to her cheeks, making her clear, sky-like eyes wet, and the halo around her pupils flickered.
He accused, "You're laughing at me again..."
Then, as if remembering something, his eyes dimmed slightly. "...But if it were Medemos, he would definitely have done better than me. I've let everyone down, I—"
"Hey!" you interrupted him. "What are you saying! I don't want to hear that!"
You said, "Lieutenant Bai'er, I ask you—what is the purpose of our trip to Dawn Cloud Cliff?"
"Uh...go and negotiate with the Senate...?"
"Wrong!" you declared righteously. "We must make the Golden Descendants bigger and stronger!"
"If open tactics don't work, I'll resort to underhanded ones. If words don't work, I can use 'principles' in secret..." you said. "What kind of Katniss is this, daring to bully our Aya and Xiaobai? Go ahead and praise me with your lofty morals!"
“…Alright.” Bai E said helplessly, “I’ll do whatever you say, sir.”
*
The road to Dawn Cliff is longer than you imagine.
Stepping out of the secret path, one is immediately greeted by a magnificent, long staircase. Rows of guards stand solemnly on both sides, and the towering statue of Cephalophon carries an even larger sphere on its back, giving off an inexplicable sense of oppression.
You took a step forward and looked back at the path you had come from, but all you could see was a vast expanse of white mist, with even the distant mountains somewhat blurred. You couldn't help but sigh inwardly that someone with a fear of heights would probably be scared out of their wits here, and you sighed repeatedly as you looked at the long, winding path ahead.
Good heavens... this is practically the same as climbing a mountain.
—Let's forget about Bai E, after all, he's a genius who can get up at eight in the morning and run with weights.
But why is Aglaia also...?
You keep glancing at her slender high heels beside you. Is this the power of a demigod...?
"How are you, buddy?"
Bai E, who had walked for half a day without even breaking a sweat, came over, bent down to look you in the eye, and thoughtfully extended his arm as well, asking with concern, "Would you like me to get up?"
You firmly rejected him, then took a large stride up another flight of stairs, panting with each step. "Why... are you so relaxed... This isn't some RPG game without stamina..."
Bai Er scratched his head. "Maybe it's because I train so often?"
"Danheng told me that you sleep until noon every day, my partner." He smiled mischievously and "kindly" suggested, "How about you come with me for morning exercise from now on? Early to bed and early to rise is good for your health and can also help you build up your strength."
...Does this kid want to kill you?
You're speechless. "What exactly did you and Danheng talk about?"
...
Your gaze fell on the tips of your shoes, and you took a few more breaths. Before you could finish speaking, the light and shadow in front of you suddenly flickered.
Bai E, on the right, straightened up, his eyes becoming sharp.
You look up in confusion, only to find that Aglaia's golden skirt, intentionally or unintentionally, completely obscures the view in front of you, leaving only her equally golden hair shining brightly in the sunlight.
—Clearly, some uninvited guest has appeared. She's protecting you.
You understood and remained silent. Bai E also stepped forward, and the two of them completely blocked your view. You could only see the crowded figures opposite you through the gaps between their shoulders.
One, two, three... a whole group of them. They didn't speak, but silently blocked your way.
You see that the leader's hair is silver.
Aglaia spoke up, “...I remember the agreed meeting place wasn’t here, Katniss.”
Her tone was unhurried, and she shifted the hand behind her back, signaling you to remain calm. You knew that by specifically mentioning the other person's name, she was reminding you that the person opposite you was the "famous" Katniss.
"Hmph." Katniss scoffed dismissively. Her movements deepened the wrinkles at the corners of her mouth. "Stop pretending. I hate this hypocritical look of yours the most. Didn't you bring someone you shouldn't have?"
Aglaia remained indifferent. "Just partners. I should be asking you, why did you bring so many people? Are you trying to win by overwhelming numbers?"
Katniss said sarcastically, "You flatter me. How can a demigod of [Romantic] caliber be compared to us mortals? You can use that golden thread to read my thoughts and see who is truly confused and who remains silent on [fairness]?"
That guy's words are really irritating—even though you're hiding in the back, his fists are already hard.
"It seems there's nothing to discuss today." Bai Er lowered his brows, his eyes dark and deep; you'd never seen him so imposing. "We came here hoping for serious discussions—but is this how the Senate treats its guests?"
Bai E is really cunning, and this trick is quite effective. Some people are already looking this way, as if they heard your conversation, and have started whispering among themselves.
“...Of course not.” Katniss smiled insincerely. “Gentlemen, please come with me. It’s not convenient to talk here.”
Aglaia and Bai'er walked forward with the crowd, and you hurriedly wanted to lift your foot and follow.
Buzz—Buzz—Buzz—
But at that very moment, my phone, which was tucked into my pocket, vibrated slightly. A message had arrived.
You were too busy to notice anything, and you just wanted to glance at it casually, but you were captivated by the message on the screen.
[Wow, Little Gray, you're making progress so fast! You've already met the key person?]
[You hate her, don't you? To be honest, even Hanabi-sama doesn't like such a big bad girl—how about we teach her a little lesson?]
"Clang!"
Before you could even process what the "little lesson" was, Aglaia and Bai'er suddenly stopped in their tracks.
The crowd became agitated.
"who--!"
Katniss's furious voice rang out from nearby, "Who left banana peels here!"
You tiptoe and look ahead—Kines has fallen flat on her face, lying on the ground clutching her backside, her already weathered face contorted in a grimace, looking utterly pathetic.
A servant tried to help her up, but she brushed him away.
...At her feet, a whole banana peel lay there quietly, intact, and innocently. It was as if its appearance had truly been an accident.
Amidst the noisy, panicked voices, only you noticed the fleeting red light above.
[It's just a small trick, nothing too extreme.]
Fireworks innocently said:
You won't be mad at me, will you?
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