In the quiet training chamber.
The girl skimmed through the manual in her hands, growing more and more shocked.
Not only did it contain insights and methods for cultivating spirit and swordsmanship far beyond anything she'd ever seen—
It even hinted at the possibility of fighting using Ether, which was simply too—
"This is too valuable. I can't accept it."
Miyabi pushed the manual back towards Sol, speaking with absolute seriousness.
As the heir of a renowned martial family, she knew better than anyone how precious something like this was.
Just the portion about using Ether in combat was already a groundbreaking martial technique in New Eridu.
Sol didn't take it back. Instead, he asked, "Give it back? Do you want to?"
Hoshimi Miyabi's grip tightened on the golden book, her expression instantly conflicted.
For a swordsmanship genius like her, nothing could be more tempting than a supreme sword technique manual.
If she learned this, the Cursed blade [Tailless] would no longer hinder her—it would become the most obedient and loyal weapon in her hands.
And like that, the generations-long tragedy of the Hoshimi Family sacrificing lives would finally end with her.
"Don't worry. The creator of [Edge of Taixuan] wasn't a petty person. If she knew this technique was being used to cut down evil in another world, she'd be pleased."
Sol gently pushed her hands back. "Besides, I'm not giving it to you for free. I do have one request."
"Please tell me. Even if it means braving blades or fire, I will not hesitate!"
Miyabi hugged the golden manual, speaking with fierce sincerity.
"Actually, I recently took Belle as my disciple. I'd like you to look after her a bit and help pass this technique on to her."
Sol immediately outsourced the task of training Belle.
Rather than teach Belle slowly, it was better to strengthen her body and let Hoshimi Miyabi train her. He wouldn't be in this world for long—he'd be leaving to wander the world of Star Rail soon.
Plus, Belle was nervous around official organizations because of her background. It was perfect to let her talk things through with Hoshimi Miyabi.
As for him, this was merely knowledge he could copy freely.
It sounded strange, but after she'd called him mom, teaching her didn't seem like a big deal at all.
"Belle…? I'll teach her properly."
Miyabi thought of that dependable yet troublesome girl and nodded.
Even though Belle was the suspected student of Carole Arna—the Legendary Proxy, Phaethon—after working with Belle for some time, Miyabi had never considered arresting her. She had her own judgment of right and wrong.
Now that Sol entrusted Belle to her, she would take the responsibility seriously.
But even so, that still wasn't enough to repay the value of this manual.
Miyabi lowered her eyes, thinking quietly.
Dust motes danced like tiny golden spirits in the sunlit chamber, making the atmosphere even more serene.
The girl's brows furrowed adorably as she tried to think of a proper gift in return—nothing came to mind.
"Stop overthinking. Helping you is a good thing. If you spiral like this, you'll just twist it into something bad."
Sol saw her troubled expression and reassured her. "You probably want to repay me but don't know how. Then just remember this. The future is long—you'll find your chance."
Girls like her were the easiest to read. Cold on the outside, but completely transparent once you paid attention.
Lovably stubborn. Never letting a single kindness be wasted.
"…Alright."
Miyabi relaxed, nodding firmly.
Yes—she would save this gratitude for the future.
One day, she would help Sol in return.
She thought for a moment, then removed the hair ornament from her head and held it out to him. "This is a token—meaning you are someone I will help with everything I have."
A silver-iron crest hung with two pale yellow tassels.
It was crafted based on her mother's keepsake and had never left her side.
But today, Sol's help held immense weight.
Not only the priceless manual, but his heartfelt guidance earlier—she had to repay him with something equally meaningful.
"I'll keep it safe," Sol said solemnly, accepting it.
"Mm."
Even though she had taken on a heavier responsibility, Miyabi's expression seemed much more at ease.
Sol glanced at the sun sinking westward outside the window. "We don't need to continue endurance training. And we now have a clear solution for the cursed blade."
"I think today's training ends perfectly."
"Yes… perfectly."
Miyabi hesitated several times, a faint sense of longing in her eyes.
"Then I'll head back. Focus on practicingthe [Edge of Taixuan]. If anything confuses you, ask me anytime." Sol rose to his feet. "I'll talk to Belle. You two should spend some time together."
He didn't think too much of it, assuming the day had simply overwhelmed her.
Miyabi stood as well, and as she escorted him to the door of the chamber, she suddenly made up her mind.
She grabbed Sol's hand, her expression uncharacteristically flustered. "Could you… press me again? Using that technique that relaxes the whole body."
"…Hm?"
Sol blinked, genuinely surprised.
He thought that after his explanation earlier, they wouldn't be doing this kind of training again.
Yet before he even stepped out, he received a second invitation.
"That feeling was very comfortable… like going back to childhood. I want to experience it properly this time—without resisting at all."
Miyabi's voice steadied, her words flowing easily.
Earlier, she had resisted the pleasure; her spirit and body had clashed violently. It wasn't enjoyable at all—more like a torturous hell.
But after Sol's guidance, she resolved to remember the good sensations more deeply.
To let herself feel it completely, so she would never forget the warmth of those days.
"No problem."
Sol understood, answering warmly. "Then… can you sit down again?"
It seemed his psychological counseling had worked. She already had new clarity.
"Any way is fine."
Miyabi's voice was airy, almost ethereal.
They sat facing each other on the cushions once more. A slender, beautiful hand rested softly in front of Sol.
Compared to the tension and martyr-like determination from before, she was now calm—and expectant.
Sol gently pressed her hand, letting the force travel through her meridians and pressure points.
"Nnn~"
Miyabi let out a soft foxlike whimper.
This time, she didn't resist at all; she simply leaned forward, half-collapsing into Sol's arms.
In the quiet chamber, a few pale plum blossoms released their fading fragrance under the sunset.
Miyabi's eyes drooped, her entire body relaxing completely.
No resistance—only pure sensation.
For the first time since the fall of the Old Capital, the shackles of cultivation loosened.
She felt like she had returned to childhood—a small white-and-pink dumpling beneath a sakura tree, wrapped in warmth and love.
Sol held her quietly, feeling bright and oddly tender inside.
He… really did feel like a mom now.