Hiyakura was stunned by Tao Yao's words.
Her eyes widened slightly, her lips trembling gently, seeming to digest this sudden piece of information.
So, was this the ideal that Tao Yao wanted to tell her back then?
That interrupted wish that remained unspoken?
A wave of complex emotions surged in her heart.
Surprise, confusion, curiosity, and even a hint of excitement.
Hiyakura never imagined that Tao Yao's goal would be so grand,
So...
Shocking.
Although she was unclear about the world that Tao Yao envisioned,
She could feel it.
That world must be a beautiful one, right?
Finally, Hiyakura spoke up, her voice trembling slightly: "So... what about that Abyss Dragon? What is your relationship with it? Everything that happened in Qingyang City..."
Tao Yao's expression became serious. She let out a gentle sigh and replied:
"The Abyss Dragon actually has no direct relationship with me. The reason you see it obeying me is simply because I have the Syndrome of Demonic Affection. You must have heard of this condition. It gives humans powerful magical abilities, but that power is uncontrollable."
"And the Abyss Dragon probably submits to powerful fairies. I estimate it's because my power is too great; it probably sees me as a powerful fairy, which is why it obeys me."
"However, I must admit that the appearance of the rift can indeed be attributed to the Apostle Church."
"Of course, I can blame myself as well. If I had corrected Rose's thoughts, perhaps none of this would have happened."
"Rose?" Hiyakura sharply caught this unfamiliar name.
Tao Yao nodded and continued to explain:
"Rose is my friend, just like me, an apostle of the Apostle Church. We became so-called apostles together because we wanted to change the world. But our ideologies diverged."
"Compared to me, she might be more extreme. But don't worry, I will change her thoughts."
Hiyakura frowned, trying to understand this information.
Seeing Hiyakura's thoughtful expression, Tao Yao's lips curled into a gentle smile.
She took the initiative to speak: "Do you have any other questions? I can still answer you one last question, but only one. After all, it's rare for us to meet alone, and I want to do something more meaningful with you."
Hiyakura took a deep breath and finally asked the question that had been buried deep in her heart:
"Who am I? And why are you approaching me? Is it because I have something special?"
Tao Yao's gaze deepened. She gently shook her head, replying:
"Who you are, you can only explore for yourself, and only what you say counts."
"And no matter what identity you have, I always hope you can walk the path you want to walk. Have things you want to do, and ideals you want to strive for."
This answer did not directly resolve Hiyakura's confusion.
Instead, it left her with more space for thought.
Just as Hiyakura was about to ask further, Tao Yao suddenly extended her hand and gently held hers.
"Alright, everything that needs to be said has been said. I have fulfilled your request, and now it's your turn to fulfill mine."
Tao Yao's voice was soft yet firm.
Hiyakura felt warmth radiating from their touching hands, and she involuntarily held her breath.
Tao Yao continued, "The magical conch placed in this park sings the songs of mermaids from the Sea Kingdom. It's a rare accompaniment. If you don't mind, I would like to invite you to dance with me."
Thinking of how she looked while dancing,
Hiyakura instantly began to panic.
She would dance?
Crazy!
There was no way that wouldn't look ugly.
Thus, she instinctively wanted to step back.
But she found that her hand was still firmly held by Tao Yao.
Hiyakura stammered, "I... I can't dance..."
Tao Yao let out a light laugh, with a mischievous glint in her eyes:
"It's alright, I'll teach you."
Before Hiyakura could react, Tao Yao was already pulling her hand, leading her to the center of the courtyard.
The music from the conch became clearer, and the melodious melody echoed in the night sky.
Hiyakura felt clumsy and obviously nervous.
"Don't be nervous, just follow me."
Under Tao Yao's guidance, Hiyakura slowly relaxed.
Their dance steps began to flow smoothly, spinning lightly in the moonlight.
Tao Yao was graceful and natural.
Hiyakura was awkward but passionately followed Tao Yao's dance.
The pink and red skirts intertwined under the moonlight.
Like blooming flowers.
Their shadows stretched out on the ground, as if performing a silent drama.
The music from the conch grew more enchanting, as if real mermaids were singing.
Hiyakura gradually stopped feeling tense.
Her footsteps became more natural.
When she looked up at Tao Yao, Hiyakura found her gazing at her with a smile.
Those eyes seemed to conceal the entire starry sky, deep and captivating.
Time seemed to freeze at that moment; the whole world consisted only of the two of them, along with that melodious music.
Hiyakura felt an unprecedented sensation, both excited and calm, both confused and reassured.
She was genuinely curious about Tao Yao.
This enigmatic pink girl.
Dazzling and radiant, making her want to understand everything about her deeply.
But at this moment, dancing with Tao Yao under the moonlight felt so real and beautiful.
As the music gradually approached its end, their dance steps slowed down.
As the last note fell, Tao Yao gently released Hiyakura's hand.
Hiyakura felt a bit dazed, as if waking from a beautiful dream.
She looked at Tao Yao, wanting to say something, but she didn't know where to start.
Tao Yao smiled at her, softly saying:
"Thank you for your cooperation, cutie. I will remember this day; it will be one of my most treasured memories."
Hiyakura felt a flush on her face. She lowered her head and quietly asked:
"Do you really like dancing?"
Hearing Hiyakura's question, a faint smile appeared on Tao Yao's lips.
She tilted her head and thought for a moment before answering:
"If you ask like that, I guess I do like it. But to be honest, compared to dancing, I prefer to stay at home and play games."
A hint of longing flickered in her eyes, "If given the opportunity, I would also like to create my own game."
Hiyakura showed an expression of surprise at this unexpected answer.
She didn't expect the elegant and noble Tao Yao, to have such a side.
Just as she wanted to continue asking, Tao Yao suddenly spoke up:
"Alright, cutie, although I'm reluctant, it's time for me to leave. Otherwise, the maids at home will see I haven't returned for so long, and they might throw a little tantrum."
Hearing Tao Yao was leaving, a wave of reluctance surged in Hiyakura's heart.
She opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but didn't know how to start.
In the end, she merely nodded gently, her eyes filled with reluctance.
Tao Yao seemed to notice Hiyakura's emotions. She reached out to gently stroke Hiyakura's cheek, softly saying: "Don't worry, we will see each other again soon."
After saying this, she turned to leave, her pink figure gradually disappearing into the night.
Hiyakura stood in place, watching that departing pink silhouette, suddenly feeling a hollow sensation in her heart.
As if something important had been taken away, leaving behind an unfillable void.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm the turbulence within her.
The moonlight remained gentle, and the music from the conch had stopped.
The courtyard returned to tranquility, but Hiyakura felt everything had changed.
She gently clenched her fists, silently thinking: "If given the chance, we will meet again..."
At the same time, Tao Yao had returned home.
As soon as she entered, she saw the maid Shiro standing at the entrance with a serious expression.
"Miss Tao Yao, why did you sneak out to have fun again?" Shiro complained while helping Tao Yao change her shoes, "You weren't like this before..."
Tao Yao rarely went out, and every time she did, she always brought Shiro along.
But recently, she had suddenly started acting strangely, not only inexplicably hiring a dance teacher to teach her how to dance, but also going out more frequently.
This left Shiro feeling both confused and worried.
Facing Shiro's complaints, Tao Yao wore a relaxed smile, patting Shiro's shoulder: "Alright, next time I'll definitely take you with me, okay?"
Just then, Shiro's nose twitched, and she caught a faint scent of cherry blossoms.
Her expression suddenly became serious as she inquired: "Miss Tao Yao, did you meet someone? Why do you smell like another girl?"
Upon hearing this, a hint of embarrassment flashed across Tao Yao's face. She coughed lightly, saying somewhat awkwardly: "You really cannot hide anything from you, can you?"
After a pause, she continued: "I met Hiyakura."
Then, Tao Yao briefly recounted what had happened that night.
After listening, Shiro revealed a surprised expression:
"Hiyakura? The girl you personally awakened and who was born among the demonic flowers?"
Tao Yao nodded, "Yes, that's her."
Upon hearing this response, Shiro fell silent.
After a moment, she finally asked:
"I don't understand why you care so much about her; why didn't you keep her by your side at that time? You should know that girl is a latent carrier of the fairy seed, and she could very well be the true fairy..."
From the perspective of the apostles, it was most beneficial to keep everything related to fairies firmly under control.
Shiro couldn't figure out why Tao Yao let Hiyakura roam outside, even allowing her to go to the enemies and interact with those from Manju Academy.
In Shiro's eyes, such behavior was like letting a tiger return to its mountain.
Facing Shiro's doubts, Tao Yao's expression turned serious.
She looked into Shiro's eyes and asked earnestly:
"Shiro, do you know why I don't let you become an apostle like me, and why I don't let you intervene too much in the matters of the church?"
Although Shiro was a member of the Apostle Church,
She did not possess the strong beliefs and goals that other disciples did.
She more often served as Tao Yao's personal maid, staying by her side.
And she knew little about many affairs of the church.
Hearing Tao Yao's question, Shiro asked in confusion: "Why?"
Tao Yao took a deep breath and slowly explained:
"An apostle is the existence closest to fairies, serving them for life. They have missions that they must fulfill, and many times, they cannot control their own fates."
"And becoming an apostle means losing freedom."
"I don't want you to have too much exposure because I want you to have more choices."
Upon hearing these words, Shiro was taken aback.
She suddenly had an ominous premonition, her heart started to race.
She trembled as she asked: "Miss Tao Yao, what do you mean by that?"
Tao Yao looked at Shiro softly and said: "Shiro, you cannot always be my maid."
This sentence hit Shiro's heart like a bolt from the blue.
Her voice started to tremble, and tears even welled up in her eyes:
"Miss Tao Yao, do you... not want me anymore?"
Seeing Shiro's panicked expression, Tao Yao's heart softened instantly.
"I don't not want you."
Tao Yao gently comforted, "It's just that you've grown up; you're not that dirty little girl I found back then anymore. You've grown up and should have more choices, rather than being tied to me forever."
Silent tears rolled down Shiro's cheeks.
She reached out to grasp Tao Yao's clothing as if afraid that if she released her grip, Tao Yao would disappear.
Tao Yao stepped forward and gently stroked Shiro's back, continuing softly:
"I know you're scared, but Shiro, you must understand that continuously following me won't make your life better."
Shiro lifted her head, teary-eyed, looking at Tao Yao: "But I just want to stay by your side. For me, that's the best choice."
Tao Yao tenderly wiped away Shiro's tears and softly said:
"I know, I know."
"But Shiro, the world is vast, with many beautiful things you have yet to see."
"There are many things worth trying besides staying by my side."
Shiro remained silent for a moment, then quietly asked:
"I can do as you say, but please don't abandon me..."
Tao Yao shook her head, saying firmly:
"Of course, I will never truly leave you. No matter where you go or what choices you make, our connection will always remain."
Upon hearing these words, Shiro's emotions calmed slightly.
She took a deep breath, striving to control her feelings, and then asked:
"What do you want me to do?"
Compared to Shiro's complicated mood at this moment,
Tao Yao felt much lighter, a smile on her face as she said:
"I hope you can find the things you truly consider beautiful and pursue those dreams that make your heart race."
"This world is so vast, with too many wonderful places worth exploring. I hope you can experience the richness of life, doing things that make you feel happy and fulfilled."
"Whether it's continuing to learn new knowledge, trying new hobbies, or making new friends, all are worth trying."
"And most importantly, I hope you can find your own life goals and pursue things that give your life meaning."
Listening to Tao Yao's words, complex emotions shimmered in Shiro's eyes.
She took a deep breath, striving to calm her mood, and softly replied: "I understand, Miss Tao Yao. I will follow your advice."
Seeing Shiro's response, Tao Yao revealed a smile of comfort.
She reached out to gently stroke Shiro's hair, tenderly saying: "It's good that you understand. Remember, whatever choice you make, I will support you."
After saying this, Tao Yao stretched lazily, stretching her body. She looked at Shiro and smiled, saying: "Alright, Shiro, help me prepare hot water. I want to take a bath!"
"Okay, Miss Tao Yao."
Shiro responded as always, then turned to make preparations.
Tao Yao came to the side of the sofa, gracefully lying down.
She closed her eyes, enjoying a moment of tranquility.
At that moment, while preparing the bathwater, Shiro's heart was filled with complex emotions.
"Miss Tao Yao, perhaps as you said, this world does have many beautiful things worth pursuing."
"But in my heart, you are the only beauty worth chasing, the person who pulled me out of the dark, damp gutter. You are the brightest star in my life, the lighthouse guiding my way forward."
"No matter how vast and wonderful this world is, without you, it would all be meaningless."
"For me, being able to stay by your side is the greatest happiness."
However, Shiro did not voice these thoughts, and Tao Yao remained unaware.
In fact, the reason Tao Yao suddenly said these words to Shiro was merely to make some arrangements for the future.
Recalling the background of the story, Tao Yao felt a gentle smile appear on her face.
In her memories, Shiro was just a small girl at that time, dirty and curled up in a dark corner, trembling.
Tao Yao took her in, cared for her meticulously, invested resources into her, and watched her grow stronger day by day.
To the point where Shiro had now become the closest family member to Tao Yao.
However, according to Tao Yao's future plans, she was about to face the fate of death.
Taking this opportunity, she aimed to reverse the players' opinions and impressions of her.
Then, through a strong emotional outburst.
To harvest enough popularity.
This was the rough framework of her plan.
Although many variables might occur, making it impossible to completely control the direction of the plan,
She still hoped to prepare for Shiro's future.
This was the reason for her sudden remarks tonight.
She hoped that Shiro could become independent, able to live vividly even without her.
Before long, Shiro prepared the hot water.
She gently knocked on the door and said, "Miss Tao Yao, the hot water is ready."
Tao Yao got up from the sofa and walked into the bathroom.
Warm steam greeted her, and she nodded in satisfaction.
...
After a long time.
Tao Yao returned to the sofa.
Water droplets cascaded down her pink hair.
At that moment, Shiro proactively approached, holding a hairdryer, and began to carefully dry Tao Yao's hair.
Tao Yao smiled and sat up straight, making it easier for Shiro to dry her hair.
Shiro gently combed Tao Yao's long hair.
She carefully used the hairdryer to blow each strand of pink hair.
The warm breeze and Shiro's gentle actions made Tao Yao feel incredibly relaxed.
The room was filled with a tranquil and warm atmosphere, as if the earlier serious conversation had never happened.
The atmosphere between the two had returned to normal, as intimate as ever.
During the process of Shiro drying her hair, Tao Yao suddenly asked: "Shiro, I've been asking you to pay attention to... has Black Rose made any movements recently?"
Shiro's hands paused slightly, then she continued her actions, replying: "That woman has been going back and forth between the Twin Cities of Star and Moon recently, but I haven't investigated what she's specifically doing in detail, so I'm not sure."
Tao Yao nodded thoughtfully.
She wasn't surprised that Black Rose would cause trouble.
As for not letting Shiro investigate in more detail,
It was simply because she had activated the divine perspective, knowing the corresponding background and story of the earlier versions of the game, so there was no need to let Shiro take more risks.
After a moment's thought, she softly said to Shiro:
"When I returned just now, I observed that things in the Twin Cities are becoming increasingly unstable."
There were conflicts between the Twin Cities of Star and Moon themselves.
Following the original storyline,
That was also one of the main quests the protagonist team needed to resolve later.
There was no need for Tao Yao to intervene.
And in this whirlpool of the Twin Cities, she only needed to do what she was supposed to do.
After some more thought, Tao Yao continued:
"By the way, Shiro, when you have free time, you can go to Meteor City to see the group of children in the orphanage. I haven't been feeling well lately, so I won't go..."
"Got it, I'll go tomorrow!"
As she said this, Shiro finished drying Tao Yao's hair.
At the same time, she started to complain in her heart.
The lady is always so kind...
Clearly, she still has the Syndrome of Demonic Affection herself, yet she cares about others instead.
Seriously...
Can't she care a little more about herself?