2-50 - How Could the Villainous Young Master Be a Saintess?

Title: Volume 2, Chapter 50 ~ Heartfelt Connection "Then, should I sleep on the sofa too, so I can easily look after Miss Vannesa?" "I've already been so grateful for your care, I really can't ask for more," Vannesa replied, maintaining her polite expression, though another little vein mark appeared on her temple. "Hey, hey, it’s no problem! Look, my sofa is so spacious, it can easily fit two people. If Miss Vannesa has to get up in the middle of the night, I could help you to the bathroom…" "Please, stop saying those strange things!" Vannesa finally couldn't take it anymore, her voice rising with embarrassment and annoyance. What was this about getting up at night? Who says these things to a young woman like her? Let Aesphyra help her? No, she wouldn't have it. Even if she really couldn't hold it, she'd still decline Aesphyra's help—yet a moment's thought about the consequences made Vannesa's firm attitude soften slightly. ‘Virtue +50.’ ‘Current Virtue: 5304.’ Ha, hahaha... This mischievous fateful heroine, was she deliberately saying these things to provoke a reaction from her? Seeing Aesphyra with a slight, joyful curl at the corners of her lips, Vannesa felt that it was entirely possible. How can this exquisite, beautiful white-haired cat princess be so mischievous? Does she enjoy teasing her so much? No, something’s wrong. It's one thing to be toyed with when she's in male form, but why does she still get teased in female form? Didn't she transform for nothing then? Tonight, she had drawn quite a bit of virtue from Aesphyra, which should theoretically be good news. Yet Vannesa couldn’t feel any joy in it. Aesphyra was the first heroine to make her feel like she gained nothing, even though she extracted virtue—she felt as though she'd somehow lost out instead. "Sorry, sorry~ That was a slip of the tongue. I was just worried that Miss Vannesa might need me if anything happened in the middle of the night," Aesphyra said, playfully covering her mouth. "I won’t have any incidents, I feel much better now. You needn’t worry yourself, Miss Aesphyra." "Alright then, if Miss Vannesa is tired and wants to sleep first, let me prepare some hot water for you?" "? Miss Aesphyra, in my current state, even with hot water, I wouldn't be able to bathe." "No worries, I did say I could help Miss Vannesa to the bath~" "No, thanks." Vannesa took a deep breath. “How could I trouble you like that? I can manage on my own.” Was she intent on seizing every chance to gain an advantage? "But, Miss Vannesa, you can’t even move?" Aesphyra looked concerned. "Don't push yourself, feel free to ask for my help anytime." "Or is Miss Vannesa feeling shy?" Aesphyra tilted her head, looking at Vannesa curiously. "Honestly, we’re all girls, why should Miss Vannesa feel embarrassed?" "For someone who insists she’s straight, Miss Vannesa sure seems shy about bathing with another girl. Maybe Miss Vannesa herself hasn’t realized she’s not as straight as she claims?" Aesphyra teased, her jewel-like eyes sparkling with colorful hues. "That's not it at all! Actually, I’m beginning to regain my mobility, so there’s no need to trouble Miss Aesphyra," Vannesa replied, moving her fingers to demonstrate her growing recovery. Although an unwashed body made her uncomfortable, having Aesphyra’s help would lead to a far greater discomfort than just physical unease. She decided to endure for as long as it took to regain full mobility. "Is that so? Well, if Miss Vannesa insists. But should you need anything, don’t hesitate to call for me, okay?" Aesphyra smiled, settling into an armchair, instinctively picking up a book. She turned on the desk lamp, flipping to a page marked with a bookmark. It seemed she was resuming where she left off a few days ago. With nothing else to do, Vannesa glanced over out of curiosity, spotting that it was a book about the ancient history of the continent. In the lamp’s gentle shadows, the silver-haired girl’s snowy eyelashes glinted with a soft glow, her eyelids lingering dreamily—a beauty beyond words. If only her personality wasn’t so mischievous. "Miss Vannesa, are you interested in history?" Noticing Vannesa’s gaze, Aesphyra looked up, a smile lifting her lips. "Somewhat. Is Miss Aesphyra very interested in history? I see you have quite the collection here—it's unexpected, for someone who loves reading as you do," Vannesa raised an eyebrow. "Me? Well, apart from passing time, I mainly read to see others’ interpretations of events and the world," Aesphyra mused, resting her chin thoughtfully in her hand. "Since we’re not busy, would Miss Vannesa like to hear a bedtime story? I can read it to you." "As long as it’s no bother to Miss Aesphyra." "Not at all." Aesphyra cleared her throat gracefully, her voice lively as she began reading aloud from the book. One must admit, Aesphyra’s voice was exceptionally pleasant—elegant and gentle, it surpassed that of a seasoned narrator, perfectly suited for storytelling. Though Vannesa had some interest in history, the book's content delved deep into specialized knowledge and historical analysis, allowing for well-supported conclusions. While Vannesa understood it well enough, her energetic reading soon lulled her frazzled mind, fatigued from the day’s exertions, into the warm embrace of Aesphyra's cozy home, the flickering lamp casting tender shadows, and that melodious voice, echoing softly around her. Before she knew it, her eyelids fluttered shut, her body relaxing completely, and she was soon dozing deeply on the sofa, breathing steady and even. Aesphyra closed the book, rising to approach the softly breathing, slumbering girl, gently smoothing a slightly messy lock of pink hair resting on her forehead. Gazing at her stunningly serene sleeping face, Aesphyra leaned slightly closer, resembling a noble feline princess appraising her prey, smoothly running her tongue across her lips. After a deliberate pause, she inhaled the fragrance lingering on her fingers—a blend of floral aromas and shampoo—and with a smile gracing her lips, whispered at the girl’s ear, "Sweet dreams, dear, I hope that one day you’ll open your heart to me." Afterward, Aesphyra fetched a soft quilt, draping it gently over Vannesa, switched off the lamp, gathered up her silken hair, and gracefully retreated to the second floor—moving with the silent grace of a cat, emitting no sound even while performing her nightly routine. Later that night. Perhaps due to the unfamiliar surroundings or discomfort from sleeping on a sofa, Vannesa awoke suddenly. Discovering a quilt adorned with a cute white cat design covering her, and inhaling a soothing blend of rose and rosewood fragrance that eased her mind, she knew instantly: it was Aesphyra’s handiwork, and the quilt must have been Aesphyra’s, carrying her distinctive scents and presence. Glancing around the dimly lit hall, Vannesa pondered when exactly she had fallen asleep. Where was Aesphyra? Had she covered her with a quilt after Vannesa drifted off, then left? Vannesa checked her clothes—they remained untouched apart from the quilt draping her. Everything else was just as it had been before she slept. Was she simply too exhausted to stay awake under Aesphyra's watchful eye? Could it be that being around Aesphyra granted her a sense of security? Quickly dismissing the notion, Vannesa shook her head. On the bright side, falling asleep spared her from debating whether to take a bath first. With her fatigue dissipated, she felt refreshed and alert. On impulse, she lifted her hand, surprised to find she could move again. Now that she was mobile, she needed to inform Mirexia of her safety immediately. Vannesa shrugged off the quilt, placing her bare feet adorned with slightly crumpled white socks onto the floor. She hesitated, deciding to leave Aesphyra a note. It wasn’t because she cared for Aesphyra’s concern, but rather because it felt only polite to acknowledge someone who had helped her so much, even though Aesphyra is a bit annoying. She found paper and pen and penned a neat, elegant message thanking Aesphyra and saying she’d left. The handwriting was as lovely as its author. Upon further thought, Vannesa included a strand of her hair with the note. She rummaged through Aesphyra's entryway cabinet for a cloak to disguise herself, slipping on the white boots there before departing the villa. Vannesa made sure to mention the borrowed cloak in the note, figuring she’d repay Aesphyra when the chance arose. Cloaked and face concealed, particularly her hair, Vannesa quietly exited Aesphyra's residence. At this hour, Aesphyra was surely asleep, so Vannesa resolved not to disturb her. Though it was late, the night remained dark. However, there were likely people in the streets, given the recent influx of casualties. Post-battle, the Karryleman Academy was mobilizing all resources for rescue efforts, repairs, and damage assessment. The workload was immense. In such a pivotal moment, Mirexia, who constantly overworked herself, would be restless, intensifying Vannesa's worry about finding her. Who could say for certain where the student council president had been dispatched? In crisis, the first person she wished to find was her cherished friend and confidante, Mirexia. Ordinarily, people in desperate need would first think of their parents, but with Vannesa’s parents gone, she turned instead to her most trusted childhood friend. Where could she be now? Pondering, a childhood memory flickered in Vannesa's mind. 'Mirexia, Mirexia! What if we face trouble someday and can’t contact each other? Why don’t we make a promise? If we ever can't find one another, we’ll meet at the local park, alright?' The blue-haired boy had said to the blonde girl, sealing their promise with interlocked pinkies. The park—perhaps she should check it out at the academy? But childhood promises are often forgotten; would Mirexia remember? Besides, with many parks in the academy, how could she be sure where to look? Even late at night, with the academy in turmoil and students restless, there would undoubtedly be many people out on the streets. If Mirexia did remember, any well-known spot would be bustling—but perhaps the abandoned campus park, deserted of all but echoes, might be Mirexia’s choice. Draping the cloak over her frame, Vannesa dissolved into the night, making her way toward her mental destination. As she anticipated, the academy buzzed with life tonight. People were everywhere—mostly faculty and medical staff, with some anxious students. Despite instructors repeatedly urging them back to safety, convinced of the academy’s security and encouraging rest, some students huddled outdoors, checking the situation. The night was livelier than the day. In such circumstances, every academy park would be teeming with activity, except... for the abandoned park located in an unused school building. This spot was just as deserted as always. Vannesa wasn’t sure if she’d find Mirexia there. The pink-haired girl, ensconced in her cloak, stepped into the abandoned park and immediately saw a golden figure wandering listlessly inside the deserted grounds. It was as if there was a psychic connection; the gold-haired figure looked up just as Vannesa entered, their gazes meeting in the quiet gloom. Upon seeing the cloaked figure, the beautiful blue jewels of her eyes, dispersed like gemstones, immediately focused. Though the cloak shrouded the figure’s features, the girl sensed it was she whom they awaited. "...Vannesa, is that you?" Mirexia called cautiously. The cloaked figure hesitated momentarily before lowering the cowl concealing her face and hair. Watching closely, Mirexia’s tension softened upon recognizing the familiar, strikingly beautiful face beneath. Relief washed over her as if a weight had been lifted from her chest. It's already been half a day since the 'Goddess Returned to Her Realm.' Mirexia had initially thought Vannesa had gone back to the Saint Selina Cathedral. In a bid to prevent exposure, she had rushed there to ensure Vannesa's safety, but upon arrival at Saint Selina's dormitory, Vannesa was nowhere to be found.