Chapter 27: Because She’s Just So Cute, I Couldn’t Resist
Xu Bai didn’t seek out Ice Lily, not because she couldn’t find her, but because of other developments.
“What’s happened now…?”
Standing on a deserted main street, Xu Bai observed the increased City Guard patrols, the tension evident on their faces. She frowned.
Not only was Vikarn Port under lockdown, but the city’s security level had also been raised?
It seemed that overnight, Vikarn Port’s defense systems had gone into overdrive.
This unusual state of emergency made Xu Bai hesitant to use the rune Ice Lily had given her.
She didn’t know if Ice Lily was involved in this, or if using the rune now might cause unforeseen complications.
After careful consideration, Xu Bai put the rune away.
“It can wait.”
After realizing her seemingly real memories might have been tampered with, and that her beloved Sister Neily might not be who she seemed, Xu Bai’s world had crumbled, yet she felt strangely calm.
Perhaps it was numbness from the repeated shocks over the past year, or perhaps, on some subconscious level, she had already anticipated this.
All she could do was continue searching for the truth, no matter the cost.
She was ready for whatever she might find.
“Hmm? Little girl, aren’t you supposed to be home?”
A familiar voice called out from behind her, and Xu Bai felt a large shadow looming over her.
She turned to see Lin Yan, her signature heavy armor gleaming, but without her helmet. She was alone, no other Garrison Knights in sight.
“Little girl?” Lin Yan waved a hand in front of Xu Bai’s face, looking down at her with curiosity.
Xu Bai, barely over four feet tall, seemed miniature compared to Lin Yan’s six-foot frame, clad in heavy armor.
“I… I just came out to look around,” Xu Bai glanced up at Lin Yan, then quickly looked down again, finding the angle awkward.
But that brief glance seemed to trigger something within Lin Yan. Almost unconsciously, she reached out and patted Xu Bai’s head.
“Mmm…”
Xu Bai recoiled from the unexpected touch. “Lin… big sister, please don’t pat my head.”
“Ah, sorry… you’re just so cute, I couldn’t resist.” Lin Yan quickly withdrew her hand, then half-knelt, her armor clinking, to meet Xu Bai’s eyes.
“It’s dangerous outside lately. Even if you’re skilled, little girl, you shouldn’t wander around alone.” A gentle smile touched Lin Yan’s lips. Even knowing this little girl wasn’t ordinary, looking at her, Lin Yan felt a strong urge to protect her.
The intensity of this feeling surprised her. She checked herself again, but she hadn’t been affected by any spells, nor was it simply the girl’s cuteness. It felt more like…
A familiarity, as if she knew this girl, knew everything about her?
But she had no memory of this little girl, not even a flicker.
“Okay,” Xu Bai mumbled, wondering how to escape.
She really didn’t want further involvement with Lin Yan…
Not just because of the rumors surrounding Lin Yan, which could be dangerous for her in her current state, but also because Lin Yan had known the real “Xu Bai” for a long time.
Besides her fallen comrades, Lin Yan was probably the person most familiar with the original “Xu Bai.”
Although the chances of being recognized were slim, they still existed, and Xu Bai didn’t want to risk it.
But while Xu Bai wanted to leave, Lin Yan seemed intent on keeping her there, her gaze still fixed on her with interest.
“Where is your family?” she asked with concern.
She suddenly wondered if this little girl could be related to one of her former comrades. It was possible.
The image of a lone, slender figure flashed through her mind, but Lin Yan quickly dismissed it with a self-deprecating chuckle.
It couldn’t be him. He was still so young…
Xu Bai hesitated, then replied, “I don’t have any family.”
She shook her head, afraid that if she said she did, Lin Yan would insist on taking her to them, which would complicate things.
“None? Oh! I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.” Lin Yan apologized, scratching her head. “How about I take you home? I have other matters to attend to, and it’s not convenient to bring you along.”
She paused, lowering her voice and adding a touch of sternness, “There’s a demon out there. You shouldn’t be wandering around!”
Xu Bai opened her mouth to reply, but a deep voice interrupted her.
“Miss, it’s time. We should prepare. Tonight’s banquet is very important.”
The voice sounded familiar. Xu Bai looked up, instantly recognizing the speaker.
“Uncle Lin…”
She was familiar with this middle-aged man, Lin Yan’s constant companion. He held a high position within the Garrison Knights and had always been Lin Yan’s guardian.
She wasn’t sure about his strength, only that he wasn’t weak.
He wasn’t wearing his usual armor, but a sharp, black tuxedo. Clearly, he and Lin Yan were attending some formal event.
Such lavish banquets were common among the Empire’s nobility.
Although Xu Bai had received a few invitations in the past, she had never attended one.
“Alright, alright, I’m coming.” Lin Yan replied without looking up, then turned to Xu Bai with a regretful expression. “I’m afraid I can’t take you home. How about I have Uncle Lin escort you?”
Xu Bai quickly waved her hands, about to refuse, but Uncle Lin approached, a polite smile on his face. “What are your orders, Miss?”
“Nothing much. Just escort this little girl home. As you know—” Lin Yan stopped mid-sentence, realizing she had almost said too much.
But Xu Bai wasn’t paying attention to Lin Yan’s words. She noticed Uncle Lin’s gaze, which seemed… strangely knowing.
Had he… recognized her?
No, that was impossible…
“Why not bring her to the banquet?” Uncle Lin asked, his eyes fixed on Xu Bai.
“Bring her? But that’s not appropriate…” Lin Yan hesitated.
“It’s perfectly fine. Don’t you agree, my dear little miss?”
Uncle Lin smiled and nodded at Xu Bai.
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