Who is She?

“Miss Li?” Movella softly called out to Li Yue, who seemed a bit dazed. The girl appeared to still be immersed in the taste of the drink, having not yet come back to her senses.

“Ah... I’m sorry.” Li Yue touched her eyes and realized her face felt warmer than she had expected.

“I didn't expect Miss Li to be someone who enjoys this drink so much. Since that's the case, I’ll give this fine vintage to you.” Movella snapped her fingers. Night Dew resealed the bottle, placed it in a small gift box, and handed it to Clo.

“None of my friends like this flavor. Today, I’ve finally met someone who enjoys it, so consider it a small gift.” Movella smiled. “This was originally a gift from the royal family and has no practical value. Just treat it as something free and accept it without hesitation.”

“Then, thank you very much.” Clo took the gift box. A faint blue light flickered in her hand; she seemed to have finished inspecting the item in an instant.

It really is just a drink... Was this a simulated taste of fresh blood? What... bizarre technology.

“Once this piece ends, tonight’s performance will be over. Miss Li, Miss Clo, are you interested in attending the banquet afterward? If you haven't had enough to eat, there will be plenty of delicacies at the ball.” Movella rested her chin on her hand, smiling as she looked at Clo and Li Yue.

“No, Li Yue is still a bit weak. We’ll head back to rest.” Clo waved her hand with a smile, glancing at the again-distracted Li Yue. A strange emotion flickered in her eyes.

“Then I hope to see you at tomorrow’s Open Day activities.” Movella smiled. The music finally reached its end, the last note slowly fading away. The lingering sound continued to swirl within the hall, as if still singing praises of something.

“Night Dew, come with me to see our guests out.” Movella stood up along with Clo. Clo reached out a hand to Li Yue, who took it gently. To her surprise, Li Yue found she had regained some strength; she had originally thought she wouldn't be able to stand.

“Then, we shall take our leave. Thank you for your hospitality today.” Clo helped Li Yue to the wheelchair by the door. She nodded to Movella, who waved back, politely bidding them farewell.

She watched as Li Yue and Clo disappeared into the night, her face still wearing the same smile from when they first met.

“Miss Movella, they...”

“Backlash... Hematomania... No matter how you look at it, she’s one of the royals... Furthermore, she likely wields forbidden magic. It would be even better if we could get some of her blood, but the price is too high. There’s no need for us to pay such a steep cost just to verify something.” Movella pursed her lips.

“I can't sense her strength... I’ve never heard of someone like her within the royal family.” Night Dew frowned. The wind outside the door was a bit cold, so she draped her coat over Movella’s shoulders.

“I have absolutely no knowledge of such a person... It’s as if she appeared out of thin air, yet she couldn't possibly not be a royal...” Movella frowned, biting the nail of her smooth thumb.

“Her appearance... Besides the white hair and red eyes, those unique vertical pupils... She’s truly beautiful.” Night Dew sighed softly.

“Do you think she could be the legendary God of Death? I heard the shadow of a death god appeared in the Western Continent recently, and that bishop in the Southern Continent who underwent divine descent was also slain by that same god.” Night Dew pondered for a moment, suddenly suggesting an idea she herself found absurd.

“That deity likely fell due to some form of backlash, and the aura of death was probably released during their divine demise. As for the Western Continent... perhaps that lost artifact really is in the Academy’s hands.” Movella thought it over.

“Are you talking about... that legendary soul-reaping longsword?” Night Dew asked softly.

“Perhaps... Otherwise, it would be far too surreal. This isn't one of those fantasy novels that have recently become popular in the Southern Continent—where you just pick up a sickly girl on the side of the road only to discover she’s some magical entity.” Movella’s lips twitched as she turned to walk back into the hall. Despite her slight negativity, her words, much like her singing, were always peaceful and gentle.

“I hope... she won't be a variable in the midst of the coming change. Our country needs new blood to... reshape its soul and ideology.” A hint of confusion flickered in Movella’s eyes.