Cozy

Li Yue released her grip, and the blood crystal naturally merged into her body. For a brief moment, she felt a slight sensation of death. To her, this pain was almost non-existent; all that remained was an infinite silence and a sense of easy liberation.

“What a pity... that feeling only lasted for an instant...” Li Yue looked at her palm, seemingly reluctant to let go of the sensation. “I’m getting a bit anxious waiting for death to arrive...”

“But if you die, what am I supposed to do?” Clo’s hazy figure appeared before Li Yue, grabbing her swaying hand to help stabilize her.

“Oh, right... Sorry, I’ll take responsibility.” Li Yue smiled faintly. Her face was deathly pale now, but the death or severe injury of her physical form seemed to mean nothing to her. “Don’t worry. Currently, there is nothing in this world that can kill me. I am immortal.”

Li Yue gently brushed Clo’s hair aside. At some point, even she felt a bit sentimental, wondering how she had learned so many things.

Perhaps it was fate, Li Yue often thought. As they chatted, she changed into a loose robe and lay down on the bed, seemingly enjoying this peaceful time—or perhaps waiting for a specific moment.

“So, who do you think was behind the poisoning?” Clo originally wanted to cross her legs, but thinking of Li Yue’s current situation, she decided to cooperate with the performance.

“If we guess now, everyone would definitely think it’s Dmitry. But thinking it’s that simple would be a huge mistake.” Li Yue smiled and coughed, looking indeed very weak. “I suspect... there’s someone else, but it seems the only possible option has already been ruled out by me.”

Li Yue spread her hands and laughed, looking relaxed and unconcerned.

“How is your body really doing?” Clo felt Li Yue’s pulse, only to suddenly realize it wasn't beating at all. A chill ran from her toes up to her back, and she felt a faint cold sweat break out.

“Silly, my heart is shattered. I’m relying on magic to move my blood, so how could there be a pulse?” Li Yue tapped Clo’s forehead. Seeing the other girl’s annoyed expression, she couldn't help but let out a soft laugh.

“How can you look so relaxed?” Clo puffed out her cheeks and gave Li Yue’s chest a tiny punch. Li Yue immediately feigned extreme pain, scaring Clo into keeping her hand suspended in mid-air, not daring to strike again.

“Because the outcome doesn't matter. Or rather, I just need to ensure I stay alive.” Li Yue yawned. “The weak appearance is just to play along with the performance. I want to see how this court drama unfolds.”

“Maybe they can find a way to kill me. My true body is still at the intersection of the Death Abyss and the Underworld. I’d like to see how I could possibly die.” Li Yue tilted her head and smiled. The number of times she smiled seemed to have increased since she said she would take responsibility.

“So every time you were with me... you were using an avatar?” Clo seemed to suddenly catch a blind spot. “You jerk...”

“...” Li Yue’s mouth hung open slightly, and the expression on her face froze. “Didn't you say the one you’ve always loved is A Yue? A Yue is right here~”

“Cut it out. I know you don't even have emotional fluctuations in your heart.” Clo turned her head away and gave Li Yue a white-eyed glare.

“If I used my true body, you’d be crying for help again...” Li Yue smiled bitterly, feeling the conversation had strayed far off track.

“Are you not going to care about Camillian’s life or death?” Clo frowned.

“He... someone is protecting him... probably.” Li Yue thought for a moment. “Anyway, just wait and see for now.”

Li Yue looked at Clo’s profile. For some reason, she suddenly felt that having Clo by her side was an indescribable happiness. On a day like this, with the continuous fine rain, two people staying in a room together, doing what they wanted, with an occasional glance, a shared look, a synchronized heartbeat, a lingering moment of love...

Whew... That was close. I almost wanted to abandon everything... and find a place to spend a stable, peaceful, and happy life with her. If it were really possible, I wouldn't even mind if my magic were taken away...

But...

Click. The door was pushed open gently, and Li Yue’s thoughts returned from the drizzling rain outside. She looked at the visitor and felt a bit sentimental. After her heart shattered, even her level of perception had dropped so sharply that she hadn't noticed several Great Mages approaching the door.

I’m still too relaxed. Underestimating one’s opponents will lead to paying a price... perhaps.

“I am deeply sorry that you encountered such an incident. As the hosts of the banquet, we represent the King to express our apologies to you.” Dmitry walked to the bedside, his brow indeed carrying a trace of faint regret. Clo, who was long accustomed to capturing Li Yue’s emotions, had developed a keen perception of feelings; she didn't sense even a sliver of genuine emotion from this man.

Li Yue’s pinky finger poked Clo slightly, signaling her not to speak before she did.

“I’m a bit... cough cough...” Li Yue paused the rapid supply of blood within her body. For a moment, she really saw herself on the Stygian Beach.

So when a death god approaches death, they actually see themselves... Did the person who designed this world never consider that a death god might try to die?

...It’s probably a hallucination. Otherwise, it would be too surreal. No... this world was already quite surreal... Ever since 'Him' descended, all the so-called impossible things have become commonplace.

“I’m fine... I just need a short period of rest. Thank you for your concern, Your Highness.” Li Yue forced a smile, her expression tinged with weakness.

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude,” Clo added. In the presence of outsiders, she generally appeared even more cold and heartless than Li Yue, but at this moment, she was exuding the pure magical aura of the Raven's Beak Covenant.

Dmitry squinted his eyes, looking at the few spots of blood on the floor. His eyes narrowed slightly, a movement that Li Yue captured clearly.

Perhaps... no... I shouldn't overestimate these mortals.