There was still some time before departure, and everyone in the "safe house" was preparing to continue the journey. Hassu was checking his weapons and equipment, while Hesperis had retrieved her Twilight Scepter and armor from Hao Ren. Everyone else was busy with their own tasks. No unnecessary communication was needed; every person present had weathered countless storms and knew exactly what they should be doing.
After checking her equipment, Heiserana sat down where she was and stared blankly at another self in the distance.
After Vivian left, little Heiserana, like everything else belonging to this spacetime, had fallen into a state of stillness. She had become a gray-white "sculpture," her face still wearing that innocent, excited, and curious expression, so lifelike that it seemed real. Her thoughts had been frozen forever at that final moment. There were no following centuries of bitter waiting, no anxious hiding and fleeing after the end of the Mythical Era, and no oppressive years of scheming against others in the Athens Sanctuary. This little girl, who had only just learned to open her eyes and look at the world, was like a tiny insect sealed in amber, frozen in this place, with her life likewise solidified here.
Looking at her, Heiserana suddenly let out a soft sigh.
Lily had sharp ears. Hearing the sound, she curiously looked over. "What's wrong?"
"This might be an idealized version of 'me,'" Heiserana said softly. "The most innocent and carefree age, with no dark days and no fear or unease. Every day in her memories was happy and fulfilling, and in the end, she even found her mother... Though I don't always like your 'Landlord,' I really ought to thank him this time. In this illusory history, all my wishes have been fulfilled."
Lily had no idea how