Chapter 330
Taking advantage of this last opportunity, Chu Wangshu dragged Xie Qingxuan and Tang Liuli out shopping, hoping to secretly find out from the townspeople who were very familiar with Charlotte what kind of birthday gift she liked.
Needless to say, Aili also stays at home taking care of her occasionally mischievous child, making her a very hardworking nun and mother.
Kiriwake Yayoi was originally going to go shopping with everyone, but Chu Yuanqing happened to need her for something and borrowed some of the power of [Heart Forging].
Thus, leveraging the advantage of the blessing, she successfully gained a private world with Qing Bao.
Well, although the reason for borrowing [Heart Forging] was to prepare a gift for Charlotte, something felt off to her, and the strange literature of East Flow Island kept popping into her head.
But the kind and honest Little Sakura still didn't say the line, "Qing Bao, you don't want Charlotte to not receive a birthday present, do you?" to threaten her into doing anything too suggestive.
Kiriwake Yayoi lowered her eyes to look at the scenery of the town. It was the first time she had seen such a beautiful place, and the colors in sight were so clear and bright.
The chapel is not far from the lake, surrounded by undulating slopes, with colorful buildings clustered together, sometimes separated by lush green lawns or dense groves of trees, and majestic mountains nearby.
The water of Lake Wolfgang is very blue, with shimmering patterns on the surface. Several sailboats sway in the wind on the lake, and you can vaguely see the trees stretching out from the neighboring town. The atmosphere is peaceful and tranquil.
There are very few residents here, which makes one quite worried about how many audience members there will be for the commercial performances a few days from now.
Kiriwake Yayoi hadn't voiced this concern, fearing that if she did, everyone would be unable to attend Charlotte's birthday celebration.
More than the scale of the stage or the amount of brilliance, she cares more about this encounter that transcends truth and time.
I believe Xiao Xuan and Liuli think the same way.
As for Xiao Shu, this child is the last person who should miss this celebration.
Kiriwake Yayoi murmured softly:
"It's so hot, but the breeze feels so nice."
"Besides, it's so beautiful here. It's wonderful that Charlotte can grow up in a place like this."
Chu Yuanqing turned to look at Little Sakura's smiling face. After hesitating for a long time, she asked softly:
"Doesn't Yayoi sometimes find it strange? Those memories, that past, seem to frame the destiny of freedom, the future, and emotions, perhaps making you feel like you've become a different person."
"While I personally would like this kind of reunion, perhaps... not wanting to remember anything at all, and simply letting go of everything, is the new way of life that Kiriwake Yayoi should embrace this time."
Chu Yuanqing dislikes being forgotten, and who would like that feeling?
It was like a hero returning in triumph after saving the world, only to be met not with flowers and applause, but with bewildered and unfamiliar gazes.
Your achievements are unknown, your past has become nothingness.
All the blood shed on the battlefield, the tears of regret in the dead of night, the vows made when toasting each other to the death have all turned into bubbles. All the familiar people, the buildings with stories, the potted plants with greenery on the corners of the city, and even the words of mutual encouragement and support have all disappeared.
You stand alone in the steel city, looking at the rare neon lights in the apocalypse. The world seems to have abandoned you, leaving behind a future without any trace of you, but one that will become better.
How could I not be sad? How could I not be lonely?
Chu Yuanqing spent 17 years experiencing this feeling, and in the slowly eroding memories, she accumulated a void that made her increasingly fragile. It was impossible for her not to be happy about the fact that her companions were slowly recovering their memories.
But on the other hand, their future is far more important than their own feelings, or the happiness of this dying woman.
Kiriwake Yayoi paused, then smiled and said softly:
"So, Xiao Qing, are you admitting it? Admitting that there are no parallel worlds, only this future that we've created together?"
Chu Yuanqing was surprised by Little Sakura's first reaction; her cute and alluring face revealed a complex mix of emotions.
Miss Savior hesitated for a long time before finally ignoring the appearance of this body that Charlotte had called Pure White Succubus. She recklessly declared:
"I suppose so. After all... once you recall some memories, you'll figure it out sooner or later."
"I only gave you that lame excuse to cover it up because I didn't want the company to fail."
As Chu Yuanqing spoke, she simply recounted the process of becoming Magical Girl, only slightly embellishing her reasons for participating in <Flash Dance>.
Well, there's no way around it. In front of Little Sakura, who yearns to be an idol, saying that she participated in this talent show just to earn money and commit insurance fraud would be too disillusioning and shameful, not to mention it would make her seem pathetic and dejected. She didn't want to upset her because of that.
Kiriwake Yayoi was not surprised at all by Qing Bao's acknowledgment.
In fact, she had secretly seen someone's photo several times through Chu Wangshu's channels, and immediately recognized him as the handsome young man from the past, now matured with a touch of vicissitude and a sense of story.
From this perspective, the biggest flaw in Qing Bao's lie is the Little Cotton-padded Jacket who stayed in the team.
Whether it's Liuli, Xiao Xuan, or herself, the first memories they regain are all related to the other person. As long as they see this photo, all the fog covering the truth will be blown away by the wind, revealing the original appearance.
The girl looked at Qing Bao's serious face, hesitated for a moment, and asked:
"Hey, did you really join Flash Dance just to take care of Xiao Shu? Something doesn't feel right."
Suppressing his guilt, Chu Yuanqing said in a serious tone:
"That's why I participated. If you don't believe me, ask Liuli. The Entertainment Industry in Great Xia is always in chaos. Who knows what kind of dirty tricks are involved in talent shows?"
Kiriwake Yayoi to be deep in thought. She wasn't stupid; she immediately realized that the other person was lying.
The first viral image of Qing Bao was a screenshot of her smiling as she entered the live stream first, bathed in colorful ribbon effects.
It's only been a few months? She was watching from nearby back then, there's no way she could have forgotten that iconic scene by now.
So, given the situation, Xiao Qing probably didn't even know if her daughter would participate. In fact, seeing Xiao Shu following her in, it was Xiao Qing herself who might have made the other girl decide to participate.
But knowing this is one thing; she's not Charlotte or Green Eyed Cat, one so malicious as to deliberately bully Qing Bao, the other so bold as to occasionally use it to threaten people.
After thinking about it, Little Sakura decided not to investigate the reason behind it.
Chu Yuanqing breathed a sigh of relief, feeling deeply moved. He thought Yayoi was a gentle and considerate girl, and for a moment he almost forgot about the topic they had just discussed.
Kiriwake Yayoi looked up at the flock of birds that had gathered around her, wanting to get close to someone. She casually scattered breadcrumbs to shoo away the little creatures that were disturbing their time together, and continued:
"Let's get back to what Xiao Qing just said."
"Leaving aside other factors, judging from the current situation alone, restoring my memories doesn't preclude or change anything about me."
"You see, even without regaining my memories, I would still come to Great Xia to participate in <Flash Dance>, I would still meet Xiao Qing, and I would still fall in love with you."
After counting on her fingers and reciting the list logically and clearly, Little Sakura said:
"Moreover, after regaining my memories, I still like my idol, and I still like the things I used to like. I didn't lose anything because of this; on the contrary, I picked up many precious things."
"Furthermore, without that memory, would I still choose to become Magical Girl? In that case, I would only lack experience, courage, resolve, and blessings compared to who I am now."
"This doesn't look like a good thing at all! The casualty rate has increased significantly!"
After Kiriwake Yayoi's expression turned serious. She looked at Chu Yuanqing and continued:
"I admit that the past was cruel, and I experienced a lot of tragedy and pain, but it's all in the past, just like the words suggest."
"I believe that I am who I am today because of that Witch, that Kiriwake Yayoi, and that me. To deny that me is to deny who I am now."
The girl's eyes sparkled, and her pink lips curved into a confident and joyful smile.
"Most importantly, and most importantly, Xiao Qing said that we created this Worldline together, right?"
"And since that's the case, isn't it only natural that I, along with everyone else, continue to forge a new future in this entirely new world?"
Kiriwake Yayoi understands him from the past, and she understands her now.
Chu Yuanqing Chu Yuanqing must have experienced a lot during my absence. Whether it was recklessly acting on his [immortality] or Burn Ash time and time again with Laevateinn, it was all foreseeable.
That boy who saved the world and defeated the gods must have tasted sorrow heavier than the abyss and burned with anger more intense than the sun. He shed tears, felt lost, wanted to give up, and even felt numb with despair...
Without exception, he repeatedly regained his senses and rallied, forcing himself to cross unimaginable chasms, and thus reached this end through death, enlightenment, and willpower.
Kiriwake Yayoi knew, knew how immense the despair of the Disaster God was. That Witch gave every drop of blood and tears, sacrificed her soul and herself, yet she still could not shatter the shell of [Amaterasu].
Before her death, the Witch felt immense guilt. She knew the terrible and painful price she would pay for wielding this Mythical Weapon, and she knew that Chu Yuanqing would remember this scene forever, never forgetting it and regretting it for the rest of his life.
How despicable, isn't it?
This irresponsible practice of pushing all burdens, all weights, and all hopes onto him forced the young man to use regret as fuel for immortality, repeatedly rising from the depths of devastating pain.
She was terrible, so terrible that she hated herself.
So, as her memories gradually returned, and during her several conversations with the Doomsday Diva, she sincerely thanked Charlotte for accompanying him to the very end. Compared to herself, who left in that way, Charlotte was the most suitable and best partner.
How could Kiriwake Yayoi possibly regret remembering these memories? She couldn't allow herself to live happily in this beautiful world, which he had supported, without knowing anything.
That's too despicable and unreasonable. Why should she, who deserves happiness, be the one to suffer misfortune?
Xiao Shu talked about many things about himself, saying that his Dad never remarried, that he worked very hard every day, had poor sleep quality, and always liked to stare blankly at the sky. He said that his life for the past ten years had been dull and peaceful, like a dusty mechanical watch that only followed the hands.
Xiao Shu said she wanted to find out why her Dad was unhappy, and she wanted to bring Dad true happiness.
Kiriwake Yayoi wasn't sure if she could give him happiness, but the happiness she had experienced over the years made her wonder how lonely Chu Yuanqing, who had been forgotten, must have been all those years.
At the very least, she wants to make up for the 17-year gap, in her own way.
Kiriwake Yayoi scattered the last crumbs of bread into the air. Her pink eyes, reflecting the pure white feathers, gazed at Lake Wolfgang in the distance. Amidst the flapping wings of dozens of birds, she spoke, word by word:
"I don't know what others think, but I'm so glad I met Xiao Qing in <Flash Dance>."
"I want to stay with you for a long time, so long that 17 years will become a short number. That way, the unhappiness of the past will be drowned out by more happy things, right?"
Chu Yuanqing looked at the girl's beautiful profile, sensing the joy and certainty in her voice. Beneath the pure white high wall, she curled her lips into a smile and softly said:
"It doesn't need to take that long; there are already more happy things than unhappy things right now."
Little Sakura turned around and looked at him, then said earnestly:
"Being so easily satisfied won't do."
"By the way, after <Flash Dance> ends, shall we go to Hokkaido together? Xiao Qing didn't give me a straight answer last time, but I want to take you to meet my Dad, and Yuki too!"
Kiriwake Yayoi looked forward to the future and began planning her itinerary:
"It's a shame we can't have some alone time, but we'll still bring the others along."
"Liuli and Xiao Xuan aren't exactly loved by their parents, are they? But my Dad and dad have really nice personalities, they'll definitely treat them like their own daughters."
"Charlotte could probably win over my parents with ease, so I'm emotionally reluctant to take her."
Chu Yuanqing listened quietly to Little Sakura's plans to go home and her various whimsical ideas after arriving in Hokkaido. She was always a good listener, never interrupting, and asking questions at the right time.
All of this is good, the only bad thing is that she has never given a straight answer to the plan to go to Hokkaido.
Chu Yuanqing changed the subject and asked:
"By the way, Yayoi, did you send those things home?"
Upon Kiriwake Yayoi said with slight concern:
"I did send it, but the thought that the attacks from the Calamity Beasts will become more frequent sooner or later makes me want to bring my family here."
Yesterday's events had a huge impact.
Although there was only one attack in Sapporo, Hokkaido, it was enough to make her nervous, so much so that last night she had Dream Weaver Rabbit send all the items she had made with [Heart Forging] back home.
To prevent her family from not knowing how to use it or not believing in the superstition, which could lead to tragedy, she asked Dream Weaver Rabbit to arrange for professionals to come to her home and tell her parents about some of the events involving the Calamity Beasts.
Finally, he described the props he made as exorcism tools that were more in line with Dongliu's understanding, repeatedly taught him how to use them, and warned him to keep them close to his body before he was finally reassured.
Chu Yuanqing comforted him:
"Don't worry too much. The families of all the [Witch] trainees have long been provided with professional protection."
But Yayoi is right about one thing: Charlotte's hometown is indeed much safer than other places.
Chu Yuanqing tested the strength. Within the town's area, even with multiple C-Class Calamity Beasts, the shimmering light could create numerous [illusory] miracles, ensuring no casualties for a short time, enough to hold out until the [Witch] came to the rescue.
This level of eternal blessing is something even Charlotte would find difficult to replicate. Her ability to radiate such brilliance was largely due to her desire to protect her foster mother, Sister Ellie.
Such emotions and obsessions play a significant role in idealistic magic.
To be honest, the reason why the upper echelons didn't expand the houses extensively within the scope of the blessing, dragging in all their relatives and friends and cramming the town full, is all because the [Lighthouse]'s status is too lofty.
But...
"Yayoi can do that too."
Chu Yuanqing smiled and earnestly encouraged him:
"The power of [Heart Forging] is never limited to the blade. You once used your blessing to imitate the Liuli's [Wall of Sighs], creating a similar counterfeit, didn't you?"
"Right now, you're perfectly capable of climbing to even greater heights. Who knows, one day you might even be able to cover the entire world with that kind of equipment."
"At that time, protecting my family from harm will be a piece of cake."
Kiriwake Yayoi's mind was opened up. She had only ever thought about cosplaying Shirou Emiya and doing Unlimited Blade Works, but she never thought of this reverse approach.
Wait, doesn't that mean creating another [pure white]?
Little Sakura suddenly realized that relying solely on [Heart Forging] was unlikely to suppress the thirteen Disaster God and the planetary-level amount of calamity energy, right?
Even if it were possible, it's hard to imagine how much magic power would be needed to offset the cost of the blessing.