Snakes Hold Grudges
"Is that so? I think I've changed quite a lot..."
Yao Wan's fingertips unconsciously brushed the rim of her teacup as she murmured under her breath.
"Honestly, I don't know what to do with you..."
"...Shh."
"Why shush? Sleeping isn't the same as being unconscious. She won't wake up..."
Though that was true, the cold and beautiful figure still unconsciously softened her movements. Or rather, she had long grown accustomed to it—accustomed to this routine amid days that were always the same.
Answering the child's father, the Snake People Clan's queen sat down beside the girl's bed with him.
"I know. Whenever I have time these past few days, I've come to see Xiao Xiao. Is there any new way now?"
"Still no. What she needs is for her body to accept the power of this bloodline. I haven't broken through to the next major realm yet. I don't want to force her growth."
Xiao Yan lowered his gaze slightly. Even as he answered, he could not hide his curiosity.
"They're all elsewhere. Zi Yan is busy dealing with the remaining forces of the Demon Spirit Race. How did you know I was here?"
"...Snakes are very sensitive to scents. Ever since you came back, whenever I visit Xiao Xiao, I can always smell something like Flame Lotus on you."
"Huh? Flame Lotus?"
Xiao Yan froze, unable to decide whether to laugh or cry. He had never expected Medusa to describe his scent as something similar to Flame Lotus.
Did his Flame Lotus have a scent too? Or was this the karmic consequence of that ill-fated bond from back then?
Shaking his head helplessly, Xiao Yan looked at Medusa's strange expression and could not help asking, "Do you smell Flame Lotus with your nose or your