Beatrice's Choice

"Who... who are you, really?!"

Beatrice stiffened and couldn't help taking a step back.

"Does that matter? Beatrice, just tell me whether you're willing to come with me. I'll take you from one colorful world to the next, to see different sights and a wider world!"

Confusion flickered through Beatrice's eyes. It took her a moment to recover.

"Beatrice doesn't know how vast the world you've seen is, but this time, Beatrice doesn't want to give up again.

So you have to treat Beatrice well. Beatrice doesn't ask to hold the most important place in your heart, but Beatrice hopes you'll always have a place for her there. That's why Beatrice can't refuse you!"

With that, Beatrice suddenly leaned in and kissed Hane on the forehead. In an instant, brilliant white light flooded the library, and a huge magic circle appeared, enveloping the entire room.

Beatrice slowly drew back her soft lips.

"This is Beatrice's contract. From now on, wherever you go, Beatrice will follow you forever!"

Hane reached out and gently stroked Beatrice's little head. He wasted no words.

"Good! Make sure you stay close to me from now on!"

Beatrice's eyes gradually softened, and a tear-streaked smile appeared on her face.

"Beatrice is so happy. Four hundred years. A whole four hundred years. Beatrice can finally leave this cage and fulfill that old contract. Beatrice can't be certain what the future holds, but no matter what happens, she'll never regret the choice she made today."

"Don't worry! Beatrice will never regret it! You're my one and only spirit! There will always be a place for you by my side. I promise you that in the name of the Human Emperor!"

Beatrice's heart trembled. Somehow, after Hane said those words,

she instinctively felt a bond form between them, one