Castorice: I'm going with you

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, casting dappled shadows on the disheveled sheets.

Luo Li woke up first.

The warm, soft touch on his arm and the unique, cool, sweet fragrance of Castorice lingering around his nose made him momentarily dazed. Then, fragments of those beautiful and passionate Remembrance from last night flooded back into his mind like a tide, causing the corners of his mouth to involuntarily turn upwards.

He looked down at the girl, who was still fast asleep, curled up in his arms.

Her long, silvery-purple hair was spread out on the pillow like silk, with a few strands clinging to her slightly sweaty forehead and cheeks.

She slept soundly, her long, thick eyelashes drooping quietly like butterfly wings, casting soft shadows on her fair skin. Her usual aloofness seemed to have completely melted away, leaving only complete dependence and tranquility.

Luo Li's heart was incredibly tender.

He carefully, as if afraid of waking her, gently brushed aside the few stray strands of hair with his fingers, revealing her smooth forehead.

As he moved, he caught a glimpse of the several ambiguous light red marks he had left on her slender collarbone and shoulders, which stood out against her fair skin.

A mixture of pity, satisfaction, and intense possessiveness surged in his chest.

His daughter, his Castorice.

Just then, Castorice's thick eyelashes trembled a few times, and she slowly opened her eyes.

Her newly awakened purple eyes were misty and watery, like an amethyst lake shrouded in morning fog.

When she focused her gaze and saw Luo Li's face so close to hers, the Remembrance of last night instantly flooded back, and her fair cheeks flushed crimson at a visible speed, spreading all the way to her ears.

She instinctively tried to shrink deeper into the blankets, but Luo Li's smiling arms encircled her even tighter.

Good morning, Castorice.

Luo Li's voice was hoarse from the early morning and tinged with obvious pleasure.

"... morning."

Castorice's voice was barely audible, her gaze darting around, avoiding eye contact with him.

Seeing her shy and adorable appearance, Luo Li chuckled softly and couldn't help but lower his head to place a gentle kiss on her smooth forehead.

Does it still hurt?

He asked in a low voice, his voice filled with tenderness.

Castorice's face flushed even more. She gently shook her head, buried her burning cheeks in the crook of his neck, and complained softly, "... Don't ask anymore."

Luo Li readily shut her mouth, only tightening her arms, enjoying the tender and tranquil morning.

However, the shadow of reality has not gone away.

The sense of urgency surrounding the "Furnace Project" and the departure in three days, like a Damocles' sword hanging overhead, quietly shattered this warm atmosphere.

The two got up, washed up, and prepared a simple breakfast.

During the process, although Castorice would still blush at Luo Li's occasional teasing gaze, her actions showed an indescribable gentleness and attachment that belonged to a little woman.

She would unconsciously move closer to him, and when he handed her a glass of water, her fingertips would lightly brush against his fingers.

A silent bond of intimacy quietly strengthened between the two.

Sitting at the dining table, sipping warm porridge, Luo Li carefully chose her words, trying to lighten the mood. "Three days is quite a tight schedule. I need to go to the guild to complete the formalities, collect my standard equipment, and meet up with that kid Yang Shan... I'm leaving the family to you."

He paused, trying to sound confident, "Don't worry, three months will pass quickly."

"Your man is a B+ level hero now, with Enma and Xiao Hong too. Those vampires on the front lines aren't even a match for me."

Castorice listened quietly, gently stirring the porridge in her bowl with a small spoon, without responding immediately.

Only after Luo Li finished speaking did she raise her eyes, looking at him with a calm yet unusually firm gaze.

"I'll go with you."

Luo Li was stunned, thinking she had misheard, "... What?"

"I said..." Castorice repeated clearly, word by word, "I'll go to the front lines with you."

"No!" Luo Li blurted out, her tone resolute.

He put down his spoon, his expression turning serious. "Castorice, stop fooling around—the front lines aren't child's play, they're a real battlefield, teeming with vampires, the environment is harsh, and you could die at any moment!"

I can protect myself.

Castorice's voice remained calm, but her purple eyes gleamed with an undeniable light. "Have you forgotten the Murong Family?"

Luo Li choked.

Of course he hadn't forgotten.

That night, the daughter of the River of Souls arrived, and the scene of her oppressive aura was still vivid in my mind.

That's different!

He tried to persuade her.

"No matter how powerful the Murong Family is, they still operate within the rules of human society."

The front lines are a racial war, naked slaughter! Your strength... may be great, but the dangers on the battlefield are unpredictable—stray bullets, traps, unknown mutants... I can't let you take such risks!

"And what about you?" Castorice retorted, looking intently at him. "Aren't you in danger?"

"I am a man, I am a superhuman, this is my responsibility!" Luo Li tried to preach.

"Your responsibility is mine."

Castorice spoke softly, yet her words carried immense weight. "Luo Li, you said that no matter what we face, we'll be together."

She stood up and walked up to Luo Li. Although she was not taller, her imposing presence left Luo Li speechless for a moment.

"I've tasted the bitterness of waiting once."

"I don't want to experience that again—especially knowing you're going to such a dangerous place."

Her eyes were slightly red, but her gaze remained defiant.

"In Amphoreus, I have traveled alone along the River of Souls for a thousand years, and have witnessed more death and battles than you can imagine."

I am not a fledgling bird that needs to be sheltered under your wings.

She reached out and gently grasped Luo Li's hand, which was resting on the table. Her fingertips were slightly cool, yet carried a firm strength.

"Let me go with you. I can be your strength, not your burden."

Looking at the resolute-looking girl before him, Luo Li felt a surge of emotions.

He recalled her godlike demeanor when she summoned Pollux, and her effortless dismantling of the Murong Family's defenses.

Yes, she is very strong.

It's stronger than I imagined.

He subconsciously wanted to protect her in a safe haven, but he overlooked the fact that she herself was a powerful warrior, a pilgrim who once held the reins of life and death.

The dangers on the front lines that he feared might really mean nothing to her?

Moreover, as she said, only with her by his side could he truly be single-minded, instead of constantly worrying about her far away in Jiangcheng while on the battlefield.

But... that's the front line!

"No buts."

Castorice seemed to see through his hesitation and tightened her grip on his hand slightly.

"Or, you can take me with you."

"Or..." She paused, a rare, stubborn glint of defiance flashing in her purple eyes.

"I'll go by myself after you leave."

Luo Li: "!!!"

He almost laughed in anger at her words, but more than that, he felt a helpless pang of unease.

He knew Castorice. She usually seemed gentle and obedient, but once she made up her mind about something, the stubbornness hidden beneath her cool exterior was beyond anyone's imagination.

She said she would go by herself, and she really did!

Letting her go to the perilous front lines alone in such an unbelievable way? That would terrify him a hundred times more than taking her with him.

Looking into Castorice's purple eyes, which seemed to say "no discussion," Luo Li rubbed her temples in exasperation.

He found himself seemingly... without any choice whatsoever.

"You really are..."

He sighed, his tone filled with helplessness, yet also carrying a hint of relief that he himself didn't even realize.

"You think you can take me for granted?"

Castorice didn't answer, but simply tilted her head slightly, looking at him quietly with her clear purple eyes, as if to say, "It's good that you know."

Finally, Luo Li let out a long, resigned sigh of relief.

He took Castorice's slightly cool hand in his own, pulled her closer, and gently pressed his forehead against hers, his voice hoarse with a hint of resignation. "Fine... you win."

I'll take you there.

A bright light instantly shone in Castorice's eyes, like the most dazzling star in the night sky.

But Luo Li immediately straightened her face and solemnly laid out three rules. "However! You must agree to a few things!"

"First, all actions must be carried out under command; absolutely no unauthorized actions are permitted!"

Second, in case of danger, prioritize your own safety and do not act recklessly!

"Third..." He paused, his voice lowering, "If you really encounter an insurmountable danger... promise me you'll protect yourself, and don't worry about me."

Castorice looked at the undeniable seriousness and deep worry in his eyes, and her heart softened.

Instead of immediately agreeing to the third condition, she stretched out her arms, gently wrapped them around his neck, pressed her cheek against his chest, and listened to his strong and rapid heartbeat.

"I will protect myself..." she whispered, as if making a vow, "And I will protect you too."

"Let's go together and come back together."

Feeling the warmth and determination of the girl in his arms, Luo Li Li's last bit of hesitation vanished.

He tightened his arms, holding her firmly in his embrace, as if he wanted to meld her into his very bones.

"Mmm..." he responded in a low voice, as if making the most solemn promise, "Let's come back together."