"You're asking why I would come to the theater for a Bai You I've only known for half a day, right?" Columbina finished for her.
Odette did not deny it, but nodded slightly.
Columbina leaned against the window in the corridor, gazing at the swirling snow outside, her voice softening:
"After the meeting, she somehow found me and brought me something."
"What is that?"
"A big bag of bread, and a bunch of fruit."
When Columbina said this, the smile on her lips was incredibly gentle.
"That was the best food I've ever eaten..."
Odette was stunned. Bread and fruit?! The best food—these three words linked together left her completely bewildered.
Columbina withdrew her gaze and looked back at Odette.
"Later, Bai You said that she made all the bread herself, and since I wanted to keep eating, I followed her back here."
Columbina's tone softened, and she resumed walking forward.
Odette listened in silence, completely stunned, her expression frozen.
In other words, an Harbinger was "lured" to the theater by Bai You with some fruit and bread.
And when did Bai You learn to bake bread? Did Varesa give it to her?!
Odette felt like her head was about to explode.
At the same time, the slight restraint she felt towards the "high and mighty Harbinger " had unknowingly dissipated considerably.
"I understand."
After a long while, Odette started walking again, her voice much softer than before.
"We're glad you like it here. As for bread, I'll ask Varesa to bake plenty every day, so you can have as much as you like."
Odette suddenly thought to herself, "Wait a minute, it seems like Varesa has become quite lazy lately, waking up very late. Looks like I'll have to bake it myself."
"Thank you in advance," Columbina said gently and softly.
As they spoke, the two had already reached the door of the south-facing guest room at the end of the corridor.
Odette pushed open the door and stepped aside to let Columbina in.
She had just cleaned the room until it was spotless, with freshly changed sheets and the heater burning brightly.
Various daily necessities were laid out on the table, and a beautiful bouquet of lilies was placed in a vase on the windowsill.
"The bedding is all new, and if the fire in the stove gets weak at night, there are thick quilts in the cabinet at the end of the corridor."
Odette explained everything in detail, then pointed to the room next door.
"I live right next door to you; Varesa and Bai You are at the other end of the hallway. Just call me anytime if you need anything."
"That's very thoughtful, thank you, Odette." Columbina entered the room and looked around.
Odette stood in the doorway, hesitated for a moment, and then spoke:
" Columbina, Bai You... Varesa is unaware that she has become Harbinger."
Columbina turned to look at her.
" Bai You didn't say it herself, probably because she hasn't figured out how to say it yet."
(Actually, he was fast asleep)
Odette's tone was soft, "Before she speaks herself, could we... keep it from Varesa for now? I'm afraid Varesa won't be able to accept it all at once, and I'm also afraid she'll worry."
"Yes," Columbina gently agreed, "It's her business, and she should decide for herself."
"Thank you." Odette breathed a sigh of relief and nodded slightly. "I won't disturb your rest any longer. Good night."
"Goodnight, Odette."
The door closed gently.
Odette did not return to her room immediately.
She leaned against the wall in the corridor, looking up at the warm orange wall lamp overhead.
The news kept replaying in his mind— Bai You, the twelfth seat, Tartaglia with a single punch.
She looked down at her hands.
Everything that happened tonight feels like a dream.
Her Majesty the Tsaritsa, the new Harbinger Bai You, Columbina —these things just appeared around her so suddenly.
And that little one who's just like Varesa... what do you mean, she was allowed to go out and play for a day, and when she came back she became Harbinger? Even novels wouldn't dare write something like that.
"... Really..." Odette chuckled very softly, shook her head, and a gentle helplessness flickered in her light purple eyes, "His strength is hidden so well."
Odette felt that regardless of Bai You's identity, perhaps in Varesa's eyes...
She's still that little one who gets jam on her face and needs to be tucked into someone's arms and protected.
This will probably never change.
She straightened up, stepped onto the soft carpet, and tiptoed back to her room.
Odette entered the room, closed the door, didn't turn on the light, and went straight to the window, pulling the curtains open a crack.
The snow was still falling, swirling and turning the entire Snezhnaya City into a blanket of white.
The glow of the streetlights filtered through the snowflakes, casting dappled shadows on the floor.
She sat by the bed for a long time.
My thoughts are wandering.
Odette suddenly laughed.
She laughed very softly, almost inaudible in the darkness, but the tension and surprise in her eyes completely relaxed in that laugh.
But what will Varesa's reaction be if she finds out what happened to Bai You?
Odette couldn't help but smile again as she thought of Varesa's easily startled face.
He'd probably scream first, then hug Bai You and check her thoroughly for injuries, and finally, with red eyes, scold her, "How could you keep such a big thing from me?"
That'll be quite a show!
Next door to Odette's room.
After Odette left, Columbina got up, went to her desk, and poured herself a glass of water.
The water temperature was just right, neither too hot nor too cold, which Odette had specially adjusted beforehand.
She held her cup and sat down on a small chair by the fireplace.
"The task Her Majesty the Tsaritsa assigned is almost complete, and the Doctor's experiments are becoming increasingly demanding..."
The feeling of my own power disappearing is becoming more and more obvious.
"It's as if the world itself is correcting something that shouldn't exist."
"When my power completely disappears, I may vanish from this world forever. I wonder if I'll be able to return to the moon before then..."