Afterward

"So you have absolutely no experience with this, and you're just relying on your brain's calculations and reactions?"

"Isn't that enough?"

Anastasia let go of Bai Mo's hand. She sighed in admiration. The person in front of her could control every rhythm perfectly, yet he looked as lifeless as a machine.

"Of course that's enough. Go change your clothes. The banquet is about to start, and tonight will be very long."

"That won't do, I have other things to do."

Anastasia's smile froze instantly. She pinched Bai Mo's waist as if in feigned anger, though it only made her fingers ache.

"You are not allowed to leave before the banquet ends!"

Anastasia feigned anger as she pushed Bai Mo into the dressing room, then pulled out a beautiful long dress from a trunk. It wasn't luxurious, but the tailor's care was evident.

This was something she created herself using Magecraft and her own strength. Although it couldn't compare to the work of those renowned artists, it was the first garment she had ever made by hand.

Bai Mo glanced around at the clothes around him, deciding not to change into them. He clapped his hands, brushing away an imaginary layer of dust from his already clean clothes.

Just then, a hand pressed down on his shoulder.

"It's really unnecessary; these vulgar things are just superfluous." A pair of deep blue silk gloves reached out from behind Bai Mo and gently draped over his shoulders. The sapphire blue light and iridescent arcs flowed in the room.

The King of the Moon looked at the Bai Mo in front of the full-length mirror, his fingers inadvertently brushing against the ends of his hair.

"This is the men's changing room..."

"This is your changing room; no one will bother you. That child is insisting on coming over, but if she shows up here now, something terrible might happen."

"This might be considered playful on ordinary days, but in public, we must maintain aristocratic etiquette. Whether it's her or you, my ally."

Crimson Moon grabbed Bai Mo's arm. Just then, music suddenly came from outside. The sounds of a piano and cello traveled through the walls into the dressing room.

"Do you remember what we said when we first met? I will teach you proper etiquette. If you had come to me sooner, you wouldn't be cramming now. But there's still some time."

"Does it have to be now?"

Bai Mo's lips twitched. Although he had guessed that today would not be uneventful, the series of unexpected events was still quite nerve-wracking.

"Right now, right here. Don't worry about your Servant; she would be very pleased if she knew you were practicing dance for her right now."

And you don't think I'm weaker than that child, do you? I came here specifically to find you, so you can't refuse."

Crimson Moon's smile carried a unique charm, while Anastasia had changed into her evening gown downstairs, was wondering why Bai Mo hadn't come down yet.

"Wei, go check on him."

The elf floated up and stood before the door. The Mystic Eyes of Clairvoyance seemed to sense something was amiss; conceptually, this room was completely separate from the building itself.

He opened his Mystic Eyes, but Crimson Moon behind the door only glanced at him briefly. The iridescent light instantly suppressed the sapphire-like color. Apart from the music, no sound from the outside could penetrate the door.

Like a cat that had suddenly wandered into the venue, Wei started to wander aimlessly.

"Don't push yourself to your Complete Realm; just let me control the rhythm. Place your hands on your waist and move slowly like this."

The walk-in closet was small, but it was enough for its limited space. Using the excuse of getting a feel for it, Crimson Moon turned off the lights, leaving only faint starlight streaming in through the window.

Her dance steps moved lightly and gracefully to the symphony, sometimes melodious, sometimes ethereal, as if the music was following her rhythm.

How are you feeling?

"More tiring than fighting."

"Because it takes effort, you'll get used to it after a few times, and you'll need it for many other things in the future."

"In the future? This kind of thing shouldn't happen again, right?"

Upon hearing this, Crimson Moon's expression remained unchanged, but her eyes held a serious and solemn look, as the starlight of the night shone in from behind her.

I'm not referring to the journey you're on, but the life you choose after it ends.

Hearing this, Bai Mo was somewhat surprised, as he had never considered this question before. At this moment, he suddenly recalled what Bai Wunan had said back then.

For those who have already completed their paths, it's natural to let go of everything and experience life. But Bai Mo completely ignores this; what should he do after everything is over?

"I don't know, I've never thought of that."

"Is that so? Well, that's not important." Crimson Moon turned slightly and chuckled, her iridescent eyes seemingly reflecting a galaxy.

"When everything ends, our alliance will also end. At that time, I will invite you as a close friend. If you are still unsure of where to go then, there will be a place of rest for you in my Millennium Castle."

Therefore, before that, you must carefully learn the etiquette of the nobility.

After leaving those words, Crimson Moon disappeared, leaving only the starlight and the question posed by the King of the Moon. Bai Mo remained silent for a while until a knock came at the door. He walked out of the dressing room and opened the door to find Anastasia standing angrily in front of him.

"So what were you doing in there? All that time, and all you were wearing was perfume?"

"Um, are you taking extra lessons in court dance?"

Anastasia was skeptical of this, after all, if it were Bai Mo's brain, it could even create an opponent almost exactly the same as the one in her memory.

"Then I'll definitely look forward to it."

On the dance floor, everyone present felt reassured as they watched the two figures. Their gazes towards Anastasia were now free of any doubt.

Anastasia felt a surge of joy; at least Bai Mo wasn't acting so mechanically and strangely anymore. Although it was a small sacrifice, it still made her feel cared for.

He looked up, gazing into Bai Mo's eyes. What was he thinking at that moment?

"I can leave now that it's done. The effect is pretty much achieved," Bai Mo thought to himself, glancing at the clock on the wall.

Inside the café, Crimson Moon walked on the antique wooden planks, brewed a cup of tea, and looked back at the bar, where a bright blue flower was quietly blooming.

That was the flower that Bai Mo took. After its power reached 760,000, Bai Mo directly created lunar soil so that the flower could survive there.

"Lucky guys... so many, but you're the only one who stayed."

Crimson Moon rested her cheek on one hand, her fingers lightly touching the petals.