Volume 6, Chapter 66 – Obsessed Delusion

Isn’t this obvious tsundere?

Fia couldn’t help but be amused. If she showed Nola the recording crystal from last night, Nola definitely wouldn’t have the composure to keep a straight face.

As for the reason for Nola’s tsundere behavior, Fia couldn’t quite understand. In the past, it could be attributed to resistance towards her because of Claire. But just now, when Nola saw her, a clear delight and daze flashed through those purple cat eyes, simply like seeing someone she had been longing for, before looking away. It wasn’t because of Claire that she switched to a stiff tone at all.

Probably her estrus period has developed to a peak, reaching a state she can’t control herself. Thinking about it this way, Nola’s self-control is indeed stronger than ordinary beastmen. Other beastmen entering estrus would become beasts venting their desires on the street, while Nola just talked nonsense about marrying me and Claire after getting drunk.

Sending appreciation to this strong girl in her heart, Fia, in a good mood, put her hands behind her back and said with a smile.

“You haven’t had breakfast yet, right? Want to join me? I just happen to want to discuss something.”

“At this point, what is there to discuss? Everything that should be solved is solved.”

“No, no, not with Nola.”

Not with me?

Nola raised her head in confusion. Only then did she discover that beside the smiling Fia stood a girl with waterfall-like sea-blue long hair. The girl’s eyes were as firm as her own; that was the look only people with devout faith possessed.

Normally, Nola would feel mutual appreciation between heroes, but at this moment, she only felt superfluous and annoyed. This was Calista, the Holy Son from the Midnight Magic. Previously she had a big quarrel with Calista, neither able to convince the other. Now facts proved Calista was right; Calista’s Goddess was the real Goddess, and her Goddess was a fake.

Feelings of inferiority made Nola click her tongue.

“Tch, go talk about love yourselves; don’t drag me in.”

“Even if you don’t like Calista, no need to go this far, right?”

“If nothing else, I’m leaving first.”

“Ho~ ho~?” Following Nola’s stiff words, Calista crossed her arms, her quirky face showing interest. She bumped Fia with her shoulder. “You two are passionately in love? If I, an outsider, destroy your relationship, my conscience will be uneasy. You guys chat first; we’ll talk about our matters another day. Remember to comfort your little lover well. Dealing with a dishonest little girlfriend, you have to pounce directly and soften her mouth with action!”

Giving Fia no chance to explain, Calista bumped Fia hard. Before leaving, she even gave Fia a thumbs up. The “modern person” style cheering expression made Fia realize again that Calista was a genuine Holy Son from another world.

As Calista left without looking back, only Fia and Nola were left on this side of the street. The few pedestrians on the road looked over curiously. Fia ignored them, shrugging at Nola who was pursing her lips with an unhappy face.

“Don’t mind her. The environment she lived in is different from ours; it’s just her nature.”

Fia took the first step toward Tsukuyomi’s mansion. Nola followed after a moment of hesitation, her tone indistinguishable between happy or angry.

“What were you going to say to her?”

“Uh… I thought you would mock me first, saying something like finding a lover outside behind Claire’s back, or getting angry at Calista for treating us as lovers.”

This wasn’t Fia joking, but a thought from the bottom of her heart. If it were the old Nola, she would definitely chase after Calista seriously to make things clear. Now she just asked plainly what Fia wanted to discuss with Calista; simply like a different person.

Nola raised her eyebrows.

“Am I that nasty?”

“Think about your actions when you first met me.”

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“…”

Nola fell silent.

The old me indeed didn’t seem very likable.

She decided not to linger on this topic, but for a moment she couldn’t think of anything to say. It was like being alone with a girl she wasn’t very familiar with; once the topic broke off, the atmosphere would become exceptionally awkward. Topics too deep seemed offensive, while topics too shallow would make the awkwardness even more awkward. After thinking left and right, she stared at Fia’s swaying jet-black twin tails and whispered.

“Just now I—”

“Also didn’t say anything.”

Nola and Fia’s voices sounded almost simultaneously, but Nola’s was obviously weaker than Fia’s. Fia looked back with a faint smile, her expression only relaxed.

“I looked for Calista for business. Nola’s Goddess being a Darkborn is basically a confirmed fact—me saying this won’t make you sad, right?”

“It’s nothing. Whether Lord Goddess is a god or a Darkborn makes no difference to me. I just can’t accept that my Goddess is someone like Helian.”

“That’s good.”

Fia waved her hand and continued to explain.

“Calista doesn’t believe in her god, and I also need to find the true god to lift the curse on Claire. So I discussed a plan with her to lure the god to appear. Just now was finalizing the last details and sending her back, at least to the edge of the Netherworld. Now that we know Darkborn are wantonly capturing people of different races as experimental subjects, and Stellacryst Beasts are rare in your Cold Night, I’m worried about her going back alone and being targeted by demons. Can’t simply assume there is only one Darkborn stronghold.”

“Honestly, if I could pass through Helian’s teleportation gate directly to the Darkborn base camp, that would be great. Pity that the teleportation gate is unstable and probably can’t withstand someone of my level. Ah, I’m not boasting, no intention to put you down. Actually, I quite admire you.”

Because of the psychological shadow caused by Nola crying and shouting at her “denying my efforts again and again,” Fia had to explain every sentence to avoid making Nola feel her efforts were worthless again.

However, Nola didn’t care about Fia’s lengthy explanation at all. She just looked away stiffly, her heart full of shame.

Misunderstanding Fia aside, I even used that stiff tone. Calista is a guest after all; I really have no way of treating guests.

What exactly am I doing?

In the final analysis, even if Fia really was flirting with Calista, I have no reason to be angry or uncomfortable. Just as the Charm Cat maiden who gave flowers to Fia said yesterday, love is others’ private matter; I can’t control it.

Wait, the flower Fia stuffed to me is still in the tavern.

Won’t be swept away, right?

Nola’s heart suddenly wavered. She even subconsciously stopped her steps, turning back toward the tavern.

“Hey, where are you going?”

“Uh—”

Fia’s words were like thunder, sobering up Nola’s muddled brain instantly. She froze suddenly, subconsciously opening her mouth to answer and she left the flower in the tavern. But her reason pulled her back from the brink, holding her back at the critical moment.

If I say going back to get the flower, Fia will definitely ask why I’m going back to get it. To Fia, that’s just something she stuffed to me casually. Besides, even if it was something Fia gave me seriously, I have no reason to care enough to go back. Fia and I are just close friends. Even if I’m more thick-skinned, taking Fia’s words about absolutely not abandoning me to heart, treating Fia as a unique person, there is still no reason to go back. That is behavior between lovers.

Right, why would I think of going back to get that flower…

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Must be because of getting drunk yesterday, my head is not clear yet. Obsessed delusion.

Then how should I answer Fia now?

Nola couldn’t help blushing. Her back sweated as if having just experienced a stimulating game. Her heart also pounded non-stop; her brain couldn’t cool down.

What was worse, Fia grabbed her hand at this moment, looking at her with hesitation. She could clearly see the probing and worry in those red pupils. Even if her head wasn’t clear enough, she probably knew what Fia was worried about. Nothing more than thinking whether her words would make Nola depressed, becoming that useless look like yesterday again.

Precisely because of this, she became even more embarrassed. She didn’t have that kind of thought at all. Fia’s concern and gentleness that didn’t know how to keep distance made her feel at a loss, while at the same time feeling warm about the fact she was being cared for.

Nola couldn’t meet Fia’s eyes directly. Her gaze fell awkwardly back to her own wrist. Fia was holding her hand. Delicate and slender fingers transmitted a fine and cold touch. The skin was so white that the pale blue blood vessels underneath could be faintly glimpsed. This was the hand of a noble lady who didn’t do labor, incompatible with her, a beastman of warrior origin.

That said, the owner of this hand was actually incomparably powerful. Just raising her hand could change the terrain, freezing famous demons instantly. While exquisite and petite, she also gave a sense of reassurance.

Thinking about it this way, she and Fia were simply people from two worlds. She had nothing worthy of Fia’s attention at all. Really couldn’t understand why Fia always acted very close. Clearly just one sentence could send her away. Compared to Fia, she was just a bumpkin who hadn’t seen the world.

For a moment, Nola completely forgot she was on the street, lowering her gaze dully and sadly.

“Hey, are you okay?” Fia tugged Nola’s wrist again, her face getting closer. “If you haven’t adjusted back from yesterday’s state, eat breakfast first and go rest for a while.”

“N… No need.”

Nola answered, almost whispering. Various emotions swirled in her heart, making her not know what state she was in exactly. Even the ability to think normally was taken away. She wanted to try hard to explore the reason for entering this state, but her brain was a paste, unable to move a step. Even thinking itself was strenuous.

Things having reached this point, Fia couldn’t fail to see Nola’s abnormality. Nola’s cheeks were flushed, her skin slightly hot, and her palms even sweating.

Could it be a fever? But Nola dressed very warmly last night. In the end, do Fire Cats really get high fevers?

“Indeed very strange.”

Suddenly, Fia thought of a possibility. Her gaze looked at the fiery red cat tail standing straight behind Nola, her expression gradually becoming subtle.

“Could it be you reached your estrus period, then looking at me, went into… estrus toward me?”

Although she said if Nola couldn’t control it, she could change into sexy lingerie to find her, that was just a joke teasing Nola. If she really did that kind of beastly act, Liti and the others would definitely cast disdainful looks. Not only taking Claire but also taking her, simply treating the other party as a toy to play with.

Fia’s suspicion woke Nola like a bell. She sobered up instantly, retorting loudly without hesitation.

“How is that possible!”

“What happened?”

“Isn’t that Lord Holy Son and Her Highness the Elf Princess?”

“Seems like they are quarreling.”

“Uh…”

The voice several octaves higher attracted the attention of pedestrians. Nola, noticing this, stiffened her expression, and her cheeks turned red like ripe apples at a speed visible to the naked eye. Fia even saw small flames on the tips of Nola’s trembling cat ears; this was a sign of extreme shyness.

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If she had fire coming out of her head in front of so many people, she wouldn’t need to be the Clan Chief anymore.

Fia put her hands on her hips and sighed helplessly.

“Let’s find a place to eat first.”

“Okay…”

Brinkat City was a small city with only forty to fifty thousand people. It didn’t take long for Fia to find the shopping street she had visited with Nola before. It was clean and tidy like the streets of Blossom, and the air was exceptionally fresh, making people feel very comfortable.

“This is the special breakfast ordered by you two. Please enjoy.”

A pink Charm Cat dressed as a staff member brought breakfast to the two. Although it was just ordinary refined flour bread paired with milk and pan-fried meat, the price was as high as five copper coins. The same configuration would be worth at most one copper coin in Silvar. Cold Night’s food prices were staggering.

Maybe there was also the environment factor. The tables and chairs here were painted pure white, exceptionally exquisite. Saying it was a setup for a noble tea party wouldn’t be wrong either.

Fia stopped the staff member, pointing to something like ketchup placed on the plate.

“May I ask what this is?”

“Is it your first time here? This is our Charm Cat Tribe’s special jam. Squeeze it on bread and pan-fried meat to enjoy. But after all, this is a shop on this street, so it must be squeezed by the partner as a lover to experience the feeling of love. Everyone usually draws a shape like this.”

The Charm Cat staff member smiled and pointed to the heart symbol on her cheek, which was the racial mark of Charm Cats.

Speaking of which, this street was indeed full of lovers everywhere.

Fia returned an awkward but polite smile.

“I see, thank you.”

“You’re welcome~”

I shouldn’t have asked. That smiling look of the Charm Cat shop assistant meant she definitely treated Nola and me as distinct people from… that side. Although Nola and I are indeed only interested in women, the two of us like the same person, not each other.

Only after the surroundings quieted down did Fia exhale lightly to ease the atmosphere. She pouted at Nola, who was exceptionally nervous across the table.

“Aren’t you eating?”

Of course I’ll eat. The dish in front looks very good, especially the steaming pan-fried meat with a layer of crispy crust, making my stomach rumble. But compared to hunger, the matter just now is more embarrassing, to the point where I can’t calm down without explaining clearly.

Nola slandered secretly.

She picked up the hot milk on the table and took a sip. Looking at Fia through the transparent glass, she asked in a muffled voice.

“You didn’t take it seriously, right? The words just now, I mean the estrus period.”

“That was just my guess. Who told you not to dare look at my eyes and blush inexplicably? People who don’t know would think you treat me as casting material… I don’t mind you doing that, but don’t show it too obviously for me to know. If it gets a bit more serious, I will keep my distance from you.”

Although not understanding the meaning of this sentence, Nola instinctively felt it was rude. She frowned.

“Casting material? What is that?”

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“Better not know.” Fia also picked up the milk. “Looking at your appearance, you have returned to normal.”

“Wasn’t I always normal?”

“Then just now you looked coy, daring not to look at my face, and even turned back halfway suddenly. I thought I said something that offended you.”

“That was because I wanted to go back to get—”

“Get?”

Fia tilted her head. Nola glanced at the food on the table with a blushing face, changing her words temporarily.

“Get the Flame Greatsword.”

“The Flame Greatsword is kept by Ying. She was afraid someone would steal it while you were asleep. Speaking of which, just now Nola said you had a dream. Does it refer to the dream of escaping from the fire scene in childhood?”

Why mention it at this time…

How can I say out loud that I dreamed of Fia saving the beauty, forming a reflex of thinking of Fia as soon as encountering danger? I mentioned it to find a topic to relieve awkwardness at that time, but now it has become the awkwardness itself.

Nola couldn’t help cursing herself as a fool in her heart, doing things without thinking.

But the knife was already on her neck. Even if she had to make up a dream, she had to make one up. She held the hot milk as if holding a life-saving straw, her gaze wandering constantly on the pure white table surface.

“How should I say it…”

Nola raised her eyes quietly to observe Fia. The latter’s body was swaying slightly. That was probably because the table was too high and her feet couldn’t reach the ground, so she was swinging her calves. Although separated by the table, Nola could unexpectedly imagine the scene under the table.

—That is a pair of black stockings embedded with gold threads. The curve sliding from well-proportioned calves to exquisite ankles makes one unable to look away. Following the smooth and alluring thighs upwards, one can also glimpse the bottomless black skirt bottom full of mysterious radiance. The skirt hem covered with pleats and patterns is like being tied to people’s hearts, seducing people’s curiosity.

If taking off the leather boots is full of girlish feeling, revealing the slightly curled exquisite ten toes outlined by silky stockings underneath, it would simply be a graceful and elegant picture like an orchid. One can’t help wanting to hold them gently on the knees, stroking the delicate and textured surface and even the small toes. If so, the owner of these legs would definitely be shy to the point that her pointed ears turn pink, arching her legs in embarrassment, tears overflowing from the corners of her eyes.

Completely a fairy in the present world.

Her gaze fell back on Fia’s face.

The shy girl half-sitting on the pink bed and half-covering her face just now disappeared. Replaced by a black-haired elf with a strange expression, looking at a fool.

She snapped out of her fantasy suddenly.

What on earth am I thinking!

If conditions permitted, Nola would want to slap herself hard. Clearly the person she hated most, yet she had unrealistic delusions about her.

“Nola, your smile makes me uncomfortable. I’m serious.”

Fia’s serious statement made Nola embarrassed to the point that her ears burst into flames with a poof . Ignoring the explanation, she hurriedly sat up straight.

“Sorry, I was distracted. Let’s talk about that dream, talk about that dream…”