Volume 7, Chapter 69 – The Unfinished Game

“Just a small thing like this, you don’t need to ask so formally, do you?”

Saying this, Fia quickly removed the slips of paper from both her own and Anastasia’s faces. She slipped one arm behind Anastasia’s back and the other under her knees, lifting her up.

Just like yesterday, Anastasia’s body felt soft and as if without bones. Though a warrior’s frame, she seemed to have little weight.

Her body temperature is high again, even higher than yesterday.

An ominous premonition rose in Fia’s heart.

“But if I don’t ask, Your Highness wouldn’t do this.”

Shy from being princess-carried, Anastasia wriggled slightly, adjusting to a comfortable angle.

“Ultimately, if not for my illness, Your Highness wouldn’t indulge me like this no matter what.”

“Mhm…” Fia thought for a moment. “Perhaps that’s part of the reason. But I think given our previous progress, after a while, even if Anastasia weren’t ill, we’d be together like this. The only difference would be less boldness and naturalness.”

“But it’s already happened. Hypothesizing about what didn’t happen is meaningless, isn’t it? ‘If it were me, I’d definitely do this or that,’ or ‘If I had chosen a different path back then.’ Without truly experiencing the circumstances and one’s own feelings at the time, just hypothesizing from a bystander’s perspective only brings needless trouble upon oneself.”

“So Your Highness is saying I’m troubling myself unnecessarily?”

“Exactly.”

Fia answered honestly. If Anastasia weren’t this weak, of course she wouldn’t fulfill every request. But such matters were “precisely because various situations occurred, leading to corresponding choices.” Hypothesizing only brought regret, utterly meaningless.

The real point was that no matter what happened to Anastasia, her feelings for her wouldn’t change. She would always hold a special place in her heart, an irreplaceable person.

Gently placing Anastasia on the bed.

Perhaps lying flat on the bed would expose her entire figure, making her feel too passive. Anastasia shyly pulled the thin blanket over herself. But midway, her hand suddenly stopped. She looked at Fia, first shifting slightly away from her to make some space, then her expression became more cautious.

“Then… may I ask Your Highness to rest with me too? Ah, ‘rest’ here doesn’t mean anything ominous… just… just to keep me company for a while…”

“Of course. About the clothes—”

“There’s no need to remove the clothes!”

Seeing Fia’s hand reach for the ribbon of her gown, Anastasia on the bed hurriedly exclaimed, her face flushed. The momentum made one doubt if she was truly ill.

Fia stopped, tilting her head.

“Is that so? I think changing into sleepwear would be more comfortable.”

“If it comes to that, wouldn’t I have to change into sleepwear too? Having you help me change… I’d be embarrassed…”

“There’s also the option of not changing.”

“What sense would it make for you to wear sleepwear while I’m fully dressed?”

Unfathomable logic.

Fia couldn’t help but sigh. She first sat on the edge of the bed to remove her shoes, then lay down on the space Anastasia had vacated.

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Now they were lying facing each other.

This perspective… is far more embarrassing than imagined. At the same distance, sitting face-to-face was fine, but lying down made a swirl of ambiguous feelings circulate between them, as if the air had grown viscous and burning.

Fia couldn’t help but avert her gaze, feigning calm with a sigh.

“I’ve already examined every part of Anastasia’s body. Now you’re shy about changing into sleepwear. How strange.”

“Eh? Examined every part? When?”

Quite noticeably, Fia felt Anastasia’s whole body stiffen, even her breathing halted.

Curving her lips, Fia looked at the ceiling, teasing in a light tone.

“The night before you arrived. Back then, I noticed this world’s Anastasia’s condition was off, thought she might be cursed, so I had her come to my room at night, removed her clothes to check for traces of a curse.”

“Uh… No wonder…”

A groan akin to a wail escaped Anastasia’s throat.

“No wonder what?”

“No wonder… when I woke up back then, I was wearing that… lingerie-like nightgown. The other me must have mistakenly thought you were interested in her, happily putting on something to pique your interest. Damn it… I’m lagging behind so much already…”

Not missing Anastasia’s final, near-gritted-teeth words, Fia turned her head, shifting her gaze from the ceiling to Anastasia. The side-lying posture gave Anastasia more of a mature woman’s gentle temperament. And because of her visible weakness, this temperament became exceptionally fragile, exceptionally moving.

No matter how many times I look, Anastasia is just too beautiful. She should dress up more often.

“Your Highness, I think we should change into sleepwear after all.”

No need to ask; this was Anastasia being stirred by competition with the other self— Why did you see her naked and not mine? Such thinking was rather childish.

Fia’s eyebrows raised at a strange angle.

“This isn’t something to compete over, is it? Besides, isn’t Anastasia currently using the other’s body anyway? Looking or not looking, it’s the same.”

“Grrr…”

A low growl like a kitten’s came from Anastasia’s throat.

Fia found it simply amusing. She hadn’t expected this charming and lovely side of Anastasia, who usually appeared serious and professional, giving the impression of someone who wouldn’t act spoiled.

But being stared at with such jealous, sulky eyes was also uncomfortable. Fia could only looked back at the ceiling, pretending not to see, and explained further.

“Ultimately, discussing Anastasia behind her back like this is impolite itself. Better not continue.”

“It was Your Highness who brought it up.”

Her voice sounded like she was pouting.

“Well… who knew Anastasia would steer the conversation this way?”

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Fia smiled wryly, tilting her head. Anastasia’s pouting face was truly cute. She couldn’t resist reaching out, touching Anastasia’s cheek. Only when Anastasia’s skin suddenly tensed did she realize her action was quite forward—actively touching Anastasia’s cheek was something only lovers did. Though they were people in love, such pure contact was a first.

She wanted to withdraw her hand, but Anastasia slowly reached up, gently holding Fia’s hand, keeping it pressed against her cheek.

The grip was light, and accompanied by the heat of her fever, Fia could even sense Anastasia’s weakness.

“Just like this… a little longer…”

Her voice was soft, full of entreaty.

This time, Fia didn’t shyly look away. Her ruby-like eyes met Anastasia’s clear blue ones. They reflected her own image, and within that reflection, she could see Anastasia’s face.

Feelings like embarrassment vanished. Only silent tranquility flowed. Fia felt as if she could hear Anastasia’s slow, steady heartbeat through her palm. Though no words were spoken, it was more powerful and filled with emotion than any words, as if in this moment, their hearts were connected, feelings conveyed merely through their gazes.

After an unknown length of time, Anastasia curved her lips. A contented smile appeared on her pale face. She whispered softly, her voice ethereal like a feather, as if a slight breeze could carry it away.

“Spending time with you like this… feels like a dream…”

“It’s not a dream. It’s reality.”

“Saying such realistic things at a time like this will make girls dislike you. Girls should be more romantic.”

Anastasia’s smile widened, but her gaze held more reluctance to part.

“Are you saying I’m not a girl?”

“That’s not what I meant. Just feel you’re insensitive to the mood.”

“Well, since Anastasia won’t leave me, being insensitive is fine. As long as those who like me can accept it.”

“People who like you could form a line from the Twilight Palace down the King’s Road all the way outside the city—”

It seemed she wanted to say more, but Anastasia’s words abruptly stopped. Her face grew even paler. Beads of sweat gathered on her forehead, even her golden bangs sticking together from sweat.

Fia’s breath hitched. She tried her best not to show tension on her face, asking concernedly,

“What’s wrong?”

“…I’m satisfied now.”

The hand Anastasia used to hold Fia’s trembled, then slowly dropped to the bed as if losing all strength. She showed Fia a pale, yet hard-earned smile.

“Though I’d like to talk with you more… it seems I… I have to… sleep again…”

The further she spoke, the weaker Anastasia’s voice became. By the end, even the strength to keep her eyelids open was fading.

Finally unable to suppress the urgency in her heart, Fia hastily grasped Anastasia’s shoulders, giving them a gentle shake.

“You… you will wake up again, right?!”

“Yes…” Seeming to muster all her remaining strength in this moment, Anastasia slowly opened her clear blue eyes, which were nearly closed, looking at Fia’s anxious face with relief. “I promise you… I will… wake up again… I promise…”

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“Hey, hey! Talk a bit more! Anastasia! Anastasia!”

No answer. Anastasia’s eyes were already closed, falling into a deep sleep.

Just like before she woke up today, like the sleeping Beauty in her slumber, so quiet it seemed she might shatter at a touch.

“Anastasia…”

Her voice grew low. Fia pressed her lips together, gently stroking Anastasia’s cheek. Her skin was still smooth, delicate, but no longer reacted to her touch.

“……”

Wordlessly, Fia got up from the bed. She changed Anastasia into sleepwear, adjusted her sleeping position, and covered her with a thin blanket. After finishing, she stood silently, watching Anastasia on the bed until the sky shifted from the setting sun to being shrouded by a sky full of stars.

No swap had occurred. That was good.

She looked back at the cards scattered on the floor. An unfinished game. The few remaining face-down cards seemed to call her to continue.

When Anastasia wakes next, we’ll finish this game. Then switch to another.

The deep emotion in her chest wouldn’t dissolve even with deep breaths. Fia clenched her teeth, leaning back in the chair, staring at the ceiling. Only after a full quarter of an hour did she finally gather enough strength to stand, walk to the door, open it, and give a few instructions to the maid outside. Then she returned to the quiet room, watching moonlight through the window slowly climb toward the floor along the wall.

◇

For several days after that, Anastasia did not wake again.

The Twilight Palace itself seemed shrouded in a deathly still atmosphere.

“The magic… is ready…”

Gazing at the sleeping Anastasia on the bed, Claire, standing beside Fia, spoke softly, one arm crossed over her chest.

In truth, the soul transfer magic had been ready since yesterday. But with Anastasia not awake, Claire dared not act hastily. Who knew if Anastasia’s soul was even in this body right now, or its state? If the soul wasn’t complete during transfer, the consequences would be devastating.

Claire shifted her gaze from the quietly lying Anastasia to Fia sitting in the chair. Her clear emerald eyes were full of worry.

“Hasn’t she woken at all?”

“Mhm.”

“Could it be…”

Could it be that she won’t wake, and has returned to that other world? Claire wanted to say this, but feared striking Fia. The words didn’t leave her lips.

However, Fia could guess what Claire meant. She answered firmly.

“No. If Anastasia returned there, it would mean the swap already occurred. This world’s Anastasia would have taken over the body. Her not waking now means no swap has happened yet. Besides, Anastasia promised. She will wake up.”

The card game is still there, unfinished.

“Then you should eat something. I’ll be in the next room. If Anastasia wakes, you must call me immediately, little Fia, to start the transfer.”

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“Mhm. Sorry, I haven’t talked properly with you these past few days.”

“If you’re apologizing, you should apologize to everyone in the palace. But no one will blame you. Everyone here knows Anastasia; everyone hopes she’ll wake up.”

Patting Fia’s head, Claire offered a gentle smile, then turned towards the door. But at that very moment, Anastasia on the bed twitched her brows slightly, followed by a fit of dry coughing.

“Claire! Anastasia’s awake!”

Nearly shouting, Fia stood up instantly. Her ruby eyes were filled with wild joy. She rushed to the bedside, offering water to Anastasia’s lips.

Just like the last time she woke, Anastasia first opened her misty, sleepy eyes. Upon seeing Fia, a weak, pale smile appeared.

“Your Highness… It seems I kept my promise…”

“Don’t talk yet. Here’s water.”

“I’ll go place the gems in the magic circle. Bring Ana to my side as soon as you’re done here, little Fia.”

“Okay!”

Quickly deciding the plan, Claire rushed out the door. Fia hurriedly fetched the lavender dress for Anastasia while Anastasia held the cup and finished the water.

“Judging by the commotion… has Miss Claire prepared her magic?”

The busy atmosphere made Anastasia tilt her head in confusion.

“Mhm, it can start right away. Anastasia, get dressed first—should you eat something to regain strength? Something like biscuits or cake can be brought right now.”

“I see… How many days have passed?”

“A week.”

“Then… then I’d like to freshen up first. If the ‘me’ from here returns and finds out she hasn’t bathed for so long, she’d surely misunderstand me as someone who doesn’t love cleanliness.”

“At a time like this, you’re still worrying about that?!”

Fia hurriedly helped Anastasia into the dress, fastened the corset, helped her out of bed, and made to carry her downstairs.

But Anastasia raised a hand to stop her.

“I feel much stronger today than before. I can walk on my own now,” Anastasia’s words paused, then she smiled charmingly. “Can’t have you carrying me in front of Miss Claire. Let me walk, Your Highness.”

“…If you fall, don’t blame me for forcing you.”

“Let’s wait until I fall then.”

With that, Anastasia didn’t even need support. Under Fia’s tense gaze, she stepped onto the carpet and walked out of the room, step by step.