Chapter 30: A Chance Encounter

“How could it be any different, Xiaofu?
After all, as friends, it’s only natural to understand each other.
Besides, we can help you look for your sister too.”

Linglinglan gently refilled Wilf’s coffee cup, speaking softly, her voice full of comfort. 

Her tone was truly gentle. Compared to the straightforward and bold Xinghui, Linglinglan resembled a kind-hearted mother or a caring older sister—apart from her petite frame, so similar to Wilf’s, giving her a small-loli appearance.

“I have very few friends. I’m so envious of you both. Apart from my sister, no one wants to stay with someone like me…”

“The Association certainly doesn’t need a drag like me either…”
 

“I don’t want to be a burden. The last thing my sister told me before she left was that I must be stronger than before, and never be a crying little girl again… So, I won’t cry anymore.”

Wilf resolutely wiped away the remaining tears from her cheeks. Though her eyes stayed red from recent crying, her expression shifted from timid to firm and determined.

“Well done, Xiaofu. Sister Vilti would surely be proud of you! But remember, on the journey to find your sister, you’ll need friends to support you as well.”

“Eh! Sister Ling…”

Linglinglan gently pressed herself against Wilf, wrapping her arms tightly around her—just like Mama used to hold her when she was an infant. Their hands clasped together, and Wilf’s head rested softly on Linglinglan’s shoulder.

“It’s a hug…”

Just like the warm embrace Vilti had given her before leaving.

Wilf slowly closed her sapphire-blue eyes, quietly savoring the tender moment.

“Mm, a hug from your best friend. It may be insignificant, but please accept it, Xiaofu.”

“And me too!” Xinghui chimed in, smacking her lips noisily.
“I, Xinghui-neesan, will always support you too, Xiaofu!”

“Th-Thank you, Sister Ling and Sister Xinghui.”

Wilf’s small face flushed bright red. Though the hugs from her two older sisters were starting to feel a little warm…

As evening approached near the main station of Xifa’s orbital transit system:

“Goodbye, Sister Ling! Goodbye, Sister Xinghui! I’ll take good care of myself!”

Wilf carried a small travel bag, a little flag tucked into its zipper, looking utterly adorable. She waved excitedly at Linglinglan and Xinghui, then turned toward the station, running.

“Goodbye, Xiaofu! Eat well in the Association, and make lots of friends!”

Xinghui waved back while Wilf glanced over her shoulder and gave a confident wink.

“I told you to leave earlier. If I hadn’t reminded you, Xiaofu would’ve missed the train.”
Linglinglan lightly patted Xinghui’s head.

The bustling crowd moved in waves. The sunset’s glow mirrored by neon city lights created a breathtaking scene.

The Star of Feasts’ sunset seemed like a grand banquet of art and spirit.

However, in the next moment, a fine drizzle began to fall unexpectedly. Planet Xifa’s climate was famously unpredictable—just as capricious as this planet’s artificially personified charm.

“It’s raining… I’d better hurry onto the train.”

The drizzle quickly intensified into a steady rain. Pedestrians hurried their pace.

Among the many with umbrellas rushing toward the exit stood a lone girl with heterochromatic eyes, her face pale as iron. To her, everything seemed washed out in gray. Only her emerald, tear-filled eyes remained full of color.

The light purple-haired girl walked silently through the drizzle, completely oblivious to the curious gazes of those around her.

My sister is here, Ling’er… Ling’er…

Although Mama had told her to let Ling’er grow up on her own—to become an independent witch—

As her older sister, how could I remain indifferent?

Ling’er was her most beloved little sister, the one she silently vowed to protect forever…

Her younger sister, gentle and pure, like a bellflower.

Her gentleness was the rarest treasure Namira had ever known.
Her purity was the most precious gem Namira longed to guard.

La-la-la~ Sister won’t cry, Ling’er will play with Sister~
Do you want to play hopscotch, Namira-sister?

I don’t know how…

Namira-sister is so dumb! Hahaha~ Ling’er will teach you!
Come, hold my hand and jump with me~

Ling’er was the only family who loved her in this world—
the only family who would love her even after Mama abandoned her.
A family member she would protect with her life.

Springtime flowers and lively laughter;
Summer night cicadas and innocent songs;
Autumn swings, chasing and teasing;
Winter fire and stories of hope…

All of it was my sister’s fault. My sister shouldn’t have left Ling’er alone in the dangerous world…
Sister will come, and take Ling’er home—
back to the safe and warm home, a home truly belonging to us…

Just thinking about it, Namira’s soul ached.
Her emotions nearly spiraled out of control, causing the two opposing forces within her to stir wildly, bringing both physical and mental anguish.

Damn it… I must control my emotions…

Her inability to stabilize the energy inside made it impossible to repel the raindrops.
Her clothes were soaked, her hair dripping wet, but Namira paid no mind. Her body was resilient against illness.

Until a blue-haired girl holding an umbrella accidentally bumped into her.

“I’m really sorry! I wasn’t watching where I was going…”

“Eh… It’s… It’s a strange older sister…”

Namira lowered her head, studying the shy and timid blue-haired girl. Her eyes, as clear as the sky, shone with innocence. Her small hand tightly held the hem of her dress, suppressing her slight unease.

“Um… I…”

“It’s fine, little sister. It doesn’t hurt.”

“R-Really? It really doesn’t matter?”

“Yes, little sister, always watch where you’re going. What if you ran into a pillar next time? Here, have this candy, and remember what Sister says next time.”

Namira rummaged briefly through her damp pocket and pulled out a cutely packaged chocolate ball, which she gently handed to the bewildered Wilf.

“Uh… Thank you, big sister…”

“Did you hurt yourself anywhere?”

“N-No, I didn’t…”

“In that case, there’s nothing wrong. Sister will get going now.”

After a brief silence, Wilf stammered to stop Namira, who was about to continue walking.

“Big sister… you can use this umbrella… Such weather gets you sick easily… I’ll board the train ahead, so I don’t need it anymore…”

The rain continued to pour, the dull, monotonous sound filling their ears.

After a moment of silence, Namira crouched down, wiped the water from her hands, and neatly adjusted Wilf’s disheveled collar.

“Little sister needs this umbrella more than me.”

She squeezed a faint smile from her stiff face, then turned away, braving the steadily falling rain, and continued on her path.

Though still a bit irritated inside, meeting such a cute little sister lightened her mood considerably.
So it seemed that even the human world still held traces of color…