Volume 1 Chapter 127: A Poisonous Flower
"W-Was I wrong?"
Seeing Bai Muxue's expression as if she wanted to say something but held back, Sylvia slightly opened her mouth and said in surprise,
"But according to the books I read, this is supposed to be the kind of clothing girls like these days..."
"No, what kind of books have you been reading...?"
Bai Muxue rubbed her forehead helplessly.
Clothes like this were fine for special school events or for attending anime conventions once in a while, but who would wear something this... flashy in everyday life? Did they want everyone to turn around and stare at them?
"I really prefer the dress you wore before."
Bai Muxue let out a soft sigh.
She did not know what kind of being Sylvia really was. In fact, she was not even sure whether Sylvia was human.
But whenever she looked at this girl, she felt a strange sense of familiarity.
It was like meeting an old friend by chance after many years apart. The memory felt as if it was about to come back, yet no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember it.
One thing she was sure of, however, was that this girl had a very strange understanding of human society.
She really had no idea what kind of "books and materials" Sylvia had been reading.
"I see... So you don't like this style, Young Lady..."
Sylvia nodded thoughtfully. Then she gently waved her hand, and a large black book appeared in her grasp.
"I will remember your opinion carefully so I can make improvements in the future."
While writing something in the book with a feather pen, the girl spoke to Bai Muxue with a serious expression.
Fine, whatever makes you happy...
Bai Muxue did not want to keep talking about such a pointless topic. She cleared her throat and asked,
"So, what do you want from me this time?"
Perhaps because she had realized that she was inside a dream, Bai Muxue felt a strange mix of haze and confusion surrounding her.
It was as if something was trying to completely swallow her reason and awareness.
But she had no way to fight against it. All she could do was keep her mind active and focused, trying not to lose consciousness.
"The wind is rising..."
Faced with Bai Muxue's question, Sylvia put away her book and pen. She showed no intention of answering. Instead, she smiled and raised a finger to her lips, signaling for silence.
A meaningful look flickered in her blue eyes.
Although time in the dream had already stopped, she still reached out her hand and gently brushed her fingertips across the thin strands of rain that hung motionless in the air.
"This world is actually very beautiful, isn't it, my Young Lady?"
Sylvia pulled her hand back from the window and gave Bai Muxue a playful wink.
"It's alright, I guess. If that silly girl in my family spent more effort on studying, it would be even better."
Bai Muxue sat on the edge of the bed with her arms crossed.
She had no idea why Sylvia suddenly brought this up, nor did she know how to answer, so she simply followed the topic and spoke casually.
"Ah, everyone has their own fate. There's no need for you to force things too much, Young Lady."
Sylvia wore a comforting smile.
"But speaking of fate... did you know?"
"Hehe, unlike an individual's fate, the fate of this world doesn't change because of one particular person."
"It changes because of the wishes of the majority."
Why is she talking about fate again?
Wait...
Bai Muxue raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"Then what about what you told me before? About working hard to change... the fate of the world and all that."
"Were you lying to me?"
"How could I? As a proper lady, I would never lie to you, Young Lady."
Sylvia shook her head and let out a soft breath. Her clear blue eyes met Bai Muxue's gaze as she spoke in a meaningful tone.
"And didn't I tell you before? You need to make more magical girls become your captives."
For some reason, when she said the word "more," the girl slightly clenched her fists and put special emphasis on it.
"Alright, I'll do my best."
Bai Muxue still could not understand what making more magical girls become her captives had to do with changing the fate of the world.
However, since the negative emotions of magical girls were linked to her lifespan, she had no choice but to continue.
"Mhm! As expected of my Young Lady."
Sylvia still showed no intention of explaining. She simply nodded with satisfaction and slowly walked over to Bai Muxue, gently taking her soft hands in hers.
So cold!
Sylvia's long, slender fingers lightly brushed across Bai Muxue's palms. Although she looked about the same age as Bai Muxue, her fingertips were surprisingly rough, lacking the softness usually associated with a young girl.
They felt like a piece of frosted glass that had been polished over and over again. The strange sensation made goosebumps rise on Bai Muxue's skin.
"Speaking of which, if all humans in the world wished for destruction, this world might really come to an end."
Sylvia seemed completely unaware of Bai Muxue's reaction and continued speaking to herself.
"How strange. Why do some people hope for an ending and long for death?"
"That's normal, isn't it? There will always be some people who hate life and think that way."
Bai Muxue answered casually while quietly pulling her hands back.
Someone's body temperature was so low that it no longer felt human. It was uncomfortable.
"I see... That's true. When people face things they hate, they do want it all to end sooner."
Sylvia nodded in agreement and continued,
"However, I didn't call you here this time to discuss philosophy..."
A shy expression appeared on her delicate face.
"I'm truly sorry. It's just that I haven't seen you for such a long time, Young Lady, so I got a little carried away... That was unprofessional of me."
Thank goodness, you're finally getting to the point.
Bai Muxue complained silently in her mind. She cleared her throat and tried to keep a calm expression.
"So, why did you call me here this time?"
"It's a warning. After all, yesterday you already started coming into contact with some things that should not be spoken of."
The girl turned around and slowly walked toward the window. Her tone remained casual as she directed her clear blue eyes toward the deep night sky once more.
"Very soon... a poisonous flower will begin to sprout. There are several in the garden across from you, and there is also one in your own garden... I'm not sure whether it will affect your fate, but it would be best if you stay careful."
Bai Muxue remained silent for a full minute before finally speaking.
"I haven't even planted any flowers in my backyard yet."
"Is that so? But from what I can see, aren't you already surrounded by many colorful flowers, Young Lady?"
Resting her chin on one hand, Sylvia looked back at Bai Muxue. A faint smile flickered in her eyes.
Just as she finished speaking, another flash of lightning streaked across the sky with overwhelming force, as if it wanted to tear a hole through the dark night itself.
"I hope you understand that I am worried about you."