A figure dressed in yellow, walking with light steps as if a butterfly strolling through a flower garden, entered the grand church.
Looking at the empty church, the figure in yellow seemed a bit lost.
But soon, she gathered her emotions and, familiar with the place, entered a side door of the church. Behind it was a garden.
The sky was a clear, bright blue, with warm sunlight pouring down. The endless, lush grasslands were covered in a sea of vibrant flowers.
The air was filled with a refreshing fragrance, and groups of cute fairies flitted through the flowerbeds, creating a scene as beautiful as heaven.
This was a space specially created for her by Sogetsu, named 'Eden.'
The figure in yellow removed her pale mask, revealing a face as delicate and perfect as an elf's.
Just as Lu Mingfei and the others had guessed, it was Uesugi Erii.
The flying fairies brought a red and white robe, playfully circling around the girl. The shimmering wings of the fairies flapped, scattering tiny rays of light.
The girl took off the tattered yellow robe, revealing skin as white as jade, smooth as milk.
Her long, graceful figure was a masterpiece, every inch a reflection of divine craftsmanship, making one unconsciously think of the words, "Beauty like jade."
The girl put on a shrine maiden outfit again, as she really liked this dress.
Her bright red hair cascaded like a silky waterfall. The girl lifted a strand of hair and picked up her beloved yellow duck.
With her white, delicate feet stepping lightly on the grass, she happily skipped back along the same path, crossing the side door that ordinary people couldn't see, and returned to the grand, imposing bone church.
Erii sat at the bronze table, her slender hands propping up her chin, quietly waiting for the person to return.
Soon, a figure shrouded in soft light suddenly appeared, as if emerging out of nowhere.
Uesugi Erii, who had been half-asleep, suddenly opened her bright eyes and instantly became fully awake, her face lighting up with a radiant smile.
Then, like a joyful child, she jumped up and threw herself toward the figure, burying her head deep in their chest, affectionately rubbing against them. "You're back!"
Removing the hazy light, Uchiha Sogetsu, revealing his true face, couldn't help but chuckle softly, gently ruffling the girl's hair: "Hmm, I'm back."
Uesugi Erii... was a very pitiful child.
At least, that's how he saw it.
Uesugi Erii could have had a thousand different endings, but unfortunately, the damn person decided on the most tragic one.
Perhaps, this sentence could describe Uesugi Erii's ending, which made everyone who saw it feel angry and helpless.
'She prepared an exam for you. No matter what you wrote on it, she would give you a perfect score, but... you skipped it.'
There were countless ways to save her, to save this poor girl.
But him?
He was hiding in the wine cellar, drinking.
So, Uchiha Sogetsu chose to save the girl, to give her a new life.
"You... if I didn't stop you, would you have killed him?" Uchiha Sogetsu suddenly remembered that scene and deliberately asked with a stern face.
"No, no!"
Erii shrank her neck and buried her head completely in his chest, mumbling, "It's just... that guy was so annoying. I couldn't help myself, just took it a bit seriously."
As she said this, she stretched out her hand, pinching her thumb and index finger together, feeling guilty as she whispered, "Really, just a little bit!"
Her attempt to act cute was practically a cheat!
Seeing the girl's guilty expression, Uchiha Sogetsu couldn't help but laugh.
Just a little bit?
Lu Mingfei almost got killed. If he hadn't noticed and called for a stop in time, he'd be performing CPR right now.
Actually, if it were the original Uesugi Erii, she wouldn't have completely overwhelmed the trio.
But with Uchiha Sogetsu granting Erii the 'White King' authority and making her his 'Vassal,' the double enhancement made it impossible for the trio to win.
"Don't be so impulsive next time, okay?"
Uchiha Sogetsu didn't plan on scolding her, gently patting the girl's head.
After all, he was actually quite pleased to see Erii give Lu Mingfei a beating. He totally deserved it!
Erii enjoyed the sensation of being petted, her eyes narrowing into a crescent, like a crescent moon. Her delicate red lips pressed together, occasionally letting out soft breaths, like a well-behaved and adorable cat—so endearing: "Is everything done?"
"Almost."
Uchiha Sogetsu thought for a moment, then asked, "Want to go watch a play with me?"
"A play?"
Erii showed a cute, puzzled expression.
"Of course, a good one."
Uchiha Sogetsu smiled.
He'd prepared thoroughly for this play, just waiting for the 'protagonist' and the 'villain' to show up.
"Mmm, okay!"
Erii lightly nodded, a glimmer of anticipation in her eyes.
"Erii, if... one day, I leave this world, what would you do?" Uchiha Sogetsu looked at the girl in his arms, suddenly struck by a thought, and asked.
He would soon be leaving the Dragon Raja's world, but before that, he wanted to give the girl freedom.
Uchiha Sogetsu wouldn't interfere with Erii's choice—whether she chose to follow him or stay behind, for him, it would fulfill the wish he had when he was young.
That alone was enough.
"Why ask such a question?"
Erii's eyes showed a hint of confusion as she tilted her head, looking at him.
"I just wanted to ask you."
Uchiha Sogetsu smiled.
"Don't you want me anymore?" Erii suddenly grabbed his clothes, her eyes misting over with worry and the fear of being abandoned again.
"You misunderstood. That's not what I meant."
Uchiha Sogetsu gave a wry smile. Sometimes he really felt like he had raised a "daughter."
"What I mean is, if I were to leave this world, would you stay, or..."
Before he could finish, Erii's determined voice interrupted him: "Wherever you go, I'll go!"
Her answer was without hesitation. She clutched his clothes tightly, her eyes reddened, her gaze full of resolve.
"Okay."
Uchiha Sogetsu ruffled her hair gently, his eyes soft like jade, and smiled. "Where I go, you will follow."
"Forever! Forever! Forever!"
Erii emphasized the word three times, childishly.
"Mm, you will always be by my side."
Uchiha Sogetsu's gaze was tender, and he whispered softly, "When I gain immortality, you will share its glory. If I fall... will you follow me? Regret it?"
"No, I won't regret it!"
Erii said softly.
A "follower" is a blessing and recognition given by the gods to those who show extreme faith in them.
Preaching and serving are the absolute duties of a follower, and the gods providing help to a follower is considered a gift.
From the moment Erii made her wish, she was no longer just a simple "follower."
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