Chapter 110: Let Castorice Show Her Loyalty
But looking at Castorice's expression just now, she clearly believed it somewhat. 'Naive girl…' you thought to yourself. Castorice was not deeply involved in the Journey of Chasing the Flame and did not have a strong belief to begin with. Coupled with Anaxa's influence and her feelings for you, it was simply too easy to get her on your side.
In the days that followed, you began to meticulously plan. You would inadvertently show Castorice some research records. "Look, this records the Tree Garden scholars' research on the Black Tide." "They believe there might be a way to deal with the Black Tide."
You would often call her to join you and talk about your "research." "If the Black Tide can truly be dealt with, then if I continue my research, I should have a chance to find a way to make the Black Tide disappear." You would sometimes intentionally show signs of fatigue to make her feel sorry for you. "I'm sorry, did I talk too much?" You rubbed your temples. "I haven't had much rest lately because of my research."
"No!" Castorice quickly said. "Your ideas are very interesting! And... if you really succeed, you can save everyone!" Watching the admiration and concern in her eyes, you chuckled inwardly. The fish had taken the bait.
One night, you stood under a large tree, holding a document.
"Orion?" Castorice's voice sounded from behind you. "Why are you here?"
You turned your head, revealing a tired smile. "Can't sleep, came out for some fresh air. What about you? Can't sleep either?"
"Mm..." Castorice walked to your side. "What are you thinking about?"
"I'm thinking... what if my research fails. What if, in the end, I can only watch everyone go to their deaths..."
"No..." Castorice subconsciously held your hand. "You will definitely succeed! I believe in you!"
Under the night sky, her eyes sparkled, full of sincerity. You looked at her, then suddenly reached out and stroked her cheek.
"Castorice..." Her breathing hitched.
"Thank you for believing in me," you said softly. "At least I still have you on my side."
At that moment, Castorice felt her heart being stolen. Yes, she would stand by you. No matter what he wanted to do, no matter right or wrong. She would support him. Because... she loved you.
Decades passed. Castorice had completely become your "research assistant." She would help you find information, stay up all night with you for experiments, and prepare food for you when you were tired. Everyone in the Tree Garden knew that you and Castorice were inseparable. Some said you were the best research partners. Others said there was something else between you, like you were in love. But Castorice didn't care. She only cared about being by your side. Even if your heart held Aglaea. Even if this feeling would never be reciprocated. At least now, during this time in the Tree Garden, you belonged to her.
At 800 years old, on this day, a piece of news spread throughout the Tree Garden.
"Have you heard? The legendary Savior has appeared!"
"Really?"
"Absolutely true! He has already arrived in Ohema!"
"They say he's coming to study in the Tree Garden in a few days!"
You sat in your study, listening to the discussions outside, deep in thought. He's finally here… The so-called Savior.
"Orion!" Castorice pushed the door open and entered. "Have you heard? About the Savior..."
"I have." You picked up your cup and took a sip. "What do you think?"
Castorice hesitated for a moment. "If he really is the Savior, then the Journey of Chasing the Flame..."
"Will accelerate," you finished her sentence. "And the destiny of all Chrysos Heirs will not be far off."
Castorice's face turned somewhat pale. Over the years, under your influence, she had completely lost faith in the Journey of Chasing the Flame. In her eyes, it was a deception meant to take everyone's lives.
"Orion..." She bit her lip. "Your research..."
"Still needs time," you sighed. "But time might be running out."
Seeing the worry between your brows, Castorice felt a pang in her heart. "Is there anything I can help with?"
You looked up, gazing deeply at her. "Castorice, if... I mean if. If one day, I stand against the entire world. Will you still be on my side?"
Castorice did not hesitate at all. "Yes."
"Even if everyone says I'm wrong?"
"Yes."
"Even if... it means being an enemy of Aglaea?"
This question made Castorice pause. But soon, she still nodded firmly. "Yes."
You stood up and walked to her. "Why?"
Castorice looked up, her pale purple eyes filled with deep affection. "Because..." Because I love you. The words were on the tip of her tongue, but in the end, she didn't say them. "Because I believe in you." She whispered. "You wouldn't lie to me, would you?"
You watched her in silence. After a long moment, you reached out and embraced her. "Of course not."
Castorice stiffened in your arms, unable to believe this moment was real. You... hugged her. You actively hugged her.
"Castorice," you whispered in her ear. "Many things may happen after the Savior arrives. But no matter what happens, remember one thing."
"What?"
"Protect yourself." You tightened your arms. "Promise me."
"...Okay."
Castorice closed her eyes, greedily feeling the warmth of the embrace. If only time could stop at this moment. But she knew a storm was coming. And she had already made her choice. No matter what lay ahead, she would stand by you. Until the very end.