Chapter 113: Castorice & Hyacine: Fair Competition
A few more days passed. "Orion-kun, want to get something to eat?" Hyacine stood before you, inviting you casually.
"Sure." You closed your book.
In the restaurant, you sat by the window. "How has Phainon been doing lately?" Hyacine asked.
"Not bad, he's slowly adapting."
"You're so good to him." Hyacine rested her chin on her hand. "Just like you were to Butterfly Baby back then."
"It's not the same." You shook your head.
"How is it different?"
You thought for a moment. "I was good to Castorice because she needed me, but with Phainon... It's more like appreciation between friends."
Hyacine nodded thoughtfully. "What about me?" she suddenly asked.
"What?"
"What about me?" She blinked her big eyes. "Am I also a friend?"
You paused, then smiled. "Of course."
After a certain class, Hyacine, carrying a pile of medical texts, hurried along a forest path in the Tree Garden. "Oh dear!" She accidentally tripped over a tree root, scattering her books everywhere.
"Need help?" You happened to pass by and knelt down to help her pick up the books.
"Orion-kun!" Hyacine exclaimed in surprise.
"So many books, where are you going?" you asked.
"To the infirmary. I'm researching a new potion formula recently."
"Let me help you carry them." You took half the books, and the two of you walked side by side. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows.
"Have you been very busy lately?" you asked with concern.
"It's alright, it's just that one patient's condition is a bit special…" As Hyacine spoke, her legs suddenly felt weak.
"Watch out!" You quickly grabbed her arm.
"Thank you…" Hyacine's face was slightly flushed. "I've been a bit tired lately and wasn't watching where I was going."
"Don't push yourself too hard." You said gently. "Healers need rest too."
Hyacine stared at you blankly, her heart quickening involuntarily. At such close proximity, she could clearly see your flawless face. He really is… very thoughtful. "I understand…" she replied softly.
For the rest of the way, neither of you spoke. But Hyacine could feel that you were constantly paying attention to her condition, walking very slowly. At that moment, she suddenly understood Castorice's feelings. How could one not like such a person?
Gradually, Hyacine found herself caring more and more about you. She would purposely "accidentally" meet you in places you frequented. She would remember any physical discomfort you mentioned and quietly prepare the appropriate remedies. When making Chimera dolls, she would unconsciously think of your appearance. And you would always notice her thoughtfulness.
"Thank you, Hyacine."
"This potion came at just the right time; I'm having a headache."
"This doll is so cute, it looks just like me."
Every word made her heart blossom with joy. Until one day, she realized—she was in love. In love with the person she was supposed to guard her friend against. In love with Orion, who already had a lover.
In class a few days later, Anaxa, as usual, was criticizing the Journey of Chasing the Flame.
"Blind faith is merely a sign of weakness. Instead of placing hope in an ethereal divine revelation, it's better to find practical solutions."
There were whispers below the stage. Everyone was watching Phainon's reaction. After all, he was the "Savior." Phainon sat there, looking a bit awkward. Just then, you raised your hand.
"Teacher, I have a different opinion."
The entire room was in an uproar. Orion was actually going to debate with Teacher Anaxa! Did he have a death wish?
"Speak." Anaxa looked at you with interest.
"Indeed, blind faith is not advisable." You stood up, neither humble nor arrogant. "But isn't it too extreme to completely deny hope? The Journey of Chasing the Flame may not be perfect, but at least it gives a direction to desperate people. In today's world, where the Black Tide rages, sometimes hope is more important than truth."
"Nonsense." Anaxa sneered. "Hope built on lies will eventually crumble."
"Then what's your plan, Teacher?" you retorted. "Besides criticism, have you offered a solution?"
The classroom was eerily quiet. No one had ever dared to question Anaxa like this.
"Brother Orion…" Phainon looked at you worriedly.
Anaxa narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing you. After a long moment, he suddenly smiled. "Interesting. It seems that among my students, there's finally one who can think. Even if the direction of thought is completely wrong." He walked down from the podium and came to stand before you. "Orion, answer me one question. If one day, you discover that the Journey of Chasing the Flame is truly a deception, what would you do?"
You didn't hesitate. "Then I would find the truth and seek a real solution. But before that, I won't easily deny people's hope."
Anaxa looked at you deeply. "Foolish. But stronger than those who only go with the flow. Sit down."
As you sat down, Phainon excitedly clasped your hand. "Brother Orion, you're amazing! You actually dared to debate with Teacher Anaxa!"
"It's nothing." You smiled. "I just expressed my thoughts."
But you knew in your heart that the debate just now was all an act. You didn't believe in any divine revelation. You just needed Phainon to believe that you genuinely supported the Journey of Chasing the Flame. As for Anaxa… His final gaze seemed to have seen through something. 'Dangerous old fox.' You thought to yourself.
After class, Hyacine came to find you. "Orion-kun, you were so brave just now! You dared to confront Teacher Anaxa for a friend." Her eyes sparkled. "If it were me, I definitely wouldn't dare…"
"It's not that exaggerated." You said modestly. "We were just expressing our opinions."
"No, it's not!" Hyacine said seriously. "You were protecting Phainon, weren't you? Just like… just like you protected Butterfly Baby back then." As she said this, her voice dropped. "I'm a little envious of them…"
"Hmm? What's wrong?" You looked at Hyacine, a little confused.
"Orion-kun, you're a very gentle person. Although sometimes you're too gentle, and you're good to everyone… But… But I know you truly treat your friends. Whether it's Phainon or Butterfly Baby, you genuinely want to protect them. Even if the methods might be flawed, your heart is good."
Looking at her serious expression, you couldn't help but smile. "Hyacine, you're truly a kind child."
"I-I'm not a child!" Her face flushed. "I'm hundreds of years old!"
"In my eyes, you're still a child." You reached out and ruffled her hair.
At that moment, Hyacine felt her heart was about to burst. Warm hand, gentle action… "I-I'm leaving first!" She ran off in a hurry, leaving you in thought. Hyacine's attitude towards you seemed to have subtly changed. From initial doubt, to now… Admiration? Or something else? Interesting.
Over the next few years, you continued your schemes. Phainon already regarded you as his most trusted elder brother; you even formally became sworn brothers in front of witnesses. And Hyacine and Castorice, too, became more and more deeply entangled in their respective struggles.
One day, Castorice and Hyacine sat under a tree.
"Hyacine."
"Hmm? What's wrong, Butterfly Baby?"
"You… like Orion, don't you?"
Hyacine's body instantly stiffened. "I-I don't..."
"You can't fool me." Castorice gave a bitter smile. "How long have we known each other?"
Hyacine fell silent. After a long moment, she lowered her head. "I'm sorry..."
"Why are you apologizing?"
"Because… because you liked him first..." Hyacine's voice was tinged with a sob. "I know I shouldn't, but I can't control it… He's really good, very gentle… I…"
"It's okay." Castorice interrupted her, forcing a smile. "Matters of the heart, no one can control."
"Butterfly Baby…"
"Besides, he has Lady Aglaea," Castorice gave a self-deprecating laugh. "Neither of us has a chance."
The two girls looked at each other, speechless. Both loved the same unattainable person. This feeling, perhaps only they could understand.
"How about… we compete fairly?" Hyacine suddenly said.
"What?"
"Since there's no outcome anyway, let's see who can last longer." She showed a smile. "The loser has to wish the other well."
Castorice paused, then also smiled. "Okay."
Knowing it was a losing gamble. But at least, it could give this feeling some closure.
Unbeknownst to them, all of this was within your control.