#PG WHAT DO YOU FEED VICTOR’S WRITERS!!!! 😭❤️ | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

perhaps-in-anotherdream · 2 years

Text

[CN] Victor x MC Westmoon CH 10 (Eng Translation)

⌚Warning⌚ This post contains detailed spoilers for a chapter that is yet to be released on the global server. ♡

Please do remember to read CH 9 before continuing: Here! ♡

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

I’ll be adding bullet point summaries for the parts that aren’t necessarily significant or don’t focus on Victor x MC~ :>

Just a little heads-up so you guys don’t get a shock later LOL: This update of West Moon connects it back to the Black Cabin, and this world-line happens to be another “observation project.” So, we are acquainted with the terms Evolvers, Evol, MC’s QUEEN identity, and the QUEEN gene – from the main story~ :>

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

✧ [CH 10-1] ✧

MC finds herself awake beneath the scarlet moon of the Demon Realm with Victor’s blood-stained double-edged sword in her hand.

MC realizes she’s truly a hundred years back in the past.

MC recalls the warnings Victor gave her (on his 3/4 deathbed) for protection before sending her away.

MC starts looking around and finds the entire demon realm too calm, unlike how the eve of war is supposed to be.

At this moment, MC notices a “giant bird” illuminating the night sky and hides in a nearby bush.

She then sees a round door emerging from the bird’s abdomen, and a group of people walking out of it.

MC watches a group of people tied at the very front, looking like hunters from around the Demon Realm. And at the back are people wearing clothes and with artifacts she’s never seen before.

Among these people, there’s a man in a cloak, whom MC discerns to be their leader.

MC hears these people talking about some failed experiments and such in a joking manner.

AT THIS MOMENT—— One of the hunters cries out in pain while those cruel people order him to keep quiet. Soon, every one of the hunters cries out in pain and a dangerous black mist enshrouds each of them, collapsing to the ground. MC realizes they are all being bedeviled, enraged.

Then MC overhears them talking about Evol energy, experiment data, QUEEN gene and needing it as a catalyst for their experiment.

Obviously, MC is unable to understand a single word of what they are saying LOL~ (⁠눈⁠‸⁠눈⁠) But she is certain that these foreign visitors are the very culprits behind the countless tragedies in Westmoon.

Just then, MC’s Master intervenes in the discussion as he also walks out of the bird’s abdomen, causing her to freeze, literally.

MC’s Master warns the man in the cloak that this is his project and he won’t tolerate any intervention. There’s a brief back and forth between the two, ending with the cloaked man warning the Master to play his role of the “The Great Oracle of Westmoon” properly, or else he will truly take matters into his own hands~

After those people leave, MC’s “Master” reveals he’s already noticed her.

He notices Victor’s blood-stained sword in MC’s hand, and immediately discerns Victor as a Space-Time Evolver, and realizes how he used his heart’s blood to send the “QUEEN” from the future. He also adds that Victor’s Evol strength should have reached the threshold by now~ ಥ⁠_⁠ಥ

Utterly horrified, MC ends up addressing him as “Master”, to which the man says such a relationship with MC will indeed make it easier for his “observation”, and that “his plan is going smoothly in the future.”

Though MC has no idea what any of these terms mean, she still puts two and two together –– “her master” is the very person who tampered with her Occulstone, the person who gave rise to the conflict between Humans and Demons.

Pained and desperate, MC rushes forward (in tears) to attack her master, only to find herself collapsing.

In this brief moment of unconsciousness, MC’s master realizes how this girl has very strong emotions which she will need as the “QUEEN.” There’s also a moment of self-reflection –– he says he won’t hurt or deceive her as it’s not good for her future growth. He only wants to see which path to evolution she chooses.

–

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

–

✧ [CH 10-2] ✧

MC finds herself floating through the chaos of time and space until she finds a beam of light in the darkness, only to find herself surrounded by a group of soldiers in this new place, a sword pressed to her throat.

A soldier suspects MC to be a spy of the demon clan, causing everyone on the site to be alarmed and MC unable to think straight.

At this moment, like always––

–

?? (Victor): Back off first.

At the sound of the familiar voice, I can’t help but lift my head.

The moonlight pours down, and the jet-black strands of hair dance in the wind, playing across the man’s youthful and sharp face.

MC: VICTOR?!

That pair of deep eyes, serene as a placid lake surface, gazes at me, a trace of doubt slowly sliding across his indifferent face.

Victor: [sounds... hopeful in some way] Do you recognize me?

I narrow my eyes as I look at him. It’s unmistakable that the person in front of me is Victor, but he seems somewhat different from the one in my memory.

He is attired in strong armor, his facial features are juvenile, and his tone of voice carries the boyish charm of early youth. And what’s even more odd is that he doesn’t seem to know me.

–

MC’s mind races million miles a second, and she takes this opportunity to take in the surrounding.

After her deduction upon the sight of what clearly is the middle of a war–– MC realizes, she was lost in the gaps of time and space and ended up landing on the eve of the war between humans and demons a few years ago, thus the sight of Victor~ ಥ_ಥ

First things first, MC tries to clear herself of suspicion:

–

MC: Thank you for saving me, General.

Victor: Where have you come from?

I hurriedly remove the Royal Occultist’s talisman from my waist and hold it high above my head.

MC: Reporting to the General, my name is MC. I come from Serenos, and I’m a Royal Occultist.

–

MC tells Victor that the Guild has sent her to the Retrobyss to investigate the truth since the demon aura is rampant nowadays, and she entered the army camp by mistake.

Victor takes her talisman, puts on a show of checking it back and forth before returning it to the nervous MC, and commands her not to enter this area again.

Just as MC is about to be taken away, the military adviser objects, saying MC’s behavior is suspicious and suspects her to be a henchman of the Demon Clan. Though fearful, MC asks him to send someone to verify her identity, but the adviser objects to that too.

–

Victor lifts his eyelids, his gaze sweeps past the bent figure of the military adviser, and lands on me. Surprisingly, a cold smile plays on his lips.

Victor: What the military adviser has said is reasonable. We should indeed be cautious.

Victor: Guards, bring her to my tent. Wait for me to interrogate and deal with her personally.

Military Adviser: General...!

Victor: Adviser, have you forgotten the reason we are standing here at the moment?

Victor’s eyes are majestic, and an aura that causes humans to be quiet in fear and demons to be terrified to their core washes over instantly.

Victor: Or would you like to join me in enacting the punitive measures on the Royal Occultist?

Victor’s words clearly denote that the military adviser has overstepped his authority.

The military adviser bends his waist even lower. His actions are utterly respectful, but his tone is rather indifferent.

Military Adviser: I wouldn’t dare.

It’s truly baffling that Victor, who has always been meticulous in his actions and is not a lenient person would try to save me, a person of unknown origins, several times.

I vaguely have a feeling that there is some other purpose behind his actions, but I’m unable to figure out any clues whatsoever.

–

Just as MC is being escorted to Victor’s tent, a strong demon aura suddenly hits her while passing by a group of kneeling prisoners.

–

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

–

✧ [CH 10-4] ✧

MC hurriedly uses her Occult to check on the prisoners and realizes they are greatly contaminated with demon aura.

The military adviser urges Victor to give the order for their execution.

Instead of responding, Victor turns to me.

Victor: Since you’re a Royal Occultist, do you have any methods to suppress their demon aura?

MC: I’m not a hundred percent sure, but I can give it a try.

I straighten my waist and extend my hands to hold it up over several people, pushing the Occulstone within me to activate.

The black demon aura lingering around those people gradually dissipates, dispersing along with the dry desert wind.

It’s not until the last wisp of demon aura has also dissipated into thin air that I finally heave a sigh of relief. My entire body can’t help but tremble.

Rashly pressing the broken Occulstone to annihilate the demon aura is indeed a tremendous drain on my body.

MC: ...they seem to be all right now.

Victor nods, giving orders to the deputy general.

Victor: To the Deputy General, since the demon aura has been successfully annihilated, there is no need to carry out the execution anymore. Pass on the order to make separate arrangements for these men, and each troop is to return to the camp in their order.

After the deployment, Victor walks over to my side and inclines his head towards some of the guards.

Victor: Return her the weapon you’ve collected.

The young Victor’s gaze lingers on my sword for a moment, then he says to me––

–

[T/N]: Weeping in hands since the sword MC refers to as “mine” actually belongs to Victor. It’s always the little things~ ;-;

–

Victor: I’ve got some questions for you.

I follow Victor through an endless succession of tents, my apprehensive heart unable to relax all along.

Victor used his flesh and blood to serve as a guide, enabling me to travel back in time. Since I already know the truth of a hundred years ago, staying here for too long will only add to his burden.

But right now, let alone finding a way to return to the future, it’s difficult to even guarantee my personal safety.

As I mentally calculate what I’m to say later, I’ve already followed the young general into his tent without realizing it.

A faint scent of medicine lingers in the tent. I take a deep breath. Now I can only take one step at a time.

Victor sits down at the table, motioning for me to sit in the guest seat. His gaze lands on my face as he hesitates a little to open his mouth.

Victor: I... once heard the voice of the Sorceress in the courtyard of the Heavenbright Academy.

–

[Tidbits]: Victor is referring to their first meeting at the academy as teenagers~

–

I can’t help being stunned, immediately understanding what he means.

MC: ...I’m indeed the Sorceress.

He could’ve gotten straight to the point and revealed my identity on the spot, but he didn’t expose me in front of everyone. It signifies that he has a different plan.

MC: So, you’ve already recognized me long ago. You kept me in the camp... is it because you wish to use me to save those bedeviled officers and soldiers?

MC: As long as everyone knows that those who are bedeviled can be “purified,” these people may not need to die.

A look of applause flows through Victor’s eyes as he nods his head.

Victor: You’re smart. In addition, I need to confirm since we’ve been blessed with the visit of the Westmoon Sorceress – your true purpose for coming here.

This isn’t an ordinary question, but a test and confirmation. I don’t answer, rather throw this question back to Victor.

MC: General, what’s your purpose in coming here?

Victor: When you head for the battlefield, it’s only natural that you’d want to sweep clean the calamity and chaos.

I take a step forward, looking straight at Victor with resolution.

MC: Do you truly think that if you win this war, the calamity and chaos can be swept clean?

Victor: ...

Victor doesn’t speak anymore. His gaze strays far into the distance, and he seems to have sunken into the memories.

As the General, he’s fought countless victorious battles. But with each following battle, his back became a little heavier than the time before.

There’s never been a shortage of sacrifices behind him, yet these sacrifices have brought merely a few years, or worse, only a few days of stability. The outcomes are far away from what he hopes for.

What he yearns for is a long-lasting peace, a future where no one would be separated in life and death by the fire of war.

MC: ...you hesitated. I suppose I can take it that you are no different from me and believe that the Demons are far from the origins of the chaos and calamities.

Victor: Even so, until the real chaos and calamities are identified, it is my duty to win every battle.

I nod, my tone softening.

MC: I know. So, there are some things that I’m obliged to do. That is also my duty as the Sorceress.

Victor remains noncommittal. He simply stands up and walks to the corner, lifts the pot of medicine, and looks at it, before pouring the boiled medicine into the jar.

Victor: Come with me.

–

Victor brings MC to the cell of the camp. To MC’s surprise, none of the captives are “prisoners”, rather hundreds of officers and soldiers who got bedeviled.

–

I feel extremely powerless. I can still “purify” these few people, but compared to the entire continent of bedeviled people, it’s nothing more than a drop of water into the ocean.

Victor leans down to examine the situation of these soldiers, his face wearing a complex and worried expression I’ve never seen before.

Victor: There’s no cure for bedevilment. I can only find some medicinal herbs to calm their nerves as a reprieve.

Victor: It allows them to sleep a little longer, or at least will keep them from causing more harm.

The number of bedeviled officers and soldiers in the battalion is increasing day by day, causing a huge challenge for the camp in terms of food, water, and manpower.

It’s at this moment that I truly understand just how much difficulty Victor had overcome to protect these people.

In comparison, the plan to reveal my ability to “purify” seems like the easiest part of the process.

MC: Can I ask you a question?

Sensing the cautiousness in my tone, Victor nods without any concern.

MC: In your eyes, what is the difference between humans and demons?

Victor: There is no difference.

Victor replies calmly and frankly.

Victor: After all, I have crossed paths with the demons for a long time, and I’ve asked myself how much I truly understand about them, not to mention the fact that these bedeviled soldiers have once been by my side morning and night.

Victor: The demon soldiers with whom we are at war for years on end are no different from the human race in their words and deeds, except for their stance.

Victor: As for these people, I’m more inclined to say that they’ve fallen ill.

With that said, the corners of his lips curl with a trace of imperceptible loneliness.

Victor: You are the Sorceress who has lived deep in the palace for many years, so naturally you have no real feelings about what I said.

MC: No, I agree with everything you’ve said.

MC: Someone once told me that everyone sees the world differently, with their eyes.

–

[Tidbits]: MC is referring to what Victor told her in CH 9~ 🥺

–

MC: My eyes have allowed me to see you clearly, to see the demons clearly. Naturally, the same goes for you too.

As Victor stares on in astonishment, I pick up the medicine bowls and feed the soldiers one by one.

MC: However, this is only a stop-gap measure for now and their arrangement will always be a problem...

Victor’s brows are slightly lowered, and he doesn’t speak for a very long time. After a good while, he draws a breath, seemingly having made a choice.

Victor: I’ve already taken this into consideration. Don’t worry.

I nod my head in astringency, but a wave of bitterness floods my heart that I can hardly quell.

When these officers and soldiers were bedeviled, they still had Victor who took care of them and exhausted the best of his capabilities to protect them at the risk of his own life.

But when Victor was bedeviled, who had ever stood by his side, guarding a side of the moonlight for him?

As I’m thinking this, I look up at the sky. The lonely moon is hanging high, just as it has always been in the days that have gone by.

–

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

–

✧ [CH 10-5] ✧

I spend this night tossing and turning restlessly in bed, unable to get a good rest as I think about Victor who is far away in the future, and worry about how to leave this place.

–

Early in the morning, MC rushes outside hearing the soldiers screaming, only to find that Victor is injured.

CONTEXT: Victor led the troops to the Chasm Bridge earlier. Despite having the upper hand, Victor’s soldiers who were stained with the demon aura suddenly attacked him. Knowing they aren’t doing this on purpose, Victor didn’t fight back as he should have done and ended up being stabbed in the back. ༎ຶ⁠‿⁠༎ຶ

The physician wants to tend to Victor but of course the goddess of compassion and righteousness ——

–

Victor: No need. You go ahead and check on the situation of those people.

While the physician is in a bit of a quandary, I step forward in a rush.

MC: General, I’ve learned some medical knowledge at the Guild. Allow me to help you.

Victor nods. The physician, though still anxious, no longer hesitates, bows, and goes to examine the wounded men.

I cut open Victor’s blood-clotted garments and find a deep, long wound on his back, clearly caused by a sneak attack.

I dare not delay and hurriedly clean his wounds. At this moment, I hear the physician open his mouth.

Physician: The demon aura accumulated in their bodies is too much and it’s already penetrated so deep into their bone marrow that it’s hard to bring under permanent control.

Victor’s eyes are slightly closed. He’s already anticipated such a situation, therefore he doesn’t hesitate.

Victor: Take them into custody first, and then we’ll draw up the plans.

Military Adviser: General, with all due respect, you’ve repeatedly taken in bedeviled soldiers. You’re being rather too soft-hearted.

The military adviser takes a step forward and lowers his gaze slightly to Victor on the couch.

Military Adviser: Turning into a demon is a betrayal of the Westmoon Kingdom, and they should be punished according to the crime!

Victor: They are tainted with demon aura, and their minds aren’t clear. What’s the crime of betrayal you’re talking about?

Military Adviser: Reporting to the General, the crimes of these men are too numerous to mention. Allow me to state them one by one.

Military Adviser: Willing to be a lackey of the Demon Chasm, treason, one. Sneak attacking the General, the crime of rebellion, two. Irresolute temperament, the crime of disloyalty, three. Failing to control oneself, wrongly convicted crimes, four.

Military Adviser: Failure to report the military intelligence in time, the crime of negligence, five. Wavering heart, the crime of throwing the army into disorder, six. Leaking our military information to the Demon Chasm, the crime of divulging secrets, seven, and occupying the camp’s water and food, the crime of embezzlement, eight!

The military adviser cites eight major crimes in a row, and his words are conclusive. Clearly, he’s deduced them in his mind long before. He pauses, his tone turning mild.

Military Adviser: General, we don’t know how long this war is going to last, and today you were attacked by some mere insignificant little demons. You don’t need to...

Victor: What are you trying to say?

Just when he is about to utter the words “you don’t need to go into the battlefield,” he is forced to swallow them back by Victor’s knife-sharp gaze.

Victor: In that case, how about letting you lead the army to attack the enemy?

The military adviser stumbles over his words. Only when Victor turns around coldly does he breathe a relaxed sigh and murmur in grief.

Military Adviser: In the world of chaos, the men of today have sadly degenerated. If someday in the future, more people are wounded by those traitors, the army will be in great turmoil, and it will become even more irreversible...

What an use of gentle methods and force simultaneously to narrate the crimes and the situation! Sure enough, people are incited by him in succession, clamoring for Victor to rescind his order.

I can’t help clenching my fists and glaring at the military adviser in rage.

When Victor was still the general, these people were able to distort the truth deliberately and single him out in a corner. When he was bedeviled, what kind of “hostility against the common enemy” attitude was displayed by the army?

I know full well that my identity is in a delicate position, and I shouldn’t speak up. So I only put my hand on Victor’s shoulder, trying to give him a little strength.

Victor reaches out and gently pats my hand, then straightens himself and stands up.

Victor: The camp only needs to shelter these people for five days.

Even though he is wounded, he still stands tall like a mountain, overlooking everyone in the tent in a commanding position.

Victor: Within five days, the Westmoon Kingdom Cavalry will step across the Chasm Bridge and force the army of the Demon Clan to retreat.

Victor glances at the military adviser indifferently, his every word powerful and resonating.

Victor: As for the punishment for the crimes mentioned by the Military Adviser, the General’s office will take over the matter and report it to the imperial court.

A momentary silence of fear hangs in the military tent, which is then followed by a succession of loud cheers as everyone embraces the high fighting spirit. Compared with killing their betrayer comrades, what they want more is a swift return of victory.

Victor has won the game of people’s hearts. But in my heart, I know better than anyone else––

For Victor, this is a war that is doomed to no victory.

–

After everyone leaves, I tuck Victor in, then sit on the edge of the couch to watch over him.

Just when I think this silence is going to last, he suddenly opens his mouth.

Victor: I once heard my father say that the vision of ordinary people can be either very small or very big.

Victor: However, as the General, too small or too big of a vision is a hindrance.

MC: Why?

Victor: The General has an established standpoint. He should have his eyes on the stability of the entire Westmoon Kingdom, and he can only protect the common people of the Westmoon Kingdom.

I stare at him. Amid the half-bright and half-obscure light, his side profile is calm and lonely.

MC: And what about Victor?

That pair of serene eyes gaze at me. Though somewhat bleak, a resolute light gradually solidifies within that gaze.

Victor: The “common people” of Westmoon Kingdom that Victor spoke of includes not only people but also demons.

Victor: The chaos and calamity that need to be swept clean are not the demons, but the desires of the human heart, the uneven distribution of benefits, and the prejudices of the races.

Victor: For this reason, even if I’m to be despised by the entire world, I will not regret it.

At this moment, his figure overlaps with the one of him from years later. Momentarily transfixed, I want to reach out and caress his cheek.

Watching his astounded expression, I suddenly become aware that I’ve now only met him by chance, and so this action is really inappropriate. I withdraw my hand.

MC: General, although it might seem somewhat strange to you for me to say this, I’ve made up my mind a long time ago that I will stand by you.

MC: So, you don’t need to worry that there’s no one behind you.

MC: No matter what the entire world thinks of you in the future, no matter what you become––

MC: I will always stand by your side, and I will work together with you to find a future where humans and demons coexist.

I add after a pause.

MC: And there will be many more people like me. There will always be someone who can understand your intentions, pledge their life to follow you to the death, and stand by you.

Victor: ...

Victor: Where exactly are you from?

MC: I-I’m from Serenos...

Victor: ...the Sorceress is supposed to be still in the palace at this time, and it’s impossible for you to be outside the palace for too long.

Victor: What I’m asking you is, are you from the past or the future?

Seeing that I’m too surprised to get a single word out, Victor shakes his head and suddenly takes my hand, pulling up my sleeve before I can gather myself to react.

MC: ...!!

He stares at the glowing Demon King’s Pact on my arm, raising his eyebrows.

Victor: ...the Demon King’s Pact.

Fearing that he would mistake me for a spy of the Demon Clan, I no longer conceal the matter.

MC: If... I said I’m from the future, will you trust me?

Victor shakes his head, but a slight frown emerges between his brows.

Victor: However, there is one more thing I’d like to ask.

There is a slight pause in his tone, which is rare.

Victor: You... what’s your relationship with the future Demon King?

I freeze, and give him an answer that seems like one, yet not quite.

MC: [nervous wreck] It should be analogous to... the relationship between you and I? Supporting each other, and trusting each other and things like that...

When Victor sees me faltering, his thin lips draw out into a handsome arc.

Victor: You truly are a confidant no matter the time and space

When Victor was younger, he looked sharper on the outside, but less unperturbed and reserved afterward.

Victor: All right. I’ve seen that you’ve constantly been agitated these past two days, but you should be able to return soon.

MC: How do you know that?!

Victor: I seem to have a sense of time, and I can perceive the traces of space-time distortion on you.

I was originally supposed to be happy being able to go back, but the repressed emotions in my heart are hard to liquefy.

Only the power of the Demon King can have the perception of time and space.

–– which means... he is close to being bedeviled.

I incline my head somewhat distraughtly and force myself to pull out a smile, and only now do I turn my head to Victor and give a nod.

MC: That’s really... wonderful.

Victor watches my tangled expression and creases his brows into a frown.

Victor: Don’t put on a long face like that. Although we haven’t spent much time together, we can always see each other again.

Victor: I’ll return to Serenos when we’ve won this war, and I will watch you dance in this time and space.

Victor: Until then, I promise you. No matter what dangers and difficulties I encounter, I will not give up easily.

MC: ...yes, we have a pact then.

Words seem to be lingering on Victor’s lips for a long time, and he looks at me deeply before finally just shaking his head.

–

Light and splendor faintly spill all around me, and the next instant, the world turns upside down.

Before an immense quietude spreads over my ears, I hear the young General’s final words to me.

Victor: No need to say goodbye. We will certainly see each other again.

–

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

–

✧ [CH 10-6] ✧

I walk in the waves of time, the ripples are of unfathomable depth. As far as my eyes can see, there’s only a gray on my horizon.

Instead of being led back to reality by the Demon King’s Pact, I’m trapped in the gaps of time, unable to find a way out.

MC: Is it really going to be like what Victor said, that I’m going to be trapped here forever?

Victor’s face appears before my eyes. I take a deep breath and continue to walk forward.

MC: ...he is still waiting for me.

I don’t know for how long I’ve walked before golden lotuses suddenly spring up beneath my feet, dyeing the ash color into bluish-green waves.

At first glance, the waterfront radiates brilliance, painting a hundred sceneries of the human world.

The sound of paddling, the shadow of lanterns, precious horses galloping on their feet –– a prosperous ambiance.

Here in the streets, lanterns are first lit in the early evening. There is no demon aura raging the paths, no swords, and knives, no difference between human and demon, no deceit and treachery.

I’m moved by this sight and unconsciously immerse myself in it. Suddenly, however, I see a person.

A girl with a fuzzy facial appearance sits alone on a street corner, drooling over the hundreds of brightly colored flower cakes, her eyes full of disappointment.

Girl: Oh no. I was in too much of a hurry before heading out and forgot to bring any money...

The girl feels so very familiar and inseparable to me that I can’t help walking over and handing over the coins.

MC: Ma’am, I’ll have a piece of flower cake.

The girl takes the Osmanthus cake in a daze and can’t help raising her eyebrows in delight, smiling as she calls out a name.

I’m unable to hear it clearly. In the next second, the scene has already changed.

I see that same girl lying on her stomach in front of the dog hole in the corner of the Heavenbright Academy wall, trying with all her might to reach the pastry that has fallen between the bushes.

I walk over to the hole and push the paper bag forward. The girl stiffens for a moment and then pulls the snack over at lightning speed.

MC: What exactly are these sights? Why are they so familiar?

These images seem to have been harbored in the bottom of my heart for a long time, but I’m unable to recall anything about them. The scene has already changed, once again.

I stand amid a layer of crimson veiling the entire sky. As far as my eyes can see, there’s only red in my eyes, the symbol of celebration. It’s so boundless that it seems to have no end.

The girl stands across from me, staring at me blankly. The wind sweeps up the red silk, laying out a long, splendid, and warm backdrop behind her.

She and I murmur in unison, opening our mouths.

MC: Victor...

The moment I call out this name, the girl’s facial features become clear. She’s actually me.

My figure and hers gradually overlap and eventually merge into one. And Victor’s place, the place where I’ve been originally standing thus far, is empty.

–

[Tidbits Time]: The first memory of the “flower cake” is from Victor’s destiny of desire, where Victor buys MC the flower cake for her first ever flower day. The “Heavenbright Academy” memory, as already mentioned once before, is Victor x MC’s first meeting as teenagers (also from destiny of desire). The “red silk” memory is from their “Light and Shadow Date”. 🏮❤️‍🔥

–

I seem to have caught a strand of thought.

These all appear to be in Victor’s eyes, those images are that we’ve experienced together.

Perhaps it’s because of the chaos in the flow of time that I’m able to glimpse these fragments.

I close my eyes, and all the clamors of the mundane world are instantly faded into silence.

MC: ...Victor.

The Demon King’s Pact on my arm gradually warms up, growing hotter and hotter, until it turns so scorching as if it’s going to burn my arm.

In the next instant, the fragments of time leap about in a tumultuous manner, weaving together into complete shapes.

A tall figure envelopes me once more, filling the lonely vacancies in the fragments.

Victor evades into nothingness. In the twinkling of an eye, the white moon is a thousand miles away, dispersing every bit of the misty fog.

It doesn’t take too long before I get to see him again, but I feel as if I’ve surmounted time worth the world taking on a brand new appearance.

I don’t know when but my eyes are already overflowing with tears. I fight back my tears, only calling out his name in a muffled voice.

MC: Victor...

Victor is slightly taken aback, wiping away the moisture from the corner of my eyes.

Victor: I’m here.

The chest area of his robe is already soaked with blood, and his entire body appears to be on the verge of collapsing. I’m just about to use my Occulstone to heal him when he shakes his head.

Victor: We’ll need your strength to get out of here. I can still hold on for a while, so do as I say first.

I have no other choice but to nod my head. Victor waves his hand, and a splendor suddenly bursts into bloom beneath us.

Victor: Try to pour the power of the Occulstone into my sword, and use it to pierce the eye of the Demon King’s Pact. Perhaps we will be able to get out.

I nod, my heart shivering. A cold light suddenly appears in the long double-edged sword, sending out waves of resonance with the formation!

Amid the dazzling radiance, the stars around us have shifted. The tide of time rushes towards Victor and me, the power of which seems to be turning everything upside down.

Victor holds my hand tightly from beginning to end, allowing the monstrous tides to drown us in them.

–

When our visions revive, we have already returned to the palace of the Demon Realm once again. As soon as his feet hit the ground, Victor collapses straight down.

MC: VICTOR!!

His heart gurgles with blood, and his entire robe is drenched. He has persevered until now with tenacious determination.

A little dizzy myself, I use all my willpower to summon the other demons to take care of Victor with me.

MC: Physician, how is Victor’s condition?

The physicians shake their heads, all of them looking deathly pale.

Physician: Your Majesty, the King’s body has suffered too many injuries. The demon aura within his body has fallen into a frenzy. We are afraid it will be hard to suppress...

MC: What is to happen if it can’t be suppressed?

Physician: We fear that… His Majesty will become a completely unconscious demon…

I lean over and look at the sleeping Victor, steeling my mind.

MC: I understand. I’ll take care from here.

I’ve once told him that, no matter what and no matter when I will stand behind him and give him strength.

Now, it’s time for me to honor my promises.

I stand up, stretch out my hands, concentrate my mind and breath, and force the Occulstone to activate with an unprecedented amount of numinous power.

In the next instant, a powerful torrent of Occult gushes out of my body, firmly wrapping the man in front of me.

MC: Victor, I’ve honored my promises. You... mustn’t break yours.

–

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

–

✧ [CH 10-7] ✧

I don’t know how long has passed, my eyes are a blur, and I’m only pushing the Occulstone relying on my instincts.

It’s only by thinking about Victor’s appearance in my heart, thinking about the time we’ve spent together that I keep persevering, blindly and stubbornly.

Someone’s shadow seems to move in front of my eyes. I blink my eyes but am unable to see who it is.

I eventually collapse to the floor and lose consciousness.

–

When I open my eyes, what greets me is the intricately carved and painted ceiling of the Demon Palace. I try to sit up, but my body is extremely heavy.

Victor: You’re awake?

Given a jolt, I find that Victor is sitting on a golden Chinese redwood chair not far from the bed.

A soft glow envelopes his entire body. He is so beautiful that it seems like an illusion.

MC: …am I dreaming?

Victor walks over with a helpless expression, reaches out, and taps me on the forehead.

I rub my forehead in pain, my mood also calming down subsequently.

Victor: Are you awake now?

MC: Yes. So many irregularities occurred when I traveled back in time that several times I thought I would never be able to come back…

MC: So now that I’m truly back in reality, I’m still finding it a bit hard to believe.

Victor: Rest assured. I said I would bring you back, and I don’t break my promises.

When I hear him say that, I can’t help but think of his injuries again. My heart tightens.

MC: How are you feeling? Has the wound on your chest gotten any better?

Victor lets me have my way with him to check his wounds. The corners of his lips suddenly curve into a bright arc, as if to soothe me.

Victor: Thanks to a certain dummy obstinately clinging to her course, I’m no longer in any serious condition.

MC: You’re talking as if it’s no big deal. Do you have any idea how worried I was!

MC: I couldn’t eat, and I couldn’t sleep these few days. Whenever I had the chance, I felt my arm to see if the Demon King’s Pact was still responding…

MC: I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to come back. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to find out anything. I was even more afraid that you wouldn’t be there when I returned…

Victor silently listens to my venting and simply nods, holding my hand.

Victor: I know.

Victor: But whenever we have encountered difficulties in the past, we have always been able to overcome them, haven’t we?

Victor: So, there’s nothing to be afraid of.

He says it with such calmness and frankness, which in turn causes my heart to soften.

MC: I understand. I just don’t want you to be the hero and shoulder all the responsibilities alone.

Victor: The harm caused by forcibly activating your broken Occulstone is irreversible. Calling me a hero, what are you then?

Victor clasps our fingers, holding my hand even tighter. He then pulls me over to the table.

Victor: All right. Be that as it may, I should also host a sumptuous feast to apologize.

He pours the fragrant tea into the empty cups. The rising aroma of the tea lifts my spirits, dissipating my bitterness and astringency by multiple folds.

The table is decorated with many sumptuous dishes of every color and flavor under the sun, which is an enormous temptation for me who’s constantly been on the move lately.

MC: Humph, I shall reluctantly accept your apology then~

I sit down at the table, and first scoop a spoonful of the congee, the fresh and tender fish fillet sliding into my mouth, extremely delicious.

My eyes light up, and I busy myself with picking up a few more of the peculiar dishes with chopsticks. Each of the delicacies is actually delicious, no less so than the imperial cuisine in the palace.

MC: There’s actually such an amazing cook in the Demon Realm! Every dish is so delicious!

Victor smiles and hands me a handkerchief.

Victor: You’re stuffing yourself for someone who’s just woken up. Be careful not to choke.

Laughing, I take the handkerchief and wipe my mouth, then take a sip of the tea.

MC: I was planning to tell you about my experiences in the past to help with digestion.

MC: I wonder if the Great Demon King is willing to take the time to listen to this very long story?

Victor tugs at the corners of his lips, holding up his cup.

Victor: That depends on whether the story of this “storyteller” is compelling enough.

As I enjoy the delicacies, I tell him about the stories of those former times.

I talk about seeing my Master, and also tell him about my meeting with the young General.

Hearing me describe the situation of those bedeviled officers and soldiers, Victor frowns unconsciously, as though recalling the scenes of the past.

MC: Really, my deepest realization from this traveling back in time is that there is in fact no difference between human beings and demons.

Victor: How so?

MC: I had formerly received teachings from the Westmoon Kingdom palace, taught to think that demons are all bad.

MC: And then, I met you and your men. Then I found out that demons can also be loyal and righteous, and they are no different from people. So I took it to be that demons are all good.

Victor shakes his head and helps me pick up the shrimp into the bowl that I couldn’t reach.

Victor: The world has never been black-or-white.

MC: Mm-hmm. My master once asked me, “Has no one ever become a demon because of their great desire for power?”

My tone sinks as I think about the unfamiliar appearance of my Master I’ve seen when I traveled back in time.

MC: Now, I understand that there’s good and bad in every existence, and it’s not something that can be concluded so simply.

Victor: Every existence has its differences, and these differences give rise to pride and prejudices. Pride and Prejudice are the beginning of conflicts.

I understand what he means. As long as there is the existence of living beings, the conflicts will never cease.

The conflicts will never cease, nor will the fire of war ever be extinguished, and there will always be people who will fall into misfortune as a result of all this.

Seeing that Victor is a little gloomy, I take his bowl and bring a few dishes for him as well.

MC: I really like these dishes in particular. Try some~

Victor takes a few bites and nods indicatively.

Victor: Pretty good, indeed.

MC: As soon as I’m done with these matters at hand, I’ll go visit this cook to formally become an apprentice. And when I’m done with my lessons, I’ll open an inn in Serenos and will surely make a fortune!

Victor: …that sounds like a promising prospect.

–

[Tidbits]: It’s hinted in Victor’s split route that the cook is our master-chef himself! On another note, Victor you literally just got out of deathbed, LIKE LITERALLY! ಥ⁠_⁠ಥ Of course, he would still cook for her~ 🥺💘

–

He releases a sigh but is unable to conceal the smile at the corner of his lips. Somewhat defiant, I toss him the question.

MC: What about you?

Victor: What about me?

MC: What do you most want to do when the conflict ends?

Victor: Haven’t thought about it.

MC: Aren’t you even the least bit curious?

Victor: …I’m not like a certain someone, eating and drinking every day, doing some daydreaming, and going to bed when she’s tired.

Victor: If I must say, when the conflict ends, I’d like to see you dance again.

His eyes are filled to the rims with a soft light. When I look into his eyes, I immediately feel my cheeks growing burning hot, and turn my head.

MC: Now, I’m no longer the Sorceress. I don’t have a stage anymore, nor am I as adept in my dance steps as before.

Victor: Do you only wish to dance on the Occulsoul Platform?

I pause slightly, shaking my head.

Victor: If dancing is what you like to do, why should you be stuck in your identity?

Victor: The entire world can be your Occulsoul Platform, and the flowers and plants, rivers, and mountains will eagerly look up at you as you dance.

Victor dips his chopsticks into the tea and casually draws on the table.

Victor: You have the freedom to go wherever you wish, whether it’s Serenos or the Demon Realm.

For a long time, I stare blankly at Victor, a moist mist emerging in my eyes.

MC: Formerly, the dance was supposed to be for the entire Westmoon. If I can have the opportunity, I would like to dance in the Demon Realm.

MC: When that time comes, I must drag you along to be my first audience.

We continue our chatting for a while longer when someone knocks at the door.

–

[Tidbits]: The latest EN translation has localized “Ashan’s” name as “Sam”. So I’ll be using that from now on for consistency~ :>

–

Sam: Your Majesty, the sentinel has brought back news from the Demon Chasm.

Victor: Got it. I’ll head over there in a moment.

Seeing that Victor has official business to attend to, I lay back down on the bed, yawn widely, and close my eyes.

Victor comes quietly to the bedside, brushes away the strands of hair that were lying scattered on my face, and tucks in the coverlet again.

Victor: Get some rest. I need to go out to attend to some matters. If there’s anything you need, send someone to contact me at any time.

I nod in a daze and feel a small, almost inaudible sigh coming from above.

Victor: Don’t force yourself.

–

Victor’s wounds have healed considerably while he still has to attend to matters at the Demon Realm. MC, on the other hand, stays by his side at the Demon Palace all along, reinvigorating her body and mind.

One day, while MC is out on a stroll for fresh air, she notices some celestial abnormality in the sky and realizes there must be something ominous going on again.

MC hurriedly seeks Sam and asks him to let Victor know why she has to leave while leaving a note for him herself, reassuring and promising him over and over again that she won’t use her Occult carelessly~

–

CH 12 (Victor’s split route): Here!

—

#THE RIDE IT HAS BEEN!!! THIS MAN. AND THIS GIRL!!! Words will fail to do them justice so I shall refrain haha~ ಥ⁠‿⁠ಥ #PG WHAT DO YOU FEED VICTOR’S WRITERS!!!! 😭❤️#*prepares herself for translating the split route* 🫠❤️‍🔥#mlqc victor #mlqc li zeyan #mr love victor #mlqc #mr love queen's choice #恋与制作人 #李泽言 #love and producer #mlqc cn #mlqc spoilers #mlqc translations

64 notes · View notes