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endless-season · 2 years

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Westmoon Chapter 12 [END] - Lucien Split Route

Previous Lucien part here: Westmoon Chapter 10 Part 9 To 13 - Lucien

12-1

MC finds a letter from her master

12-2

I clutched the letter Master left me, my heart full of turmoil.

MC: “I’ll wait for you where all things return to.”

MC: All things return... does he mean the Retrobyss…?

Across all the legends in Westmoon, the Retrobyss was known as a hidden and mysterious place.

And all without exception, described how concentrated the demonic aura was in its depths.

These past few days, the Occulstone fragment within me grew more and more agitated. Maybe it was just as Lucien said… my Occulstone probably wouldn’t be able to withstand any further damage from demonic aura.

MC: If this might be my last chance then…

Then before I go, I have to at least go see the one I care about most…

I followed the instructions Lucien gave last time, and made my way to where Max was now living.

There was Max, as well an old woman.

His expression was no longer as mournful as before, when he saw me he even managed to make out a smile.

But when he heard I was looking for Lucien, he showed a surprised expression.

Max: Mister Lucien?

Max: Mister left soon after he helped me settle down here. I thought he went to find you.

MC: Eh? But I haven’t seen him.

Max: Is that so… then I don’t know where he is, sorry.

While we were talking, the old woman also came outside.

Old woman: Max, who is this?

Max: This is my teacher’s wife. The one I told you about, remember?

Max: She’s looking for Mister, and has no idea where he’s gone. How could he just leave her alone like this!

MC: I’m not…

Being referred to as “teacher’s wife” made my face red and I wasn’t sure how to explain. The old woman smiled.

Old woman: Miss, take it as my experience of being an old wife. If you can’t find someone, try looking somewhere you’re both familiar with.

Old woman: Like where you pledged your love, or exchanged your vows… maybe you’ll find something there.

MC: Okay, okay, thank you granny for your guidance. I’ll go have a look right now. Max, I’ll be off now okay?

Max: Okay! See you Miss!

Max: Granny, your health is not the best and the weather is so strange these days. I’ll take you back inside.

Shaking his tail, Max helped the old woman back into the room. Looking at the two, it was only then that I realised-

This old woman, was an ordinary human.

MC: … That’s nice.

Perhaps the hopes the Strangelings had, could slowly be fulfilled.

Rarewood was as overgrown as last time, no longer lush and vibrant as before.

I treaded across broken branches and leaves and arrived at the lakeside. The curtain inside the pavilion swayed in the breeze but there was no snowy white figure within.

Only now did I understand-

This really was the only place that connected us in this vast world.

MC: *sigh*…

I gave a deep sigh, and squatted on the ground a bit disheartened.

I small firefly flew from the lake, and landed on a spoilt flower before me.

I gently poked it, a bit upset. The firefly didn’t fly far, it just looped around in a circle, and landed back in its original spot.

MC: Tell me… where else can I go to find him?

MC: I thought I already understood him, but it turns out I’ve got nothing to go on.

MC: Plus, it’s not like he and I are like what the old granny said, we don’t have anywhere that we ‘pledged our love’ or ‘exchanged our vows’…

MC: I don’t even know where he lived when he was still human!

The firefly’s wings quivered. Who knew whether it understood me or not.

MC: In fact, pretty much the only times we’ve met were in dreams…

MC: What if I just knock myself unconscious right now and go look for him in my dreams!

Lucien: No need.

A familiar voice sounded from behind. I turned around in surprise and almost lost my balance. Luckily Lucien grabbed me from behind and pulled me up.

MC: Lucien…!

Lucien: Yes, I’m here.

He was wearing the same white clothes, his expression calm, just as before.

It was as if there were no traces anything having affected him. But I could tell that something intangible had changed.

The firefly also alighted from the spoilt flower and circled down onto Lucien’s sleeve. He looked at the firefly and gave a slight smile.

Lucien: But I didn’t realise that MC was so dissatisfied with the fact we had nowhere where we pledged our love and exchanged our vows, and that we could only secretly meet within a dream.

Lucien: You were so willing to secretly tell the firefly, and yet you didn’t tell me?

12-3

MC: I didn’t mean that…

Being teased by Lucien like that, I was a bit embarrassed and could only change the topic.

MC: Oh right, how did you know I was here? Did Max tell you?

Lucien: No.

Lucien tilted his head and gave a half smile.

Lucien: What if I told you it was my intuition that told me you were here?

His light tone was just like that fox tail of his, you could immediately tell he was lying.

His smile only grew as he watched me pout.

He took my hand and led me away from the lakeside.

Lucien: Let’s go.

MC: Go where?

Lucien: Don’t we need to go to the Retrobyss?

MC: …?!

How did he know I was going there?

Lucien: MC wants to know how I know where you’re going?

As if he could read minds, he immediately said what I was thinking. As soon as I nodded, his eyebrows raised.

Lucien: Sorry, this I cannot reveal.

MC: ! How can you be like this! Didn’t you say you wouldn’t trick me any more…

Lucien: I’ll tell you when we get there. Let this Great Fox Strangeling keep his mysteriousness for a just bit longer, won’t you?

When he used that voice, I couldn’t help it and could only raise my hands and surrender.

MC: But the Retrobyss will definitely be dangerous. Are you really going with me?

Lucien: Of course I’m going with you.

Lucien: If I let you go into danger alone, aren’t I betraying the blessings and hopes that the Strangelings bestowed upon us.

As soon as we entered the abyss, I realised something wasn’t right. The Retrobyss was the source of all demonic aura, however at this moment it was even more peaceful than outside.

MC: How come it’s completely different from the rumours…

Lucien looked around calmly.

Lucien: It’s not completely different, rather someone’s come in and pulled a few tricks.

MC: Could it be my master…?

Lucien: Don’t think so.

Lucien: From what I’ve observed over the years, although the Oracle comes from beyond our world, he is not materialistic, and is straightforward.

Lucien: Since he’s asked to meet with you, he wouldn’t lay any traps.

Lucien: What we have to be wary of is perhaps an uninvited guest.

MC: You mean someone else came before us… They’re not planning to ambush us are they?

Lucien closed his eyes for a moment as if sensing something, then opened his eyes and sneered.

Lucien: … a pathetic trap.

He waved his hand and extinguished the torch in his hand, sinking the space into darkness.

Lucien: The torch is useless now, just follow me.

I nodded and tightened my grip on his hand. Lucien smiled, squeezed my palm with his thumb in the darkness and then took the first step.

Lucien walked leisurely, as if he was going for a stroll in this boundless abyss. But as we walked, I felt as if something had changed.

In the beginning I only had some kind of confused feeling, as if we were continually brushing past all sorts of dangers.

The deeper we went, the Occulstone within me could clearly feel the dense demonic aura in our surroundings as if we were walking through chaos.

MC: Lucien… there’s something nearby…

Lucien: Shh…

Lucien: Someone gathered all the demonic aura that was originally here and set a lot of traps.

Lucien: If we alarm them, we might fall into a not so great dream.

I immediately covered my mouth to show I wouldn’t make a sound.

Lucien: You don’t need to be that nervous, I’m here.

We avoided the demonic aura, and continued down. Suddenly, I noticed something faintly light up ahead.

There’s light?

Who would’ve known, as we gradually got closer to the light, an enormous Occulstone appeared before front of us!

Unlike the broken Occulstone within me, this Occulstone was flawless, its light flickering like the heartbeart of the world deep in this abyss.

Lucien stared fixed at this scene and only opened his mouth a while later.

Lucien: Gods bow down and the moon rises from the west… now I understand everything.

MC: Understand what?

Lucien: Regarding this Westmoon…

Lucien paused, as if he had sensed something and turned to look at the occulstone.

Lucien: My apologies, the little pranks you set were a bit boring.

Lucien: So we’ve arrived a bit early.

As soon as Lucien spoke, a man rushed out from behind the Occulstone.

??: How did you get here… I clearly…?!

Even though I only met him that time a hundred years in the past, I already memorised this face- it was that man with the cloak!

MC: You’re that guy from another world…!

Knowing his complete disregard for human life from a hundred years ago, I wasn’t bothered talking with him and cut to the chase.

MC: Where is my master?

Man in Cloak: Hah. What makes you think I’d answer the question of a mere vessel?

Man in Cloak: And as for you…

The man in cloak completely didn’t expect us to arrive so soon. He glared at Lucien full of gloom.

Man in Cloak: I don’t think believe that anyone in this world can avoid my Evol.

Lucien: Evol…? Oh, you mean your Occult?

Lucien: I don’t know why Your Excellence has so much confidence, but this isn’t a good habit to have.

Lucien: You’ve simply gathered demonic aura to try and deceive the five senses such that anyone affected will have their perception altered… like a dreamland.

Lucien: The reason I say “like” and not definitively is because this isn’t entirely created from Occult, but you’ve also used the Occulstone to amplify the power, right?

With every word Lucien spoke, the man in the cloak’s face turned paler and paler.

Lucien: Looking at your expression, it seems I’m not far off?

Man in Cloak: Who are you really… Eos’s report clearly said you’re just defective goods from an experiment…

Lucien: Defective goods?

Lucien laughed when he heard those two words.

Lucien: I’ve realised Your Excellence has another bad habit – that is, arbitrarily defining people.

Lucien: Defining MC as a vessel, defining me as defective goods.

Lucien: But have you considered, that even defective goods can use other methods find the path to success even faster than anyone else?

Man in Cloak: What do you mean?

Lucien quickly glanced at me with a trace of guilt hidden in his eyes.

Lucien: … sorry.

MC: Huh?

Before I knew why he was apologising, he took out a small wooden box.

The decorations on the box triggered my memory – it was the box I saw once before on Lucien’s shelf, the one with a piece of my Occulstone inside!

I watched with wide eyes as Lucien opened the box, but it was empty inside.

MC: My Occulstone fragment… where did it go?

I suddenly thought of the dream we had with our intertwined consciousness, and only then did I realise. Lucien’s cold voice also pierced through the void and entered my mind.

Lucien: What a coincidence, I’m also investigating the power of Occulstones.

Lucien: Since Your Excellence knows so much about Occulstones, I wonder if you can tell me more?

12-4

A long silence filled the cavern, only the enormous Occulstone continued to flicker.

The cloaked man’s face shone green and purple under the magnificent glow. It was a good while until he opened his mouth with clenched teeth.

Man in Cloak: … What right do you have for me to tell you about the QUEEN gene.

Lucien: How come you otherworldly people have different terminology for the Occulstone as well. It makes it a bit troublesome for me to understand. Oh well, it’s a trivial problem.

Lucien: I’m just curious, since you’re all so curious about the potential influence of the Occulstone on Westmoon, why not take a more direct approach?

Lucien: Why did you need to keep dragging it on for as long as possible, before using demonic aura and meteorological tricks to try and force the Occulstone’s host to make a choice.

Man in cloak: What do you mean?

Lucien: Exactly what I said.

Lucien: If it were me, I’d trap the host in a smaller space, and stimulate them more directly both mentally and physically.

Lucien: If she still couldn’t awaken, then I’d throw her into an even crueller environment. Right now this world… comparatively speaking, is still too peaceful.

Lucien: What do you think?

Man in Cloak: …

The cloaked man looked at Lucien with wide eyes and mouth agape as if looking at a terrifying monster.

At this moment, the two seemed to swap roles and Lucien seemed to be the higher being observing the world.

My heart thumped wildly next to Lucien and my back was full of cold sweat. A scary thought appeared in my mind.

… If Lucien wasn’t a Strangeling but someone from “that world”, then would he really do to me the kind of things he said he’d do?

Before I could think further, the cloaked man spoke up first.

Man in Cloak: Someone who knows nothing about the QUEEN gene dares to criticize me?

Man in Cloak: But with this I finally understand something…

Man in Cloak: No wonder Eos kept giving excuses and saying he couldn’t complete the experiment.

Man in Cloak: It’s because you stole and absorbed a fragment of the Occulstone from within the vessel!

Lucien didn’t comment, and instead raised his eyebrow and asked back.

Lucien: Have you never considered - what if I didn’t steal this fragment, but rather someone took the initiative to give it to me?

MC: …?!

Ever since I woke up, I’ve been looking for the Occulstone fragments and I’ve only told master… did this mean master gave it to Lucien?

But why would he do such a thing?

My breathing quickened and I subconsciously wanted to take half a step back, but Lucien held onto my hand and I couldn’t move. His palm was dry and warm bringing me a pacifying effect yet forcing me to see this to the end.

Lucien: After the demon and human war, the Oracle arrived in Westmoon and told everyone they needed a Sorceress to pray for blessings, creating this peace.

Lucien: A hundred years pass and the Oracle continues to select and nurture each Sorceress into a caged bird that only knows how to dance for blessings.

Lucien: However the quality of those Sorceresses were lacking, none could bear the power of the Occulstone.

Lucien: Hence making you all anxious… haha who knew that even the Gods of Westmoon are so impatient.

Lucien: Then MC appeared. She is what you call the perfect “vessel”.

Lucien’s voice was a calm as ever but every word he spoke was like a bloody knife.

MC: No... I’m not a vessel…!

I didn’t want to continue listening and forcefully shook my head. As my tears were about to overflow, Lucien pulled me into a hug.

Lucien: You’re not a vessel. You never were.

Lucien: Remember that dream? You can be a bird, a firefly, yourself…

Lucien: It’s because you have this desire, that I don’t want you to have the complete Occulstone.

Lucien: I made a deal with your master and got the fragment.

Hearing him speak beside my ear, I looked up in disbelief.

MC: What deal?

Lucien: To give you three years of good dreams.

Lucien gave a gentle smile, rubbed my head to soothe me and then looked back at the cloaked man.

Lucien: Does Your Excellence have any questions regarding my thoughts on the Occulstone?

Lucien: I can keep explaining for you.

Man in Cloak: Questions?

Faced with this humiliation, the cloaked man’s face twisted and he reached out his hand with a dense ball of light in his palm.

Man in Cloak: My question is, why didn’t I kill you the moment I saw you?

Lucien: Is that so? Now is not too late.

12-5 - Battle Stage

12-6 - Mostly common between routes

MC talks to Eos (Master) in the Black Cabin and learns the truth about Westmoon being an experiment for the QUEEN gene ie Occulstone

perhaps-in-anotherdream’s summarised the main points so I’ll just skip this and just add in the Lucien specific part of the convo~

...

Master: For example Lucien, if Occult never existed, his tragedy, Rarewoods tragedy may have never happened.

MC: I…

I bit my lower lip. What master said was too tempting, and was impossible not to be moved.

I thought of the three year long dream, the lonely silhouette in Rarewood, and the dreamland that was broken.

If it were Lucien, what would he choose?

Or… would he agree with the decision in my heart?

MC: Master.

I took a deep breath and slowly opened my mouth.

MC: What you just said was wrong. What caused the Rarewood tragedy was not Occult. But rather you overly arrogant otherworldly people and the greedy hearts of people who were intoxicated by power.

Master: …

MC: If I become the “God” you speak of, all I’m doing is taking over your positions.

MC: If I rewind everything to the beginning, we’ll only repeat the same cycle.

MC: The price was paid for Rarewood’s tragedy, and everyone should remember the price and make sure it never happens again.

...

END

The enormous Occulstone suddenly shattered into innumerable pieces, the moment light burst out, a ball of light appeared.

The ball of light separated Lucien and the girl, leaving him alone in the quiet abyss.

Lucien: …!

Lucien was only surprised for a moment, before his expression returned back to normal.

He went closer to the ball of light, his hand stroked the halo around it and muttered.

Lucien: It’s not made of Occult, and difficult to break open.

Lucien: … Is this the other world’s ability?

If it were in the past, facing such a mysterious and strong power would definitely arouse Lucien’s interest, but right now…

That broken Occulstone in his chest faintly throbbed, futilely resonating with its original owner through the ball of light.

Was she okay inside?

This tiny thought kept circling around his head, and made it very difficult for him to calm down and think about what to do next.

He knew from the beginning that she was extraordinarily special.

Not only could she change his fate, she could change the fate of the entire world.

That’s why when the Sorceress fell from the tower, and the Occulstone shattered, he threw away his own plans.

He was well aware he was being selfish. It was because of his selfishness that he pulled her into a three year long dream, using it as a way to understand her better.

And after she woke up, it would be easier lure her, get close to her, influence her and obtain a fragment.

But he already obtained a fragment and successfully resonated with it, so why did he still try to get closer with her?

Why?

Lucien: *sigh*…

Lucien closed his eyes and rested his forehead on the ball of light.

Lucien: Because in the end I truly am such a greedy and selfish person, what I want more than the Occulstone… is you.

At that moment, the broken Occulstone in his chest gave a violent jolt and a strong power flowed from his body.

The imperfect Occulstone could not withstand such a strong power, and the fox ears and fox tails that he was supressing slipped out…

If the power of the Occulstone could surpass everything, of course it could also defy all rules!

The ball of light couldn’t withstand the power, and suddenly split open. Specks of light drifted down like petals.

In the midst of that brilliance, the answer he always denied stood there.

Lucien: MC

The girl heard his voice and looked up towards him.

MC: Lu-

Before she could finish, she started to fall as if all her energy was spent. Lucien rushed over to catch her.

Lucien: You…

Lucien’s swallowed, it felt as if a thousand words were about to gush out of his throat. Eventually they all slowly receding like a tide, leaving only just one.

Lucien: … sorry.

The girl lightly blinked hearing those words.

MC: Lucien, this is the second time you’ve said sorry today.

Lucien: Sorry, the Occulstone…

MC: Do you regret it?

The girl interrupted his words.

Lucien pursed his lips. The girl looked at him with a clear gaze. He couldn’t lie to those eyes.

Lucien: … I don’t regret it. If this happened all over again, I would still take away your Occulstone fragment.

MC: Haha, I knew you would say that.

The girls breathing was very harsh, and just that small laugh seemed to take up all her strength. Lucien couldn’t help but tighten his embrace.

Lucien: What I regret is something else…

MC: What is it?

Lucien: I regret not telling you earlier about my bad intentions, not taking the opportunity to pull you into a pledge of love, exchange of vows, and firmly tying you to my side.

MC: Pft… you’re so bad and so frank, completely unlike that gentle and mysterious Mister Lucien right now.

MC: We still have time. The things we didn’t have time for and the things we regret, we can still make up for them.

She reached out her hand and gently rubbed Lucien’s fox ears and whispered.

MC: But right now I’m a bit tired. Wait until I wake up, then come tell me everything about yourself, okay…?

The moment all demonic aura disappeared from the world, a new world was formed in the girl’s long breath.

T/N: This is followed by an epilogue video about what happened in Westmoon afterwards! Laxmiree’s posted a subbed video here: https://twitter.com/i/status/1570429100208300037

#mlqc #mlqc lucien #so much precious lore #can i just say - i had a very similar theory for MS at one point #seeing it happen in westmoon au was satisfying :'D #id been hoping since day one that theyd directly link WM back to MS and im glad they did :'D #stuff i post #temporary terrible translations tag

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mies-art · 1 year

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Posing practice with Hunter and my oc Diana. :]

The instagram algo didn‘t like this one, so I decided to post it on here to. x]

#mies art #toh fanart #the owl house fanart #toh hunter #hunter noceda #hunter clawthorne #the skrunkly #diana westmoon #marvel oc #mies ocs

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cheesy09 · 2 years

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GUYS, ARE Y'ALL SEEING THIS??? I CAN'T WAIT TO READ HIS NEW CHAPTER, WESTMOON KIRO N MC A TOTAL 10/10 😔👌

#you have to admit their angst in westmoon is incredibly sexy #i can't wait #mlqc #mlqc cn #mlqc spoilers #mlqc kiro #kiro westmoon

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zend-pixie · 1 year

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Your art is so skrunkly!!!

omg thank you!! :0 💗💗

#ask #pixie answers #diana-westmoon

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shadows-lucidity90-blog · 2 years

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Yay!!

#mlqc #mlqc kiro #mlqc westmoon

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decoysouled · 9 months

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TAG DUMP // QUENTIN SMITH, ROSALINE, VICTOR.

#071. ❝don’t fear for futures & dreams.❞ — quentin smith #072. ❝is this where the dreamer ends?❞ — V1 ( nightmare on elm street )#073. ❝am i in a dream or the in between?❞ — V2 ( dead by daylight )#074. ❝there’s no dreams in the waves; only monsters.❞ — V3 ( stranger things )#075. ❝who are you to change this world?❞ — rosaline #076. ❝this world is changing but i’m still the same.❞ — V1 ( canon )#077. ❝the ending won’t be forgotten.❞ — V2 ( post canon )#078. ❝i saw to my future.❞ — victor #079. ❝the future is an empty gun.❞ — V1 ( canon )#080. ❝i navigate the endless rise & fall.❞ — V2 ( post canon )#081. ❝my heart’s an artifice; a decoy soul.❞ — V3 ( westmoon )

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romeulusroy · 1 year

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Please Tell Me I'm Wrong (Matt Murdock Drabble)

Character/s: Matt

Word Count: 841

Inspired By: Habits by Genevieve Stokes

Tag List: @dontdowhatisayandnobodygetshurt @lilyswritings @encounterthepast @writerdream22 @brithedemonspawn @megnotfound @ladyeliot @locke-writes @thedarkqueenofavalon @fangirlsarah16 @amirahiddleston @diana-westmoon @glitchybrit @lost-girl-of-onceuponatime

A/N: This is my first fic in what feels like an eternity. I've been struggling with my body and I know that writing always helps. I understand this can be a triggering topic so please, if you need to, don't read it! Your body holds you and cares for you and you should remember that. Don't hurt it for trying to hold you, hug you, keep you together. Feedback is always appreciated 💜💖💜

FIC MASTERLISTS / TAG LIST

There is a softness to you unlike anyone else. In the way you feel, in the way you are, in the way you exist.

Stretch marks, pale and pulsing, as alive as the pooling veins beneath your skin. They live and breathe, they move with you despite your own thoughts. They are stuck to you, tattooed, the ink still wet and staining. Across thighs, arms, calves, stomachs, back. On all the worst places, you’ve decided one day on a whim. On all the worst places. It is an anthem, a tune, you can’t get out of your head. Every time you look, or worse, feel, your own body you are filled with a disgust, a hatred, a shock that one cannot shake by simply “loving” themselves. It goes deeper, this misunderstanding. It is a language outdated, abandoned long before you were born, with no hope of learning. It is a genetic mistake. Why can’t you look like them? Why do you have to look like you? An error in your code, a fault in the solar system, the system itself. Tall, thin, wispy. No one has ever called you wispy. Fragile. Delicate. If they had, it would be in a mocking tone. A joke. You could never describe yourself as such without lying to yourself, to the mirror. Part of you wants it to shatter at the idea of you. Another dreads that, as if it could ever happen. There are bumps, lumps, rolls, patterns etched into the backs of your thighs. There is a number on the scale in which your body sits comfortably, safely at, and yet you find no home in this body of yours. There is no warmth. It is a war that has lasted a lifetime, that will be the end of you one day, you are sure of it.

He does not feel the same way. How can he when he can’t see it?

Your one saving grace. He does not see the way you examine yourself so brutally, with too much attention. Spots of every shade, dark and red and all kinds of angry. Across your cheeks, between your thighs, in the inbetween of your body. Your awful, tortured body. There are thousands of poems comparing bodies unlike yours to stars, to the sea, to something beautiful. Something to yearn for. Something desirable. Scars are only ever wanted when they’re not on you. When you don’t wear them. It is an all consuming hatred. It follows you from every reflective surface, every dream and nightmare, every time you get dressed in the morning and strip yourself in the dark of night. It is awful. It is hurtful. It pains you, and yet, you put none of it into words. How can you? It's delusional. You’re being cruel.

He doesn’t have to see to understand. The sighs, the way your whole body tenses when he hugs you, his hands moving up and down. You reject yourself in the fullest way. You have never done anything, believed in anything, half-assed. It is devastating, the way you see yourself when you undermine everything about you. The most stunning creature he has ever fallen for, been lucky enough to fall for him. Your skin, that has protected you from every bump and bruise, every hurdle life has ever thrown at you. Your hands, soft and sweet, holding on to him, holding yourself when you’ve been at your loneliest. Your legs, curved and strong, holding you still, like stone, impossibly stubborn. He reads your stretch marks with the tips of his fingers. They tell a story of a life, lived to the fullest, surviving the worst anyone could imagine. Your scars reminders that you have, and continue to, heal despite it all. Matt has never found an imperfection with your body. He has tried as hard as you do, but there is nothing. The spots, the scars, the bruises and bumps, it is a collection, the history of you, what you’ve endured.

A history of who you are. Without it, without you, it would just be a body. A skeleton. You bring it to life. You make it laugh until it cries. You make is scratch against his morning stubble, in need of kisses. You hold it against him in the cold of night, the two of you fitting together perfectly, in the steam of the shower where he washes your hair, impossibly close as if he’s afraid to lose you in that moment. He will, eventually. When you’re standing in front of the mirror, afraid to look at the entirety of you. When a picture is taken and you hadn’t realized, left to study the image, the act. He loses you again and again, falling back into old habits, so he makes the most of it when he has you all to himself. When he has your mind and body. It's then that he reminds you until he's out of breath how captivating you have always been, hoping one day it will be enough to change your mind.

#writing #matt murdock #matt murdock drabble #matt murdock oneshot #matt murdock x reader #daredevil #daredevil drabble #daredevil oneshot #daredevil x reader #marvel #marvel drabble #marvel oneshot #marvel x reader #x reader #drabble #oneshot

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perhaps-in-anotherdream · 2 years

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[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

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clansocreations · 6 months

Text

Since @diana-westmoon put a post about sharing unrefined stories onto my dash and @i-am-a-world told me to waste time only when I don't have any I have decided to make another attempt at doing exactly that.

Unless I forget all about it immediately there will be the occasional Enyr-&-Allyn-posting from now on.

A few tidbits for the start, then the first part of the story.

Tidbit Number 1

The relationship between Enyr and his patron, the Thief who Stole from the Gods is sort of like the relationship of Odysseus and Athena in Epic! The Musical (and eventually goes just as sour)

Tidbit Number 2: the first time I ever wrote about something kind of like this, neither Allyn nor Enyr were the protagonists. Well sort of. It's complicated.

Tidbit Number 3: I've been daydreaming about this story for years. Only some of it is formatted as an audiodrama script. Because this story has evolved over time in some parts the characters have different names. Different pronouns. (Allyn has xe/xir now) It would take ages to clean this mess up. But the first part, where our heroes are introduced and shooed off onto their quest is good to go! I tried really hard to make it presentable.

But hey. Ultimately I just want people to see and enjoy this story. Maybe that'll even help get me unstuck from the point where the story has been for at least the last two years.

Extra Tidbit: Taras' theme song is Birds of a Feather by Fish in a Birdcage

Anyways.

The Tale of Enyr and Allyn

Part 1 Chapter 1: Enyr

A long way from here, on the far side of a vast ocean, there is a group of four islands. And on the biggest island there stands a proud city. In the beginning, there was no settlement there. There was in fact nothing of note there on that tiny rock. A few birds maybe. But all in all it was merely empty. Accounts of how and why people eventually began to live there vary. Folks who live on the neighboring continent may tell you of a traitor, a liar, a thief who fled to the most remote island like a coward to avoid punishment for stealing from gods. Those who live on that island and its neighbors however tell quite a different tale. In this story, the thief is a hero, who stood up to unjust, violent gods and used their newly gained power to protect those who could not thrive on the continent, those who were too different or unwanted to find a home there. The truth, as it tends to be with some stories, is somewhere in the middle…. This is the tale of Enyr the adventurer, who knew the Thief better than anyone, and of his trials, hardship, betrayals and love. And of Hearthkeeper Allyn who wanted nothing to do with any of them, and got caught up in them most unfortunately anyway.

In his youth Enyr decided to follow one of the gods worshipped on the islands, as many young islanders were doing at the time. Of course the Thief, as an entity of the wild stormy sea and the great unknown, could hardly be worshipped in temples. Whoever wanted to truly worship them had to set out on a journey and dedicate his life to travel. And so Enyr chose the life of a sailor. Scene change: maybe indicated by music?

Scene 2: ENYRs time as a sailor and a life changing meeting Luke: And that life suited him well. He worked hard and when the work was done he could also loosen up and celebrate. All things considered he was a perfectly normal person. In fact, the only thing worth mentioning about young Enyr was his almost eerie knack for predicting the weather. This may not seem like that big of a talent, but keep in mind that in this part of the world the weather is largely caused by the whims and fancies of a fickle god. This strange quirk only seemed to get more and more accurate the longer he spent out at sea and soon people joked that Enyr knew if the weather was going to change before the Thief themself had even decided. Maybe it was these jokes that eventually drew their attention, maybe it was the fact that on that particular night he was the only one who was still somewhat sober. One could now speculate about fate and chance at length but do those things really matter? Fact is that in his seventh summer as an adventurer at sea, our young friend was approached by a rather familiar stranger after a night of drink and dance… SOUNDS: outside of a lively pub at night, laughter, music etc. can be heard, although somewhat muffled. SOUND: Slow footsteps Enyr: (sings, very off-key, he’s clearly somewhat drunk): Adventure at sea is the life for me, I don’t get homesick no When the captain calls and the storm rolls in A-floating I shall go Now raise your glass another time Drink and beverage ho! Like the birds on high we must look to the sky A-floating we shall….go ( He trails off. The footsteps stop) (Beat) Enyr (contd): Who are you? Luke: If he had been entirely sober, he may have been able to recognize the figure leaning against the wall sooner, but as it was, at that moment he had no idea that he was speaking to his god. Only that sixth sense he had developed for the weather nagged at him: This person felt like storm season air. The Thief (clearly amused): Who, me? I am but a stranger on the breeze. A traveler, if you will. Enyr: Hm. You… You look so… familiar. (hiccups) The Thief (barely suppresses a fit of loud laughter): I have one of those faces. Enyr (confused): What'd you want? The Thief: Hearthkeeper Allyn, one of my sisters most important acolytes, has been dispatched on a rescue mission. But like my sister, xe is not a traveler, so I was asked to lend a ship with crew to the cause. To guarantee xir safety and the success of the mission. Enyr: But I don't (hiccup) sail for you, stranger, I sail for… Luke: Suddenly the young sailor felt very sober indeed, as the proverbial coin dropped at last. The weight of his situation dawned on him. This merry stranger in front of him had once raised the islands out of the sea as an act of defiance. What reason could they possibly have to want to talk to him? Enyr (voice wavering with doubt): And…I’m supposed to what, lead that crew for you? The Thief: Maybe. If you think you are the right person to carry out this task when you wake up tomorrow. (Beat) Why do you look so surprised? I wouldn't force you to do this against you will… and I certainly wouldn't ask this of you without giving you something in return. Enyr: What would you give? The Thief: Do you know what exactly it was that I took from the three continental gods? Enyr: Of course I do. Everyone (hiccup) knows that. Why? The Thief: Because I have something to give as well. And unlike them I am not too set in my ways to give it freely.

Next time: Allyn really really doesn't want to go on an adventure but it's about a kid so fiiiiine

Also there's a scene later where Enyr and Taras consider getting really wasted as part of their totally serious last ditch effort rescue mission and now that I think about it, it would be hilarious for Taras to go "oh you're one to talk booze. One time you got so utterly pissed you didn't even recognize when your god tried to talk to you" but there's no way they could know, this was literally before their time. And my totally amazing badass hero would totally have been too embarrassed to tell that little fact to anyone ever.

(also please ignore Luke. He's there because I thought I could find a home for this story in the podcast Among the Stacks which is why this is in script form also. But ultimately...nah. i have to figure out something else for Luke)

Anyways.

#enyr&allyn #sabertoothlesscreations #the tale of Enyr and Allyn #Spotify

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ivyginkgo · 9 months

Note

Hi Ivy 👋

Is there someone who will translate BaiQi westmoon chapter and date ?

Sorry for late reply because just finished my thesis, sometimes I ask my friend help me to find the videos from Chinese player, then I translate it from those videos. I still didn't have time to translate some of the new events yet 😭 sorry guys, because I was focus for my college degree first. If you guys find or already have the chinese date or new event, feel free to send it to me for translate it.

But still sorry if it was slow response because still need to reschedule all of my list to do.

😿

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sylvia-forest · 2 years

Text

[CN] Shaw's Company Projects - Loveland Civic Museum

⚡Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a content which hasn't released in EN yet!⚡

[Released Date: 24 May 2022]

[This content was translated with the help of Google translate and by @cheri-translates!]

Stage 1: Exhibition Hall

MC: The lights here are troublesome, a little bit too the left, well, now it's okay.

MC: Please put the porcelain in the West Hall, be careful when handling it. . . . . .

I looked at the well-organized exhibition hall in front of me and nodded in satisfaction.

Recently, we organized a series of programs called "Antiques in My Home", allowing citizens to share their collections of antiques and invite experts to explain.

The presence of these experts not only ensures that the antiques are coming from the right place, but also allows the audience to have a deeper understanding of the text.

After the program ended, we collected these antiques and prepared to open a "folk museum" exhibition, so that the public could appreciate these antiques up close.

Staff member: Boss, someone is looking for you at the door.

I rushed towards the door, and I smiled unconsciously when I saw that tall figure.

MC: Wow, it is a great honor for Master Shaw to come to the exhibition hall~

Shaw: Don’t try such tricks with me.

Shaw rolled his eyes at my teasing, but the corners of his mouth turned upward.

MC: What are you doing here?

Shaw: I’m not trying to do anything. I just wanted to broaden your horizons in advance.

As he said that, he took me by the shoulder and led me into the exhibition hall.

Shaw has lived on Westmoon Street since he was a child, and he has seen as many as thousands of good things.These antiques collected by the citizens are actually not that rare.

I was a little uneasy in my heart, fearing that he would despise them, but I didn't expect him to look around with bright eyes.

Shaw: Not bad. I was wondering why those old fogeys in the cultural relic organisation would agree to collaborate with you. It looks like you do have some things to offer.

Shaw: I thought you could only fool people with modern pots and pans, but I didn't expect that there are quite a few old objects.

MC: Of course. If there aren’t any genuine antiques, how did it end up being the second most-watched show in the previous season!

Shaw: Tsk, why are you not a champion?

Shaw: Is it because I wasn't your guest this time?

MC: Enough with the bragging. Also, you aren’t free these days, so just focus on restoring the statue in the archaeological center.

Sometime ago, a damaged stone sculpture of a deity was unearthed in Jinshadui. After many discussions, it was decided to be repaired, and Shaw was also pulled to be a “strong man”.

MC: Speaking of your recent restoration… Shaw?

Before I finished speaking, I saw Shaw walking quickly to an ancient painting, frowning and looking up and down.

MC: What, are you interested in this "Turquoise Painting"?

MC: This was our highlight from the collection featured in our fourth episode. Back then, all the experts said that it was like a work by a deity~

Shaw: Are you sure this is a masterpiece?

MC: Eh?

Shaw turned his head, his face darkened.

Shaw: This is a counterfeit.

Stage 2: Doubts about truth and falsehood

MC: Fake??

As soon as the words came out, the eyes of the surrounding staff were cast over, and I quickly lowered my voice.

MC: How could this be a fake?

MC: All the antiques on display here have been identified by experts in the program. This "Turquoise Painting" was identified by Professor Shen's friends!

Shaw: The show may be real, but the one in front of me right now is fake.

His tone was firm, but I was half-convinced.

MC: You said it was fake, is there any evidence?

Shaw: Are you testing me?

Shaw raised his eyebrows and motioned me to look at the corner of the scroll with his eyes.

Shaw: In terms of brushstrokes, this "Turquoise Painting" has imitated the brushstrokes of the old man Kongshan very much, but the problem lies in the ink.

Shaw: I have dealt with the original work of the old man Kongshan. He always mixes a small amount of lapis lazuli powder into the cinnabar sealant, so that the seal color is slightly purple in red.

Shaw: The stamp on this painting is too red.

I took a closer look at the seal in front of me, and then tuned in my phone to play the episode of "Turquoise Painting.”

Shaw also leaned his head over. He was so close that I could even smell the bitter and refreshing breath on his body.

It's very special and smells good.

Shaw: Oh, your show this time seems to be more interesting than last time, and there is actually a small theater session.

Shaw: It’s just that this outfit isn’t standard enough. Why didn’t you ask me about it?

MC: Don't interrupt, I'm looking for a comparison!

MC: Really...the color is darker than it is now!

After realizing the difference, my cold sweat broke out instantly.

-The one in the show is obviously authentic, but the one in front of me is a fake. Could it be that the painting was replaced and got stolen?！

I dare not to delay, so I immediately called the security guard of the exhibition hall and went to the monitoring room with Shaw.

Together, we turned over the surveillance records, and we didn't see any traces of anyone doing anything to this painting.

MC: There is no problem with monitoring. I personally sent someone to collect the paintings from the collector. The security on the road was of the highest level.......。

MC: So let's exclude this one....……Shaw, do you think the problem lies with the collector of the painting?

He crossed his arm, and there was a hint of interest in his tone.

Shaw: Yes, I thought so too.

Shaw: It just so happens that I have a lot of free time recently. Would you like to take me to meet this "collector”?

MC: Okay, I'll give her a call first.

I called Grandma Zheng, the collector of "Turquoise Painting", and after a while, the phone was connected.

Grandma Zheng: Who are you?

Accompanied by the old woman's voice, there was an overwhelming uproar.

Among them, there was not only the sound of musical instruments playing, but even some yelling in English and Chinese.

I didn't have time to tell what the noise was, so I spoke quickly.

MC: Hello Grandma Zheng, do you remember me? I'm MC, the producer of "Antiques in My Home".

Grandma Zheng: Oh little MC, what's the matter?

I hesitated for a moment, and decided to be more euphemistic.

MC: We would like to do a talk on antiques as a closing session of the exhibition. I would like to visit you at your home.

Grandma Zheng: But I won't be at home.

MC: It doesn't matter if you're not at home, I can find you – –

Grandma Zheng: I am traveling abroad with the Sunset Red Seniors Group!

MC: What?!

Stage 3: Visit Collectors

While waiting for Grandma Zheng to return home, I was not idle. Not only did I ask experts to conduct another appraisal of these antiques, but I also re-strengthened security measures.

However, Shaw was nowhere to be seen. I went to the Archaeological Institute to find him. Professor Shen also said that Shaw asked him for two days off.

He was always like this, acting all mysterious.

Until the day Grandma Zheng returned home, as soon as I went downstairs, I saw Shaw standing under the tree on a skateboard.

There was a hint of fatigue on his always raised brow, and when I tried

to take a closer look, he had quickly hid it and raised his jaw at me.

Shaw: Ready to set off?

MC: To where?

Shaw: You should know we're going to find the old lady with the "Turquoise Painting".

MC: You're saying I should know, where have you been these days? I couldn't find you anywhere, I thought you didn't care about it anymore.

Shaw: Oh, do you care about me that much?

MC: I don't care.

Shaw looked at my pouted mouth, and the corners of his lips turned up instead.

Shaw: It’s better not to care. Just take action directly.

- This guy!

I was choked to death by him and couldn't help but reply.

MC: Then what if I say I care.

The smile on Shaw's lips became more and more arrogant.

Shaw: I will not tell you about it, personal privacy, no comment.

-This guy! I'm furious!

I knocked on the door, and soon, a spirited old man opened the door.

Grandma Zheng: Little MC, long time no see, eh this is…?

MC: He is the new intern assistant, Shaw, who came over together to learn and study. Xiao Ling, why don't you greet your elders when you see them?

When Shaw heard the words "intern assistant", the corners of his eyes jumped, and when he heard the word "Xiao Ling" again, he threw daggers at me. [HAHAHA the look on Shaw was hilarious!]

He gritted his teeth, but still nodded to Grandma Zheng.

Shaw: Hello, Grandma Zheng, I'm Xiao Ling, an intern assistant of the MC company.

Grandma Zheng: Good, good, oh, the young man looks so energetic, it would be nice for my grandson to become Xiao Ling's schoolmate!

Grandma Zheng greeted us with a smile while praising Shaw.

This was not the first time I've come to Grandma Zheng's house. Although the house is old, it is well organized and full of the atmosphere of a scholarly family.

The old woman poured hot tea for us and asked kindly.

Grandma Zheng: I'm so sorry, I kept you waiting for a few days. What did you want to ask about the future talk you said on the phone?

MC: Uh, I just want to know more about the story between you and "Turquoise Painting"~

MC: For example, in addition to this original painting, do you have any other copies in your hand? Or have you copied this painting before?

Grandma Zheng: I don't know anything about paintings, and if my husband were alive, he would have drawn a stroke or two.

Grandma Zheng: But he never copied "Turquoise Painting", he just said that he couldn't draw it.

MC: Well, then this painting was really the only treasure.

Grandma Zheng: Haha, I never cared if it was the only treasure, it was just something my husband gave me, I'll definitely keep it well.

Grandma Zheng: By the way, your exhibition is about to open, right?

MC: Ah, next week will officially open for visitors.

Grandma Zheng: Not bad, I'm very happy when more people can see my husband's collection.

MC: I'm also very happy that you're willing to support my work, grandma~

Listening to Grandma Zheng's tone, she seemed completely unaware of the fake "Turquoise Painting".

What's more, looking at the old lady's look of expectation, I don't know how to say the next words.

MC: Actually….

Shaw: Grandma, is your "Turquoise Painting" very valuable?

Shaw has been silent since he entered the door, but he suddenly interrupted the conversation between me and Grandma Zheng.

He said this in a naive tone, like a layman who knew nothing about antiques.

Grandma Zheng was stunned for a while, then smiled and waved her hand.

Grandma Zheng: This painting was originally collected by my husband. According to him, it didn't cost much at that time.

Grandma Zheng: But then I was on the Little MC show. The expert said that it was the work of the old man Kongshan, and its value was hard to estimate.

Shaw: Wow~ so awesome~ [Oml Shaw's voice here is so hilarious HAHAHA I can't]

Shaw: If it were me, I would definitely sell the painting and live in a bigger house~

MC: Shaw…..

Shaw’s words become more and more ludicrous. I stared at him, wondering what he’s up to.

Grandma Zheng: Haha, it's okay, a few antique dealers who came a few days ago also said something like Xiao Ling, saying that they could help with consignment auctions.

Grandma Zheng: But this painting is my husband's relic, I have to keep it for him, not to mention I have a bunch of old bones, what new house do I want to live in.

Antique dealer!

I instantly understood what Shaw meant, a vague guess slowly took shape in my heart, and I couldn't help but slowly hold my hand.

MC: You just said that an antique dealer came to ask about your paintings. Have you shown them the paintings?

Grandma Zheng: I've shown them, but they left after I said I wouldn't sell them, but they didn't bother much.

MC: That's it... That means that everyone likes your collection very much! Next I have some questions….

After chatting a few more topics, Me and Shaw said goodbye and left.

As soon as he walked out of the corridor, Shaw immediately sneered.

Shaw: Originally it was "raised in a boudoir without knowing people", but "natural beauty is hard to give up", as soon as your show was aired, naturally some wild beasts came to the door smelling the smell of meat.

MC: Do you think…

Shaw: Just like you think, the painting was stolen by them.

Stage 4: Soup Dumplings Express

There's a new mail.

Shaw's mail

From: Shaw

To: MC

Time: May 24, 2022 (Tuesday) 18:13

The bento in the archaeological institute is really bad. It's even worse than the cafeteria in the eastern courtyard of the school. Eating this kind of thing, the mood of repairing the statue is gone. You come to me after you get off work in a while and bring a bowl of soup dumplings on the way. The soup dumplings don't need fresh meat, but crab noodles. Don't forget to bring ginger silk buns, that's all.

Stage 5: Grasp the clues

Shaw: There's such a microwave oven in the institute, and it's still broken, tsk.

Shaw: Cold soup dumplings are not very tasty, tsk.

Shaw: Why do I feel that the seasoning vinegar has changed brands, tsk.

MC: If you're picky, don't eat it.

Shaw: I prefer to eat.

Shaw divided two by three and five, and shoved the last soup dumplings into his mouth.

He wiped his mouth and tapped the table in front of me with his index finger.

Shaw: Hey, I didn’t let you down after you ran errands for me. Is there a need to pull a long face at me?

MC: It's not because of you…

Shaw: Then because of what?

Hearing his question, I became more and more discouraged, and simply lay down on the table.

MC: It's because of Grandma Zheng...I'm wondering if it's because my show is putting a burden on these folk collectors….

MC: If there was no show exposure, maybe her paintings will not be stolen...

MC: I haven't slept well these past few days, and I've been thinking about this all over my head.

MC: Shaw, do you think I should compensate Grandma Zheng?

Shaw: Wrong.

A hand slipped through the gap between my arm and my head and lifted my head abruptly.

Shaw pinched my cheek.

Shaw: Even without the airing of your show, these tricks of abduction are not uncommon in the antique circle.

Shaw: Don't blame yourself for these kinds of problems in the future. Those who are guilty are obviously those antique dealers.

Shaw: If you're still thinking about compensation. Since you have this much spare money, why not treat me to a good meal.

MC: But ….

Shaw: But what?

Shaw pulled me up, picked up a rectangular wooden box on the stool, and walked out with me.

He is tall and has long legs, and I was grabbed by his wrists, and I barely followed his pace after rushing a few steps.

MC: Where are we going?

Shaw: Get back the real Turquoise Painting.

MC: Do you know where the "Turquoise Painting" is? !

Shaw: Of course.

Shaw raised his head high, his tone full of confidence.

Shaw: After I found out that it was a fake that day, I already thought that the painting might have been packaged in some way, so I went to investigate for a few days.

Shaw: To accompany you to Grandma Zheng's house is just to confirm my guess.

He was tall and had long legs, and I was grabbed by his wrists, after a few quick steps to keep up with him.

I listened to his words in a daze, and my heart was filled with warmth.

MC: So you have now found the whereabouts of "Turquoise Painting"?

Shaw: Well, it's in the black market of the neighboring city, and it's gonna opened tonight.

Shaw: I haven't been to that place, but I've heard people say it's a little troublesome to get in.

Shaw: But if you don't get it back now, it's hard to say where it goes later.

MC: Then how do we get it back, do we need money, it's on my card......

Shaw: Free of charge.

Shaw raised the wooden box in his hand towards me and grinned.

Shaw: Use this.

Stage 6: Black Market Adventure

As night falls, the whole city has gradually fallen into a deep sleep, only the neon lights on the streets are shining tirelessly.

After a four-hour drive, we finally caught up with the opening of the black market tonight.

I parked the car by the river and walked down with Shaw.

In order to get in, we both dressed up in disguise. At this moment, the thin dresses on our bodies couldn't resist the cold night wind at all. I couldn't help rubbing my arms.

MC: hiss… Is the black market here?

I looked at the dimly lit building in front of me, a little unsure.

MC: But isn't this an art gallery?

Shaw: Which black market would brazenly state that they're a black market?

Shaw stretched out his suit jacket, and it seemed that he was not very comfortable with such formal clothes.

He glanced sideways at me and clicked his tongue.

Shaw: Where are your earrings?

MC: Because it felt a bit exaggerated, so I took them off.

Shaw: Put it on, you can't fall off your outfit when you go to a place like this.

Shaw took out the jewelry box from my bag and motioned me to tilt my head.

MC: Are you going to help me wear it?

Shaw: What else?

Shaw leaned over, his fingers touching my ears.

His movements were very careful, and I could only feel the tickling sensation, and the metal had already passed through the ear hole.

MC: Done?

Shaw: Yeah.

I don't know if it was my illusion, Shaw's fingertips seemed to stay on my earlobe for a second before letting go.

With the fake identity that Shaw brought up, we successfully entered the art gallery.

Unexpectedly, the building which was dark and quiet from the outside, was a totally different place from the inside.

In the brightly lit hall, many men and women in costumes were walking and talking, and everyone held a copy of today's "commodity book" in their hands.

If you fancy something, there will be a waiter who will take other boxes to discuss with the seller in detail.

I quietly flipped through and finally saw the "Turquoise Painting" at the end of the booklet

Unexpectedly, the waiter looked embarrassed after seeing the "Turquoise Painting".

Waiter: I'm sorry, a buyer had also taken a fancy to this painting. I've already gone to discuss it with the seller. Would you like to take a look at something else, miss?

Once this painting was bought by an anonymous buyer, trying to find it again would be like looking for a needle in a haystack.

MC: I don’t want anything else~ I don’t know other pieces of art, but I’ve seen this “Turqoise Painting”. I like this one!

Shaw's expression became a little subtle the moment he heard me holding my throat, he barely held back his smile and cleared his throat.

Shaw: It's okay, darling~ I will pluck out all the stars and moon from the sky for you. [Clip of this here!]

Shaw: And you. Don’t try any “first come first served” tricks with me.

Shaw: Go to the seller now and tell him that someone is exchanging “Lady Dusheng's Hairpin” for his "Turquoise Painting", will he do it?

The waiter's expression changed drastically when he heard “Lady Dusheng's Hairpin”, he immediately nodded, turned around and hurried towards the box.

After a while, we saw him running towards us with a happy expression on his face.

Waiter: Sir, ma'am, the seller invites you to come over for a cup of tea.

Shaw: Very good. Remember that I want the high quality Pu’er tea.

Stage 7: On schedule

MC: Grandma Zheng, you are here!

Grandma Zheng: On the first day of the little MC's museum opening, of course I want to join it! Hey, why didn't I see Xiao Ling today?

MC: He is busy with other things.

Grandma Zheng didn't care, after all, there were things she was more concerned about.

Grandma Zheng: Where is my "Turquoise Painting", I have to take a photo with it!

MC: In the calligraphy and painting hall, I will take you there.

I followed Granny Zheng and arrived at the Turquoise Painting. The elderly wore her prescription glasses, admiring her collectors item earnestly.

Under the bright light, the seal of the old man Kongshan was clear in vermilion, and a gleaming purple was clearly revealed from it.

Looking at the scene in front of me with relief, I also sighed in relief.

Against the surging crowd, I walked out of the museum, and that blue-purple figure was already waiting for me across the street.

Shaw: Busy with work?

MC: Well, we're done.

I stretched and smiled and looked at the person in front of me.

MC: You've helped me a lot this time, can I treat you to an ice cream?

Shaw: Tsk, I exchanged the "Turquoise Painting" with the original work of “Lady Dusheng's Hairpin”, so you're gonna treat me to an ice cream?

MC: Then what do you want to eat... wait, authentic? Did you use the real painting? !

I was startled and my eyes widened.

Shaw nodded confidently.

Shaw: That's right, it's a black market that eats people and doesn't spit out bones. If I trade fake paintings with people, can we get out of the gate if we got exposed?

I froze in place. The value of "Turquoise Painting" is already incalculable, and Shaw's painting can be exchanged so easily by the seller, so its value is probably.......

MC: Shaw, is there any way to get your painting back, or you can estimate the price, I…. I really didn't expect you to trade a real painting…

Looking at my incoherent appearance, Shaw seemed to find it funny, and the corners of his mouth widened.

Shaw: Forget it, someone as stupid as you will never be able to do my job in this life.

MC: Eh?

Shaw: The “Lady Dusheng's Hairpin” that I exchanged it with was actually a remounted painting.

MC: What do you mean by “remounting a painting”?

Shaw: Although the rice paper is thin, a person with a delicate technique can tear it into several layers, but the color of the ink will be lighter after each layer is torn.

Shaw: There has been a case where two families have collected a painting at the same time, but both claimed to be authentic.

Shaw: This kind of painting seems to be true and false. If you encounter an expert with poisonous eyes, it will probably be identified as false.

Shaw's eyebrows and eyes curled up, and a sly light flowed from his pupils.

Shaw: Anyway, I don't like this kind of guy who bullies old people, so I have to teach him a lesson.

Shaw: People in this circle are most afraid of falling into this kind of pain of doubting what is true and what is false, and let him get tangled at that time.

After Shaw finished explaining, he stretched out his hand to me proudly.

Shaw: But having said that, it took me a lot of work to find this uncovered painting, plus the information on "Turquoise Painting", a fake identity made in the black market…

Shaw: So one ice cream is not enough, you have to give me something in return.

#mlqc season 2 #mlqc spoilers #mlqc #mlqc translations #mlqc cn #mlqc ling xiao #love and producer #mr love queen's choice

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endless-season · 2 years

Text

Westmoon Chapter 10 Part 9 to 13 - Lucien

This follows after Victor’s part of Chapter 10 which is translated here.

I don’t think anyones translated the previous Lucien related chapter from WM3 but this is ok to read without.

I’m using the term Strangelings to refer to the Rarewood residents because that was the original term Elex used in karmas and the glossary even though they can’t seem to make up their mind between Strangeling, Strangling (lmao), Monster and Stranger (w h y) in the main story.

Also I ended up using the term ‘dreamland’ because I couldn’t think of a better word and I’m not sure if/how Elex translated this term previously.

Sorry in advance for completely butchering the poetry :’) please take them all with a grain of salt.

10-9

MC heads towards Rarewood but there seems to be a lot of demonic aura around it. It used to be a lush forest, but now it’s wrapped in a dark demonic fog.

She smells smoke, blood, and sees ruins and the dead bodies of Strangelings, faces twisted in pain.

Last she saw Lucien, he was going to investigate the source of the strange demonic aura approaching Rarewood. Did he fail?

As she laments, the pain in her heart seems to affect her Occulstone and she feels a stabbing coldness. She falls to the ground in pain.

When she opens her eyes again the nightmarish scene is gone, the bodies have disappeared, and a group of Strangelings are happily chatting amongst themselves in the lush forest…

MC: Rarewood is back to normal?

I blinked in disbelief, the purple flower in front of me bloomed splendidly as if everything just now was an illusion.

However, the coldness didn’t disappear along with the scene change, instead it seemed to pierce even deeper.

MC: What happened to Rarewood… and where is Lucien?

I anxiously parted the bushes and saw the vast water view just like I remembered - the misty lakeside along with its gentle breeze.

A familiar white figure emerged from the mist with his slender physique and wind-like robe.

It was Lucien.

I sighed in relief and hastened to his side.

MC: Lucien! So you were here!

Out of breath, I watched Lucien as he gently brushed away the leaves from my clothes and smiled.

Lucien: How come you’re in such a hurry? Is something wrong?

I relayed everything I just saw to him, after which he frowned slightly and nodded.

Lucien: Rarewood is indeed surrounded by demonic aura. I’ve also seen what you’ve seen, but those were just illusions caused by the demonic aura.

Only then did I nod my head reassured, although I still had some doubts.

MC: But besides that, the Occulstone within my body is also abnormally cold, why is that?

Lucien casually waved his hand and a warm yellow light flowed from his fingertips into and throughout my body.

Lucien: Your Occulstone is even more shattered than before, the demonic aura here will affect you.

MC: So that’s why… but how can I just sit back and watch while Rarewood is in danger.

MC: I’ll stay and disperse the demonic aura with you, if something goes wrong then my powers can help you.

To prove my point, I added another line –

MC: Don’t worry, I know my limits, I won’t mess around. It’s just a bit of coldness, I’ll just wear more clothes.

Lucien took my hands to his lips, exhaled a few warm breathes and gently rubbed my palms.

Lucien: In that case, I’ll have to bother you with this. I’ll quickly find a way to disperse the demonic aura so you won’t have to suffer long.

I couldn’t help but smile now that I’ve achieved my goal.

MC: Before that, looks like I’ll have to bother you by staying over for a few days.

Lucien smiled and nodded at me. The wind swept through his hair, casting a shadow and making it hard to see the light in his eyes.

10-10

A warm breeze passes through in the hazy morning light, bringing with it a wisp of rich fragrance.

Last night Lucien brought me back home and came up with a simple plan for the next few days.

We decided that he would be responsible for investigating how to get rid of the demonic aura, while I’d help him with eliminating any that made its way into Rarewood.

This morning I saw Lucien in the kitchen about to prepare breakfast so I offered to show him my skills.

Some bustling later, I placed a basket of prawn dumplings and two bowls of YangChun noodles on the table and clapped my hands together with pride.

MC: Have a taste?

Lucien picked up prawn dumpling, tried it and judged it with a smile.

The texture is perfect and the flavour is fresh and crisp. Indeed the skill of a professional.

After sitting down and eating for some time, a young voice came from outside.

Ian: Smells so nice!

A small furry head popped in through the door and Ian’s eyes flicked between Lucien and I.

Ian: Mister, Missus, you made breakfast? I could smell it from a long way away.

Ian: I don’t like the dough knots my mother made me this morning so I’m still a bit hungry. Can I have a try?

MC: M-Missus…?

Lucien meanwhile was full of good humour and put a bowl of noodles in front of Ian.

Lucien: If you want to try Missus’ handiwork, then I’ll have to test you on your homework first. Let’s see… how about you recite one of the poems you learnt yesterday.

Ian: That’s easy! The world is all but a dream, how many autumns count one’s life? Leaves in the wind echo through empty corridors at night. Traces are left on the brow.

Lucien: Of all the poems, this one…

T/N: The poem Ian recited was about loneliness and the transience of life.

Darkness seemed to flash across his eyes, before he nonchalantly pushed the bowl forward with his fan.

Lucien: Well done, eat it while its hot.

The boy contently came over and sat down gorging himself while praising nonstop. I looked around a bit puzzled.

MC: Ian, how come Max didn’t come with you? Are you usually inseparable?

Ian: Max? Who’s that? Is Missus get the wrong person?

MC: Huh?

I looked at Lucien, but his expression showed no signs out of the ordinary, so I decided to drop it for now and find a different time to ask about it.

Ian quickly finished his bowl of noodles and licked his lips, haphazardly picked up his school bag and rapidly spoke.

Ian: Mister, Missus, I need to go to school now. Recently a lot of people in the village are sick so my mother told me not to run around.

MC: Okay, off you go then. Stay safe.

After Ian left, I tidied up the table with Lucien while absentmindedly asking.

MC: Lucien, why does Ian not remember Max?

Lucien neatly stacked the cleaned bowls and chopsticks and shook his head.

Lucien: The strange occurrences in Rarewood are all related to the demonic aura, there are still questions even I’m still looking for an answer to.

Lucien: But I think all these mysteries will be resolved once the demonic aura is dispersed.

I nodded and was about to ask another question when I accidentally burped.

Immediately my face flushed, I turned around, and gently pat my stomach while awkwardly laughing it off.

MC: … Breakfast was too good so I overate a bit. How about we go for a walk, it’ll also help us digestion.

Lucien smiled and naturally took my hand.

Lucien: Okay, where do you want to go?

MC: I want to go to the lake pavilion! Ever since the last time I visited Rarewood, I’ve been wanting to go sit there again.

We left his abode, walked through the bamboo forest and arrived at the pavilion.

The lake was dotted with countless elegant lotus flowers, gently rippling in the breeze and reflecting the green mountains in the distance.

Lucien led me by hand into the pavilion and I discovered that besides the tea cups, there was also paper and brushes on the table.

On the paper was an ink stick. The scent of ink and lotus intertwined in the wind, creating a refreshing fragrance. I leaned over and lightly read it aloud.

MC: The sun sets to the west, taking ashes with it.

Lucien: What do you think of this verse?

MC: The brushwork is elegant and graceful so of course it’s excellent. However… the line itself gives off a feeling of helplessness and inevitability.

MC: Lucien, why did you write such a verse?

Lucien: I just happened to think of it while practising writing and decided to write it down.

Warm sunlight shone down, dyeing the tips of Lucien’s hair with a golden glow. Looking at his light smile, I couldn’t help but feel anxious.

MC: This verse is still incomplete. If it’s alright with you, how about I help finish second half?

I picked up the brush, dipped it in the ink a few times and after thinking for a while, started to write.

Lucien looked at the latter half of the verse and was stunned for a moment. Then he moved aside the weight, picked up the paper and carefully looked at it before reading it aloud.

Lucien: ... The stars appear in the sky, the world comes back to life.

MC: What... do you think?

Lucien put the ink stick back onto the paper nodded his head.

Lucien: When the sun sets, humanity is full of regret, but once the stars appear, the world can bring back all things.

Lucien: The half you added breaks the grief expressed in the former half, and brings in a wider perspective. I like it very much.

With a warm gaze, Lucien casually picked up the brush and drew a few strokes on the empty half of the paper and transformed it into a lush forest with fireflies scattered about.

Seeing my amazed expression, he dangled the brush in front of me.

Lucien: Would you like to try as well?

MC: You know my art skills, definitely not presentable.

Lucien: No worries, I’ll teach you.

T/N: MC agonised over decorating a fan for Lucien in the date.

He prepared the ink and gestured for me to have a seat.

I held the brush in my hand as Lucien circled me from behind, his well-defined hand wrapped around my right hand.

Feeling his warm breath behind me, my hand shivered for a moment, accidentally creating a splotch of ink on the paper.

MC: … Sorry

Lucien: Relax, let my hand guide you.

He once again held my hand and helped me put brush to paper.

Lucien’s brush movements were calm and steady, I quickly got used to his rhythm and started to draw.

He blended colours on the inkstick and took my hand to draw the heavens and stars as if drawing the scene of the verse.

Lucien: Not bad, you’re a quick learner.

MC: Clearly it’s your drawing skills that are great~

Before I realised, twilight had arrived. I absentmindedly looked towards the lake. The wind caressed the lotus flowers showing glimpses of Lucien and I’s reflection in between.

But in the next moment, the reflection in the lake showed a destructive scene of ruins and fragments.

I rubbed my eyes and looked again, the reflection once again transformed into a tragic and violent scene of deceased Strangelings.

MC: …!

Why did the illusion appear again? I stood up in disbelief, but Lucien waved his fan and disrupted the surface of the lake.

When it was calm again, everything was back to normal.

I turned back and met Lucien’s eyes, deep as ink. After a period of silence, Lucien lightly placed his hand on my shoulder.

Lucien: Alas, I invited my beloved to the lake pavilion, but my beloved really did come for the lake itself.

He gently joked around to try and sooth my unease.

MC: Lucien, the scene appeared again just now.

Lucien: I know, Rarewoods defences aren’t tight and demonic aura often slips through as a result.

Lucien: If this continues, the residents may be affected by the illusion, I will think of way to resolve this as soon as possible.

After this incident, neither Lucien nor I were in the mood to walk around the lake, instead we walked back to the abode in the moonlight.

Lucien took me back to the bedroom and pulled down the curtain.

The white gauze blurred his face, as if forming an invisible boundary between us.

Lucien: You still have patrol tomorrow, so go rest early. Good night.

Not waiting for my response, Lucien left the bedroom and closed the door.

The room fell into silence, I lay on top of the bed, recounting all my suspicions over the past two days.

As soon as I arrived in Rarewood, I saw an image of destruction, but then it mysteriously disappeared. This was the first.

Ian didn’t remember Max, and the illusion at the lake. This was another two.

MC: Lucien said this was due to the demonic aura, but I didn’t feel any demonic aura at the lake.

In the haze, I felt like some kind of conjecture about to break through, yet it did not break through.

Gradually I became tired and slowly sunk into a deep sleep.

That night, I had my first dream since coming here.

The calligraphy from the day flew out of its scroll, stardust fell transforming into specks of florescent light flying through the forest.

In the next moment, rain pattered down, and the fireflies were destroyed by the relentless raindrops.

In a flash, the world lamented as one, Rarewood fell into eternal rest, the sky was dyed the colour of blood.

MC: Ah!

I woke up from the dream with my back drenched in sweat. After wiping off the sweat, I pushed open the door and left the room.

Lucien’s study was wide open, there was no one in the room.

MC: Lucien…

Thinking of all the strange occurrences in the past few days, I realised they all pointed to Lucien.

The chilliness in my body was worse tonight, I went back to the bedroom to put on a cloak and then left to look for Lucien.

Along the way, the surroundings kept changing, in one moment, broken tiles and bricks, in the next, a silver cotton field.

Amongst the chaotic mirage, I quickly spotted a white figure.

Under the vast sky, a large force field was spread out from the lake, enveloping the entirety of Rarewood.

The source of the force field was a snow white light, Lucien floated on the surface of the lake, endless Occult overflowed from his body providing a steady stream feeding into the light.

I felt very familiar with this little white light, it seemed the coldness was coming from there.

Lucien’s robe shook, snow white fox ears and a foxtail quietly emerged. He himself was unaware, and just focused solely on supporting the force field.

I reached out my hand to gather occult, wanting to help him. But he gave a wave and interrupted my motion.

Once the force field was stable, he returned to the lakeside in one gentle leap but suddenly lost his balance and blood gushed out from the corner of his mouth.

MC: Are you okay?!

Lucien, not okay: … I’m okay.

His complexion was terrifyingly pale, his forehead full of sweat, I supported him to go sit at the pavilion, grasping his hand tightly.

MC: Don’t move, I’ll suppress the demonic aura for you.

Hearing my cold tone, Lucien froze for a moment and looked up at me as if thinking of something.

MC: What. Why are you looking at me like that?

Lucien: I’m just wondering if there’s any excuse I can give that will make you less angry at me.

His words made me speechless. I gave an angry laugh.

MC: Do I need to wait until you can’t hide it anymore before you finally tell me the truth?

Lucien: Actually, the plan was that tomorrow I’d…

Before Lucien could finish, he violently coughed a few times and his face became even paler.

My heart softened. I wasn’t bothered to continue arguing about what he was hiding any longer and approached him.

MC: Maintaining the force field puts a lot of burden on your body, we can’t have anything go wrong at this critical moment.

As expected using pros and cons to talk to him was effective. Lucien silently nodded his head.

Lucien: Since the great Sorceress has spoken, this one dares not disobey.

I hurriedly used occult to heal him, it was only until his complexion became normal that gave a sigh of relief and wiped the sweat my forehead.

After sitting in silence for a bit, Lucien first broke the silence.

Lucien: Why did you come here?

MC: I had a nightmare and woke up uneasy, so I came to find you.

Lucien nodded, some coldness flashing through his eyes.

Lucien: I’m assuming you have some guesses about the current situation, right?

MC: Yeah, there’s been too many strange things these few days, on the way here I thought about them and came to a conclusion.

Lucien: Go on.

MC: Lucien, Rarewood’s already been destroyed by the demonic aura, and where we are now is just a dreamland isn’t it?

Lucien: That’s right. So, what do you think is the reason I set up this dreamland?

I closed my eyes and focuses my senses. I seemed to be able to feel the occult of the Strangelings of Rarewood being protected by the force field.

MC: The Strangeling aura is being protected by the force field, are you trying to stall for time to save more Strangelings?

And even if you fail to save them, at least they can meet the end of their lives in a beautiful dream.

Lucien: Your mind is always so calm and bright, it’s hard to hide things from you. But there’s one part that’s not entirely correct.

Lucien: This force field serves not only to protect the Strangelings, but more importantly traps their occult within Rarewood.

MC: Why?

Lucien: Strangelings aren’t like humans, when there are a lot of casualties, the dispelled occult can explode and destroy all the surroundings.

MC: “A lot of casualties”… are you saying that all those Strangelings…?

Lucien: Within Rarewood, only you and I can be considered as “alive”.

Although I had some guesses, the situation was much worse than I anticipated.

MC: Including Ian and them…?

When I thought about how the all Strangelings I’d met even just today were at the end of their lives, I inevitably felt distressed and shivered.

MC: So in Westmoon, there was never a utopia to begin with?

Lucien held my hands, shook his head and sneered.

Lucien: The world is unkind and treats all things the same. Humans, Strangelings, and Demons, can try as they might, but the eyes of god are indifferent.

Lucien: But of course, just going along with the flow is not the attitude a chess player should have.

Lucien’s expression as he spoke was as if in defiance of the heavens. Though I was swayed by his words, my heart was still heavy.

MC: This game of chess has witnessed too much bloodshed. I won’t let you treat me as a bystander and face these dangers alone.

MC: At the very least I can help you think of ideas, disperse demonic aura and finish this game of chess.

Lucien: Even if the Occulstone were as perfect as before, it would not be enough for this force field. Even I am just making a best effort.

Lucien: In addition, the damage to your Occulstone is irreversible, you can’t overuse your occult any more.

MC: I immediately felt indignant and angrily withdrew my hand.

MC: Looks like I can only freeload off the dreamland and watch the fire burn from across the river.

Lucien lightly laughed, actually agreeing with my joke.

Lucien: Not a bad proposal, just having you staying here is already an enormous benefit to me.

Lucien: However, I’ve never regarded you as a bystander or chess piece. As far as I’m concerned, you’ve always been my confidant, break through this game with me.

Lucien smiled and winked at me.

Lucien: This time I was in the wrong for hiding things from you. I hope the great Sorceress will find it in her heart to forgive me, and continue working with me in the future.

Although I was a bit gloomy before, thanks to his words I couldn’t help but smile.

MC: I’m not that petty~.

The breeze blew, rustling through leaves and branches. I looked into Lucien’s and lowly spoke.

MC: You accompanied me for a three year long dream. Now it’s my turn to accompany you.

10-12

Next day MC patrols around Rarewood, dispersing demonic fog.

She finishes around sunset and goes to the school to wait for Lucien’s class to finish.

Lucien: How come you’re here MC?

I turned around, at some point Lucien had appeared behind me, a flash of surprise in his eyes.

MC: I hear the village gathering is very lively today, want to go have a look?

Lucien took my hand and led me to the markets, passing by many beautiful flowers along the road, gently swaying in the wind.

I planned to pick some young buds along the way back to keep on the window sill. They would be beautiful once they bloomed.

As soon as we entered the crowded market place, a voice called out to us.

??: Mister Lucien, I didn’t expect to see you here. Is this your wife?

I looked up in surprise and saw a woman waving at us from the pastry stall.

Stall lady: My kid studies at your place, I’ve heard him say that Mister Lucien teaches very well.

Stall lady: Last time when I went to pick him up from school I saw you from a distance, but you probably don’t remember.

Lucien: I remember, you’re Ian’s mother right?

Stall lady: Yes, yes, yes that’s right!

Stall lady: Ian often mentions you, saying Mister Lucien is gentle and refined, smart and profound, Missus is warm and beautiful, an perfect match with Mister Lucien.

Stall lady: Seeing you both today, that boy is really right!

MC: You flatter us…

The woman took my hand enthusiastically and continued complimenting me. I looked towards Lucien embarrassedly, but he just looked at me with a smile.

Stall lady: You have great timing, I just finished cooking a batch of GuiFei cake with fresh walnuts inside. Quick, come try some!

Stall lady: Recently, a lot of people have been suffering from illness because of demons, so business has been hit. If you like it, I’ll give you more for free.

After saying that, she picked one up with her chopsticks and handed it to me. It was hard to refuse so I took a bite, but then froze on the spot.

Although the texture was soft and gluttonous, there was no flavour at all, it was hard to call it delicious.

Another customer happened to come over and picked up a GuiFei cake to try.

Passer-by: Sweet but not sickening, rich flavour of dates, absolutely delicious!

Stall lady: When is it ever not delicious!

I ate another two piece, but it still tasted like chewing wax. I stared blankly at them and couldn’t find anything to say.

Could it be that only people of the dreamland could taste food? Then what I ate earlier…

I looked at Lucien, but saw that he also picked up a piece to taste and nodded in satisfaction.

Lucien: Truly unforgettable.

Lucien’s praise made the stall lady even more delighted and she gave us even more pastries.

While I was puzzled, he turned over to me and winked.

I got the hint and decided to ask him about it later.

Thoughts rolled through my head as I followed Lucien back home. Along the way I saw those little flowers fluttering in the wind again, but I wasn’t in the mood to pick them.

We entered the study and there was a tea set on the table as well as a bunch of trimmed flower, exactly the ones I had in mind.

Lucien: Seeing that you liked them, I picked some for you this morning.

Still worried about the dreamland, I could only shake my head with pity.

MC: It’s a pity. The flowers you gave me before, I took care of them diligently but they’re still about to wither.

Lucien: Flowering seasons end, flowers bloom and flowers wither, that’s all there is to it.

T/N: *sobbing about Traces of the Past*

Careless words fell to caring ears. After Lucien’s words, both of us froze for a moment.

In the silence, Lucien rolled up his sleeves to grind the tea.

The tea in the porcelain cup was light, specks of tea powder floated in the water, the aroma was rich and fragrant.

I took a sip, the tea was a bit bitter at first but still sweet and refreshing.

Lucien: How is it?

MC: Your tea brewing skills have always been excellent, plus you’ve accounted for my tasted. Of course it like it.

The breeze picked up, blowing a flower into my cup. At this moment, I seemed to have realised something.

When the villagers gave me food earlier, I could not taste any flavour at all. But every time Lucien cooked me food, I could taste it.

I suddenly stopped, and put down the cup in my hand.

MC: Lucien, why can’t I taste the pastries that Ian’s mother gave us?

Lucien: If there are issues with the five senses, then it means this dreamland has reached its end.

Lucien’s response was so blunt, it made my heart prickle.

MC: Then what about this tea? Did you… use your Strangeling powers for this cup of tea?

Lucien looked at me quietly and then nodded.

Lucien: Yes. You don’t like it?

MC: I like it. But you’ve already spent a lot of Strangeling powers to maintain the force field. You don’t need use it on these trivial details.

I looked down, clenched the tea cup tightly in my hand and spoke the words from my heart.

MC: I’m really worried about your body.

Lucien looked back at me deeply, his gaze clear and resolute, though concealing something in his smile.

Lucien: Don’t worry. I’m an expert at handling these kinds of situations and I’m not that fragile.

I shook my head and reached out to wrap his cold fingers.

MC: I’ve always believed in you, but at a time like this, you can also believe in me.

Lucien looked at our intertwined finger and finally gave a sigh.

Lucien: Since that’s what you want, I won’t insist on it any further.

As expected, when he stopped using his Strangeling power the taste of the tea became lighter and lighter, until eventually it became as bland as water.

Gradually the moon rose and neither Lucien nor I lit up the lights, we simply sat together in silence.

In the dim moonlight, Lucien’s clothes appeared whiter than snow, looking cold and lonely.

I gave a silent sigh, but Lucien noticed my small movement.

Lucien: You seem a bit sad.

MC: I was just thinking, that although the dreamland is beautiful, it is still fake and will be broken sooner or later.

Then it will be over in a flash, and there would be no return to the broken dream.

Lucien: You really think, that everything in the dreamland is fake?

I was a bit stunned, and shook my head.

MC: My bond with them is not fake, and every day I spend with you is not just a dream.

Lucien smiled but did not continue, instead he used his fan to open the window.

There was a little light in the darkness outside the window, which then became two, then three…

One by one the fireflies flew into the room, warming the otherwise still house. They gathered together in a ray of light like sparklers hovering by my side.

Specks of light reflected in Lucien’s eyes, like melting snow. I watched his sleeves flutter in his calm.

Lucien: Whether real or fake, I’ll always be with you.

Lucien reached out and our fingers intertwined.

The ripples in my heart calmed, giving way to joy.

MC: Thank you for the firefly you gave me, I will always remember this beautiful dream within a dream, I will never forget it.

10-13

T/N: Follow along with the video for beautiful music and voice acting :> The music was so on point !!

Wind passes through the bamboo forest creating a rustling sound. The sun is shining and the birds are chirping.

The morning light weaves a magnificent pattern giving everything a warm golden glow.

The dreamland continues.

Lucien: You’re awake?

A gentle voice sounded in my ear, Lucien all dressed in white was smiling at me.

MC: W-why are you here?

Lucien: Hmm, there was a lazy cat who wouldn’t wake up no matter how I called. So I could only enter her room to have a look.

My cheeks were hot and I quickly hid under the quiet. Lucien lightly chuckled.

Lucien: Get up soon. Today we’re celebrating the harvest. Everyone in the village is going to the village head’s home for dinner including us.

After washing up, I followed Lucien to the village head’s home.

The smell of dirt drifted across, and the sea of rice paddies swayed in the wind.

The village was very lively today, along the way I even heard the sound of firecrackers.

Everyone gathered around an elderly man with short stiff beard and brown sunken eyes.

Village head: The harvest is very good this year! I especially set up a banquet. Everyone eat well and enjoy yourselves!

Villagers: Yeah!

Lucien and I were seated at the same time as the village head. The most important seats besides the village head’s.

The table was full of fruit candy followed by the cold dishes, and after that poultry and fish and so on.

I picked up my chopsticks and tried some food. But now I couldn’t even taste the texture of the ingredients anymore, it was like chewing on dry soil.

Seeing us seated, Ian’s mother came over with Ian so say hi.

Ian’s mother: Mister Lucien, Missus, how are the dishes? Do they suit your taste?

I didn’t show any strange expressions and Lucien also looked as normal.

MC: Your skills are getting better and better! Wait till I’m free, I’ll need to ask you to teach me how to cook.

Ian’s mother: Hahaha, you’re welcome to come over any time. Ian, come on, where’s your greeting.

Ian: … Hello Mister, hello Missus.

Ian lowered his head with tears on the corners of his eyes as if he’d just been crying. I paused and leaned over to ask.

MC: Ian, are you okay?

I saw Ian’s mother secretly squeeze his hand wanting to bring him back. I thought it strange, but waited for Ian to open his mouth.

Ian: Mister, Missus… what about Max? Where… did Max go?

Tears welled up and fell from his eyes. His mother patted his back to comfort him.

Ian remembered Max? Then did he also remember the real past?

I covered my face with my sleeve and quietly asked Lucien.

MC: Ian seems to remember, is it because the dreamland can no longer support itself?

Lucien: Yes. There is no more time left.

At this moment, a large group of people came over to give us a toast, we could only get stuck in the midst of it all.

Villager A: Mister Lucien, Missus, thanks for all the hard work!

Villager B: Yes, yes, it’s all thanks to Mister Lucien and Missus’ care that we can be so happy.

All the villagers seemed to be surrounding Lucien and I. It was as if we were the protagonist of this party.

MC: You’re welcome…

On the surface I was responding to all these conversations but in my heart this strange feeling reaches its peak.

I looked towards Lucien, only to see his expression become graver and graver, his usual gentle expression completely dissolved.

Lucien: So you all knew already.

As these words fell, the excited atmosphere before us receded like a tide. Everyone looked at one another with panic in their eyes.

Village head: … since it’s come to this, I’ll tell you what happened.

I stared at the village head in a daze, his eyes were filled with sadness.

Village head: Actually these days many people have had dreams of dying, we remembered the past and some also guessed the reality.

Village head: We are not humans, but Strangelings. And this is a dreamland, isn’t it?

Lucien looked around at the Strangelings present and finally gave a nod.

Village head: Mister Lucien, I know you are kind but there are some things that are inevitable and cannot be undone…

Village head: A long time ago, I thought that becoming a Strangeling was a painful and sorrowful thing.

Village head: But over time we also realised, that no matter how we change on the outside, our hearts will never change.

Villagers: That’s right! We’re proud to be Strangelings!

I wanted to object. I wanted to tell them that their fate was deliberately twisted by others.

If not, they could’ve spent their entire lives in Serenos.

But I couldn’t open my mouth, at a time like this, there could only be silence.

Lucien was dazed for a moment, and in that moment I seemed to catch a wisp of undetectable grief in his otherwise indifferent expression.

After all is said and done, he still saw these Strangelings approach their death and return to dust.

Village head: After drinking this bowl of wine, we will have no regrets in life!

All the villagers picked up their drinks and looked at us in unison, their eyes flickering with gratitude, sadness, relief, and despair.

Lucien picked up his wine, raise it to everyone and drank it in one go.

Everyone laughed and drank with him. I also picked up the wine bowl and drank the water like wine.

So flavourless, yet so pungent, as if choking me to tears.

Suddenly a strong vibration shook the ground, the room collapsed, the lake overflowed. The dreamland could no longer hold itself together and broke into pieces.

Lucien pulled me towards the edge of the dreamland. I couldn’t help but keep looking back.

All the villagers returned to their Strangeling forms, Ian had his head down the entire time but suddenly seemed to remember something and shouted at us.

Ian: Mister, Missus! Max might still be alive!

Ian: I knocked him unconscious and put him in a tree hole. The demonic fog came so quickly I don’t remember where.

Lucien: Ok, we will find him.

Ian nodded, his expression filled with sadness, gratitude, and regret and waved at us.

I felt pain in my heart and decided to no longer look back. Footsteps were like walking through fire, and the sounds behind us gradually faded into nothing.

We finally returned to the edge of the force field. Lucien reached out and touched the force field he created with his own hands, ready to destroy it with his own hands.

I heard Ian singing loudly in the distance. The poem he recited to us with a smile just two ago, XiJiang Yue.

Ian: The world is all but a dream, how many autumns count one’s life…

The singing came through the sounds of collapse, serving as a final farewell to us and the days of the past, sending us off.

I finally couldn’t hold back my tears and hugged Lucien from behind.

MC: Lucien, the dream is over.

Lucien: I’m here.

Lucien: No matter inside the dream or outside the dream, I’m always here.

Lucien had his back to me. Despite his soothing voice, his hand touching the force field was still.

Lucien: Are you ready?

I softly hummed in response but hesitated in my heart. I didn’t know whether this question was also directed at himself.

Before I could come to a conclusion, the autumn wind abruptly picked up, blowing Lucien’s long hair and sleeves.

In the next moment, Lucien activated the magic array and rays of light shot into the sky, washing the world away.

Everything in the dreamland ends with the sun setting to the west, taking ashes with it.

Something fell into my hands with the wind and I inadvertently grasped onto it.

The day is bright, everything before us receded like a tide and all sounds returned to silence.

After the light dissipated we returned into Rarewood.

Ruins remained, spoilt flowers fell from the branch before me landing at the tip of my shoe.

Unfulfilled dreams, dreams of grandeur.

T/N: The original line makes reference to ‘Records in the Pillow’ and ‘The Governor of Nanke’

The sky is speckled with stars, and out of season snow falls down burying the bloodstains.

We heard a faint coughing sound. Lucien and I looked at each other then immediately began to look through the remnants of the forest.

Following a trail of blood snaking across the ground, we found a boy fainted behind a rock.

The fluff of his ears trembled in the cold wind, his furry tail was wrapped around his body.

MC: It’s Max!

We hurried towards him and Lucien checked for signs of breathing.

Lucien: He’s still alive.

Lucien transferred him some Strangeling power and after a while, the boy slowly woke up.

He first looked at us at a loss, then looked around at the surroundings before hugging Lucien’s robe and crying.

Max: Wahhh, Mister…

Max: Ian and I were playing outside when suddenly a black fog appeared, we tried to run away but it caught up to us...

Max: Then I got knocked out by Ian and don’t know what happened, only to find out that Rarewood is already…

Max cried until he was out of breath, Lucien gently pat his back.

Only then did I realise that reason why Max was not in the dreamland was precisely because he was still alive.

I felt a trace of joy in my sorrowful heart. I suddenly recalled the verse I wrote.

The stars appear in the sky, the world comes back to life.

Once Max had calmed down a bit, I looked towards Lucien.

MC: Lucien, what will you do next?

Lucien: Max is still young, it’ll be hard for him to survive along. I need to find a place for him.

His voice was even, and showed neither joy nor sadness. I couldn’t help but ask.

MC: And how about you? Are... you alright?

Lucien shook his head and looked at me calmly.

Lucien: There is no alright or not alright. If we use your words of playing chess against the heavens, I’m at the disadvantage and it’s hard for one to consider that as alright.

Since he was unwilling, I didn’t press further and changed the topic.

MC: A few days ago, I went back 100 years into the past and saw a group of strange people putting occuliths into people.

MC: That scene reminded me of how the Strangelings of Rarewood were persecuted by the Royal Occultists...

Lucien: You think it’s those schemers who once again targeted Rarewood?

I nodded. The thought of the invisible hands behind these tragedies set my heart on fire.

I need to return to Serenos, there are many related records there. I want to find out the truth behind it all.

A faint glimmer of gratitude showed in Lucien’s gaze. He took my hand and gentle rubbed it.

Lucien: When the force field was broken just now, the Strangling power and demonic aura cancelled each other out. All the demonic aura around Rarewood is gone.

Lucien: Do you still feel cold?

Since the dreamland was destroyed, the icy feeling in my heart also disappeared. I shook my head.

MC: Don’t worry, I’m fine now. On the other hand, supporting the dreamland has taken a toll on you. Don’t push yourself over the next few days.

Lucien: Okay. Once I get Max settled down, I’ll join up you.

Heavy snow fell silently from the sky, making crisp sounds underfoot.

Those who passed away in the dream were left behind, buried in the snow.

#mlqc #mlqc lucien #thank you for crying with me #everytime i see that CG i cry #everytime Lucien says im here (like in en server's WM2 update) i cry #''so you all knew already'' i cry #''flowers bloom and flowers wither'' i cry #not sure if gonna translate the split route cause might not have time but will see #stuff i post #temporary terrible translations tag

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