Hope stepped forward, her lips curling up with her voice, "Oh, me? I've just returned from a very productive negotiation. It's my specialty, you know?"
Vanor stretched out his arm and handed the paper bag over. Warmth seeped through, and Hope leaned forward as she spoke, "Thank you, I appreciate it, but why are you giving it to me?"
Vanor walked in circles, explaining, "Don't you enjoy food? So I thought you might like this humble gesture of mine."
This is a little strange… He acts differently with her, and he even seems… kinder? But doesn't everyone do that? I'm probably overthinking—again. Zixin sighed, darting his eyes around whilst rubbing his eyes.
Vanor shot Zixin a glance, asking softly, "How about you? I saw you two together on Mount Lorebale before. Are you staying with her?"
"Now that you mentioned it, I suppose I am staying with her." He paused, commenting briefly, "I didn't expect you to know her so well."
Vanor continued to munch on his last piece of bread, his eyes clear like a child's. He spoke, his head falling, "I apologise for tossing you into the ring a few days prior. It's one of the habits I picked after hanging around here."
"I appreciate the apology, but it's a waste of breath because I don't care about what happened anymore. It's already over, and thus, there's no reason to linger in the past. I should be thanking you because it let out some pent-up frustrations–thank you." Zixin explained, lending a hand.
Huh? Why is he giving a hand? As far as I know, Zixin isn't the type who is helpful. That only leads me to one conclusion–he's scheming! But what for… oh? Is he scheming to gain a bit of Vanor's trust? But there's no need for it. Or is there? I knew the moment that Bloodline Members were involved that I would be dragged into politics, but please not this soon! Hope screamed in her head, her sweat dripping down her chin.
"Well, I'm happy to be of help, but I must say, your current fighting style is quite effective–especially against opponents with similar strengths to you." Vanor nodded, patting his shoulders.
A complement? That's unexpected to say the least. It seems he's more open than I initially thought. Zixin's thoughts raced through several ideas.
Hope waved her hand and spoke, "Let's bid farewell for now. See you later, Vanor!"
…
As their steps quickened, Zixin asked with his gaze held steady, "You and he seem close, or at least know each other well. If it's not a bother, mind enlightening me?"
Hope's lips curled up, strolling casually as she chuckled. She spoke, her voice a whisper amongst the breeze, "So you are interested in romance?"
Dismissing her words, Zixin gave her a knowing look, his pupils dull as a blade.
"Eh? What's with that reaction?! It's so boring!" She shouted, before continuing briefly, "Fine, you win."
I can't get a read on her at all… is she acting or is she serious? Zixin commented internally.
"If you're really curious, well… the truth is a little confusing, but to put it simply: Vanor is courting me." Hope pulled her gaze away, letting it wander about.
What now? What reason would anyone court Hope of all people? Does she even have a single good trait? Let me think… She excels in most activities, possesses some medical knowledge, and what else? Is she pretty? Forget it–I have no reason to bother her love life, but I can only assume that Vanor might actually like her, but I barely know the guy, so… His footsteps halted, as his thoughts trailed off.
Her gaze drifted towards a droplet of sweat dripping down his chin. Her muscles twitched as she pulled out a handkerchief–wiping it off as his eyes widened, and his body froze.
Zixin's hand hovered for a moment before grabbing Hope's wrist. He spoke, his lips parting slowly, "I appreciate the sentiment, but I can do it on my own."
Tilting her head, Hope questioned, her voice soft, "Are you perhaps worried?"
"I wouldn't call it 'worried', but more like 'curious' because it feels like I have gained another piece of the puzzle yet again." His lips curled upward as he stretched his arms in a heartbeat.
"Oh, right, almost forgot to ask: do you know why Vanor is courting you?" Zixin's gaze shifted at her, his eyes still like a lake.
"Hmm? Isn't the answer clear as day? He's. In. Love. With. Me." Hope emphasised, raising a finger and pointing at herself.
…
Inside the cabin, Zixin laid himself on his bed, and his back leaning in. His thoughts raced: Things seem to be more complicated than I first thought. Unexpected variables just keep surfacing after one is found; it's almost like there's an ocean waiting to be uncovered. But either way, this is intriguing… the more I learn, the greater my curiosity rises, and perhaps one day it will inevitably be too large to be satiated.
He sat down, crossing his legs as his thoughts clashed: I suppose training should do for the time being.
He closed his eyes, slipping into his sea of thoughts. Inside, his mind swam across the vast ocean called 'consciousness' as he drifted from his conscious mind to his subconscious mind. Countless thought bubbles sprang up, glimmering with endless light as he waved his hand, conjuring a whirlpool, sucking all his thoughts into one. And just as it was completed, he split it apart, as the two newly born whirlpools sent him into the White Palace.
His eyes awakened as he scanned the nearly empty white void.
Inside, he sat down watching as his thoughts floated within the sea. He sighed, muttering, "The string from earlier isn't there… how odd, I wonder why it appeared and disappeared so suddenly. Perhaps I should try to find it."
With an aim in mind, Zixin momentarily silenced his thoughts, their movements coming to an abrupt halt. But just as he did, a wave of drowsiness swept past him, assaulting him, but a golden string sprouted from a single thought, connecting both his minds. But it lasted no longer than a second as it snapped, taking his consciousness away and sending him into sleep.
…
Upon waking up, Zixin hopped off his bed, slowly dragging himself towards the kitchen where Hope prepared breakfast.
After a while, she finished, handing him a plate filled with vegetables. Just as she sat down, she proposed, "How about you do the cooking later on today?"
"But I still lack the proper training and skills needed to create appetising dishes. Why risk creating a mess when you yourself could do better?" Zixin spoke, dodging the proposal.
That sure is a roundabout way of saying 'do it yourself,' Zixin. Sigh, but unfortunately for you, I feel petty today. Hope chuckled internally, her eyes brimming with unfounded brilliance.
She said, "You enjoy learning, right? Then think of this as one. You actually want to try, don't you?"