On the Stage.
— Honored guests, participants, and fellow citizens! — began Xue Shen, folding his hands behind his back. — I am proud to address you on such a momentous day. The tournament is not merely a test for the strong; it reflects the very essence of life itself, where not only the strong survive, but the smart and determined as well. We, as representatives of an ancient and respected clan, watch your pursuit of greatness with deep admiration.
He paused, giving the audience a moment to reflect, then continued with a slight smile:
— However, today I wish to share important news. With joy and pride, I announce my upcoming marriage, which will take place next month.
A murmur spread through the crowd. Many exchanged surprised glances, not expecting such a personal announcement.
Xue Shen raised his hand, calling for silence.
— In honor of this event, I, as the patriarch, declare that in all trading houses and shops belonging to our clan, from today until the end of the month, there will be a twenty percent discount on all goods. Let this be our humble gift to each of you, who faithfully serve the city and support our society.
After thanking everyone for their attention and wishing them luck, Xue Shen returned to his clan members.
{A wedding? He's talking about a wedding? How is this possible, when Qinxuan… her mother… all this time…}
Delia frowned, her thoughts racing.
{What can I even say? "Qin Xuan, everything will be fine"? No, that's silly. "We'll get through this together"? As much as I wish, we're not that close.}
She nervously clenched her hands, feeling waves of anger and worry wash over her.
{How would I want someone to act with me in this situation?}
The answer came instantly in her mind.
{…Well, I'm not exactly a role model.}
Delia pressed her lips together and cast a quick glance at her friend, whose face remained impassive, though her shoulders were slightly tense.
{Damn it, I don't even know how to comfort someone when I've spent my whole life dealing with everything alone! Well, there's only one option.}
She stepped closer and gently placed her hand on her friend's shoulder, giving it a light squeeze to get her attention.
Qin Xuan flinched slightly but turned her eyes away from her father's figure and faced Delia silently.
Her gaze asked a silent question.
— Uh… how about, well, screw this tournament? We could go to the Golden Cup to see Qin She, she's a mercenary; she probably has something fun we could do, — Delia said, pausing briefly before continuing — or… or we could visit Harmony. I've never been there. We could see a lot of new things; they say the city is very different from ours.
Qinxuan was silent for a moment.
Her face seemed unreadable, but Delia sensed a storm of emotions hidden behind her calm. Suddenly, Qinxuan took a deep breath, apparently gathering herself.
—You're so sweet, Delia, — she finally said, turning to her friend. Her voice was even, but slightly tired. — You think I'd drop everything and run off seeking adventure just to forget about this?
— Well… that doesn't sound too bad, — Delia pretended to ponder and innocently shrugged. — Imagine: you, me, somewhere far away from all these hypocritical speeches. Why not?
Qinxuan squinted slightly, her lips twitching into a faint but genuine smile.
— Sometimes I think your ideas are too tempting. But no, — she shook her head lightly. — Now is not the time to run away.
—Then… what are you going to do? — Delia leaned slightly forward, trying to catch her gaze.
Qinxuan paused for a moment, her fingers idly brushing the edge of her clothes as if seeking support.
— Nothing, — she finally said calmly, but with a hint of bitterness. — I'll just let him continue living in his world, where all his decisions seem right.
Delia froze.
— But… — she trailed off, unable to find the right words.
— It doesn't matter, — Qinxuan said firmly, her gaze returning to the distance, but her shoulders relaxed. — Let it be as he wishes. My past, my memories — they remain mine alone.
— Qinxuan… — Delia stepped closer again. — Are you really okay?
— You know, — the girl looked at her with a faint smile, softer this time. — If it weren't for you, it would be harder for me.
— Me? — Delia straightened suddenly, her face flushing slightly.
— Yes, you, — Qinxuan laughed, and her laugh eased the tension. — Your attempts to distract me… they actually work.
— Well, someone has to do it, — Delia muttered, feeling her heart race.
— Thank you, — Qinxuan said sincerely, her voice a little warmer. — But I'm okay, really.
— Alright, — Delia nodded but didn't remove her hand from her shoulder. — Just know, if you ever feel like venting or… I don't know, running off, I'm here.
— I know, — Qinxuan replied softly, staring into the distance.
— And if you ever change your mind about Harmony… — Delia added with a smirk.
— Alright, alright. If I do, you'll be the first to know, — Qinxuan assured her with a smile.
Feeling that her friend had relaxed, Delia removed her hand and continued the thought that had been swirling in her mind.
— I promised I wouldn't leave you alone, and now I'm heading off for a few days. In this situation, that seems even less like a good idea.
— It's fine. You can't protect me forever. Besides, I'm not an ordinary girl; you should have realized that. I have the means to take care of myself. And this little thing hasn't affected me much.
— Alright. — The strong gaze and confident aura emanating from her friend left Delia no room for argument.
After a couple of minutes of silence:
— Also, you need to be careful. Surviving in the forest isn't a walk in the park — noticing that all the speeches had ended and participants gradually started moving into the forest, Qinxuan hugged Delia, giving her a final push toward the woods.
Delia, unprepared for the embrace, felt her heart pounding and her face flush. To hide it, she used the push from her friend, letting out a small croak as she quickly turned and followed the crowd.
After stepping a little away, she heard her friend call out. Turning, she caught Qin Xuan shouting:
— Don't forget the requirements to pass! — and without waiting for a reply, waving goodbye, she returned to the city.
Delia continued on, trying to focus, but suddenly stopped, her face contorting in realization.
—F***! — she exclaimed.