Late Afternoon
Shopping always made time fly. Before she knew it, Bonanus had brought her little brother back to that cozy little house.
But the trip hadn't been easy. For the first time, Bonanus felt a murderous hatred toward the steps of Yujing Terrace.
Why? Because pushing a wheelchair up stairs was a nightmare. She struggled for ages and nearly tipped Xiao over.
In the end, she had to get help from some patrolling Millelith soldiers to resolve the "crisis."
Still... the legendary Conqueror of Demons got to experience what it felt like to be carried by mortals. If Xiao could speak, he would probably say it was the worst.
...
At Yanfei's Residence
When she got back, Bonanus spotted Yanfei organizing her documents.
She kept rubbing her head like she had amnesia, muttering to herself.
"Where did I put it?"
Even the smartest people had their moments of brain fog. Case in point: this 50-something-year-old girl.
"Yanfei! Can I ask you something?" Bonanus pushed Xiao over to the living room sofa and waved.
Hearing her voice, Yanfei turned around, rubbing her tired eyes with a smile.
"Welcome back. I saw the battle earlier. I came back from my commission just in time to help the Millelith evacuate civilians. Sorry I couldn't join you."
"Don't worry. Helping with the evacuation was already a big help." Bonanus shook her head. Yanfei had done her part.
"Haha, I'm glad you think so, Sister Bonanus."
Yanfei rubbed her nose sheepishly. She turned back to rummaging through the cabinet and continued.
"What did you want to talk about?"
Bonanus glanced at Xiao, who had already closed his eyes to rest, and said calmly.
"Nothing too big. Alatus is injured and can't move right now, so I was hoping he could stay here for a few days."
Yanfei would definitely agree. Her house already had three adepti living in it. What was one more?
"Of course. As long as the Conqueror of Demons doesn't mind."
"Oh! I picked up some herbal sachets at the pharmacy earlier. They're good for refreshing the mind and have some health benefits."
Yanfei pulled a green sachet from her pocket.
It had no patterns or designs—just a big character for "medicine" on it.
"They're filled with some rare herbs. They should help with his recovery."
"Just hold it near his nose and let him breathe it in from time to time." Yanfei handed the sachet to Bonanus and went back to her work.
"Oh, and we might not have enough beds. We'll have to make do with futons." Yanfei said without turning around.
Bonanus took the sachet, thanked her, and didn't disturb her further. She could see Yanfei was busy.
...
Back with Xiao
Looking at the handsome young man with his eyes closed, Bonanus swallowed. A bold idea crept into her mind.
As a woman, she had watched her fair share of high-quality Japanese and Western videos in her past life.
She had often seen scenes where a sister took advantage of her sick little brother. This felt like a mistake worth making.
Wait. Why was she even thinking about this? Oh god, Mom! She wasn't pure anymore!
Snapping out of it, she slapped her own cheek. What was she doing? How embarrassing!
She covered her face with her big paws and slumped onto the sofa, her face burning red.
Hearing the commotion, Xiao opened his eyes in confusion. What was wrong with his sister? Was she feeling guilty?
He sighed inwardly. If only he could move, he would find out what was bothering her.
He closed his eyes again, recalling the moment he sank into the sea.
His mind had been a blur back then. Survival instincts had taken over, and many details were fuzzy.
But he would never forget her kiss.
Even if it was just to save him, that was still their first kiss. His sister finally had his mark on her.
The thought only fueled his desires. If there was a first time, there would be a second.
Maybe soon, he could take it even further.
...
Late at Night
After washing up and changing into her pajamas, Yanfei collapsed onto the living room sofa. She stared at the ceiling, looking completely drained.
Bonanus found it amusing. It was rare to see the girl like this.
"What a long day." Yanfei rarely complained.
"Everyone's been through a lot today. Get some rest." Bonanus said gently.
The events of the day had been mentally exhausting.
Even Indarias, who had come back and crashed on her bed the moment she got in, was clearly worn out from taking care of Bosacius and Menogias.
"I'm sure tomorrow will be packed with commissions. Ugh, whatever. Tomorrow's problems are for tomorrow. Sister Bonanus, I'm heading to bed. Good night."
Yanfei yawned softly, stood up, and went to her room.
Bonanus chuckled. She should get some rest too.
But there was a problem. Indarias had claimed her entire bed.
She had spread out like a starfish. That was understandable. But being impossible to move and unresponsive to waking was just ridiculous.
So, forced out of her own bed, she had to bunk with her little brother on the floor.
That's why two futons now lay on the ground.
She sighed deeply, stood up, and carefully lifted Xiao onto the futon. She tucked him in and gently rubbed his brow.
"Warm enough? Rest well. Hope you can speak tomorrow."
She grinned, placed the sachet beside him, and slipped into her own futon.
"Hey, Alatus, do you want to go out tomorrow?" She poked her head out from under the covers and reached over to hold his hand.
"Oh, right. I forgot you can't talk. Get some rest. I'll ask you again tomorrow. Good night."
She slowly closed her eyes. She looked asleep, but she was really using the Hydro Moon Ring to absorb karmic debt.
Watching her closed eyes, Xiao smiled inwardly. This was fine for now. Tomorrow would be a new day.
But somewhere, this soul from beyond fate was beginning to catch someone's attention.