Volume 4 Chapter 14 ~ Everything Left Unspoken

“Uugh…” The blonde elf smiled gently as she drove her soft pink fist into the abdomen of the silver-haired beauty straddling her. The latter’s eyes rolled back, her breath gradually weakening. After letting out a soft moan, her delicate body went limp, her head resting gently atop Teresa’s springy water-cushioned armor, as if she had returned to a land of tender dreams.

Strands of fine silver hair drooped down gently, falling into the hollow of her collarbone and neck, the soft touch like a little cotton quilt.

Pinching the jade-like nose of the girl in her arms, Teresa confirmed that the other had indeed passed out.

That abdomen-targeted “exchange punch” wasn’t delivered with much strength—just enough to knock out this heat-stricken white-haired elf without leaving any aftereffects.

What’s wrong with this child? Has she entered some kind of… mating season?

Teresa extricated herself from beneath Astrid. The latter seemed addicted to her water cushion. Even as she pulled away, Astrid’s hands clung to her waist, unwilling to part with this all-natural flesh-core pillow.

Dragging the unconscious Astrid to the side, Teresa stood up and pulled over the quilt, covering Astrid’s plump and beautiful body.

To be fair, it hadn’t been obvious before, but Astrid really was the type with a curvy figure and fair skin. Normally only her front was noticeable, but apparently, the back was quite perky too.

Though it was just a glance for the sake of evaluation—Teresa wouldn’t have any improper thoughts toward a junior hundreds of years younger than herself.

Teresa activated Divine Appraisal and used her epic-grade ability to examine Astrid’s body, especially scanning for any anomalies in her soul.

The result showed that Astrid was perfectly normal. She hadn’t been possessed by anything impure. Aside from a flashing pink heart icon in her status bar, everything else was just like usual.

If it wasn’t fake wine… what the heck happened just now?

Teresa had never seen such a bold version of Astrid before. Perhaps that overflowing pink heart explained everything—but there was no detailed description for that icon, and Teresa didn’t understand what it represented.

Could it really be… estrus?

But that shouldn’t be the case.

Humans were in heat all year round. Elves were the opposite—always calm and restrained. That was one of the main reasons elves had such low birthrates.

Thinking it over, now that things were already exposed, Teresa didn’t feel the need to hide anymore. No one could’ve anticipated this turn of events.

Still, Teresa felt she needed to research that pink heart icon. Anything that could affect Astrid’s body or mind warranted her attention.

One thing was certain: what happened earlier could never have occurred while Astrid was in a rational state.

“Sweet dreams, Astrid.” Glancing at the wall clock, Teresa saw it was about time for a nap. After tucking Astrid in, she was about to leave, but then had a thought and placed a budding sprout of Verdant Fragrance on Astrid’s bedside table.

That punch had been precisely measured—but when Astrid would wake up was still uncertain. If she overslept and missed the afternoon elective class, that would be a problem.

So Teresa set up a "living alarm clock" at Astrid’s bedside. This was a trick she used to play on Bilodis: when the time came, the Verdant Fragrance would sprout roots and buds, dripping nectar onto the sleeper’s face to wake them.

Back when Teresa had suffered Bilodis’s pranks, she often sneaked into Bilodis’s room while she slept to plant one. Of course, the next morning, she would inevitably get scolded.

There were even several times when Teresa’s attempts to set a trap in Bilodis’s room were seen through. She ended up caught in the pre-laid snares, bound like a zongzi, and when the lights turned on, she’d see Bilodis smiling with a glint in her eye.

Closing the door, Teresa returned to her own room.

***

Afternoon.

Astrid awoke with her whole body sore. She felt something cool on the tip of her nose. It felt like she had just had an overly vivid dream…

The chill from her nose quickly spread to her cheeks and neck, shaking off all traces of sleepiness.

Still groggy, she got up from the bed, rubbing her bleary eyes under uncombed hair.

Looking at the familiar layout around her, a trace of confusion flickered in Astrid’s now-clear eyes.

Had she fallen asleep in her room just now? But why didn’t she remember how she’d fallen asleep?

Also, what was with this cornflower?

She only remembered bumping into Dylin on the way back to her room—and then she had a very strange dream.

In that dream, she locked Dylin in her room and was about to do some very unreserved, indecent things.

And the dream ended illogically—with Dylin turning into a golden-haired elf girl. One she knew well.

Now fully awake, Astrid covered her face, unable to understand why she would have such a bizarre dream.

Dreams never made sense. Like how in this one, something completely impossible happened.

But why did it feel so real? So real that upon waking, her gut told her it wasn’t a dream at all.

Remembering something, she looked down and pinched her soft abdomen.

No sensation.

So it really was just a dream, right?

She must’ve been too stressed lately and not resting well. It had to have been just a dream.

Repeating this to herself, Astrid turned around, about to grab clothes from the bedside table—only to touch something that absolutely shouldn’t have been there.

A bath towel.

Astrid’s expression stiffened. She clearly felt cold sweat breaking out on her palms and back.

How could this be? Why would a bath towel be on the bedside table? Shouldn’t it be properly hanging in the bathroom?

Astrid never had the habit of taking her towel out of the bathroom. She would always hang it behind the bathroom door after drying off.

Why was it here?

Astrid recalled that in her dream, she’d come out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel, locked the door uncontrollably, and then… pinned Dylin onto her bed.

Then Dylin turned into Teresa, and the final thing she saw was Teresa’s smiling face—after which everything went blank.

If—just if—the dream was real, then the bath towel being here would make perfect sense…

But… but?

Astrid was in disarray. Not because of her outrageous behavior in the dream, but because of another truth she couldn’t accept…

No way, right? That couldn’t be possible, right?

Those two were just too different!

Not just in gender—even their personalities were worlds apart!

How could those two possibly be the same person? Ha… haha…

No matter what, Astrid couldn’t reconcile the honest, quiet Dylin with the seductive and teasing Teresa. Their personas were far too different—so different that even if the truth were placed before her, she’d still find it hard to believe.

If those two had always been one and the same…

Stop.

Astrid didn’t dare think further.

More accurately, she didn’t want to.

She was afraid she’d discover too many clues supporting her theory and ruin their relationship…

Astrid was scared. She feared that uncovering the biggest secret would drastically change her relationship with Dylin—and with Teresa.

But if they really were the same person… then wouldn’t that mean?

She hadn’t been unfaithful?

Astrid froze, as if she’d found a blind spot…

That explained everything. That explained it all. So that’s how it was.

No, wait… judging by that dream, her consciousness had been hazy and her behavior illogical—it might have really been just a dream.

Fidgeting with her fingers, Astrid nervously started counting on them.

Ask or don’t ask… ask… don’t… ask!

“No, this one doesn’t count.” Reaching the last finger, Astrid shook her head slightly.

“Astrid~?”

“I’m here.” The familiar voice from outside startled Astrid inside the room. After calming herself a little, she replied in a calm tone.

“It’s time for class. Are you dressed yet?~”

“Yes, I just finished changing.”

“Oh, good. I was afraid you were still napping in bed.” Teresa’s voice carried a hint of teasing laughter.

“Let’s head to class together—I’ll wait for you.”

Hearing that, Astrid slowly pulled her clothes from the rack and dressed. After checking herself in the bathroom mirror to ensure every strand of hair was in place, she finally stepped out.

For naturally beautiful elves, makeup wasn’t necessary. In fact, it would only ruin their innate elegance.

Opening the door, she was greeted by a skirt-uniformed girl, her golden hair shining under the afternoon sun, her smile as warm as a spring breeze—just like in her memories, as if they’d seen each other only minutes ago.

“Sorry for the wait.”

“Not at all.” Teresa wore that same gentle, all-embracing smile as always. Her hands rested gracefully in front of her lower abdomen, holding a leather handbag. The surface of her school-issued black stockings was pristine and unwrinkled. The golden-haired girl looked as spotless as if untouched by the mortal realm.

“Where are Wenfu and Felicia?” Astrid asked.

“They already left for the classroom. Judging by the time, they’re probably there by now.” Teresa glanced at the clock, stroking her chin thoughtfully.

Since their route was the same, Teresa always came by to fetch Astrid before their afternoon elective.

“Is it late already?”

“What, did Astrid think it was still early?” Teresa teased playfully.

The two walked toward the front hall together. Surrounded by the mint-vanilla scent on Teresa, Astrid felt a wave of drowsiness return, as if floating among clouds.

That nap earlier had really knocked her out—she still didn’t feel fully awake.

“Astrid, we should get going.”

“Hmm? Oh.” Astrid bent down to put on her shoes—only to realize they were already neatly on her feet.

She blinked and looked at Teresa in confusion.

“Astrid doesn’t seem fully awake yet. Want to splash some cold water on your face? It wouldn't let it affect your afternoon classes.” Teresa smiled and adjusted her heel.

“Thanks.” The thought of Teresa putting on her shoes for her made Astrid’s ears flush red.

“It’s nothing. Come on—we’re going to be late.”

The two walked side by side toward the elective classroom in silence.

Teresa said nothing. Astrid beside her had regained her usual calm demeanor, eyes fixed on the flowerbeds flanking the path.

Looks like she’s back to normal.

Teresa thought.

“Did Dylin go to class too?” Just then, Astrid suddenly spoke.

Teresa didn’t respond immediately. She glanced at Astrid—but the other girl wasn’t looking at her.

Astrid’s gaze remained fixed on the distance, as if it were just casual small talk.

However…

That faint blush near her ear was impossible to miss—especially to Teresa’s eyes.

“Yeah, he did,” Teresa replied nonchalantly. “Dylin left for class quite early.”

“He might be very busy from now on, and there probably won’t be many chances to see him.”

“You… don’t mind, right?” Teresa turned her eyes forward again, her voice slightly cautious.

“…That’s his choice. Why should I mind?” After a pause, Astrid gave her answer.

She no longer looked at the distant scenery. Her gaze returned to Teresa—now tinged with complexity.

“Teresa, have you always been this close with Dylin?”

“Yeah, I’ve always had a good relationship with Dylin. That so-called ‘good’ is constant—it never increases, and never decreases.” There was deeper meaning in Teresa’s words.

“May I… give this to you?”

“Hm?” Teresa accepted the silver moon pendant Astrid handed her, still warm from her touch.

“I brought it back from my hometown during the holiday—it’s made of mithril.”

“That’s far too valuable. Besides, why are you suddenly giving me a gift?”

“You gave me a handkerchief before. I still haven’t returned the favor.” Astrid pretended not to look at Teresa and walked ahead.

“…Then I’ll accept it.” As Teresa accepted the gift with a smile, Astrid felt her heart skip a beat.

Indeed, both of them knew—Teresa had never given Astrid a handkerchief.

Neither said a word.

Everything was left unspoken.

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