"Peipei!"
Clervie's voice interrupted Yu Xie and Peruere's conversation as she jogged over, slightly out of breath and smiling awkwardly.
"It seems like you two have already met."
"Yes, he's Yu Xie," Peruere replied.
"He just arrived today, and we'll be family from now on," Clervie said, glancing at the unmoving spider on the ground. "What happened to Bambi?"
"It looks like it's dying," Peruere said calmly. "It must be old."
"Is its name Bambi?" Yu Xie asked.
"Yes, it's a name we gave it together," Clervie said, looking at Bambi with a hint of hesitation.
"Dying of old age is a kind of happiness," Yu Xie said. "To live out a life like this, without accidents, until the very end—there's nothing better."
"But their lives are so short," Clervie seemed a bit sentimental.
"For them, it's already a long life," Yu Xie replied.
"I agree," Peruere said, looking at Yu Xie.
The atmosphere suddenly became a bit subtle, and Clervie seemed somewhat confused.
After a moment of silence, she said, "I told you two would get along well."
…
Night fell.
This was Yu Xie's first night in this life.
The night was tranquil; most of the children in Hearth Manor were already resting. The lively space that buzzed with activity during the day now felt like it had drifted into slumber.
Yu Xie wasn't feeling sleepy, so he left his room to take a walk in the corridor.
Silver moonlight streamed through the windows, casting a snowy glow.
To his surprise, Peruere was still awake. She stood alone by the window, gazing outside, seemingly lost in thought.
After a moment of contemplation, Yu Xie approached her.
As Yu Xie approached, Peruere spoke up before he could say anything.
"Can't you sleep?" she asked.
"A little," Yu Xie replied.
"I couldn't sleep my first night here either," Peruere said. "But you get used to it over time."
"But you seem like you can't sleep tonight either," Yu Xie pointed out.
"I just tend to stay up late," she said.
"What about Clervie? Isn't she with you?"
"She should be resting now."
"I thought you two would be having a late-night chat at a time like this."
The conversation seemed to reach a lull, and they both fell silent.
Only the quiet and moonlight remained in the corridor.
"Clervie said I'm her best friend," Peruere eventually said after a long pause.
"She has mentioned that," Yu Xie confirmed.
"I'm happy she said that," Peruere paused for a moment. "But here, having friends might not be a good thing. Emotions can make us hesitate."
After saying this, she turned and walked away.
From her small figure, Yu Xie sensed something that shouldn't be present in a child—feelings tangled together like a heavy burden.
"I would advise you not to make friends with anyone," she called back, her footsteps echoing in the corridor.
"Does that include you and Clervie?" Yu Xie asked.
There was no response, and Peruere's silhouette faded into the distance.
Yu Xie fell silent.
He turned to look out the window, just as Peruere had done moments before.
It seemed that getting to know the real Peruere would take some time.
…
The next day.
The sun shone brightly.
Children gathered in the training grounds.
Crucabena stood at the front, surveying each child's face with a warm smile.
She always had that gentle smile, and even when she wasn't smiling, the soft aura around her made it clear she was a capable "mother."
Most of the children adored her, for it was her presence that made this place feel like a true "home."
Occasionally, when she had the time, she would gather the children to tell them enchanting fairy tales.
But today wasn't about storytelling.
"I'd like to introduce everyone to Yu Xie, who just arrived at Hearth Manor yesterday. From now on, he will be our new family member," Crucabena said with a smile, gesturing to Yu Xie.
Yu Xie didn't say anything; he just looked at the smiling faces of the children, feeling an indescribable emotion in his heart.
Children are always innocent. These kids were likely still lost in the beautiful dreams woven by Crucabena, unaware of the reality around them.
"Peruere, come to the front," Crucabena called, waving to Peruere.
Without a word, Peruere quietly stepped forward.
Upon seeing this, some children's faces showed signs of dissatisfaction; young kids often can't hide their emotions well.
At Hearth Manor, many knew that "Mother" favored Peruere, even more so than her biological daughter, Clervie.
"Today's training will focus on close combat techniques. Peruere, you'll pair up with Yu Xie to demonstrate the close combat skills I've taught you all," Crucabena instructed.
"Alright," Peruere accepted calmly.
The other children, however, were far from calm.
Peruere had consistently ranked first in training among all the kids, and everyone present knew her strength was formidable.
But this new arrival was going to spar with Peruere on his very first day?
Let's observe a moment of silence for him.
"Everyone, step back a bit to give Peruere and Yu Xie some space," Crucabena said with a smile.
The children quickly moved aside.
Clervie looked a bit worried; she hurried over to Peruere and whispered, "Peipei, be gentle," before stepping back.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Peruere picked up two wooden daggers and tossed one to Yu Xie.
He caught the wooden dagger and weighed it in his hand.
"Can we start?" Peruere asked Yu Xie.
"Yes," he nodded in response.
The moment the words left his mouth, Peruere tightened her grip on the dagger and charged at him.
She moved quickly, her actions so swift that some subtle movements were hard to discern. However, Yu Xie caught sight of the dark color spreading across Peruere's fingertips.
Was that the "curse" on Peruere?
Before Yu Xie could think more about it, the wooden dagger in Peruere's hand was already in front of him, forcing him to block.
With the sound of the wooden blades clashing, their bodies collided.
At that moment, Peruere's uniquely colored eyes sharpened with a different intensity.
Strike after strike, the children watched in a daze.
Contrary to everyone's expectations, Yu Xie didn't falter under Peruere's fierce assault; instead, he skillfully countered her tricky moves, matching her blow for blow.
Even Clervie looked surprised.
Only Crucabena stood to the side, smiling, as if everything was well within her control.
"It seems we have another contender," she thought to herself.
End of chapter
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