“The day of release has finally arrived... I never expected to see the light of day again.”
The dim moonlight cast jagged shadows like the sharp teeth of a hungry wolf, piercing through the window and onto the cement ground as clear as a lake.
Anaquis followed behind Turing, walking out of the prison boldly on this dark and stormy night.
Their release was actually a subversive act, one that the authorities could not enforce. Hence, the bread of freedom they held today was destined to be shared only between the two of them.
“You're exaggerating.”
Turing's mood was evidently cheerful, and his tone towards Anaquis softened unknowingly.
“It was just a case of accidentally going overboard while serving the nobles—those injuries could have been healed in a second with magic, so why keep you locked up for so long?”
Turing asked Anaquis puzzledly.
“Ah, you probably haven't understood the extent of power the nobles in their territories hold over commoners... Not to mention, I was just a lowly male escort.”
“Alright, let's not dwell on it too much, so as not to dampen your spirits.”
Anaquis forced a smile and said to Turing.
“By the way, where is your home? Do you need me to escort you back?”
“Your... significant other didn't come?”
When Anaquis said this, it was clearly aimed at the hand of Turing, which bore an engagement ring. Turing noticed this, but pretended not to.
“I didn't have time to tell him, so that's why he didn't come to pick me up.”
“We are very affectionate.”
Turing smiled casually and said.
Being secretive was not Turing's style, so he always preferred to be straightforward.
“What about you, do you have somewhere to go now?”
Turing asked again.
“It's fine, I can go back to the club.”
“Even though it's not a great place... but they'll give me a place to stay.”
Anaquis waved her hand nonchalantly.
“Alright, as long as there's a place to stay.”
Turing didn't bother to be polite with Anaquis, and he directly spread his broad black magical wings, reminiscent of a hawk, soaring impatiently to meet Merka.
“I'll personally come to the club to find you next time. Remember to practice the violin a bit more during this time.”
“I'm leaving—”
An explosion like a fragmentation grenade pierced Anaquis' eardrums, and a gust of wind lifted Turing in an instant, carrying her up into the sky.
Anaquis watched as Turing gradually disappeared into the condensed night sky, feeling an inexplicable emptiness creeping in.
-----------------------------------------------------------
“I'll be back soon... Merka.”
Turing's speed was almost tearing through space, and in just a couple of breaths, she was flying above the island in the middle of the lake.
In the raging storm, Turing looked down towards the lake and noticed a wild motorcycle parked lonely by the shore.
Squinting, Turing changed direction, descended beside the motorcycle, and felt the engine.
“It's still warm...”
【Has Merka returned already?】
A smile as radiant as a sea of flowers bloomed at the corners of Turing's mouth. Perhaps even she couldn't believe it now, but on this day three years ago, she was still an insomniac, bitter-faced recluse.
"Merka, Merka!"
Turing leaped into the air, extended a tentacle, and quickly tapped the surface of the water. Like a nightingale in the evening breeze, Turing swiftly glided over the lake.
In Turing's view, the distant villa grew larger as he approached. Blending into the darkness, Turing darted into the garden at the entrance of the villa in an instant.
Taking several steps to reach the entrance, Turing changed his body structure and infiltrated through the foyer of the villa.
"Merka—"
"Merka—? Are you there?"
Turing twitched his small proboscis, catching a familiar scent lingering in the air.
At that moment, Turing seemed to understand what Merka meant. How crucial and powerful a sense of smell could be for an angel.
But despite the tantalizing aroma of Merka seeming within reach, Turing couldn't seem to call out for him.
Puzzled, he ascended to the second floor following the scent. Turing walked softly through the gentle atmosphere of the bedroom, gazing towards the balcony that seemed to have a faint human figure.
The moonlight shone through the misty window sill into the room, encircling Turing and Merka's bedside. Some glittering things sparkled quietly under the moonlight, catching Turing's eye.
"The clothing tomb... Has Merka finished it?"
Approaching the bed, Turing looked at the colorful decorations on the headboard, feeling a warmth in his heart.
"The lilies Maria gave... This is Prince An's grave, right?"
"At least after death, he has returned to the Agio family."
Turing picked up a potted plant and gently stroked it.
"And Mostima's tomb. These are... fake sunflowers, right."
Setting down Prince An's lilies, Turing picked up another potted plant and examined it closely.
"I see, Merka took this when Diana came to see me that time."
"Fake flowers... It really suits Sister's identity."
Turing nostalgically caressed the plastic sunflower, then, feeling a sense of relief, put it back.
"Even if they are fake flowers... Sister still pursues her happiness like a sunflower."
"I must reconcile with Merka and strive for happiness as well."
"Otherwise, it would truly be a waste of Sister's sacrifice."
Turing gradually shifted his gaze from the sunflower to the last empty potted plant, focusing on it.
