"Hmm... Hahaha."

Oedipus chuckled, her laughter as tender as the winter bamboo shoots turning green in the grassy mountain stream, leaving people enchanted.

She gently shook the pipe in her hand, tilting her head slightly, and smiled at Turing.

"Oh, Mom really didn't see it coming, raising a little animal for more than ten years, only to find out it's a big softie."

"On this point, you and Mom are really nothing alike."

"Not at all."

With closed eyes, Oedipus revealed a slight slit, as if containing a deeply affectionate gaze that couldn't be restrained, seeping out involuntarily.

"But, just because you love him so much, does it mean he must love you back?"

"Is it possible that what you perceive as mutual affection is just wishful thinking on your part?"

Seeing Turing's unwavering gaze without a flicker, Oedipus shook her head helplessly and smiled lightly.

"Since you believe in him so much."

"How about we make a bet, my dear daughter?"

"...What are we betting on?"

As soon as Turing heard that Oedipus wanted to negotiate terms, her courage suddenly wavered, and she began to feel a bit nervous.

She had been outsmarted by Oedipus too many times before. Every time they interacted, especially when it came to these word games, Turing always ended up at a disadvantage.

But now Turing didn't have much of a choice.

After all, she had nothing much left to lose now.

"Let's bet... whether he will come to rescue you."

Oedipus replied.

"If he is willing to come to rescue you, and successfully meets you, then I won't confine you anymore."

"And you can go wherever you want in the future."

"Whether it's Acadia or overseas, I won't stop you."

"Of course, you still have to come back for the competition. You have to participate in the flower-presentation ceremony for me, I can't compromise on that."

Although these words seemed casual coming from Oedipus, they stirred up a storm in Turing's heart.

She stared in astonishment at Oedipus, her deep blue eyes reflecting an incredibly surprised hue.

"Why? Why is she doing this?"

"I don't understand, isn't she afraid I'll escape?"

"Is she playing some trick... or trying to deceive me, wanting to engage in psychological warfare with me? Trying to break down my mental defenses?"

"But there's no need for that!"

"I've already lost, and there are hardly any matches left."

"Why would she make such a risky decision?"

A drop of cold sweat trickled down Turing's brow as she gave a cold snort,

"You've bet on the wrong horse."

"Merka will definitely come to rescue me, and he will definitely see me."

"Oedipus..."

"If you talk about who between us poses the most threat to you, it's definitely not me."

"It's him!"

Full of confidence, Turing looked Oedipus in the eye and said each word with determination.

Oedipus just smiled faintly and said, "Alright then."

"Let's wait and see."

———————————————————

Turing and Yanling walked slowly in the vine-covered garden, their steps gentle.

In the garden, the gravel path was covered with flowers. Turing walked ahead, hands clasped behind her back. Her brows furrowed, her eyes fixed on the blooming flowers on either side of the path, looking weighed down with thoughts.

Yanling followed behind Turing, with a meek and gentle demeanor.

It was midsummer, the perfect time for Coreopsis to bloom.

Turing furrowed her brows even tighter, gazing at the corners where she used to play with Mammon and Samael, now lost in her own thoughts.

The strange agreement with Oedipus had left her restless every day.

"There are no guards in the garden."

Turing activated her magic vision and glanced back towards the direction of the castle at the end of the path.

After a brief scan, Turing locked eyes with a maid sitting in a small flower garden.

Turing gave a natural smile, as if to greet her. The maid blushed, quickly raised her arm, waved, and warmly responded to Turing.

"I only saw maids and housekeepers on my way here."

Turing looked up at the sky, using her magic vision once more.

But there were no suspicious figures in sight.

"There are no mage patrols in the sky either."

"If I were to fly away now... no one should be able to stop me."

"But, this is Oedipus we're talking about."

"How could she have no defenses against me at all?"

"Perhaps... perhaps now is the perfect time to escape!"

"But, what if I fail again..."

Grinding her teeth, Turing clenched her fists.

She gazed at the flawless sky above, feeling farther from the blue sky than ever before.