Radiant mountains and rivers stretched beneath a sky like a crystal-clear ocean. Wisps of white cloud, like powder scattered by invisible hands across a lake, drifted from one edge of the heavens to the other, chased by the wind.

*Ding-dong, ding-dong.*

A delicate chime echoed through the hills—a slender stream tumbling down from the peak, winding along its crooked path until it vanished into the distance.

As if harmonizing with nature’s melody, a sweet voice rose from the mountainside.

Its source was the riverbank. A golden-haired little girl sat singing freely.

Perched on the embankment, she wore an easily soiled white top and trousers. Yet she seemed utterly unconcerned, eyes half-closed in leisure. Her brown boots and socks lay discarded nearby; her pale little feet dipped in the water, swaying gently to stir up tiny white ripples.

Small fish darted curiously around this white "giant," twisting closer before darting away, startled by her slightest movement.

After a long, peaceful while, the girl finally lifted her legs from the water. She shook off the droplets, then stretched her feet to let the cool breeze dry them.

"Only this much time passed? What now? This life’s nice, but... too boring." She sighed. "Hmm... fine. I’ll go find Alyssa."

Muttering to herself, she slowly pulled on white cotton socks, then her little brown boots. She bounced once on the spot, stretched hugely, and finally ambled up the mountain path.

A narrow dirt-and-gravel trail wound upward, flanked by wild grasses. Though rustic, the path had been carefully cleared. It twisted from the foothills all the way to the mountainside.

Ahead, a burst of colors bloomed—red, yellow, purple, white. Fields of flowers stretched out, their rich perfume drifting far on the air.

The girl’s mood lifted. Though she didn’t quicken her pace deliberately, her steps grew noticeably swifter. Her lips parted again in song, her heavenly voice carried far by the wind.

In the distance, she spotted the small wooden cabin atop the peak.

...

Before the cabin, a frail girl with flaxen hair carefully arranged freshly cut blooms. Focused intently, she sorted stems by type and hue.

Forget-me-nots nestled among baby’s breath.

Each floral pairing held meaning. This one symbolized "eternal friendship."

Suddenly, a shadow fell across her flowers, blocking the sun.

"N—Kaelen! It’s you?"

She looked up. A red-haired boy in lavish clothes stood there, trailed by several children. Her face tightened with fear as she shrank back.

Kaelen tilted his chin, a sly smirk curling his lips.

"What? Unhappy to see me?"

"N-no, I didn’t mean—" Alyssa stammered. But Kaelen had come to provoke her. Her panic only emboldened him. He stepped closer, looming over her with arrogant disdain.

"I just haven’t seen you here before..." Alyssa whispered weakly.

"So I’m invisible to you?" Kaelen glared, shaking a fist.

"I’m sorry, I—" Poor Alyssa could only stare up at him, helpless.

His heart didn’t soften at her fragile beauty.

"Don’t think hiding behind that little brat lets you ignore me. You’ll regret this." He waved his fist triumphantly, then turned to his followers. "Don’t be fooled by Nevia’s recent swagger. *I’m* the strongest here. That mud-caked runt better not show off again—or I’ll punch her till she cries like a kitten. Ha—*ugh!*"

A pebble smacked his head. It didn’t hurt, but the humiliation burned.

"You—?!"

He whirled around. Alyssa trembled violently—but unlike his expectation, her frightened eyes held surprising defiance. She stared straight at him.

"Don’t badmouth Nevia!" With a sudden burst of courage, she lowered her head and charged.

Kaelen froze. Seeing her fierce charge, he instinctively gulped. Arrogant as he was, he was still just a child. Her bravery unnerved him.

He dodged aside.

Alyssa missed him completely, stumbling past. His followers scattered in panic. In the chaos, her foot caught someone’s shoe. She lost balance, tipping sideways.

Kaelen reached out—but too late. His fingers grasped empty air.

*Plop!* Alyssa landed hard on the ground.

"You okay?" Kaelen rubbed his nose, genuinely worried. He’d only meant to show dominance, not hurt her. He cared about his dignity; deep down, he wasn’t cruel.

"Oww... it hurts..." Alyssa’s soft, tearful whimper stirred his protective instincts. He placed a hand on her arm to help her up.

*Whoosh—*

A violent gust of wind rushed past his ear. Kaelen flinched aside just as a rock—half the size of his head—sailed past his nose.

Unlike Alyssa’s pebble, this one would’ve shattered his skull. Cold sweat beaded on his forehead.

"Hey—!"

He turned toward the thrower.

The wind picked up.

A girl in snow-white clothes ambled closer, golden hair dancing in the breeze. Her delicate face and petite frame, framed by distant peaks, painted a breathtaking scene.

Yet her expression clashed with the serenity—hands clapping sharply, face set in clear annoyance.

"Nevia..." Alyssa whispered. The moment she saw her friend, her forced bravery crumbled. Tears welled in her eyes.

"It’s alright now. Leave this to me." Nevia’s voice was gentle as she comforted Alyssa. Then her gaze locked onto Kaelen.

"Kaelen. I thought you were merely overconfident. But now..." Her pale blue eyes narrowed with anger. "Turns out you’re trash who bullies defenseless girls."

"I’m not!" Kaelen’s face flushed crimson. Being called "trash" stung—especially from Nevia. He cared far more than he realized.

...Before, their rivalry was pure competition. Now, he saw real contempt in her eyes. Worse, he felt her deep disappointment—as if something precious was shattering inside him.

"Nevia, it’s a misunderstanding, I—"

"I trust my eyes." Nevia cut him off with a wave.

The scene *did* look damning: Kaelen looming over fallen Alyssa. But heaven knew—he was innocent.

Nevia, however, saw only her friend hurt. She’d never thought Kaelen truly evil... until now. That shattered trust burned hottest.

"Punishment time. Divine retribution!" Grief twisted into action. Nevia lunged, arm swinging like a blade—*thwack!*—striking Kaelen’s head before he could react.

"Ah!"

Kaelen paled, clutching his head. But Nevia wasn’t done. Her foot shot out, kicking his stomach without mercy. The blow drained his HP bar to zero. In a fighting game, a crisp *"K.O."* would’ve chimed.

His hands flew from his head to his gut. To Nevia’s surprise, he still tried to speak.

*Huh. He’s taking more hits than usual today?*

She fake-punched the air once more but held back. No need to break him—where else would she find chances to "uphold justice"?

Kaelen pressed his lips tight. Swallowing his pride, he gestured to his followers and limped away.

*Let her cool down first. I’ll explain later.*

Nevia stuck out her tongue, making a silly face at their retreating backs.

"Nevia." A soft voice came from behind.

"Oh! Alyssa—are you hurt?" Guilt stabbed Nevia. She’d forgotten her friend in the heat of battle. She spun around to see Alyssa already sitting up.

Nevia grabbed her pale wrist, pulling her gently to her feet.

"I’m sorry..." Alyssa wiped tears, voice small.

"Hold on—I heard *what*? Alyssa, never apologize. You did nothing wrong." Nevia frowned.

"But... I caused you trouble..." Alyssa’s shoulders hunched with guilt.

Nevia sighed inwardly. She knew Alyssa’s timid nature wasn’t her fault. Orphaned young, bullied by the whole village, survival meant staying meek. Even Nevia’s own mother had warned her: *"Don’t get too close to Alyssa."* Nevia never understood why. Her mother could’ve easily stopped the bullying—yet chose not to.

Nevia wanted to help Alyssa, but could only offer what little aid she could in secret.

Whether this stayed hidden from others... well, the whole village knew Alyssa had this mischievous guardian watching over her.

Nevia had been anxious about it for a while. Luckily, her mother turned a blind eye and didn’t punish her. Otherwise, she’d have faced a scolding. Under that stern gaze, no one could stay calm.

"Don’t always take the blame on yourself..." Nevia sighed.

"Mm... mm." Alyssa nodded obediently.

"You need to learn to say ‘no,’ Alyssa."

Seeing Alyssa’s obedient nod, Nevia frowned and corrected her. She was a well-behaved child—nothing wrong with that—but to Nevia, raised in a new era, this trait needed fixing.

But Alyssa didn’t grasp Nevia’s intentions. She blinked and asked, "What do you mean? I can say that word..."

"Okay." Nevia slapped her forehead, then looked up, gesturing. "I mean, have your own opinions. Don’t just follow others. Like earlier—if someone says you’re wrong, don’t believe it. Tell me, ‘Nevia, Kaelen bullied me. That bastard! Let’s go beat him up!’ That’s how it should be."

"But I kept saying ‘it’s my fault.’ It’s you, Nevia, pushing me to blame others." Alyssa looked at her with a hint of grievance.

"You... huh? Uh... yeah... that’s true." Nevia rolled her eyes. She hadn’t expected Alyssa’s sly side to leave her speechless. Thinking it over, it was true. The girl was momentarily at a loss.

She quickly changed the subject. "Alright. Oh—any injuries? Need potions?" Nevia’s eyes lit up as she excitedly gazed at Alyssa.

"I’m fine... no... no thanks!" Alyssa froze, then shook her head vigorously, looking scared.

"Hey, I wouldn’t—"

"...Never mind. I’m not talented anyway." Nevia looked disappointed, hanging her head with a sigh.

"No, it’s not—" Alyssa panicked. "It’s not because of you, Nevia—"

"It’s fine." Nevia shrugged, cutting her off. "I know my skills suck," she said with a bitter smile. "Just joking. I wouldn’t trust my stuff on anyone. Let me check your injuries."

Alyssa sighed in relief and stood straight. Minor scrapes, nothing serious. But a large bruise marred her face from hitting a rock when she fell. Her clothes were dusty and filthy.

Nevia tenderly touched Alyssa’s cheek. "That must hurt."

Staring at that close face, Alyssa felt a momentary daze.

"Did Kaelen do this?" Nevia asked, angry and disbelieving as she recalled the scene.

"Huh? Yeah." Alyssa snapped out of it. Nevia’s eyes held dangerous flames. Alyssa felt scared and nodded instinctively—only realizing later she hadn’t caught the question. But she lacked courage to admit it.

"Huh? So it was him... that guy... hmph!" Nevia bit her lip. "I shouldn’t have let him go. Should’ve beaten him again."

"Um..." Alyssa felt a misunderstanding but didn’t know how to explain. She shook her head blankly.

"Don’t worry. I’ll get justice for you. Wait here." Nevia patted her flat chest and raised an eyebrow.

"..." Alyssa opened her mouth, panic flickering in her eyes. Nevia mistook it for anxiety. She grabbed Alyssa’s small hand and flashed a bright smile.

"With me here, you needn’t worry about anything."

Alyssa tightly held Nevia’s hand.

Though Alyssa’s injuries weren’t serious, Nevia worried. She told her to rest, then sneaked home for potions. Luckily, her mother was out—otherwise, trouble.

...

On her way back, Nevia spotted Kaelen’s group again. They sat dejectedly on roadside stones. Kaelen rambled on, trying to act tough despite his disheveled state. Nevia almost laughed.

But remembering how he bullied Alyssa, her amusement vanished.

"Gotta teach him a lesson." Nevia muttered, picking up a stone and creeping toward Kaelen. This time, a lookout kid spotted her and yelled, "Boss—she’s here!"

"Her?" Kaelen froze, then realized. He waved. "Retreat!" His gang bolted.

It felt like boosting the enemy’s morale, but... he’d already lost face today. One more humiliation didn’t matter.

Nevia was speechless. But avenging Alyssa? She wouldn’t quit.

"Don’t run!"

Kaelen panted, fleeing blindly to an unfamiliar spot. Ahead lay a shallow pond, its water low. Black mud exposed the bottom, with lotus roots poking out.

"Hmph. Where now? Run more..." Nevia smiled sweetly, slowly advancing.

Damn, how’s she not tired? Exhausted, Kaelen watched her close in, face pale. He felt like a mouse under a sly white cat’s paw—toyed with until drained, then devoured.

"Don’t come closer... anymore..." Kaelen kept backing away.

Nevia shrugged, smirking. "What’ll you do?"

"I... I—" Cornered at the edge, with Nevia waving her fist, Kaelen screamed and jumped into the mud.

Nevia stared, surprised. She just wanted to spar. Why jump in? The pond was shallow but filthy. She pinched her nose, frowning.

"Kaelen, come up and settle this."

"I won’t! You come down if you dare!" Kaelen shouted, hands on hips. Nevia knew he was all bark. If she went in, she’d beat him easily—but her clothes would be ruined. Mother would be furious.

"You come up."

"You come down."

"No—"

"Then I won’t either!"

They glared, neither moving.

"Kaelen, are you even a man? So cowardly... tsk." Nevia raised an eyebrow, taunting.

"I’m still a boy. What about you, Nevia? You brag about being tough. Scared now?" Kaelen shot back, turning defense to offense.

"Hmph. Let’s wait. I’ll see if you surface."

"Fine. Who’s scared..."

Both were uncomfortable. Nevia sat by the pond, swinging her legs, bored. Alyssa waited for the potions. Kaelen, standing in mud, suffered worse.

"Kaelen, come up. I’ll beat you lightly and let you go."

"..." He rolled his eyes. "No deal."

After a while, Kaelen stammered, "Nevia, I really didn’t hurt that little demon—ah, I mean, Aly—"

"Ugh—" Nevia jumped in, slamming her arm on his head. Calling Alyssa a demon was one of her biggest triggers.

Alyssa’s mother was a Demon. Since birth, Nevia heard: stay away—that kid’s a demon’s child. But Nevia scoffed. Not only was she the Demon King in her past life, but labeling Alyssa a "demon’s child" just for her mother’s "dark magic"? Ridiculous.

"Thud—" Kaelen clutched his head, yelling "Ow!" Pain erased his noble manners. He swung wildly. Stuck in mud, Nevia couldn’t dodge. She blocked with her arms.

"Ugh—" She hissed. Retaliating, she elbowed him—right on the temple. Kaelen’s vision darkened. He lost consciousness.

...

Kaelen woke to solid ground beneath his back. Warm sunlight bathed him. Grass scents mixed with a foul odor—his muddy clothes. But a crisp fragrance floated too, like dewy lilies. Dreamily beautiful. Enchanting... enchanting?

He shook his head, throbbing pain fogging his mind. "I’m still alive..." He didn’t know why he said it.

"Of course." A crisp, annoyed voice came nearby. Kaelen turned. Nevia sat close, watching him. Mud stained her clothes, dried on hard-to-reach spots. Sunlight glowed on her porcelain skin. "If I hadn’t pulled you out, you’d be lost." She tilted her chin.

"It’s your fault—" Kaelen saw her face darken and stopped.

"Here." Her expression softened. She pulled out a white handkerchief and tossed it. "Wipe yourself. You’re filthy."

Kaelen froze.

"Hmph. Gotta go. Alyssa’s waiting." Nevia stood.

"Wait!"

But Kaelen stopped her.

"What is it?" Nevia asked, puzzled.

"That..." Kaelen stammered, words failing him.

"If you have something to say, spit it out. Otherwise, I'm leaving!" Nevia stood up impatiently.

"That... I won't give up."

"Got it." Nevia waved dismissively.

"That... thank you." Just a few steps away, the voice drifted from behind. She almost thought she’d misheard.

"..." The little girl blinked in surprise. "What’s wrong with you? Did I knock some sense loose? Why say that after I just beat you up?"

Nevia’s retort died under Kaelen’s earnest gaze. She muttered under her breath, "What’s this about," then waved. "Ah... whatever. Bye."

She turned to leave.

"Wait—"

"What now?" Nevia glanced back, eyebrow raised.

"I..." Kaelen looked like he had something vital to say, but choked on it. He squeezed his eyes shut, stammering, "I really didn’t bully Alyssa..."

"You dare bring that up?" Nevia shook a fist. "I’ll hit you!"

This time, Kaelen didn’t flinch. He snapped his eyes open, staring stubbornly at her.

Nevia studied him, a trace of surprise flickering in her eyes. After a pause, she sighed. "...Fine. One more chance. Talk."

Kaelen exhaled in relief.

"Actually, here’s what happened..."

He recounted the events.

"Huh... so I misunderstood. But don’t get cocky. You started it, messing with Alyssa. Next time, come straight to me, okay? I’ll knock some sense into you!" Nevia glared, fist clenched. Her tone softened. "Anyway, I’ve got to go. Alyssa needs these herbs for her fall. Let’s call it even. Bye."

"Mm."

Kaelen watched the azure sky, sunlight blinding. He shielded his eyes. Most mud was gone from his clothes, but he clutched the dirt-stained handkerchief tightly, unable to let go.

Nevia crept to Alyssa’s house. Alyssa sat inside. Nevia left the herbs at the door, scratched her chin, then tiptoed away.

Showing up filthy would be too embarrassing. And... knowing her, she’d worry nonstop...

After a distance, Nevia turned and shouted, "Alyssa! Herbs are at your door—use them quick! I’m heading home before Mom panics. Bye!"

Alyssa rushed out, catching only a blurry figure waving. She waved back. "I—"

Nevia vanished before she could finish.

"Never mind. I’ll find her later."

Tiptoeing back home.

A two-story wooden house stood by the riverside, bathed in golden light.

Inside, Nevia froze. There stood someone she dreaded seeing right now—

Waist-length pale gold hair, emerald eyes like gems. A woman of perfect beauty, silently watching her.

"..."

Nevia’s throat tightened.

"Nevia!"

Her mother’s gentle voice broke the silence. But that smiling face made the girl nearly babble:

"Mom, I swear! No tree-climbing, no mountain runs, no fights..."

She rolled her eyes, earnest.

"I just tripped on the way back! True this time—I swear on the Holy Light!"

"The Holy Light won’t favor liars, my child," her mother set down her teacup, gaze sharp.

"I didn’t—" Nevia’s voice shrank under that stare. "Okay, maybe once or twice... but rarely!"

"Hmm?"

Nevia fell silent, looking pitiful.

"Go change. You’re a mess." Her mother rubbed her temple, waving her off.

Nevia bolted upstairs like a pardoned prisoner.

"This child..."

"Ow... that stings."

In her room, Nevia rubbed her snow-white forearm, whimpering softly. Then she scowled. "Kaelen hit too hard! Next time, I’ll make him kneel and sing surrender!"

Her tiny fist punched the air, imagining his face swollen like a bun. She giggled, bell-like laughter filling the room.

Her mood lifted. In the bathroom mirror, a mud-caked girl stared back.

"Oh, heavens. No wonder Mom’s mad." She stuck out her tongue, stripped off the filthy clothes, and plunged into the hot spring bath.

Warm water soaked her. She scrubbed hastily, then paused. Squeezing clear liquid from a wooden bottle, she lathered her skin.

"If I’m not spotless, Mom’ll be furious. Who’d think a transmigrator and Demon King’d end up like this?"

She muttered, rubbing foam over her tender skin.

After washing, she faced the mirror: golden hair loose, sky-blue eyes, pink cheeks, dimples when she smiled. A little angel.

"Sigh."

Even after ten years, seeing this reflection felt unreal.

"Nevia! Lunch is ready."

"Coming, Mom!"

Roast beef, soft bread, fresh salad—lavish here, but she missed fish head soup and rice.

She tiptoed to the table, waiting. Her mother sat.

Hands clasped for prayer, thanking the Holy Light. Nevia peeked, distracted.

"Alyssa visited earlier," her mother said calmly, watching Nevia stuff beef into her mouth. "She asked me to thank you."

"Oh—cough!" Nevia choked, gulping milk. She stared at her plate, shoveling food.

*When did that happen? I just walked nearby...*

"Mom’s cooking’s amazing!" she mumbled.

"Helping’s good, but fighting won’t fix everything. Especially with her... sigh." Her mother sighed. "Stay away. And as a girl, stop brawling. Act ladylike sometimes."

"I know, Mom." Nevia nodded eagerly, eyes squinting in a smile. How much she meant it, only she knew.

Her mother dropped it. "Eclishton came this morning. He—"

"Did Uncle finish my thing?" Nevia swallowed a huge bite, eyes wide.

"Yes, but—" her mother frowned. "Don’t interrupt. It’s rude."

"Sorry, Mom!" Nevia wriggled, barely sitting still.

"Finish eating."

"Okay..." Nevia chewed glumly, regretting her large portion. The food felt endless, multiplying in her mouth. She crammed a chunk the size of her fist inside.

*Snap.*

She clutched her head,委屈.

"Eat slowly," her mother chided, hand withdrawn.

"Mmm."

Later, Nevia pushed her plate away, eyes sparkling. "Done, Mom!"

"It’s in your room, by the cabinet." Her mother nodded.

"Mom’s the best!"

The little girl smiled sweetly but hurriedly got off the chair.

She was about to go upstairs when she spotted a tiny girl standing nervously outside the door.

Nevia hesitated, glancing at her mother and then at the girl outside, her expression uneasy.

“Go talk to her,” her mother said with a look.

Nevia softly replied and ran out.

At the door, she beamed at the little girl. She peeked back at her mother, who was focused on lunch, then turned away and secretly stuck out her tongue.

“Alyssa~ Come on, let’s chat over there.”

Nevia took the girl’s small hand and led her in a quick run to a tree. Talking where her mother could always see felt too stressful.

She didn’t notice the faint pink blush instantly coloring the little girl’s cheeks.

“What’s wrong? Did Kaelen bully you again? That bastard—I’ll beat him up… uh… teach him a proper lesson!” Nevia clenched her fists and mock-punched the air.

“Haha…” Alyssa giggled softly at the silly gesture.

“Hehe, that’s better! Smile more, Alyssa. With such a cute face, it’s a waste to stay gloomy.” Nevia leaned close and winked.

“Ah…” Alyssa covered her mouth, only her timid eyes visible.

“That won’t do.” Nevia moved nearer, her bright eyes fixed on Alyssa. She pressed her index fingers to Alyssa’s mouth corners and lifted them into a smile. “Smile more~”

They were so close Alyssa could see fine hairs on Nevia’s face. The little girl’s sweet breath brushed her skin, making Alyssa jump back in surprise.

She stared at Nevia, who kept smiling with encouraging eyes.

“Alyssa, remember what I told you before?”

The words sparked a memory. Alyssa nodded slowly but firmly. She released her hands, took a deep breath, and mustered courage to show a shy, stiff smile under Nevia’s gaze.

“I… just… wanted… to say thank you,” Alyssa blurted, stuttering.

Alyssa had deep blue eyes, smooth flaxen hair, and a small, pretty face that was too thin. Bruises marred her cheeks, but her dirty clothes had been swapped for cheap, clean linen.

“It’s nothing. I just can’t stand Kaelen…” Nevia paused awkwardly, forcing a smile. “Uh—he always bullies others. Someone must teach him. And he picks on girls! If we don’t show him tough love, he’ll never learn his place!”

“Sob… Nevia, you’re so kind.” Tears welled in Alyssa’s eyes. Memories of sadness overwhelmed her, and she began sobbing.

“Alright, stop crying!” Nevia coaxed the weeping child. “You won’t be cute if you keep this up!”

“Mm, Alyssa won’t cry…” she whispered, but her sobs grew louder. Since her mother’s death, no one had cared like this. Grief and warmth tangled, deepening the ache in her chest.

“Alyssa, you…”

“Mommy… sob sob…” Alyssa murmured unconsciously. The word silenced Nevia. She stared with a complex expression, words failing her at the mention of Alyssa’s mother.

She must be heartbroken. Her mother sacrificed for the village, yet everyone scorned her. Nevia wanted to comfort her but didn’t know how.

Silence fell, broken only by Alyssa’s choked sobs.

Nevia watched helplessly. She bit her lower lip, then opened her arms and hugged Alyssa.

Alyssa froze but didn’t pull away. She buried her face in Nevia’s chest and cried freely.

After a while, as if spent, Alyssa peeked up shyly, her face flushed. “Sorry,” she whispered, then ran off.

“Sigh…”

Really.

Nevia lightly bit her finger and sighed in frustration.