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Chapter 25: The Azure Butterfly
update icon Updated at 2025/12/24 6:00:02

Night fell, and fireworks burst in unison.

The darkness was lit bright as day. The once-quiet streets now teemed with people. Hawkers’ cries and couples’ laughter filled the air.

Kevin leaned quietly against the window, letting the evening breeze brush her face. Her eyes reflected the bustling streets below. Silver hair hidden under her cloak danced in the wind. She couldn’t help but sigh.

“It’s really lively. I’ll just treat it as a moment to relax.”

A soft knock came from the door behind her. The sound was faint, as if afraid to disturb someone’s rest. She glanced over briefly.

“The door’s unlocked. Come in, Lorin.”

Outside, Lorin heard the reply and slowly pushed the door open. He saw Miss Kevin in her cloak and frowned slightly. He just couldn’t understand why she hid her face.

“Miss Kevin, why don’t you wear other clothes? Is there some unspoken reason?”

Lorin moved closer, stepping slowly to her side. He adjusted his clothes a little, his tone laced with concern.

“It’s nothing. But thanks for before, even though you didn’t really help.”

“Haha, it’s fine. After all, if I let a lady like Miss Kevin go to such a place alone, I’d lose my gentlemanly charm.”

“Sigh, forget it.”

Kevin waved her hand lightly. She was numb to being mistaken for a girl and didn’t plan to explain further.

“Anyway, things here are settled. We’ll head back tomorrow.”

She paused, turning her gaze to Lorin beside her.

“What about you, Lorin? Any plans?”

“I’ll visit my teacher’s old house. That’s why I came here.”

Lorin looked up at the bright moon hanging in the sky. A smile graced his handsome face. This was his purpose.

“I see.”

Kevin had no interest in prying into secrets. She reached up with her fair hand and tugged her hood, completely hiding her stunningly beautiful face.

“Then, Lorin, come with me for a walk. Just to observe the surroundings.”

“Yes, Miss Kevin.”

Lorin said nothing more and quickly followed her. For some reason, being near her felt comfortable—a feeling he’d never had. His hand, which had almost reached out to touch her, pulled back.

Soon, they stepped out of the inn. The landlady greeted them warmly in her cheerful voice. The inn was bustling, not a single seat empty.

Even a light sniff brought the scent of alcohol mixed with food. That smell made Kevin quicken her steps toward the exit.

The street noise grew louder. Soon, the sea of people had two more additions.

“Lorin, you decide where to go. Honestly, I’m not that interested in this stuff.”

Kevin leaned against an old wall. Strangers brushed past her constantly. She exuded low-key indifference, her tone casual.

“I see.”

Lorin looked around the street, unsure for a moment. Then he decided to just wander.

“Then let’s stroll around. We still have time.”

“Fine.” Kevin briefly wanted to return to the inn to rest, but it was just a thought. She’d already agreed.

Flocks of blue butterflies flew over people’s heads, drawing gasps of amazement. Kevin wasn’t surprised. These butterflies only appeared on Spirit Heroes’ Day and would soon vanish.

A lone butterfly, glowing faintly blue, fluttered gently around her, as if searching for a place to land.

“I’ve never had a butterfly come to me before.”

Kevin said this because nothing had ever flown to her. She extended her hand from under her cloak. The butterfly landed on her palm.

“Miss Kevin, it seems the butterflies like you. From this, you must be in for great luck.”

Lorin had reason to say this. These butterflies didn’t approach just anyone. There was a rumor that those favored by them would have great fortune. He watched the butterfly on her palm.

“Is that so?”

Kevin didn’t pay much mind to such rumors. She pursed her cherry-red lips and gently blew on her palm.

The butterfly flapped its wings and flew back into the air. It brushed past a face covered in stubble. The man reeked of alcohol, but his solid muscles hinted at strength.

“This Kevin wine was good, but it’s all gone.”

Gali sat slumped in an old chair, his face weary. Expensive wine bottles piled around him. The room reeked of alcohol. He lazily shook an empty bottle.

“The wine’s finished, and the servants are resting. Looks like I have to go buy some myself.”

The sound of long-unused joints cracking echoed. Gali’s weary eyes watched the blue butterflies outside. A flicker of softness passed through them, but mostly they were clouded.

Soon, another drunken figure joined the streets. Gali dragged his empty body numbly. His strength meant alcohol couldn’t truly affect him, but drowning in drink wasn’t bad—it at least numbed the pain.

He arrived at a quiet tavern, untouched by the Spirit Heroes’ Festival. It went about its business as usual. The rusty doorbell jingled softly.

“Boss, bring me the strongest liquor. The usual.” Gali slid into his usual seat, finishing his words before the owner could react.

“Is that so, Hero? Long time no see.”

The speaker was the tavern owner, an old man with white hair. His words hinted they were old acquaintances. He said no more and quickly served the strong liquor.

“You haven’t changed. But so much time has passed—it’s about time you let go.”

“Sorry, I can’t move on.” Gali’s expression was unreadable. Only the sound of drinking echoed in the air.