Chapter 379: I'm Fine
"Among all virtues, filial piety comes first—judge the heart, not the deed, for by deeds alone, the poor seem unfilial."
"Among all evils, lust ranks foremost—judge the deed, not the heart, for by hearts alone, there are no perfect men."
Walking along the floating streets, Sigurd pondered the old saying. It wasn't entirely accurate, but it more or less captured his current state of mind.
First question—Did he feel something for Fu Hua?
Yes, he did.
After all, she was a woman whose beauty radiated from her very soul—from her eyes, her voice, her presence—everything about her shone with quiet brilliance.
During those long, drifting years in the Sea Of Quanta, Fu Hua's gentleness toward him had always been unusual. However, only during these past few days of rest did Sigurd begin to realize that something wasn't right.
Fu Hua possessed a kind of bewitching allure. Perhaps it was the natural magnetism of her unique soul, or perhaps a trait born from her mental-type fusion abilities. Whatever the cause, whenever she revealed that gentle side of herself, most people would unknowingly fall for her.
Sigurd had to admit it, when Fu Hua cupped his face in her hands, he had felt something stir in his heart.
"Phew…"
He came to a halt, hand on his chin, and slowly shook his head.
Second question—Should it continue?
No.
Feelings may arise, but propriety must be the boundary. Their relationship, as it was, should go no further. Judged by deeds rather than intent, it wouldn't be too inappropriate this way.
After all, there were already more than enough blossoms blooming around him. Three girls—each with her own heart, her own emotions. Trying to take care of them all already stretched Sigurd thin. He constantly felt he wasn't doing enough, yet never knew how to do better. Truly… it was enough.
Any more, and he couldn't handle it.
Fu Hua shouldn't have to suffer for being with him—especially not by becoming a love rival to her own students. That would be an insult to her dignity.
So this would be where it ended. From now on, he'd keep his distance. Let everything remain as nothing more than a fleeting heartbeat.
Third question—What about Fu Hua's feelings?
Even if Sigurd resolved to sever that emotional thread, he couldn't be sure about Fu Hua's side. And for someone capable of upholding her beliefs and vows for thousands of years—would such a person really give up her love so easily?
"Ahh…"
Sigurd covered his face with one hand and sighed tiredly.
. . .
In the lounge, Fu Hua stood behind the bar, taking out the same bottles and tools Sigurd had used earlier. She carefully mixed the liquor, mimicking his technique.
Drip… drip…
The thick, amber liquid poured into the glass, swirling with restrained richness.
Just as she finished, a pair of delicate hands suddenly appeared from under the bar and snatched the glass away.
"Ta-da! The cute Elysia makes her entrance~!"
Elysia popped up from below the counter, flashing a dazzling, mischievous smile at Fu Hua.
Fu Hua chuckled softly, unfazed, and poured herself another drink.
"How much did you overhear, Elysia?"
Her tone was calm, even playful—she didn't seem to mind that the earlier scene had been witnessed. In truth, nothing had crossed any improper line. And since it was Elysia, there was no need for concern. Sigurd himself had always taken that attitude—if it had been anything secret or indecent, Elysia would've been tossed out long ago.
Elysia waggled a finger, her flawless jade-white fingertip glinting playfully.
"I heard everything, you know. But don't worry—this is Hua's secret, and I'd never spread it around! You can always trust my integrity~!"
"Then I'll thank you for that. Cheers."
Fu Hua raised her glass. Elysia met it with a bright clink.
Naturally, Elysia took a small sip—then raised her eyebrows in surprise.
"Ooh, that's strong! But not bad at all~"
Fu Hua tilted her head back and downed the rest in one go. Lowering the empty glass, she frowned faintly.
"The flavor's off. Something's missing…"
Elysia grinned, eyes twinkling.
"Maybe what it's missing is a certain someone's heady pheromones?"
She wiggled her brows meaningfully, her teasing tone as light as ever—yet her words carried more truth than jest.
Fu Hua paused for a moment, then shook her head with a faint, self-deprecating smile.
"Don't make fun of me. It's the first time in fifty thousand years that I've felt my heart stir, and I didn't expect it to turn out like this. I really am hopeless when it comes to love. Maybe… maybe it's just my fate to devote myself to fighting the Honkai."
"No!"
"Hm?"
"No! No! No! Don't say that!" Elysia exclaimed, waving her hands dramatically. "How could I possibly sit by and let a pure-hearted maiden miss out on the most beautiful romance of her life? We're best friends, Hua! I'll definitely help you!"
Elysia clasped Fu Hua's hands, her face bright with a teasing grin—though beneath that playfulness lay genuine sincerity.
After all, as a memory construct lingering from fifty thousand years ago, being able to help an old friend who had endured all that time was proof enough that their existence still meant something. For those who drifted between illusion and reality, unable to truly live or die, that kind of meaning was precious beyond measure—at least, that's what Elysia believed.
Fu Hua, however, shook her head gently, her expression calm once more.
"That won't be necessary."
"Hua, you—"
"Ely," Fu Hua interrupted softly, her tone firm but kind. "I mean it. I'm fine. Really. There's nothing for you to worry about."
She reached out and pinched Elysia's cheek lightly, her eyes soft with an emotion she hadn't felt in ages. It was a strange, nostalgic feeling. Fifty thousand years ago, they had never been this close—Fu Hua back then had been far too reserved. But now, looking back, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret. If only she'd been a little warmer, a little closer to her comrades back then… perhaps those memories might have been a stronger source of strength through the long, lonely years.
Seeing Elysia's conflicted expression, Fu Hua smiled tenderly and continued,
"I've walked this road for so long—stumbling, falling, and getting back up again. But now… I'm here. Everything's fine. There's really nothing to worry about. Speaking of which, how have you all been here? Fifty thousand years is such a long time… I can't even imagine how lonely it must've been."
Fu Hua's brows furrowed slightly, genuine concern showing in her eyes.
Elysia pouted, knowing full well Fu Hua was trying to steer the conversation away—but she couldn't bring herself to argue. After all, Fu Hua was real, while she was only a memory. What right did she have to push her? So, she simply went along with the change in topic.
"Well, we're not exactly alive, you know? Time feels… strange to memory constructs like us. Fifty thousand years might've passed in the real world, but for us, it still feels like the day we were last recorded. So don't worry too much about it, okay?"
"I see… I don't really understand the technical side of it, but… as long as it doesn't hurt, I'm glad."
Fu Hua sighed softly, a touch of relief on her face.
Elysia, however, spread her hands with an exaggerated groan.
"Ugh! The others are fine, but Mobius—she cannot stand the stagnation of being a memory. She's been obsessed with getting a physical body again, returning to the real world, and continuing her so-called 'path to infinity.'"
"Dr. Mobius… yes, that does sound like her. For someone like her, the only thing truly unbearable is the thought of ceasing to evolve."
As she said this, Fu Hua fell silent for a moment, recalling Sigurd's earlier words—to pursue possible power.
Could it be… that Sigurd's "possibility" referred to Mobius?
After a brief moment of thought, Fu Hua's expression softened.
It didn't matter. She trusted Sigurd's judgment.
As for the danger Mobius posed… no matter how dangerous she was, could she really be more dangerous than the Honkai itself? No matter how powerful, could she surpass Sigurd? Everything was relative—and if Sigurd believed it was necessary, then Fu Hua would support him, unconditionally.
When her drink was finished, Fu Hua began cleaning the glasses and tools. She didn't speak further, simply humming a gentle tune as she worked, her lips curved in a faint, peaceful smile.
It was clear that her mood was light.
Elysia quietly watched her, swirling the red wine in her glass. Her eyes lowered, the light within them dimming slightly.
'As long as you're happy, Hua… that's enough. Our lives—our dreams—are in your hands now. As for Mobius… those who've already faded shouldn't interfere with the living world anymore. At least, that's how I see it. But you… are you truly choosing to keep walking forward?'
Elysia drained the last of her wine. The soft haze of alcohol wrapped around her as she listened to the familiar voice of an old friend who had changed so much since the days long past. With a faint smile, she leaned back on the sofa—and before she realized it, drifted into a quiet, dreamless sleep.
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