"So, that's roughly the situation. Did you get it, blockhead?"
"I think I understand now. In essence, my memory disorder occurred because I tried to prevent my husband from succumbing to demonic influence... is that right?"
Fu Hua wore a long, plain white nightgown, her slender figure leaning gracefully against one arm for support, exuding fragility. Her lovely legs were crossed on the bed, revealing feet as fair as snow—charmingly alluring yet adorably innocent with a slight tilt of her head, her bewildered expression almost tempting mischief.
'Nice!' ×2
Both the tiny figures inside the Book of Fuxi and Elysia clapped their hands in approval.
On the surface, however, the Book of Fuxi maintained a serious demeanor, perched atop Elysia's head. With its ethereal sleeves draped over its folded hands, it nodded emphatically.
"Indeed! That's exactly what happened!"
Observing the solemn appearance of the Book of Fuxi contrasted with Elysia's cheerful grin, Fu Hua lowered her gaze, her delicate brows furrowed slightly as she pondered deeply:
"Hmm..."
"What's wrong? Do you doubt us?"
"No, even though my memories are hazy, I know that both Little Fuxi and Elder Elysia are trustworthy individuals. Moreover, when thinking about Zeke—my husband's name—I do feel warmth in my heart. It suggests we must have had a strong bond. However, for some reason, as you recount these events...something still feels slightly off."
"Ahhh! I knew it was serious! Just look at how distressed you've become! That guy may act all proud and aloof, but he proves unreliable when it matters most! How could someone like him be your man? No way, I must set things straight with him and give him a proper lesson!"
The Book of Fuxi clenched its tiny fists, visibly seething, causing Fu Hua's heart to tighten.
"Little Fuxi, don't do anything rash!" Confused, Fu Hua couldn't fully explain her sudden anxiety; she just instinctively felt that the Book of Fuxi should not confront Zeke.
At this moment, Elysia raised her hands, gently closing the Book of Fuxi within her palms and bringing it down, then smiled warmly while saying:
"I don't think it's necessary. Seeing Fu Hua injured this deeply already breaks his heart; knowing her memories might be damaged would devastate him further. Besides, news of the esteemed Human Sovereign succumbing to demonic influence will undoubtedly cause a massive uproar. I imagine he must be overwhelmed just trying to maintain stability."
"Is it...that serious?" Fu Hua sat up slightly, asking hesitantly with unease.
"Sigh..."
Elysia let out a sorrowful sigh, her tone carrying a hint of melancholy. "Hua, consider this with your relatively clear mind: isn't the monarch being possessed by darkness a grave situation? Already burdened with worry, if he were to discover your extent of injury...I fear even spitting blood on the spot would be the least of his reactions."
"But..." Fu Hua's memories remained chaotic, unable to fully grasp the severity as described by Elysia. Yet, her gentle and kind nature instantly softened her stance.
Unbeknownst to her, amidst their covert anxiety, Book of Fuxi and Elysia exchanged glances, both wearing smug smiles.
Then, standing upright in Ellie's palm, hands on its hips, the Book of Fuxi raised its tiny head defiantly and exclaimed loudly:
"Good for him if he's coughing up blood! Even better if it kills him! How dare that fickle scum think he deserves our immortal? Forget about this thick-headed fool; I'll make sure justice is served!"
"No, no! While I agree loyalty is crucial in relationships, there...there must be some reason we ended up married. For now, let's keep my memory loss a secret. Once I've sorted out my thoughts, I'll decide what to do."
"Hah? What are you thinking? Isn't this the perfect chance to cut ties with him?" The Book of Fuxi displayed frustration, almost as if disappointed by Fu Hua's indecisiveness. It even floated up and forcefully tapped her pristine forehead.
Fu Hua seemed bewildered, likely due to her lack of memories, unsure how to react.
Elysia sighed softly and addressed the Book of Fuxi, "While it does seem like an opportune moment, wouldn't Zeke really just drop dead from shock?"
"I don't care if he dies!"
"However, the threat of Honkai is ever-present, like a shadow following us. To put it dramatically, the fate of the entire world essentially rests on his shoulders. Billions of lives still depend on him. Besides, we all know Zeke deeply loves Hua; otherwise, they wouldn't have come this far together."
"But...but that doesn't mean he should mistreat my immortal!" Book of Fuxi countered, albeit with a slightly uncertain tone, acknowledging the truth in Elysia's words.
The room fell silent, the atmosphere somewhat tense.
Meanwhile, Fu Hua managed to grasp a vague understanding amidst her confusion. Leaning forward, she gently stroked the top of Book of Fuxi's head, saying:
"All right, I think I've got the general idea now. Let's keep my situation hidden for now. With no memories, I don't want to do something I might regret later. And as Elder Elysia mentioned, let's prioritize the bigger picture!"
Fu Hua smiled warmly. The peculiarities she initially noticed had been forgotten amid their argument. At that moment, her focus was solely on calming the "agitated" Book of Fuxi and stabilizing the situation before addressing anything else.
After some time, the disgruntled Book of Fuxi reluctantly sat in Fu Hua's palm, mumbling indistinctly under its breath. However, it had finally calmed down from its earlier aggressive stance.
Fu Hua surmised that the book was likely still expressing discontent on her behalf, which warmed her heart. Gently stroking the top of the Book of Fuxi, she said:
"Could you please tell me about my interactions with...my husband? Although I may not recall those details accurately, there might be some inconsistencies. But considering my severe injuries, even if there are minor discrepancies, he probably won't delve too deeply."
"I don't care! Not interfering is already pushing my limits; asking for my help as well? Don't even think about it!" The Book of Fuxi huffed indignantly, maintaining its character portrayal.
With a resigned yet gentle smile, Fu Hua shifted her gaze towards Elysia.
Elysia blinked—only heaven knew how challenging it was for her to suppress the corners of her lips from curling upwards uncontrollably!
However, for even more amusement... ahem, for Fu Hua's happiness, love, and justice, Elysia managed to suppress her expression. She placed a fist near her mouth, disguising it with a cough before saying:
"Ahem! Well then, let me briefly explain. Pay attention closely; don't reveal too many flaws."
"Great, thank you, Elder Elysia."
Fu Hua gazed at Elysia with eyes as gentle as water, showing no hint of suspicion—only pure respect and trust filled her clear, innocent gaze.
"Eek!" Clutching her dramatically heaving chest, Elysia took a step back.
"Elder Elysia, what's wrong?"
"I'm fine! Nothing's wrong! Maybe I caught a chill recently. Let's continue, don't mind me!"
Elysia flashed a radiant smile, giving a reassuring look to the anxious Book of Fuxi.
As the illustrious second-ranked Heroic Spirit among the Thirteen Flame-Chasers, haven't I seen it all? It's just my conscience being pricked; I can endure this!
Half an hour later, Ellie emerged holding the Book of Fuxi in her arms.
Upon arriving at Taixuan Mountain's garden entrance, Ellie immediately collapsed onto a nearby stone bench, her face displaying sheer exhaustion as if her soul had left her body.
"Lady Elysia, are you alright?"
"I'm fine; it's all for Hua's happiness. Just thinking about that makes adorable me fearless!"
"That's good to hear. Speaking of which, I never expected Fu Hua could be so devastatingly charming in this state. Honestly, if it were me, I wouldn't have been able to continue!"
"Mm-hmm, indeed she was absolutely adorable. But consider this—Zeke will soon face Hua like this!"
"Eh he... Eh hehehe!" x 2
As they shared their mischievous laughter, a space gate opened outside the garden, and Zeke emerged alongside Kiana.
The news of Fu Hua's awakening was intentionally suppressed by Taixuan Mountain's forces, harboring their own agendas. Even Zeke, unless he specifically delved deep enough to pry into private matters, would not have known right away.
He refrained from such intrusion out of respect for Fu Hua.
In reality, Zeke was unaware of Fu Hua's awakening. After comforting Kiana and briefly checking on Bronya and Sin, who were understandably anxious, he had simply come to visit as usual.
"Ah! It's Little Fuxi and Elysia! Hi there, we're here to see Fu Hua-sensei too. Good morning!" Kiana waved cheerfully.
Although Fu Hua's condition wasn't fully resolved yet, it remained stable. With Zeke's own issues settled, his carefree and optimistic demeanor returned.
Elysia exchanged glances with the Book of Fuxi before approaching Zeke and Kiana.
Smiling warmly, Elysia linked her arm through Kiana's. "Hua is inside; go ahead and check on her, Zeke. As for you, Kiana, we have important matters to discuss with you. Please come along first—it's not like this will be your last chance to see Hua."
"Huh? But I wanted to stay with Zeke..."
"Oh no! This really is crucial. Could you bear to reject someone as adorable as me?"
Elysia blinked, her delicate pink eyeliner accentuating an irresistible allure. The already flawless eyes now conveyed a pleading vulnerability, stirring hearts to near suffocation.
Despite Kiana's affections being committed elsewhere, she had always been one to cherish beauty... To put it bluntly, she was an ultimate admirer of good looks.
Except for individuals like Zeke, Kevin, Otto, Kalpas, and others—with minds as unyielding as iron or exhibiting unconventional behavior, often both—when Elysia intentionally played up her charm, who among men, women, young, or old could resist her enchantment?
In any case, feeling utterly bewitched, Kiana followed Elysia and the Book of Fuxi, dazed and somewhat disoriented.
Zeke remained standing alone, momentarily perplexed and tilting his head in confusion.
"Huh?"
Though thoroughly bewildered, Kiana has always been unreliable, and Elysia is known for seeking amusement. Shaking his head, Zeke decided to set aside these trivial matters for now.
His immediate priority lay in carefully assessing Fu Hua's condition, which held greater importance.
With these thoughts, Zeke pushed open the door to the ancient residence on Taixuan Mountain and made his way to Fu Hua's room.
Inside this clean and elegantly minimalist chamber, Fu Hua stood upright by the window, clad in her simple white robes. A gentle breeze lifted strands of her ethereal hair, complementing her slender figure like an orchid blooming within the room.
Zeke paused momentarily.
"You're awake?"
"Yes, I'm fine now."
"Let me check you over just to be sure. And please don't push yourself so recklessly in the future. Honestly, it really scared me." Zeke sighed. Though not particularly eloquent with words, his concern and tenderness were evident in his tone as he gently took Fu Hua's smooth wrist to assess her condition.
Fu Hua felt her heart soften; she didn't resist this intimate gesture that transcended ordinary friendship. Instead, she experienced a strange yet delightful flutter, causing her heartbeat to quicken—reinforcing the reality of her marital bond with Zeke.
"All right, I'll be more careful from now on. Sorry for worrying you, my h-husband!"
Smiling, Fu Hua couldn't help but blush instantly across her fair cheeks, causing her to shyly lower her head—strange indeed! According to Elder Elysia, they were already married, so why did addressing him as "husband" make her feel so bashful?
Yet at the same time, it brought her immense sweetness and comfort.
Perhaps this is simply what love feels like? Fu Hua rationalized her embarrassment within herself.
Zeke maintained his composed expression and nodded.
"Hmm, I'm glad you understand. Don't take unnecessary risks with your life... Wait, what did you just say?"
"I'll be more careful from now on, my husband." Overwhelmed by shyness, Fu Hua's voice softened, her flushed face bowed down like a delicate, vibrant blossom teeming with life.
Meanwhile, Zeke was utterly bewildered.