Author:
Now, it's our Xio's turn.
Xio:
Yes?
Author:
Tell me—what is the meaning of promise… in your language?
Xio:
I think… promise isn't just a word. It's something bigger. When we promise someone something, it becomes more than a sound. It becomes a contract. An agreement of the heart.
Even if it seems small… promises can hold lives together.
And if we fail to keep them, everything—even the people we love—can fall apart.
Lànhuā:
…Indeed.
Author:
smiling warmly
Thank you, Xio. That was truly beautiful.
Now—Suji.
Suji:
It's Lan Suji.
Author:
chuckling softly at his strict tone
Yeah, yeah... Lan Suji.
Xio:
whispering to Lànhuā when no one's watching
Hey, sis... We're both second Grandmasters, right? But why is his chest puffier than mine?
Lànhuā:
struggling not to laugh
Shh! Shut up, shut up!
Suji glanced toward them. They were sitting quietly—until he looked away, and saw them smiling into their sleeves.
Author:
noticing but playing along, continuing gently
Alright, Lan Suji. My question to you is this—what does it feel like to keep all your emotions sealed inside, just to stay strong?
Suji:
As the second Dao of the Yin Lan Clan, I must be strong… even when it hurts.
For peace.
For protection.
For everyone.
Yes—it hurts. But if I hurt, that's manageable. If my pain would spare our Lan brothers… or the innocent… then it's worth bearing.
Xio:
That's a right point.
Língxi:
Hmm.
Author:
Thank you, Lan Suji.
Now… Kansai?
Kansai:
Huh? W-What should I say?
Suji:
Kansai, if you do anything wrong—
Kansai:
Sorry sorry sorry!
Suji:
… I didn't even say anything, you fool.
Author: smiling kindly
Don't worry, Kansai. It's a simple question.
What would you do… if Lan Suji were injured?
Kansai: blinking, glancing nervously at Suji while Sozai quietly snickered behind him, whispering to Kirihito in code only they understood
W-What kind of question is that?
Suji: clearing his throat
Too difficult to answer? Tell her what you'd do if I were hurt.
Kansai: mumbling, flustered
Treat… you?
Suji:
Only that?
Kansai:
W-What do you expect more from me?!
Suji:
Ah, nothing. Never mind. Forget it.
Author: chuckled by their banger
Lànhuā, your turn.
Lànhuā:
As you wish.
Author:
It's an easy question.
How does it feel… spending time with Xio?
Lànhuā:
Xio is like a little brother to me.
So, every second with him feels warm. Familiar. Family.
His pain becomes my own. I can't bear it. I won't.
Author: smiling
I understand.
Thank you, Lànhuā.
Língxi: smiling faintly at his daughter
Kirihito: grinning
She's a woman… but kind of cute. Good, somehow.
Everyone: chuckling softly
Sozai: wrapping an arm around Yurei
Just like us, hmm? Isn't that right, baby fox~?
Yurei: rolling his eyes, cheeks slightly red
Did I say anything like that?
Sozai:
You didn't have to. Your cheeks said it first.
Yurei:
You talk too much. Like a real cat.
Author:
Now… to the Grandmaster of Miè Rán Sect—Jiǎng Língxi.
You're known as Lù Yèyǐn—Candle-Eyed One.
So, tell me… why do eyes matter so much to you?
Língxi:
I believe eyes—
Kirihito:
Hey! Why didn't you ask me that?
I love eyes! I'm the main lead! I have soul eyes!
Author: laughing softly as Língxi glances at him
Alright, alright.
Let's hear from our little untamed soul-eyes first.
Kirihito: dramatically inhaling before casting a glance at Língxi
If I— say in short—what this snow statue was going to say, then it's:
"Eyes speak louder than mouths. We don't need tongues when the truth's already glowing in our stare." winks
Sozai:
Hah! That was deep… and hilarious. Just like me~
Yurei:
The first part was true. The second? Not really.
Sozai:
That's because you don't understand yet, baby fox~
Yurei:
Oh really? glares
Sozai:
Of course~ glares back with a playful grin
Author:
Alright… Língxi, your view?
Língxi:
Eyes…
They're deeper than the ocean.
They hold what we can't say.
They remember. They judge. They forgive.
They are… everything.
Kirihito:
Hey! I said that first! That was already my iconic line!
Everyone: laughing softly again
Author:
Thank you, Língxi.
And now… we're nearly at the end.
My next question is for… Sozai.
Sozai:
grinning
Always ready, Miss~
Author:
Would you ever… let Yurei fall, to save yourself?
Yurei:
blinking, looking at him quickly
Sozai:
blinking, then grinning… before softening
No.
Why should that silly one be punished?
He's too tiny to die.
My wine… my rose petals… they'd miss him.
He should live.
With me or… without me.
That's what I wish for him.
Yurei:
quiet, surprised
Author:
That was kind, Sozai.
Yurei… the same question. About Sozai.
Yurei:
hesitating
I… don't know if that time would ever come.
Even though he annoys me every day…
As a good friend, I think… I'd catch him.
And if he did fall… I'd find out where.
Everyone:
clapping softly
Yurei blinked, startled by the attention. His ears turned red as he looked down, slightly flustered. Even Sozai's smile had softened—something warm, maybe even proud.
Author:
rising to her feet, her voice gentle but steady
Alright.Today's interview wasn't meant to reveal secrets, or shake the sky.
It was meant to breathe.
To let you all speak softly—before the noise begins.
Thank you for being here.
For being.
To everyone watching, reading, dreaming with us…
We'll see you again.
Soon.
Because the real mystery—
…the true long night—
…is just about to begin.