Chapter 316: Hopeless Love and Eternal Love
Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was December 25th—Christmas Day.
Under the night sky where thick clouds reflected the glow of streetlights, amidst the lively atmosphere filled with the clamor of people crowding the streets, most couples in love on the streets nestled closely together.
Yet among them, two figures wandered the streets, their movements completely out of sync with the surrounding crowd. The neon lights of the Christmas streets reflected on their faces.
The man appeared quite handsome, with a gentle smile on his face, but he lacked any distinctive aura.
The woman possessed a bewitching, witch-like beauty, her magnificent, flowing emerald-green hair particularly eye-catching. As the cold wind blew aside the strands on her forehead, a clear red bird-shaped mark could be seen.
Strangely, however, the people around them seemed unable to notice the two, their gazes never settling on either of them.
Yet their bodies unconsciously moved aside, actively making way for them.
"Is this the perfect ending you wanted?"
C.C. suddenly asked.
"What are you talking about? What perfect ending?" Mahiro asked in confusion, baffled by the abrupt question.
This time, C.C. fell silent, lowering her eyelids to look at another CODE mark in her palm.
"...Taking Nunnally to see Lelouch and leaving Charles's CODE to me—did you ever ask for my opinion?"
Her tone was calm as she spoke the first half, but in the latter half, C.C.'s voice carried a rare hint of resentment, even a trace of hatred.
With the dual CODE's enhancement, she had gained many Geass abilities. Perhaps this was a backdoor opened for her by the existence in the C's World, but this wasn't what she wanted.
She had finally found love of her own, a man who could accompany her forever. Yet this man had given up immortality, forcibly imposing eternal life upon her once again.
"So it's about this."
Mahiro chuckled dismissively.
But his indifference only angered C.C. further. She even wanted to confront him on the spot—was he really so unwilling to accompany her in eternal life?
Yet she never asked.
Because she knew such a question was inappropriate. After all, this man had many women by his side, but eternal life was only for one.
Still, she harbored her own selfish desires. If this man accepted eternal life, he could accompany her forever. They would have plenty of time together in the future, and even if he divided his love into countless pieces, sharing it with countless others, it wouldn't matter.
After all, in the end, only she would be the one to accompany him.
But now…
"Three thousand six hundred paths of the Dao, each person holds their own root."
Mahiro uttered these cryptic words. Standing in place, he gazed into the distance at the commercial street's end, where a Christmas tree adorned with countless lights and covered in heavy snow stood, and murmured:
"This is from my homeland, an idea proposed by many.
Of course, I'm not trying to preach any grand philosophy to you, C.C. I just want to tell you that while eternal life may seem elusive and intangible, it is not rare across countless worlds. There are many ways to attain it."
For example, vampires, various strange abilities or bloodlines, or achieving immortality and sainthood—all of these can fulfill the desire for eternal life.
"And C.C., have you been so blinded by love that you've almost forgotten how to think? After living with me for so long, I think you should have noticed by now?"
His careful explanation and teasing words were met only with a cold snort from C.C., who turned her head away like a sulking little girl.
"I noticed long ago. Your body hasn't changed at all in the past ten years."
Just as when they first met, the Mahiro she saw then is exactly the same Mahiro she sees now.
"But I assume you're not in a state of true immortality now, are you? It's just that your lifespan is longer, and the changes are much slower."
To this, Mahiro nodded without denying it.
It must be said, C.C. is C.C., the Witch who has walked through a thousand years. Even with her perspective limited to this world, she could discern his current condition.
In terms of fantasy novels, his current state is one of complex bloodlines. Even his seemingly ageless appearance is merely due to the effects of the Tyrant gene, slowing down his body's growth rate.
In the end, life has its limits. If he remains unchanged forever, he will eventually die.
Yet, he revealed a faint smile and took C.C.'s slightly cool hand.
"I understand your concern, but I promised you I would stay with you forever, and I will strive for that. Don't you trust me at all?"
C.C.: "..."
Her only response was silence.
She didn't know how to answer—not because she distrusted Mahiro, but because she knew all too well how hard-won this affection was. After waiting a thousand years for this day, she cherished it all the more carefully.
Even without an answer, Mahiro had already gotten the response he wanted.
"By the way, C.C., can I ask you something?"
"What do you want to ask?"
C.C. looked up at the sky, not letting him see her face, for her amber eyes were already misted with tears.
Though this was what she had pursued for a thousand years, and her thousand-year wish had finally come true, there was still a small sense of reluctance in her heart.
"You should know that I'll be leaving soon. So, would you accompany me to a new world? One created by me, a world that belongs to us."
Mahiro wrapped his arm around C.C.'s fragrant shoulder, embracing her like lovers in the heat of passion, gently inhaling her scent.
This question was practically a given between them. C.C. knew about his plans, and he knew C.C. would follow him. But humans are such awkward creatures, always wanting to hear the answer directly from the other's lips.
"I will, of course I will. No matter where you go, I'll be with you! Because I am the Witch of the Demon King..."
C.C.'s voice grew breathless, her eyes seductive and tender. Her answer was clearly the same as everyone else's.
"Hmm, you are mine, C.C.... you will always be mine!"
A hand slid down the cheongsam, slipping through the gap to caress C.C.'s black silk-clad jade-like leg.
The feel was nice.
And it even had lettering.
"The chairman of the World Conference, planning to engage in such indecent acts openly on the street?"
"Hehe, just joking."
Mahiro slowly withdrew his hand, casually responding.
He really was just making a small joke, collecting a little interest. Though outdoor activities were thrilling enough, he wasn't crazy enough to play the happy superhero on the street.
Even though the two of them were currently covered by the Ghost Gate Evasion and no one could detect them, his morals and reason still restrained him from doing such a thing. Not to mention the possibility, however slim, that C.C. might be seen by others.
A sigh.
"But C.C., I'm very satisfied with your answer, so I plan to give you a gift."
"?"
C.C. didn't understand what gift the other intended to give her, so she let Mahiro excitedly take her hand. Even she felt a faint sense of anticipation.
After all, this was the first time she had ever received a gift, and a Christmas gift at that!
He probably didn't know, though, that Christmas was also her birthday...
Thinking of this, the light in C.C.'s eyes dimmed slightly.
Perhaps it was because she had embraced a new life, letting go of everything as the Witch. Nowadays, she was as sentimental as a young girl, and her heart naturally held many joys and sorrows brought by this man.
However, when they arrived in front of a building, her eyes sank slightly.
Who would have thought the esteemed chairman of the World Conference was still so insatiable? The Christmas gift he gives is bringing me to a hotel.
Her tone carried a meaningful hint, but more than that, it was sarcastic.
"Ah, things often aren't as they appear on the surface. I don't think you're the type to be so dismissive, C.C.~"
Mahiro's words carried a rare, almost inappropriate playfulness, along with an unusual nonchalance.
"Then let me see what kind of gift you can give me."
C.C. gave a light hum and turned her head away, letting him lead her into the hotel.
The two took the elevator to the hotel's high-level executive area. Under the dim corridor lights, everything around was quiet and empty.
It seemed the entire floor had been booked by Mahiro.
Soon, Mahiro led C.C. to a door at the end of the corridor, skillfully took out a key card, and opened the door.
The room wasn't the ultra-luxurious type with multiple suites, but it was sufficiently high-end and spacious, with an excellent view.
Standing before the floor-to-ceiling window, one could see the streets below and the distant buildings, the magnificent cityscape perfectly captured in the view.
"Is this the gift you mentioned?"
C.C. crossed her arms, gradually pulling her gaze away from the cityscape, fixing him with a pair of dead-fish eyes.
In the end, this was still just booking a room.
Mahiro gestured for her to be patient, then turned and took a chilled bottle of champagne from the fridge, pouring two glasses and handing one to her.
"Look at you, getting impatient again. Why so hasty? Don't you know that haste makes waste?"
C.C. couldn't figure out what he was up to, but since he said so, she was naturally willing to wait a little longer.
A moment later, an explosion outside the window suddenly caught her attention.
Turning her head, she was captivated by the dazzling colors.
A firework burst, blooming into a flower that transformed brilliantly in the sky, its multicolored sparks reflecting on her slightly surprised face.
Then, a second and third firework streaked across the night sky like meteors.
Boom, boom, boom!
Some fireworks bloomed like radiant flowers, stunningly beautiful, while others formed whimsical patterns that sparked wonder.
All the lights danced in the air, a kaleidoscope of colors.
C.C. stared blankly at the sky, her gaze unwavering. Each time a dazzling flash lit up the sky, the glow illuminated her beautiful face.
In her memory, there had been no plans for fireworks in the city today, yet now...
C.C. seemed to realize something and slowly turned her head.
But what first caught her eye wasn't Mahiro's face, but a necklace—a pendant hanging from a delicate silver chain, shaped like a flower, or more precisely, a flower carved from gemstone.
The pale purple gemstone shimmered faintly under the glow of the fireworks outside the window. If she remembered correctly, its shape resembled a bellflower.
On both sides of the gemstone, two lines of tiny text were engraved:
"Hopeless love" and "Everlasting love."
Those were the meanings of the bellflower, and they perfectly represented her life!
A thousand years ago, she had never known what love was, and even her prayers had been futile, a hopeless struggle.
A thousand years later, after enduring countless despair, she felt love for the first time and received an eternal promise.
"Do you like it?"
C.C. didn't speak, but her pursed lips and unwavering gaze said it all.
Mahiro didn't say anything more either. He placed the champagne glass on the nearby coffee table, then stepped forward with a smile, embracing her and fastening the bellflower pendant around C.C.'s neck.
Though it was a familiar presence, it now stirred an inexplicable flutter in C.C.'s heart—a slight ache, but even more so, a deep sense of emotion.
After doing this, Mahiro took two steps back and nodded in satisfaction as he looked at the bellflower pendant resting against C.C.'s snow-white neck.
It seemed his taste wasn't too bad.
Then, as if by magic, a white rose appeared in his hand.
"With the moon, the stars, and the fireworks as gifts, I honor your soul, as pure and flawless as a white rose. Happy birthday."
C.C.: "..."
If she had only been moved before, now countless emotions flooded her heart—shock, surprise, astonishment—all intertwined, leaving her speechless.
She could only part her lips slightly, unable to utter a single word.
At some point, a glistening teardrop slid down her cheek, falling onto the carpeted floor and gradually spreading into a faint mark.
She hadn't even realized she was crying.
She couldn't even remember the last time she had shed tears.
Was it when she was betrayed and abandoned by the nun?
Or when she was unjustly nailed to the stake despite having done nothing wrong?
She wasn't sure, nor could she remember.
The only thing she knew was that tonight's tears were no longer of sorrow, but of love and emotion.
"You… how did you know it was my birthday?"
It took a long while before C.C. could finally stammer out these words.
Mahiro tilted his head with a smile and said, "Simple—because I've seen all of your memories."
It was precisely because of those memories that he had turned down all other dates.
And it was precisely because of those memories that he had gone to such lengths to prepare all of this.
He just hoped that, after this, he wouldn't be torn to pieces by the other girls…
Glancing at the gifts stored in the ring, he thought it probably wouldn't come to that.
But for now, looking at C.C., whose eyes were already misting over, he added softly:
"Happy birthday, C.C. From today onward, this is your first birthday—your rebirth. In the years to come, I'll be with you for every single one."
"Who… who needs you to be with me? You should go and comfort the other girls around you instead."
C.C. spoke with tsundere defiance, but her body moved on its own, throwing itself into his embrace.
"Thank you."
She whispered these words before firmly sealing his lips with hers.
She was determined to drown this brat before her in love.
How could this brat be so wicked? It had been so long since she last cried—she had even forgotten what it felt like.
How could this brat be so wicked? He had set aside the other girls just to be with her, even saying her soul was pure and flawless… but I'm a Witch, steeped in sin.
How could this brat be so wicked? He even went out of his way to celebrate this insignificant birthday of mine…
Yet even if only for this moment, everything he had done was enough to completely break through her defenses and open her heart.
No matter what lay ahead, no matter what the future held, the Witch had decided to walk alongside this world-destroying Demon King.
In this tender, ambiguous atmosphere, Mahiro's hands slowly wrapped around the Witch's slender, delicate waist.
Compared to a mature body, C.C. was mostly thin and delicate.
It was the figure of a young girl.
Even beneath the fullness, her ribs were faintly visible.
All of this was due to the misfortunes of her childhood. Even if things improved later, how much could truly change within the Church?
Not to mention the immortality she later gained, which froze her body forever at that moment.
Thinking of this, Mahiro couldn't help but tighten his arms slightly, wishing he could meld the girl in his embrace into his very being.
C.C. slowly rose onto her tiptoes, wrapping her arms fully around his head.
Gradually, her jade-white legs, sheathed in black stockings, shifted position, her steps growing fragmented and erratic with each breath.
Winter thunder rumbled in the distance.
Outside the window, snowflakes began to drift down, blanketing the entire city in a heavy snowfall.
Watching the thick snowflakes swirling outside, the girls gathered around the dining table for Christmas dinner couldn't help but sigh in unison—
"How enviable, being able to go on a date alone like that."
Yet no one felt even a hint of dissatisfaction. Instead, after learning about C.C.'s past, their hearts were filled with sympathy. They felt that this evening was something C.C. rightfully deserved.
Meanwhile, in another world connected to this one—the world known as C's World—Alaya quietly observed everything happening within. For the first time, a faint smile appeared on her delicate, serene face.
"Thank you for all you've done for this world. Farewell, traveler who crossed worlds."