Want to play cards? I'll use my King's Deck!

"But it's also possible that your parents have been looking for you all along."

"It's possible. If we're truly destined to be together, I think we'll definitely meet. Just like Xiaoxue and Uncle Xing are now."

There was no gloom in Xing Yewu's smile; Youxi knew the girl already had a clear understanding of this matter. And what she said was correct.

Since even the security bureau back then (with the Church of Angels possibly playing a part) couldn't find the person, the chances of finding them now, after so many years, are not very high.

You Xi was well aware of this, but he still kept it in mind. If given the chance, he would definitely help Xing Yewu find her family.

...As for what happens after finding her family, Xingye Wu will decide for herself at that time.

"Actually, we could also consider the power of the mysterious item."

Wang Yang, who had overheard this, also offered his own suggestion: "For example, alchemical tools with functions like the Millennium Wisdom Wheel should also exist in this world."

"That's true. I'll ask the relevant people when I have the chance."

You Xi thought of the Four-Day Tower and its person in charge, which he would be visiting later, and believed that he could find such an opportunity there.

"Oh dear, is it because the atmosphere was just right, or because the scene evoked my feelings? It's rare to have the opportunity to say these things out loud, and I feel surprisingly quite happy."

Unaware of the brief conversation between Yuki and Wang Yang, Hoshino Mai looked at Yuki expectantly with a satisfied expression.

"Well then, it's your turn, Xiaoxi."

"What?" You Xi hadn't realized the seriousness of the situation.

"Xiao Xi, you know my past secrets. In exchange, you have to tell me a secret too, that's fair. Come on, Xiao Xi, you must also have a secret past that no one knows about, right? Tell me quickly!"

"My secret...?"

Faced with the girl's rather oppressive gaze, Yu Xi really couldn't explain that Xing Ye Wu had revealed the secret on her own.

But what secrets could he possibly have to tell Xingye Wu? Was he going to tell her about his own fantasies?

No, that's practically sexual harassment. And it doesn't match the secret Xingye Wu told me.

"Xiao Xi, you don't need to rack your brains so much. Secrets aren't necessarily more valuable because they're big or serious. It's mainly about how important they are to different people."

As if sensing You Xi's hesitation, Xing Yewu smiled and shook her finger, which attracted the boy's attention.

"As long as my curiosity is satisfied, the heavens and the earth can be equalized. If you can't figure it out, Xiaoxi, then let me ask you a question. You just need to answer honestly."

"What do you want to know about the dance?"

"Hmm... Let me think, I've got it!"

Xingyewu thought for a few seconds, then tapped her palm with her little fist.

"Xiao Xi, have you ever had someone you liked before?"

"Hey?"

Completely unaware that the Star Leaf Ball would suddenly ask this, Youxi paused for a second.

"At your age, Xiaoxi, it's perfectly normal to have had one or two first loves. So I'm really curious, what kind of girl could catch your eye, Xiaoxi?"

"Oh, is that the kind of topic? I'm very interested in that too."

As soon as Xingyewu finished speaking, the Black Witch's voice, always eager for drama, rang out, jeering, "Speak up, human! You already know about that girl's important past, it's not right for you to shut up now."

"Hmph! Do you even need to ask? My master's first love was definitely me!"

The dark magician girl, Mana, then appeared, glaring at the dark witch with hostility.

"I'm the first and cutest sister card in the history of the Yu-Gi-Oh! anime, how could my master not like me?"

"Ha! You bitch, you really love to be delusional."

"Who are you calling a bitch, you petty thief!"

Wait, wait, don't start arguing.

Seeing the two elf girls about to engage in a full-blown fight in front of him because of Xingyewu's words, Youxi felt that he was about to lose his composure.

He couldn't stop them for the time being; the blonde girl was waiting for his answer.

"Hey, is it yes or no? Xiaoxi, give me an answer!"

"Uh, the girls I used to like, actually..."

Just as You Xi was about to speak, who was being pushed to the brink, the ward door opened again, saving her in time.

"You Xi".

A white-haired girl peeked out from behind the door and said, "Could you come over here for a moment? My father says he wants to see you."

Chapter 276 My daughter is in your hands now.

"Why are you looking at me like that, Wu?"

Seemingly unable to suppress the piercing gaze emanating from behind her any longer, Izayoi Yuki reluctantly spoke up, asking the resentful blonde girl.

The latter grunted like a pig, her dissatisfaction undisguised: "It's all because Xiaoxue, you came out at such an inopportune time! If only you had come later. That was a crucial moment! Xiaoxue, were you doing that on purpose, or was it an accident?"

"?"

"Hey—Xiaoxue, you really are just like Xiaoxi sometimes."

Seeing that Izayoi Yuki didn't seem to understand her meaning, she felt that if she continued like this, she would become an idiot.

Xing Yewu sighed silently, then stopped talking at the right moment and changed the subject: "Let's not talk about this anymore. Is Uncle Xing alright?"

"Well, apart from being a little weak after just waking up, there's nothing seriously wrong. Judging from the situation, he probably only needs to rest in the hospital for a while before he can be discharged."

"—So that means the specially prepared Starshine Water is useless?"

"That's how it is for now."

Looking at the thermos in her hand, Izayoi Yuki recalled the time she had tried to give it to her father, only to be firmly refused.

"However, we don't know if other things might happen later. It's better to preserve the Starlight Water before its effects completely dissipate."

"That might attract the threat of dark duelists."

"As long as it's not someone like the real deal, I think I can handle it."

Izayoi Yuki's words revealed her awareness; she understood the potential consequences of her actions long ago.

"Even if I use it now, no one outside will believe me. It will take at least a week to dispel this suspicion. Until then, I will try my best to be careful and avoid crowded places. When I need to rest, I will only go back to the Public Security Bureau."

"That's it."

The Public Security Bureau also has temporary rest areas, so staying for a few days shouldn't be a problem. Moreover, its security measures are even higher and stricter than those at the hospital, so no fool would dare cause trouble at the Public Security Bureau's headquarters.

That can no longer be called a provocation; it's like defecating on the head of the Public Security Bureau and even the D Alliance. Even if it succeeds temporarily, it will be met with fierce retaliation, making it a losing proposition.

Anyone who isn't mentally challenged can figure this out.

Of course, it's hard to say how many of those who end up as Dark Duelists can maintain normal human thinking. Izayoi Yuki certainly won't rely solely on that and will remain vigilant at all times.

"You can actually come here too."

Hoshinobu extended a warm invitation to Izayoi Yuki, who was deep in thought.

"Coming here?"

"Yeah, I think we mentioned it before? I also want Xiaoxue to come to our house to play. Besides, you know very well how strong Xiaoxi and I are. If the three of us are together, there's nothing to be afraid of in a mere Dark Duelist."

"Having said that..."

As for whether or not she believed in Hoshino Mai and Yuki's abilities, Izayoi Yuki definitely did. Compared to herself, who had repeatedly failed in her duels against the Dark Duelists, her two companions were clearly more reliable.

However, these are two different things.

Izayoi Yuki was unwilling to involve the two of them.

Dealing with the Dark Duelists is the Duel Guard's duty and obligation, which is fine, but she has already troubled Yuki and Hoshino Mai a lot, and she really doesn't want to continue.

That would make her feel really guilty.

"Hum, Xiaoxue, that's what you think. But things might not always turn out the way you think."

"What do you mean?"

Seeing Xingye Wu covering her mouth with her small hand, looking like a sly fox, Izayoi Yuki frowned slightly. She wondered what Xingye Wu was up to.

"Well, let's not even talk about whether Xiaoxi and I will become targets of those people. Anyway, have you thought about what Uncle Xing might say to Xiaoxi inside? Why did Uncle Xing specifically call Xiaoxi in alone?"

"...So you've learned to thank Yu Xi, right?"

Izayoi Yuki certainly hadn't thought of that, but if you had to guess, that's probably what it was about.

"Hmph~ Hmph~ Is that so?"

Xingye Wu smiled mysteriously, and even Izayoi Yuki couldn't help but feel a little urge to teach her a lesson because of her enigmatic expression.

Before taking any action, Xingye Wu stepped forward, pressed her ear against the ward door, and waved to Izayoi Yuki.

"Wu, what is this...?"

"Aren't you curious about what they're saying inside? Come here, Xiaoxue. After you hear it, you might know the answer."

"..."

Although this behavior is wrong in principle, the white-haired girl was already intrigued by Xing Yewu. She silently imitated Xing Yewu and pressed her ear against the door.

Then, a faint sound came from inside the ward as the door shook...

……

"excuse me--"

Let's go back a little earlier.

With a click and a polite greeting, the ward door opened, and You Xi walked in from outside.

The ward was a high-end one, bright and clean, equipped with all the necessary facilities. The space was also very spacious, and the decor was clearly carefully designed, giving a very comfortable and tranquil feeling. Staying here would undoubtedly be very helpful for the patient's physical and mental recovery.

In the very center of the ward was a white single bed.

The man lying on the bed against the pillows was Izayoi Yuki's father, Izayoi Hoshi.

—Actually, this was not the first time Yuki had seen Izayoi Hoshi.

Previously, he had been injured and hospitalized while dealing with Grafa, a member of the "Doomsday Bell" organization. On that occasion, Yuki, accompanied by Izayoi Yuki, visited this neighbor nearby.