I'm in Mota, and they all want me to confess my feelings!

Would anyone really reject Phoebe?

Perhaps.

But at least, Duanmu Yan couldn't do that.

Regardless of the underlying motivation.

Changli has already left.

Before leaving, she exchanged contact information with Duanmu Yan and even invited him to visit the Fesari family if he had the chance. She said she would be willing to introduce him to the head of the Fesari family, Cantrera.

Who would dare to go?

If the second young lady knew that I secretly met with Cantrell, she would probably turn into a round-headed Kimi and breathe wildly on me.

Therefore, Duanmu Yan politely declined Changli's offer, telling her that if she needed anything, she could contact him again and he would take her to visit Laguna.

The Mercury Cathedral is very large.

This wasn't Duanmu Yan's first time here; he had only briefly looked around before returning.

Today, Phoebe took him to every corner of the world.

From the ancient library to the prayer room deep in the cloister, she opened them all for him, gently presenting the story of the entire church to him.

"This is where the priests rest."

Phoebe sat on the bench, tilting her head back. The azure sky filled her eyes, and the sea breeze gently caressed her hair.

"When I have nothing to do, I like to sit here... feel the breeze, and enjoy a moment of peace."

Her smile was pure and clean, like the first rays of sunlight shining on the snow-white stone steps—without a trace of impurity.

Looking at the pure, unblemished little lily before him, Duanmu Yan suddenly understood why people always yearn for beautiful things.

Her existence is untainted by any impurities, free from the worries of life.

It seems that simply being by her side is enough to soothe all wounds and heal all desolation.

He sat down next to Phoebe, while the girl gently swung her legs and pointed to the distant Fufeng Riverside—a vast highland outside Laguna City, dotted with uniquely shaped windmills and babbling brooks.

“The religious doctrine says that the voices are messengers of the Lord, and priests should not have too much contact with them.”

“As a priest, of course I…understand this principle.”

As she spoke, she cautiously glanced around. Once she was sure no one was around, she quietly leaned close to Duanmu Yan's ear, her voice as soft as a gentle breeze:

"Mr. Duanmu, let me tell you a secret."

You absolutely mustn't tell anyone else!

"Actually, when I have nothing to do, I often go to Fufeng Waterside to visit my friends."

"Friends? They're those voice skeletons we saw in the square earlier—Rabi, Benny, and Banbu!"

"They are all exceptionally kind children!"

Upon hearing this so-called "secret," Duanmu Yan couldn't help but want to laugh.

As a priest, he did something that violated the doctrine, especially since Phoebe was such a devout believer—she actually told him this.

Although he had vaguely sensed her fondness for those cute creatures when they were together, he wasn't a clergyman and naturally didn't have any opinion on it.

But now, she's actually revealing this secret to him...

Does that mean...

What can I use this "secret" to threaten Phoebe into doing?

For example, with those legs clad in white stockings...

Okay, just kidding.

Having lived two lives, Duanmu Yan has always considered himself a virtuous and upright person; he would never resort to such low-level tactics.

Moreover, Phoebe's willingness to tell him such a secret is itself a profound act of trust.

He would never betray that trust—just as he had never broken any promise he cherished.

“When I was in the orphanage, they became my most cherished friends.”

At this point, Phoebe paused, then gently shook her head, earnestly correcting herself.

"But since becoming a priest, I've had less and less time to spend with them."

“Although the life of a priest is fulfilling, I can help many people—whether they are children in orphanages or people who are going through suffering.”

"I don't hate this kind of life, it's just..."

"I always feel like I've let them down."

Her tone gradually softened, carrying a hint of undisguised loneliness and guilt.

Duanmu Yan gazed at her slightly lowered profile, a gentle smile appearing on his face, and comforted her, "It's alright, Phoebe. Just keep being yourself. Rabbi and Benedict are kind children; they'll understand you."

"Whether you're a priest in Laguna or Phoebe, an ordinary person—you're just as adorable right now."

"Um..." Upon hearing this, Phoebe's ears turned slightly red, and she buried her face even lower in a fluster. "Don't, don't say such embarrassing things, Mr. Duanmu..."

“I’m not lying,” he chuckled softly. “It’s not just me; many in the order think so too, don’t they?”

Phoebe was silent for a moment, her fingers unconsciously clenching the white pantyhose on her legs, then slowly releasing them. Finally, she raised her head, let out a long sigh, and a gentle smile returned to her face.

"Although Mr. Duanmu always says such troubling things... you're right, I just need to do my best. Everyone... will understand."

As if suddenly remembering something, she asked softly, her voice tinged with nervousness:

"Oh, right... Pizza Day is coming up soon. We usually share pizzas together by the Fufeng River."

"Mr. Duanmu has helped me so much, and I have never had the chance to properly thank you."

So this time... are you willing to come?

A fleeting glimmer of expectation and hope flashed in the girl's iris-purple eyes.

What about Duanmu Yan?

Of course, he wouldn't shatter the girl's kind and beautiful wish.

"Of course I'll come. But I have a big appetite." He smiled slightly, teasing her on purpose, "If Phoebe prepares too little pizza, you might go hungry."

Phoebe nodded happily: "Yes! I will definitely prepare lots and lots of pizzas, all kinds of flavors! By the way, what flavor does Mr. Duanmu like best?"

"My favorite flavor?" Duanmu Yan pondered for a moment, then said, "Hot Sea Pear Pizza, I've always liked it."

Phoebe still had a sweet smile on her face: "Hot Sea Pear Pizza? You don't find this kind of pizza in Laguna."

— He spoke the most chilling words in the gentlest tone.

“Since Mr. Duanmu is still unsure what he likes…” she tilted her head slightly, her smile still pure, “then I will decide for you.”

"..."

……

……

at the same time.

The second young lady of the Motari family, having finished her morning work, is enjoying her afternoon tea.

"Speaking of which," Koleta picked up her tea and turned to look out the window into the distance, "what is Duanmu Yan doing?"

Volume One: Chapter Forty - Memoirs of a Forgotten Wife

On the streets of Laguna, Floro was all alone.

A slightly salty sea breeze brushed against my face, passing over the dim yellow glow of the streetlights, and then vanished in an instant.

—Like that world that has long since passed away.

It existed, but ultimately vanished like smoke; it was passionate, but left no trace in an instant.

The wind clung stickily to her face, damp and salty, like a lingering whisper.

The Remnant Star Society has a base in Laguna, and Floro rarely goes there unless there is something important.

She prefers to be alone.

Especially when she's her colleague, a crazy person who doesn't play by the rules, always improvising without any aesthetic sense, easily ruining everything that's been carefully planned.

The other is a novelist who indulges in self-narrative.

She had absolutely no interest in them.

They couldn't even feel a sense of belonging to the Remnant Star Society.

She already had nowhere to go.

The relationship between Canxing and her was merely one of mutual exploitation.

She didn't care what Remnant Star Society's purpose was in using her; she only knew that Remnant Star Society's existence could help her achieve her goals.

that's enough.

until--

"Floro?"

A familiar voice came from behind.

This caused Floro's movements to pause slightly. Her previously lifeless heart was suddenly filled with indescribable emotions—hatred and longing, disgust and admiration, intertwined and eventually merging into an unspeakable chaos.

She slowly turned around, and that familiar face came into view.

My heart started racing uncontrollably.

Even so, her tone remained indifferent: "What are you doing here?"

His existence and appearance seemed to be irrelevant to her.

Duanmu Yan was already used to Floro's indifference. Rather, if she suddenly became enthusiastic, it would catch him off guard.

“I was just about to go have dinner,” he said casually.

Floro merely glanced at him indifferently: "Oh, really? Goodbye then."

She turned to leave, but he called out to her from behind: "So, do you want to come with me?"

I should refuse.

"Getting too entangled with him might shake my beliefs."

Thinking this to myself, but the moment I turned around, the words slipped out unconsciously: "Where are you going?"

She didn't even realize it the moment she said it.

But the words had already been spoken and could not be taken back.

"Uh……"

Duanmu Yan originally wanted to go eat barbecue, but when she caught a glimpse of Floro's indifferent expression and thought about what had happened before, she felt that Floro wouldn't like such a noisy and greasy place.

He hesitated for a moment, then changed his mind.

"I know a restaurant that serves milder flavors... want to try it together?"

Floro nodded slightly: "Mm."

The two walked side by side on the streets of Laguna, barely exchanging a word.

Duanmu Yan occasionally tried to ask about her recent situation, but her response was always just a few words: "Hmm," "Okay," "Oh"...

Indeed, apart from that concert, they couldn't find any other topics to talk about.

For some reason, Duanmu Yan always felt...

Floro seemed to be deliberately keeping her distance from him. But if that were the case, why did she accept his invitation in the first place?

He didn't understand.

"By the way, you should have no problem with the concert, right?" So he had no choice but to bring up the concert again.

“Of course, no problem,” Floro replied casually. “I’m used to those kinds of occasions. It’s just a performance for Laguna that everyone’s been waiting for, isn’t it?”

She chuckled softly, a hint of self-mockery in her smile: "I just never imagined that this performance after our long-awaited reunion would be a setup. Suddenly, I feel... a little ridiculous."