“Hey, idiot Motifiel, what’s wrong with you? Did Dexilensi call you stupid again? I’ll curse her back for you!”
No matter how much they asked or tried to comfort her, Motifiel only shook her head, her whole body trembling with sobs.
In those once-clear and foolish eyes, now there was only a sorrow and fear that couldn’t be dissolved.
Liang Lai’s frown deepened, her doubts growing heavier with each passing moment.
What on earth had happened to Motifiel? This child had always been unable to hide her feelings—what could have happened to make her so pained and silent?
Liangcai wrapped Motifiel in her warm arms, her gentle patting and soft whispers slowly calming Motifiel’s violent shaking.
Morgana, still utterly clueless about the situation, clumsily tried to imitate Liangcai, patting Motifiel’s other shoulder and mumbling, “Stop crying, stop crying, you’ll just get even dumber if you keep crying,” words that were of absolutely no comfort.
Surrounded by her mother’s warmth and Morgana’s noisy company, Motifiel’s torrents of tears finally slowed, leaving only the occasional, uncontrollable sob.
She still buried her face in her knees, not daring to look up, an intense struggle between the Demon on the Shoulder and the Angel on the Shoulder raging in her mind.
Should she say it?
Or not?
Villeres’s threats hissed in her ear like a serpent’s tongue, sending chills through her.
Yet, seeing her mother Liang Lai so worried, feeling her unconditional love, and remembering Villeres’s mocking and triumphant gaze… a strong sense of unwillingness and impulsiveness began to grow in her heart.
She couldn’t tell the whole truth, but maybe…maybe there was another way? A way that wouldn’t directly expose them, but might still turn things around?
She took several deep breaths, gathering up all the courage she had in this life, and finally, in a hoarse, mosquito-thin voice, spoke in halting words:
“Mom Liang Lai… I, I have a question…”
Liang Lai immediately replied gently, “Hmm? What does little Mo want to ask? Mama’s listening.”
“If, if I have a, a very important good friend…” Motifiel’s voice trembled with uncertainty and sobs.
“We used to, used to be so close… but then, she, she went down a path I don’t think is right…”
She chose her words with utmost caution, her heart beating like a drum.
“I, I tried to persuade her, but she wouldn’t listen. She even seems really mad at me, like I betrayed her… I think, I think we’ve fallen out…”
When she said “fallen out,” her voice took on a new sobbing tone.
“I’m, I’m so sad… I don’t want to lose this friend. But, but I don’t know how to get her back… What should I do?”
She finally managed to ask, lifting her swollen, tear-reddened eyes, looking anxiously and hopefully at Liang Lai, desperately awaiting an answer that could save her.
Liang Lai listened carefully, a look of understanding and heartache crossing her face.
So it was just a falling-out with a friend? No wonder little Mo had been acting so strangely lately.
Well, problems with friendship at this age can really be troubling.
She gently wiped the tear tracks from Motifiel’s cheeks, her tone soft but firm:
“Little Mo, the fact that you’re sad because your friend went down the wrong path, and that you want to bring her back, shows you’re a child with deep feelings and a truly kind heart.”
She first offered affirmation and praise.
Hearing this, Motifiel’s nose stung, and she almost wanted to cry again—but this time, it was a bittersweet feeling of grievance and understanding.
Liang Lai continued softly, “But, everyone has their own choices. Sometimes, even as best friends, we can’t decide for others, and we definitely can’t force them to change.”
“What we need to do first is protect ourselves. If your friend’s path is truly dangerous, or could hurt herself or others, you must first make sure you’re safe and not drawn in, understand?”
Liang Lai’s voice grew a bit more serious.
Motifiel nodded vigorously—she truly understood this point.
“And then,” Liangcai’s voice turned gentle again, “we can try reaching out to her in a way she can accept. Not criticizing, not forcing, just telling her about your worries, how much you treasure your friendship, and that you’ll always be there if she needs help, willing to lend a hand.”
“Sometimes, a tough attitude only pushes people farther away. Patience and genuine care might touch her heart more.”
Liang Lai stroked Motifiel’s hair, her gaze full of encouragement.
“Don’t be afraid of failure. Even if she refuses to come back this time, at least you tried your best and remained true to your friendship. True friendship might have its ups and downs, but it won’t vanish so easily. Give her a bit of time, and give yourself some time too, okay?”
Motifiel’s eyes widened slowly.
She seemed to understand… and felt much better inside.
Although Liang Lai completely misunderstood what “the wrong path” meant, her advice had given Motifiel a revelation.
That’s right! She had only thought of being afraid, running away, and being threatened—why hadn’t she thought about having another honest talk with Villeres? The way Liangcai Mama described? Not confrontation, but caring and reconciliation?
Maybe, just maybe, Villeres didn’t really want to hurt anyone? Maybe she was just following orders, and she was troubled, too? Maybe the sliver of friendship between them still had a chance?
A surge of courage and resolve instantly filled Motifiel’s chest.
She jumped to her feet, and because she’d been squatting for so long, her vision darkened for a moment and she stumbled, but was steadied by Liangcai and Morgana on either side.
“Mama! I understand! Thank you!” she said loudly.
Her eyes were still puffy and red, but now they shone with a renewed, reckless determination.
Before Liang Lai or Morgana could react, she turned and dashed toward the main building of the Court of Purity, her steps firmer than ever before.
“Eh? Little Mo? Where are you going?” Liang Lai called anxiously after her.
“I’m going to find my friend! I’m going to have a proper talk with her!” Motifiel shouted back without turning her head.
Liang Lai and Morgana stared at each other.
Morgana scratched her head.
“Is…is she alright now? Just needed a good cry to figure it out? Human emotions are really weird…”
Even though Motifiel wasn’t human at all.
Liang Lai, however, frowned slightly as she watched Motifiel’s retreating figure.
She felt that something wasn’t quite right.
The determined look in Little Mo’s eyes…didn’t seem like the kind of thing you’d see after a simple argument between girls.
But, she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.
Motifiel sprinted all the way, her heart pounding fiercely in her chest, the rush of blood roaring in her ears.
Liang Lai Mama’s words had given her endless strength.
She couldn’t run away any longer—she had to confront Villeres! Not with threats or confrontation, but…with reconciliation! Yes! Reconciliation!
She raced to the guest room where Villeres was staying, didn’t even bother to knock, and threw open the door with a loud “bang!”
Inside, Villeres was sitting by the window, idly leafing through a book she’d borrowed from the Court of Purity’s library…even though she was only pretending to read.
She was still startled by the sudden, violent sound of the door opening, frowning with annoyance as she looked toward the doorway.
When she saw Motifiel standing there, panting, her eyes red and swollen but blazing with determination, a flash of shock and wariness crossed her face.
What was this idiot up to now?
Before Villeres could question her, Motifiel had already rushed over.
Before Villeres could react at all, Motifiel threw her arms open and hugged her tightly.
The embrace was completely unexpected, and so forceful that Villeres was knocked backward, the book in her hands tumbling to the floor.
“Crash!”
Villeres froze completely, her body going rigid, crimson pupils filled with disbelief and immense discomfort.
Th-this idiot!
What is she doing?!
Trying to ambush her?!