“It’s fine. This isn’t some world-ending catastrophe.”
Movira cupped Seraphina’s face with both hands, forcing her to look directly at her.
“Physical sensations are the most honest. Since it happened, it happened. There’s no need to judge it by whether it’s proper or improper, and no need to feel ashamed.”
“As for who you are…” She gently wiped the tear from the corner of Seraphina’s eye with her thumb. Her words were clear and solemn, like an irrefutable maxim. “It has never been decided by a single physical form. It is decided by the soul that possesses emotions and consciousness—that is the real you! No matter what form the body takes, it is still a part of you. Don’t let simple gender labels divide you or constrain you! You can simply be ‘Seraphina’—a complete individual!”
“And emotions themselves do not follow fixed patterns.” Movira continued. Seraphina listened quietly. The inexplicable restlessness in her heart gradually calmed.
“What matters is respecting the choices of your heart, rather than rushing to judge them by the rules of the world!”
After speaking, Movira released her hands and opened her arms toward Seraphina, her gaze full of acceptance. “You can take your time thinking about it. I’m right here. I’ve always been here, and I will stay with you until you figure everything out!”
These words, each one, flowed like warm streams of water, washing every corner of Seraphina’s heart that had been filled with chaotic thoughts.
Movira had deliberately downplayed the reason behind Seraphina’s current form, and Seraphina herself had not thought of that aspect at all.
At the very least, the fresh tears that welled up were no longer purely from panic and self-loathing. She slowly leaned forward, resting her forehead against Movira’s firm shoulder. Her hands clutched the back of Movira’s clothes as she put all her weight onto her.
“Thank you… Sister.” She said muffledly, her voice thick with a nasal tone.
Seraphina remained leaning against Movira’s shoulder. After hesitating for a long time, her voice became as quiet as a mosquito’s buzz. The blush that had just faded from her cheeks showed signs of returning. She took a deep breath, finding courage from who knows where. “But… I still have one question… that I don’t understand.”
“That kiss last night… and the one just now… what does it mean? Is it… like what the books described—that kind of… love? Or is it just something between sisters…”
She couldn’t continue. Instead, she immediately buried her face deep into Movira’s chest, not daring to look into the other woman’s eyes.
Movira understood her confusion perfectly. She knew she still couldn’t push too hard. The “sisters” label was still the comforting layer Seraphina relied on—the safest excuse that allowed her to draw close.
“What does it mean?” Movira let out a soft laugh. There was no heavy confusion in her tone. “That depends on how you choose to see it, Seraphina. It can be whatever you want it to be. If it confuses you, then you don’t have to force a definition onto it.”
Such a vague answer clearly couldn’t eliminate Seraphina’s fundamental confusion. But directly calling it mere sisterly affection wouldn’t match Movira’s true intentions either.
So she paused, carefully choosing her words before continuing. “However, from my personal perspective, it is of course still a way for sisters to express intimacy. It’s simply a bit deeper than ordinary hugs or hand-holding. It only represents how extremely, extremely close our relationship is.”
Seraphina lifted her head. There was still confusion in her eyes as she protested softly. “But… that kind of thing is clearly something only people who like each other romantically—lovers—would do…”
“Hmm? Who made that rule? The conventions of society? Or the definitions in books? Is that really the only truth?” These somewhat heretical words were spoken in an unquestionable tone. “When sisters share deep affection and loyalty, why can’t they express it in a way that better matches that emotion? The meaning behind it is completely different!”
She caressed Seraphina’s face once more, her gaze fixed on her as if engraving the idea into her heart. “Between lovers, desire and possessiveness are often mixed in. But between us… it is the purest form of dependence, trust, and the desire to comfort each other. This is an emotion that transcends love. It is a unique bond.”
Seraphina stared at Movira in a daze. She was drawn into this somewhat forceful yet logically self-contained “theory.” The grand-sounding words left her stunned, yet they also sounded appealing and fit her current chaotic heart better.
The feeling of being cherished and placed in a special position temporarily overpowered her panic.
Seeing calm return to Seraphina’s eyes, along with a somewhat dazed acceptance and contemplation, Movira knew she had achieved her goal. Fortunately, there had been no logical flaws.
Just as she wanted to say something more, a knock sounded on the door, followed by Saint Eustacia’s cool and clear voice.
“Seraphina, Movira, get ready. We will be departing soon. The journey to the royal capital is long. If we leave now, we can only arrive tomorrow evening. We’ll need to spend the night in the wilderness along the way.”
The atmosphere in the room was broken. Movira responded, “Understood.”
“Don’t overthink it. Let’s deal with the matters in front of us first. Come on, let’s pack our things.” She released Seraphina, stood up, and patted her shoulder.
It was truly unbelievable. They had only packed their luggage a few days ago.
Therefore, there wasn’t much for the two of them to organize. Most of the luggage hadn’t even been unpacked yet.
When they walked down the stairs, they saw that Dekalorin had already put on a thick cloak. Although her complexion still didn’t look normal, her eyes were sharp as she quietly gave instructions to Saint Eustacia.
Seraphina looked out through the living room window. Outside the manor gates, fully equipped soldiers had already appeared at some point. They stood guard at the entrance like motionless statues.
Further down the town streets, even more soldiers and clergy in religious robes could be seen busily guiding residents onto carriages in an orderly evacuation. The entire area was filled with a solemn, oppressive atmosphere.
At the manor entrance, a convoy was fully prepared. The most striking were the two spacious, luxurious carriages at the front, bearing what appeared to be royal crests. A more ordinary carriage followed behind for luggage and supplies.
Saint Eustacia gave brief instructions. “Teacher and I will take the front carriage. You two will take the one behind. Just leave the luggage to the coachmen.”