Chapter 199: Molting (1)

Rea​d on KatR​ead​ingCafe​

“It’s a prototype.”

“You made it already?”

A small glass vial was placed in front of Sugar. Inside the tiny bottle, no larger than an eye-drop container, was a clear liquid.

It was a prototype of Saint’s Water, crafted by Leon.

“Ian brought me a Fragment of the Stars yesterday. I started working on it right away.”

Fragments of the Stars were irregularly shaped stones that appeared sporadically across the continent. Their sudden emergence led ancient people to wonder—”Did they fall from the sky?”, “Could these be shards from the stars above?”—hence the name.

In truth, they were byproducts of overlapping mana currents, forming in places where magic had stagnated for long periods. But in the era immediately after the Saint’s descent, when mysteries like magic were still poorly understood, such names stuck.

Their formation process was similar to that of mana crystals deep underground, but their properties differed. They were unstable, brittle, and difficult to handle. Rare to begin with, their storage and transportation were equally troublesome, making them scarce in markets.

“So the guardian actually gave some to Ian?”

“Yes. Fortunately, there were some stored in the Holy City. I received them safely.”

If left alone, they would grow in size—but beyond a certain point, they would shatter explosively. Reporting them would prompt the knights to collect them, which was likely how they obtained the remaining unprocessed ones.

“Hmm… This just looks like water. How did you make it?”

“Dissolve powdered horn in distilled water, then release the Song of Silence. After that, wrap the Fragment of the Stars in clean cloth and drop it in to boil. I took precautions to prevent breakage, like adding it before boiling and wrapping it carefully, but I’m also considering intentionally breaking it next time.”

“Just don’t cause an accident. Ah, what about the secondary ingredients?”

“I plan to finalize the base formula first, then experiment with various additives. I’ve already narrowed down the candidates.”

“Good.”

“So… for now, I’d like your evaluation.”

Sugar held up the vial with a puzzled expression.

“I’m not exactly an expert, either… Can I open it?”

“Of course.”

She opened the lid and sniffed. There was no particular scent. After closing it again, she examined it carefully, pretending to scrutinize it with great focus.

“…Sugar. I sincerely thank you.”

Then, Leon spoke.

“What? Nothing’s even been accomplished yet. Why thank me now?”

“It’s only natural. Basic human decency. You awakened my memories and actively helped gather materials. You’ve worked hard for me and my family, whom you’ve known for less than half a year. That alone is worthy of gratitude.”

Sugar glanced at him.

“I… truly felt hope for the first time… because of all of you.”

His voice trembled faintly, so she simply listened in silence.

To think we’ve come this far since that stubborn first meeting. The thought filled her with fresh emotion. The same man who once rejected people so sharply was now bowing his head like this.

“I am deeply grateful for your kindness. Thank you, once again.”

“Ugh… Enough. Stop it.”

Embarrassed, she waved her hands. If there were other friends around, she could’ve brushed it off—but with only herself as the recipient of his gratitude, it was unbearably awkward.

“If you ever need anything, please let me know. Especially regarding medicine—I may be of some help.”

At that moment, Sugar’s eyes widened with sudden interest.

“Let me be clear—aphrodisiacs are illegal—”

“Why does your mind immediately go there?!”

“Because your eyes looked like a pervert’s—”

Once they fell back into bickering, she felt at ease again. Arguing with him was the most comfortable.

Lately, Sugar was in the most psychologically stable state she’d been in for a long time.

Of course, she still had plenty of worries—the mental barrier and the Traveler, the Evil God’s thoughts, the atmosphere of the Holy City, the letter from Professor Trace, summer vacation assignments, assignments, assignments. (The most important, hence mentioned thrice.)

But how could she be so calm in such a situation?

For one, they had already gathered all the materials for Saint’s Water. She had hoped to collect everything by the end of the break, though she’d been doubtful about feasibility.

Yet they’d succeeded. She reunited with an old friend, and Leon was overjoyed. How satisfying must that be?

This was the same woman who once believed her actions had ruined his family through a butterfly effect. The ones who truly deserved punishment were elsewhere.

Even if belatedly, she moved forward, sincerely wishing for things to find their rightful place. Otherwise, why would she sacrifice her precious vacation time?

Seeing results eased her mind, lightening her burdens.

Then came the next factor—the biggest reason for her stability. The most certain, outstanding, and effective method possible.

Namely, a friend who picked her up and put her down. The most precious childhood friend in the world, and their lovey-dovey skinship—

‘What am I thinking?! Stop this nonsense!’

Sugar, having let her thoughts spiral that far, flailed internally.

Still, it was true that she had been mentally steady since that day.

The day they returned from Zenrock, baring their lower halves to each other. The night they clung together, biting, sucking, caressing, and sharing intense communion.

She learned of Riley’s patience—and the lust hidden beneath it. She realized he saw her as a sexual being, that they excited each other. Of course, that itself was another concern.

Is this okay for our relationship? Is this right between friends? Between family?

Guilt surged, but an even greater satisfaction numbed her mind.

Riley wanted her. For whatever reason, whether physical or not—he desired her. He saw her as a woman.

That fact was unbearably—’Ah, ehehe…’

Sugar was built up by Riley and broken down by Riley. Her mental state hinged on how their tangled relationship evolved.

There was no resisting. No overcoming or escaping. She could only accept it as reality.

At the start of vacation, fresh from a major incident, she had been unstable—thrown into turmoil by the sudden appearance of his female friend. Consumed by jealousy, she had burned black with envy. What an ugly sight.

She had frozen over, reeking of bitterness—until Riley’s touch melted her down, thick and slow, until she settled into a quiet syrup.

That was the kind of woman Sugar was. A blindly devoted heart, reserved for only one person. Overflowing to the point of excess, dripping like water.

Yet at the same time, she was fearful, stubborn, and burdened with responsibility—always tangled in contradictions.

Her mind trusted him, but her heart doubted. Her mouth said “No,” while her hands reached for him.

The tragedy of a woman who hid behind roles, unable to be honest.

The most important words? She would never say them.

Still, lately, she had grown a little more honest.

She would kiss him first. Or, within her own limits, demand certain acts—like deep kisses.

She set aside the roles of “Older Sister” and “Friend” for a moment. Pretended not to know better and indulged. Then, in broad daylight, she would stubbornly insist they were just friends.

‘But… isn’t this enough?’

Their bond had deepened. It was improper, but they were special like that.

He was still her precious friend. They would stay together—

-So you’re satisfied?

Yes. More than enough.

-That’s all you want?

It’s enough. I don’t need anything else.

-Liar. Say that in front of the Dream Lantern.

…

Suddenly, she lifted her head.

The clear sky stretched endlessly over the Holy City, so vast it made her dizzy. A breathtaking sight, so open it felt refreshing.

Yet her chest felt stifled. Huh. Why does it feel so heavy?

Deep breaths filled her lungs with the stiff, mana-laced air of the city. Maybe that was why. No, probably not.

She was about to call him, thinking maybe seeing him would ease this.

“Got time now?”

Someone beat her to it. The offer was directed at Sugar.

She glanced back. Her gaze lifted to match the other’s height.

“What is it?”

“Something we didn’t finish last time. Let’s do it today.”

Natasha was dressed casually, not in her knight uniform—a day off, perhaps. Her usual gray hair was tied up in a single ponytail, a large backpack strapped to her shoulders.

Sugar made a disgruntled face. Natasha scowled back. Neither bothered with pretense anymore.

“Fine. Make it quick.”

“So you’ve got time?”

“Yeah.”

“Then follow me.”

It was about that unfinished conversation in front of Miriam’s office. She’d rather go see her childhood friend, but she wasn’t uninterested. Silently, Sugar trailed after her.

But why did they seem to be heading toward the city gates?

“Why are we going all the way out here just to talk?”

“We’re leaving the city.”

“What?”

A horse was waiting by the gates. Natasha mounted it smoothly, then glanced down at Sugar.

“Hold onto my waist from behind.”

“Eugh.”

“Want me to carry you in front instead? Wrap my arms around you?”

“No—why are we even leaving the Holy City for this?”

“Might as well. It’s about your childhood friend. I’ll start talking once we’re moving.”

“…”

Sugar pouted but climbed onto the horse, lightly gripping the other’s clothes with her thumb and forefinger.

“I’ll fall off like this.”

Annoyed, Natasha grabbed Sugar’s hands and wrapped them around her own waist. Before Sugar could protest, they were off.

Clip-clop, clip-clop— The Holy City shrank behind them as the horse picked up speed. Their bodies swayed with its gait.

After a while, Natasha finally spoke.

“Something going on with you two lately?”

“…”

“The knights have been tense. And Commander Miriam’s been keeping an eye on you. Got me curious.”

“Wait, that’s all you wanted to talk about?”

“Yeah. What, was I wrong?”

She’d come expecting Riley-related news, only to be questioned instead. Sugar furrowed her brows, feeling tricked.

“…Why ask me?”

“Who else? It’s not like you’re dating, yet you’re glued to him.”

“How do you know we’re not dating?”

“I asked Riley myself.”

Sugar tightened her grip on Natasha’s waist. Unlike her own softness, the other girl’s toned stomach only twisted her irritation further.

“What, so you are dating now?”

“We’re not.”

“…You’re not, but you’re mashing lips in the streets?”

The question came cautiously, likely referring to when Guardian Miriam had stopped them before.

Sugar smirked.

“Heh… looked like lovers to you, huh? Friends can do that much.”

“…What?”

“Hmm? Even a holy knight thought so? Awkward. We’re not like that. Guess we just looked really close.”

Natasha sighed.

Unbelievable. What kind of childish—short, petty, jealousy-drunk—

“You don’t have any friends, do you?”

“Huh?”

“Specifically, female friends. You don’t have any.”

“I do.”

Well, sort of.

There was Ian, Praline—though the former was a special case.

“Any new ones from Steele?”

“…”

“See. You don’t.”

After a long pause, Sugar muttered:

“You’re annoying.”

“I don’t like you either.”