Alice in the Land of Steam

Chapter 1420 Do you know everything?
Leticia finally learned to think, no longer living solely on instinct and impulse as she had in the past. This change began on an ordinary morning, when the Cloud Whale Sky Island was still flying three thousand meters above the ground, and the Feather Mine was just a blurry marker on the map, far from becoming a clear sight before her eyes, when the little bat's best friend, perhaps the first friend she ever met, Medion, asked her a question.

"If you only had one life, how would you want to live it?"

This question is meaningless to others, because their fragile and short lives are only once, and they don't need to make assumptions based on "what ifs"; but for the little bat, it is worth pondering, exploring, and even getting stuck on, just to get the answer that satisfies her the most.

In the past, she wouldn't have done that, because it was pointless. The curse of reincarnation that accompanied the full moon night destined the girl to have only fleeting memories, forgetting everything upon waking. Since that was the case, there was no need to think too much, because that would only cause her greater pain at the moment of death: to have friendship would mean losing it; to have bonds would mean losing them. It would be easier to live an empty life and leave this world with nothing at all.

But as the curse gradually subsided, the girl hadn't experienced the feeling of reincarnation for a long time. Memories accumulated in her mind, sometimes flooding into her life even when she didn't want them to, like splashing paint onto a blank canvas, creating a vibrant tapestry. Among those memories were the friendships the girl once longed for, the bonds of living and adventuring with her companions, the various landscapes she saw while drifting freely with the wind aboard a cloud whale, and even some sad, lonely, and unsettling thoughts… These constituted Leticia's entire being.

Memory is life, and one's attitude towards memory is essentially the same as one's attitude towards life. A month's worth of memories is too little, not worth cherishing for Little Bat. That's why she used to be so impulsive, so extreme, and always talking about killing. If it weren't for her grandmother's repeated warnings, she might have used her own life as a weapon, just to hurt those who once coveted that power. But what about a year's worth, ten years' worth, or even a hundred years' worth of memories? She could no longer bear to lose them, she wanted to keep them forever, and even the thought of forgetting them made her almost unable to breathe.

At that moment, Grandma's words came back to mind: Leticia, try to live on. Living is always more important than anything else.

In truth, she had long forgotten those words, not because of any loss caused by reincarnation. The only memory she would never forget was the time spent with her grandmother. But like leaves that wither and fall, flowers that die and fade, life is constantly depleting itself through setbacks and efforts. Even if you retain certain memories, you will unconsciously forget some of them. Are they important to you? If not, they couldn't have been preserved indefinitely, could they? But are they also important? If important, they couldn't have been easily forgotten, could they? This contradiction isn't a flaw in life; it's essentially a conflict between emotion and reason.

Memories lost due to reason are only temporarily sealed away, while memories gained due to emotion will come rushing back like a tide. Everything is urging Leticia to stand up, face her grandmother, remind her of what she said in the past, and bear witness to what is happening today.

……

“Grandma always thinks very far ahead and very thoroughly, but—” Leticia said firmly, enunciating each word clearly, “In our current situation, aren’t we only able to consider the present moment?”

Neville was speechless.

All her concerns were indeed based on assumptions, at least not on problems that would erupt now. For the Jihad Army, the most important thing right now was undoubtedly winning this war before considering the distant future. Even if signs of trouble emerged by then, it's reassuring that they would at least still have the right to worry, right?

Thinking long-term doesn't necessarily mean being farsighted, and focusing only on immediate matters doesn't necessarily mean being short-sighted. Everything must be based on reality.

But when did Leticia acquire this insight? Before, she only saw killing as the optimal solution and the only way to solve problems by killing everyone.

The countess scrutinized her granddaughter from head to toe, as if she were seeing her for the first time.

Facing her grandmother's meaningful gaze, Leticia felt a little intimidated, but instinctively felt she couldn't back down at this moment. Otherwise, she would forever be like Medion said, seizing her one and only life and living with a clear conscience. So she gritted her teeth, refusing to back down, her petite body seemingly containing boundless potential. Selena stood behind her, her hands clenched in front of her chest, her eyes filled with tension and pleading as she confronted the Countess, trying to gain the latter's understanding.

The situation became subtly awkward, and someone had to step in to break the deadlock. Neville glanced discreetly at a young man, only to find him silently sipping his water, seemingly uninterested in joining the argument.

However, not making a statement is actually a statement, since the Countess is currently at a disadvantage in terms of both the scale of the event and the number of people involved.

What a treacherous and cunning fellow!

Neville cursed inwardly: "It's one thing for Leticia and the werewolf to be unreasonable, but as the leader of the team, shouldn't you step up to mediate the conflict and give me a way out? Or does this guy just want to see me admit defeat and give in to Leticia? I am the Countess of Valenhild of the Bloodfang Clan, I have my pride!"
At this moment, a gentle and calm voice intervened, bringing the Countess the mediation she desired.

"Everyone," Ovira, who had been observing silently, spoke softly, her gaze sweeping over the crowd before finally settling on Neville, "I think all our worries and arguments right now, whether about future threats or the urgency of war, are based on an unconfirmed premise—whether that skyship Nibelungen truly possesses the power of the Holy Grail as legend has it, and whether we can actually access and use it. Before this is confirmed, all disagreements are meaningless."

She paused, then continued in that uniquely calm tone, "The records in ancient books are inevitably vague, and as time passes, the truth of history is always buried under the dust. We don't need to be caught in a dilemma right now about whether to use an artifact whose true appearance and nature have not yet been confirmed. Everything can wait until we have personally come into contact with the Nibelungen, confirmed its state, its power, and its essence, before making any decisions. At that time, whether we carefully preserve it or risk using it as a weapon, I believe we will be able to make a more realistic decision, won't we?"

"It makes sense."

Neville immediately nodded in agreement, extricating herself from the awkward standoff. Selena also thought it was a good suggestion, while Leticia opened her mouth, wanting to say something more. She was determined to press her advantage and completely refute her grandmother. But Ovira's calm gaze swept over, carrying an undeniable gentle strength. The little bat's courage, which had been mustered, deflated as if pricked by a needle. She pouted somewhat unwillingly, but ultimately swallowed her words, only muttering softly, "...Anyway, I think I'm right, Grandma is wrong."

What a dutiful granddaughter. Neville glanced at her, experiencing for the first time the exhaustion of having a rebellious child at home. Of course, Leticia had always been rebellious, only behaving obediently in front of her grandmother. Did her disobeying even her grandmother mean she had entered puberty? Or... had she grown up?
There is another person who is also growing, but it may not be so obvious, like a seedling after a spring rain, quietly sprouting.

The Countess watched as Ovira tamed the prickly Leticia with just a few words and a glance, and a sense of感慨 (gan3 kai3, a feeling of deep emotion, often mixed with admiration) welled up within her. In the long years that had passed, only she, as the head of the household, had possessed such power. That girl, always with a gentle smile, yet whose eyes held a firmer resolve than anyone else's, needed no reprimand, no words at all. A mere frown, a glance, a gentle pat on the head, and the ferocious little bat would fall silent, like a cat easily defeated, its former arrogance vanished.

If Leticia's obedience to her grandmother was based on closeness, then it must have been the same for her, right? It's just that the little bat herself was unwilling to admit it. She was born believing that she shouldn't be close to anyone except her grandmother, so the moment she realized she harbored some kind of affection for her, she immediately became fearful and confused. Her brief and empty memories didn't tell her how to handle this situation, so like a hedgehog, she thought that raising her quills would protect her. Her disdain for the fairy tales that person told, her arguing with her in class, and even secretly avoiding her—all stemmed from this simplistic mentality.

It's as simple as a teenage boy using clumsy methods to attract the attention of his crush, while trying to make outsiders believe he actually dislikes her and that's why he bullies her. And it's not just that one person; wasn't she the same way with Lin Ge? And with Shemi, and with everyone on Cloud Whale Island…

Now, Ovira has accomplished the same feat as that person, taming Leticia from a rebellious bat into a docile cat—undoubtedly a remarkable achievement. Moreover, she has demonstrated astonishing willpower and decisiveness throughout this journey: persisting on her own without relying on her companions, calmly proposing a method for contacting the Mushroom Force tribe, tactfully yet firmly conveying the group's stance to Elder Momogu, and just now, stepping forward at the most opportune and correct moment to defuse this awkward argument…

Was she doing these things unconsciously, or was she consciously imitating that person? If it was the former, Navra would be happy, because that's normal—imitating the person she admires and gaining courage and wisdom from her. But if it was the latter, Navra couldn't be sure whether it was a good thing or a bad thing, because imitation... is ultimately not becoming.

What intrigued her even more was the attitude of young people.

He must have noticed, right? The changes happening to Ovira? Yes, he's so perceptive, how could he not have noticed? But from just now until now, he hasn't uttered a single word. Does he think silence can avoid the issue? If it were the old him, perhaps he would have such a naive thought, but after the most important person in his life has left him, a young man should have woken up. How could he still be so... cruel?

Yes, cruel, the Countess used that word to describe the silence of the young people.

Tenderness, longing, love, loneliness, silence, reminiscence, observation, hesitation, helplessness, sorrow, farewell, respect, and dreams... everything is so cruel.

Just like human emotions, they are truly unfathomable.

Thinking of this, the Countess couldn't help but sigh. The sigh echoed in the now quiet room, sounding rather abrupt and attracting everyone's attention, who cast puzzled glances at her. But she made no attempt to explain, simply saying, "It's time to rest."

Ling remained silent, quietly finishing the last drop of water in his glass to moisten his parched throat.

After that, no one spoke again. They each found a place to lie down in the simple dwelling provided by the elder. Only the faint light of the crystals flickered in the dim light, illuminating several faces burdened with worries.

……

Late at night.

Ovira opened her eyes to the sound of even breathing. Moonlight streamed in through the cracks in the window, casting long, narrow patches of light on the floor. The day's arguments, like undercurrents, stirred within her, making it difficult for her to sleep. She silently sat up, glanced at Selena sleeping soundly beside her and Neville in the corner, then at the young man dozing against the wall, picked up her lantern, and slipped out like a ghost.

The village, bathed in the glow of crystals and luminous moss, appeared exceptionally tranquil. Giant mushrooms cast long, dark shadows, like silent guardians. A breeze, carrying coolness and the scent of earth, swept through, slightly dispelling the gloom in her heart. The girl wandered aimlessly along the narrow paths of the village, her thoughts drifting to distant places—perhaps the beautiful future she was pursuing, or perhaps an unfulfilled dream.

As she walked past a cluster of particularly large, roof-like fluorescent mushrooms, a somewhat familiar small figure unsurprisingly came into view.

Just now, Ovira knew where she was because she didn't see her in the room.

This is not intuition.

But her strength.

Give me some cats