Sky Striker Princess, but the swan song of Valkyrie.

Page 77

Seeing that Rei looked completely unconcerned, Kohinata Mirai couldn't help but say something.

"It wasn't anything special to begin with, and I don't think there's any need to hide it. In terms of feeling, it's just like going abroad for a trip, except that I can't go back."

Despite Lingyi's casual remark, a hint of irritation seemed to flicker in her reserved eyes.

"But it will be very difficult, won't it? If you can't go home?"

Sensing Zero's reaction, Kohinata Mirai subconsciously asked with concern.

"...…call."

When asked a question by Kohinata Mirai, Rei simply closed her eyes slowly and let out a long sigh.

"It's uncomfortable, you'll feel a bit uncomfortable at first."

A short while later, Lingyi opened her eyes again, speaking in a calm tone and expression.

"But after coming into this world, I've experienced so many things that I haven't had the energy to think about this. By the time I come to my senses, I've let it go."

"After all, people have to accept reality. Being able to have a second life and still live in this world is already pretty good, I think."

"Demanding too much beyond one's capabilities will only increase suffering."

Then, Zero spoke sincerely, her words carrying a complex emotion that Kohinata Mirai couldn't understand.

"I'm sorry... I think I reminded you of some bad memories."

Kohinata Mirai said with some guilt.

"There is no need to apologize. This is something I will have to face sooner or later. If I want to start over without confusion, I must face my past with the right mindset."

Lingyi shook her head and said indifferently.

"Yes, I understand, but... shall we start over?"

Listening to Rei's words, Kohinata Mirai realized that Rei had begun to try to repair her heart, which had become broken for some reason.

[So, does that mean she no longer needs to be protected? Lingyi can stand up now.]

So, what I need to do next is... walk alongside her.

With this thought in mind, Kohinata Mirai changed her course of action.

"Then, as you try to move forward again, I will help you as much as possible. If anything makes you unhappy, be sure to tell me."

With her usual gentle smile, Kohinata Mirai looked directly at the girl in front of her, and with a completely new mindset, she spoke firmly.

"Hmm... there's really no need to do that."

After Kohinata Mirai said that, Rei's originally calm expression changed, her words suddenly froze, and she involuntarily took a half step back.

"No, it's very necessary, because we're friends, and friends should help each other, shouldn't they?"

Kohinata Mirai stated this matter-of-factly, directly defining the nature of their relationship.

"friend…"

Upon hearing what Kohinata Mirai said, Rei's expression seemed to show a slight hesitation.

"Does Lingyi not consider me your friend?"

Without giving Rei time to hesitate, Kohinata Mirai asked with a gentle smile.

“…Hmm, Hinata, there’s no need for that. I understand. Of course we’re friends.”

Under repeated questioning, Rei seemed to have no choice but to admit to what Kohinata Mirai had said.

However, despite her helpless tone, Kohinata Mirai, who had been watching the girl in front of her, clearly saw the joy that emanated from Rei's heart.

P.S. Good afternoon.

Chapter 122 The Relationship of Change

Successfully, she became friends with Lingyi. If things continue as they are, it will likely be a very happy thing.

However, things often don't go according to people's wishes.

The chimes advanced slowly, erasing the traces of time.

As the sunlight gradually tilted and was carried by the evening breeze, it changed the colors reflected on the desk.

"call…"

After finishing her schoolwork at the solid wood desk, Kohinata Mirai breathed a sigh of relief.

I feel that these assignments are much easier to handle than before, and my grades have improved significantly.

Kohinata Mirai unconsciously recalled the changes that had occurred in herself after a period of time.

[I guess it's all a good thing.]

Without realizing it, Kohinata Mirai closed and tidied up her schoolwork materials on her desk.

[Right now... Lingyi should be helping her mother cook. I wonder what they were discussing tonight.]

She stood up, pushed back the chair, and thought to herself with anticipation.

Since Rei first participated in food preparation work, an amazing chemistry seems to have developed between the two people who both have considerable experience in cooking.

As a result, Kohinata Mirai has never tasted the same dish again since then.

[By the way, should I introduce Rei to Hibiki later? Hmm, I'll talk to Rei about it later.]

With that thought in mind, Kohinata Mirai opened the door, stepped down the stairs in her slippers, and in a few steps, arrived at the place where she used to eat.

[If Lingyi makes more friends, she'll probably feel more at ease.]

Such thoughts lingered intermittently in Kohinata Mirai's mind, creating reassuring ripples.

"Yes, there's still plenty of time, maybe there's no need to rush."

Thinking this through, Kohinata Mirai pushed open the door.

"Little Lingyi, do you really have to leave?"

"Yes, I've made up my mind. Thank you so much for taking care of me these past few days. I'll find an opportunity to repay you later."

"In that case, alright, but if you encounter any difficulties, be sure to let us know."

Then, such a conversation entered her ears, instantly waking her up from her slightly languid state of mind.

Upon closer inspection, it seemed that Lingyi was tidying up the tableware and talking to her mother about something.

Judging from their conversation, it seems that Lingyi is about to leave.

Why? Weren't we already friends? Why are you leaving now?

The lake of my heart was as if a giant boulder had been thrown into it, splashing water everywhere.

"Lingyi, you're leaving? Why?!"

Without a moment's hesitation, Kohinata Mirai immediately stepped forward and asked her question with slight excitement.

Seemingly having heard her words, Lingyi turned around and her gaze shifted to her.

At this moment, Kohinata Mirai could no longer see the sorrowful expression that she used to have on the other person's face.

Instead, he looked relaxed, with bright and determined emerald eyes, just like when they first met.

Without a doubt, after several days of effort and interaction with Kohinata, Rei has recovered from that terrible state.

At this point, there is no longer any need for Kohinata Mirai to do anything to help Rei.

"Ah, Hinata, you've come."

Before Kohinata Mirai could react, just like their daily interactions over the past few days, Rei greeted her with a smile.

"So, why, why are you leaving now, Lingyi? Is it because of me?"

Still focused on the conversation, Kohinata Mirai pressed for details about the fact that had brought her to her senses.

She couldn't quite understand why Lingyi would choose to leave at this time. Had she done something wrong? Had she said something wrong in her daily life?

"No, that Yi Liuyi Ssan Erjiu 5, the thing is..."

Under Mirai's persistent questioning, Rei quickly began to explain to Mirai why she was leaving at this time.

In short, after cheering herself up, Lingyi had been looking for something she needed to do, and in the last few days, she thought of something she could do.

Therefore, in order to make it easier for her to do what she wants, and also because she has been bothering this place for a long time, Lingyi plans to move out and live somewhere else.

"So, Zero, have you already made up your mind?"

Listening to Lingyi's words and feeling the emotions between her lines, Kohinata Mirai understood that this was the result she had come to after careful consideration.

"Yes, I've decided. Besides, it's not like we'll never see each other again. I'm just moving to a different place."

Lingyi explained confidently, and it seemed that she did not feel anything was wrong.

"I know, it's just that I'm a little unaccustomed to it."

Kohinata said to Mirai.

She understood that this was the natural consequence of her choices.

She was just an ordinary person, without any special identity or abilities, so she had no way or reason to keep Lingyi by her side.

Therefore, once Lingyi was no longer in that state, the thread that held her together like a miracle became shaky and looked like it was about to break.

"So, when do you plan to leave, Zero?"

Kohinata Mirai asked, trying to keep a natural expression.

To be honest, rationally speaking, she could find many reasons, such as having something she had to fight for, or something very important, to convince herself that Lingyi's departure was perfectly reasonable.

Emotionally, however, because things happened so suddenly, she was completely unprepared for the separation, unable to prepare for parting with the girl with whom she had spent a short yet long time.

"It should be a while. I've already found a place to stay and prepared my daily necessities. There are just some formalities that haven't been completed yet because of my identity."

Unaware, or rather, choosing not to be aware, Rei explained this fact to Hiyori and Mirai in a very ordinary manner.

This made Kohinata Mirai realize what Zero was doing during the time she had previously seen Zero thinking and typing on her phone.

At the same time, I realized that the separation from the other person was something that could not be changed.

After that, Kohinata Mirai's memories are a little blurry. In her vague recollection, she felt down for a while because she couldn't get used to someone's disappearance.

"Lingyi... what is she doing now? Will she become like that because of another blow?"

Unconsciously talking to himself, Kohinata Mirai was somewhat dazed. Lately, such dazedness had occasionally occurred in her daily life.

"In the future, don't act like Xiao Lingyi is dead. If you care so much, go and play with her."

In the end, it was her mother who saw through Kohinata Mirai's worries. One day, she said something that seemed to be both a complaint and a comforting remark.

"No, Mom, it's okay. Lingyi must also have important things to do."

Kohinata Mirai shook her head slightly, indicating this.

After Rei left, Kohinata Mirai had some thoughts and ultimately concluded that unless it was something particularly important, there was no need for her to leave.

"So, unless something special comes up, I think it's best not to bother her."

With this assumption in mind, Kohinata restrained herself from seeking out the other person in the past few days.

"Something important?"

Upon hearing Kohinata Mirai's words, her mother's eyes showed a hint of doubt.

"Xiao Lingyi shouldn't have anything important to do right now. I was just chatting with her on Line about choosing and combining spices."

Mrs. Kohinata expressed this quite naturally.

"well?"

Kohinata Mirai stood there, stunned.

"She once asked me how I've been doing lately.

Mrs. Kohinata continued.

"Mom, have you added Lingyi on Line?"

It was only then that Kohinata Mirai realized that things didn't seem to be quite as she had imagined.