NOVPUBSelena was panting, not understanding why she was growing more and more agitated. Just a simple sentence from the other party confused her.
She quickly realized her actions were foolish.
If she angered the other person, that person could torment her in a million ways in this dreamscape.
However, the black-haired, green-eyed girl still looked at her calmly.
As if she had anticipated Selena’s reaction and saw nothing wrong with it.
"You asked three questions in total. What is happiness, what is unhappiness, and what you’ve been through in the past," the Great Love Poet spoke in a smooth tone, without any impatience.
"As for the first two questions, do you genuinely want an answer?"
She stared at Selena, asking.
"Huh?!"
Selena couldn’t understand why this person was seriously taking in her words and genuinely discussing them with her.
"If I tell you here, the ’suitable answer’ you might accept, I have many ways to make you satisfied," The Great Love Poet continued speaking patiently.
"But, if you want a genuine answer, you must have a long chat with me because these questions don’t have definitive answers like 1+1 equalling 2."
The comforting demeanor of the black-haired and green-eyed girl, resembling a mother, made Selena stare without daring a word in response.
"..."
Gradually, Selena felt an intention to retreat, unsure how to reply to the words thrown at her by the other party.
"Ignorance is a sin, when you discover the truth, you’ll hate yourself. But don’t be afraid, because everyone needs to go through such a process," said the Great Love Poet.
"...So what, if I figure things out? Can it change anything? If you want to prove that my life is full of misery and that I am worthless, then just destroy me. No need for all this trouble," Selena gritted her teeth and murmured.
"Really? I think the questions you raised … are valuable, and I really liked them," the Great Love Poet replied at ease.
"..."
Selena glanced sideways at the Great Love Poet, her black hair creating a shadow over her face. Only the eyes were exceptionally focused.
Like a creature that is fearful, yet curious.
"Obviously, you’ve put a wall up in front of me. Why are you glaring at me?"
The Great Love Poet asked again. Even under her mask, one could see the mirth in her eyes, imbuing her with reason and wisdom.
"..."
Selena remained silent.
The Great Poet waited for her response.
Facing that gaze, Selena finally began to feel uncomfortable.
"What a bother, why are you meddling?!"
Selena shouted.
"You finally spoke."
The satisfied glint in the eyes of the Great Love Poet was noticeable,
"Different people are divided into categories that perceive through touch, sound, and sight. You belong to the sight category, believing in the reality of what you see, even if it belongs to someone else’s dream. You’re unsatisfied until you’ve seen it with your own eyes. You have a strong guard up against me, so by now, you should see that I pose no threat to you."
"You...!"
Selena wanted to retort but thought back to that person’s dream under a reminder.
A person capable of such beautiful wishes, indeed, her actions did not deviate by the slightest bit from her words.
Because the illusions materialized by [Falling Gentle Hometown], would not lie.
"..."
She fell silent.
Selena watched as her violent state slowly turned tranquil once again.
The Great Love Poet then continued her conversation:
"Usually, a person who wants to help you would ask you first about your troubles, your family situation, or your past. Communication is essential and the right thing to do… But I won’t pry too much about your past, your encounters, and your origin. I just want to know, what are you thinking of right now? Because now, there’s only you in the present. And the present you, are indeed wondering what real happiness is."
"..."
Selena could not respond to the question laid out in front of her by the black-haired, green-eyed girl.
She couldn’t come up with an answer, no matter how hard she thought about it.
But now, she already wanted to know the answer; she no longer wanted to be a pitiful creature deceiving herself.
The self that was currently huddled at the edge of the floor, too afraid to step onto other parts of it, was the real her, exposed raw and bare.
"You’re leaning slightly forward in your posture now, you’re more relaxed than before."
While Selena was contemplating, the Great Love Poet suddenly remarked,
"You seem to be protecting yourself. Were you afraid of me?"
"..."
Selena tried to speak but didn’t know how to express herself, or whether the other party would trust her who initially held malicious intents.
"The desire to harm others without reason can also be seen as an impulse for self-protection,"
The Great Love Poet nodded understandingly,
"But, do you think I would resort to violence towards you?"
"..."
Selena watched the girl, her pale skin and sparkling eyes becoming the only light in this deep prison.
She felt unable to face this radiance.
"Look, you bowed your head again, like a child who’s sulking deliberately."
The Great Love Poet spoke, laughter in her voice,
"However, you’re still willing to listen to me speak. That’s excellent."
She encouraged.
"I..."
Selena took a deep breath. She didn’t understand why there was a warm sensation in her chest. She wanted to speak to this girl, ask her questions, figure out the questions that had confused her for a long time, wanted to hear her speak, wanted to continue being treated gently.
However.
"Sorry, time’s up, I have to go to work now."
The Great Love Poet raised her hand and gracefully pushed herself up from the ground.
"Wait..."
Selena extended her arm but didn’t dare reach out to the Great Love Poet. She wanted to say something but couldn’t get it out.
The other party didn’t exploit [Falling Gentle Hometown] to try to harm or subdue her, but chose to have a conversation with her that broke from the past and acknowledged her present.
Somehow, she still wanted to continue listening and expressing. Perhaps only through that could she feel the meaning of her own life.
"Every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, from 2 pm to 5 pm, I’ll be at the Hong Meng De Building of Protoss Royal Magic Academy. I can accept any conversation requested by the academy members. If you want to continue speaking with me, please make an appointment in advance," said the black-haired, green-eyed figure to Selena.
"Will you really wait for me?"
Selena asked in a hoarse voice.
"If you’re willing to come and teach at the academy, we could perhaps have more time to converse," said the Great Love Poet with a hint of a smile.
Her eyes seemed to say — from what I can tell of your credentials, the academy wouldn’t refuse because you possess irreplaceable talent and value.
"Be careful in layer negative five, don’t start the Great Demon Clan Trial or you’ll encounter an Eighth-Order enemy."
After some hesitation, Selena finally stood up from the ground, said these simple words succinctly, then turned around to leave, returning to her office to start work.
The verdict on these jailers wasn’t suspenseful at all.
Selena pursed her lips but didn’t respond.
Despite everything, she always felt that she could only see this person’s true colors at the Protoss Royal Magic Academy.
