Chapter 14:Castle Memories 14 Tenderness
Outside the Castle
The black cat’s eerie heterochromatic eyes—yellow and blue—stared coldly at Fu Ruxue, chilling her to the core. Clutching the wrapped head, she didn’t dare approach.
The maid stood, startling Fu Ruxue, who stumbled back.
The headless maid caught her precisely, fingers brushing the bundle, freezing in place.
“What… is this?!” The maid’s faint voice came from her abdomen, fingers tightening, voice trembling with excitement.
“…Your head.”
The bundle shook violently, startling Fu Ruxue into letting go.
The head rolled out, caught by pale, calloused hands.
Its eyes opened, black pupils locking onto Fu Ruxue. The headless body turned toward her, the eerie scene bone-chilling.
“Thank you.”
Two voices overlapped, speaking in unison.
The maid lifted the head, placing it atop her neck under Fu Ruxue’s panicked gaze.
Blood still oozed from the neck. The newly reattached head twitched, eyelids fluttering, making eerie clicking sounds.
The head wobbled, barely staying on.
Finally, the eyelids stilled, and a grotesque smile twisted her lips.
“I remember…”
The head tilted, falling off, blood spraying Fu Ruxue.
Blood dripped down her face, matting her bangs, her near-breaking eyes wide.
Numbly, she wiped her face. “Speak.”
The head rolled, stopped by a fence, face blood-streaked, eyes puzzled.
“I forgot again…”
“Forgot? Tell me tomorrow then—I’m out!”
Fu Ruxue fled faster than a rabbit, racing back to the castle.
Panting against the door, face and clothes blood-soaked, she gasped.
This was the scariest Strange Tales scenario she’d ever played.
Too terrifying. She couldn’t take it.
First, she had to save Xu Nian.
Heart calming, she glanced outside—no maid. Relieved, she retraced her steps to the basement, prying at the trapdoor.
It wouldn’t budge.
She knocked. “Xu Nian?”
No response.
Frantic, she pressed her ear to the wood, calling again, “Xu Nian, you there?”
“Mmm… someone’s here… let go… mmm…”
Faint, melodic moans drifted out, making Fu Ruxue blush.
The voice was unmistakably Xu Nian’s.
Stunned, Fu Ruxue pulled back, face burning.
A realization hit. Flashes of overlooked moments: Xu Nian not denying liking girls, the Young Lady’s domineering yet tender carrying of Xu Nian to the table, her jealous stare when Fu Ruxue clung to Xu Nian’s arm…
Chilling yet profound.
So…
Xu Nian and the Young Lady were that kind of relationship?!
Was this the truth?!
Her worldview shattered, Fu Ruxue backed away from the trapdoor, grappling with the revelation.
Ten minutes later, she barely accepted it, glancing at the door.
She couldn’t interrupt now.
Hesitating, she left.
Basement
The bed creaked, swaying unsteadily.
“Mmm…”
Xu Nian leaned against the headboard, face flushed, teeth clenched to stifle sounds.
The blonde woman knelt before her, carefully applying force.
“Mmm… ha… it hurts…”
Xu Nian winced, gripping the bedrail, enduring the Young Lady’s touch.
“Now you know pain?” The Young Lady applied medicine to Xu Nian’s foot, gentler now, her tone fondly scolding.
Xu Nian stayed silent, brows furrowed, occasional moans betraying her.
Her ankle, injured twice, was severely swollen, fluid pooling, even light touches agonizing.
The Young Lady’s touch was careful, but the pain was unbearable for Xu Nian, unused to injury, who let out soft whimpers.
“No, it hurts.”
Xu Nian glared, defiantly meeting her eyes.
The Young Lady finished the foot, reaching for her hand.
Xu Nian irritably shook her off.
Just applying medicine and wanting to hold her hand? No way.
The hand was rebuffed. Golden hair fell, wet eyes staring, voice soft and sticky. “I just… want to treat your hand.”
Xu Nian melted at her voice, her pitiful look softening her heart. Turning away, she offered her hand.
The Young Lady held it like a treasure, eyes brimming with joy.
Watching her carefully treat the wounds, warmth spread through Xu Nian, her heart skipping.
A strange thought emerged: Why not give in?
Xu Nian schemed. She was never above using means to an end. The Young Lady’s exotic beauty—deep features, soulful eyes—could be leveraged to find the “key.” She’d gain everything.
“Come here.”
The Young Lady obediently leaned closer, eyes fixed on her.
Xu Nian’s gaze traced her face, picturing the one she longed for, heart racing.
Her finger hooked the ornate white collar, leaning in to place a light kiss on her lips.
Breaths quickened, hearts pounding. The Young Lady pressed her forehead to Xu Nian’s, setting the medicine aside.
She cupped Xu Nian’s face, tilting to kiss her, her scent lingering, lips nearing.
At the last moment, she closed her eyes, resolute, dodging Xu Nian’s pursed lips.
Golden hair nestled on Xu Nian’s shoulder, voice muffled. “I won’t do what you don’t like.”
Xu Nian raised a brow, displeased.
They’d kissed so many times, and now she was dodging with that excuse?
But Xu Nian didn’t want to seem eager, lest the Young Lady push further.
Teasingly, she said, “If you don’t want to, I can find someone—”
A tingling pain hit her collarbone.
The golden head buried against her, voice thick with possessiveness and jealousy. “No. You’re mine.”
…
A pale hand reached off the bed, only to be pulled back.
Xu Nian’s eyes glazed, soft sounds escaping, faint marks on her shoulder.
Outside, the blood-red moon cast an eerie glow.
A sailboat rocked on the sea, battling waves, nearly capsizing.
Surviving the storm, it neared shore, only for another wave to drag it back, fighting the endless sea.
Xu Nian’s body was wholly marked by the Young Lady’s scent.
Half the night sleepless.
In the latter half, she drifted off, vaguely hearing her tormentor murmur something.
Too tired, Xu Nian hummed in agreement.
Next Day
Xu Nian stirred, body aching, reality hazy.
The figure beside her sensed her movement, groggily pulling her close, murmuring.
Xu Nian listened, catching fragments: “…don’t leave…”
Unable to make it out or escape the embrace, she gave up, dozing off again.
Bright red eyes opened, long lashes fluttering, sparkling with hidden desire to lock Xu Nian away.
Noticing her gaze, Xu Nian pushed her face away. “Stop staring.”
The Young Lady turned back, voice husky yet alluring. “Don’t like it?”
“…It’s fine.”
A blush crept to Xu Nian’s ears, but she turned away stubbornly.
She had to admit, the Young Lady was skilled.
“Tonight then…”
“Get lost.”
Xu Nian kicked her off the bed with her good foot.
The Young Lady stood good-naturedly, tucking in Xu Nian’s blanket. “Careful, don’t catch cold.”
The concern stung Xu Nian’s heart.
How long since someone spoke to her like that?
Her face stayed neutral, but her aura grew heavy.
Sensing her mood, the Young Lady crouched by the bed, cautious. “What do you want to eat?”
“Don’t want to eat. Leave.”
Xu Nian replied coolly.
The Young Lady hesitated, glancing back repeatedly, worried about her injuries, but left obediently.
Once alone, Xu Nian got out of bed immediately.