Chapter 39: Silly Bird (Literally)

Aphrosia knew it was impossible—she wasn’t some destined protagonist who could shout “thirty years east, thirty years west” and defy fate.

Ifrora as the chosen one? Maybe believable. Her? No chance.

Especially with the genius Silver Moon Chamber, possibly led by a transmigrator, and the kingdom’s summoned hero, the role of “destined child” would never fall to a minor fallen noble like her.

Still, the other party was polite, not making things difficult despite wanting to end the engagement. Aphrosia searched her home, retrieving her mother’s cherished pen and paper.

The sender’s paper was clearly high-quality, carrying a faint fragrance, a sign of sincerity.

How they treated her, she’d reciprocate—that was her upbringing.

Using her mother’s things? Hmph, her parents could scold her when they returned! For now, those two missing people had no say!

No helping it—the ring they left behind held too much, almost everything. But usually, Aphrosia only touched the books.

Call it making trouble or being idle, she couldn’t cross that emotional hurdle.

After an hour of pondering, she set down the pen.

Now, the problem: where to find a messenger bird?

“Hey! Why’re you staring at me? Don’t get any funny ideas!”

The red bird jumped at Aphrosia’s gaze, instantly catching her intent.

“Don’t misunderstand~ After all this time, I still don’t know your names. Just want to properly meet my little heroes~”

Aphrosia’s expression was earnest, her clear eyes showing no trace of deceit.

So, the red bird believed her. Why?

She called us heroes! We’re big heroes!

“Hmph, you’re pretty sharp, kid. Since you’re asking so sincerely, I’ll graciously tell you!”

The red bird preened, ready to “cast” her announcement.

But the blue bird couldn’t stand it, cutting in to ruin the moment.

“I’m Mistfeather, my sister’s Blazewing. Ignore her, she’s got issues. That year, to save me…”

Before Mistfeather finished, Blazewing smacked her head!

“You little brat! Slandering your sister!”

Aphrosia noted their names, smirking slyly. “Blazewing, huh? Aren’t Rainbow Cloud Birds great at navigation and directions?”

Blazewing’s head shot up. “Of course! Forget Kangkela Empire, I can go anywhere on the continent!”

She laughed smugly, oblivious to the looming danger.

“Ugh, Sister’s so dumb…” Mistfeather sighed, eyeing her sister with pity.

Noticing the look, Blazewing bristled. “What’s that expression?!”

Before Mistfeather could reply, Aphrosia coughed, her grin uncontainable.

Though her smile was sweet, why did Blazewing feel a chill? Too confusing, too itchy to think—forget it!

“Little Blazewing, I bet you’re a pro at delivering letters, right?”

After all that buildup, Aphrosia revealed her goal. As expected, she never acted out of kindness—just waiting for the right moment…

Blazewing’s wings froze, her round eyes reflecting Aphrosia’s cunning smile. She realized her earlier boasting had trapped her as Aphrosia’s fingers idly rubbed the faintly glowing ring—her mother’s spatial ring, humming subtly.

“You… you want me to deliver a letter to the Fox Clan? The royal palace?!” Blazewing’s tail feathers quivered. “No way, absolutely not!”

“But don’t Rainbow Cloud Birds claim they can reach anywhere in the world?” Aphrosia leaned closer to the cage, her hair revealing a silver chain matching the ring. “I heard high-bloodline birds like you hate having their abilities questioned.”

Mistfeather suddenly rammed Blazewing’s back. “Don’t fall for it, Sister! Last time, a human mage tricked you into stealing a crystal skull, three days and nights…”

“Shut up!” Blazewing puffed up like a fireball. “It’s just the Fox Clan! Back then, I followed…”

Before she finished, Aphrosia flicked her finger, a star-patterned crystal shard floating from the ring. Its pale blue glow lit the room, silencing both birds—two Origin of Naming shards, capable of turning high-tier beasts human.

No question, a gift from her mother for her fourth birthday.

“Deliver the letter, and these are yours. Deal?”

Aphrosia dangled the crystal, watching Blazewing’s pupils turn to greedy slits.

“Deal!” Blazewing snatched the letter with her beak, glaring at Mistfeather. “You stay and witness, don’t let her cheat!”

She looked terrified Aphrosia might back out.

Aphrosia grabbed the rushing bird. “Hold on, don’t lose the letter, okay?

“Or you know what I’m capable of~”

A thunderclap seemed to echo outside, and Blazewing saw the danger in Aphrosia’s eyes.

“Demon!”

After Blazewing flew off, Mistfeather quietly confronted Aphrosia.

“You planned to give us those from the start, didn’t you?”

“Smart~”

“Total demon…”

Aphrosia raised an eyebrow. “You didn’t warn your sister either, did you?”

“Hehe, when she’s back, don’t tell her I sold her out?”

“Depends on your performance~” Aphrosia gave a knowing smile.

Her fingers brushed the silver chain at her neck. Mistfeather poked her hand with a wing. “Hey, you really going to the Fox Clan? They’re notorious…”

“For their beauties?” Aphrosia teased, chuckling at Mistfeather’s flushed crest. She turned to the bookshelf, pulling out a leather-bound tome, dried laurel leaves falling from its yellowed pages. “You’re right, though. Fox Clan illusions and contract magic are tricky.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t go without full preparation—not anytime soon…”