Link

ㅤ Gaius's face was expressionless: he had endured all his doubts and confusion in private, gathering his courage before such an important moment. Muzet looked at him with undisguised interest. Gaius was, in principle, an extraordinary individual, which was why Muzet had so easily submitted to him after losing Maxwell's protection. And now, having returned to the human world at Milla's behest as a "postman", she decided to visit her friends along the way. She left the closest living person for last… "Now that the world is no longer in danger and all pressing political matters have been settled, I am ready to atone for my guilt before you." 'I wonder what for…?' Muzet wondered. However, out loud she said something completely different, smiling as usual: "It's about time. I'm flattered by your concern." "If I'd known in advance, everything might have been different. Now, I confess, I'm confused, as I don't really know how to please the spirits, other than offering mana. But…" "Oh, great Maxwell, you're offering me a link!?" Muzet said, playfully embarrassed. "Few are capable of such straightforwardness—it's admirable!" Flying playfully around the man, hovering behind him, Muzet hugged him, pressing her cheek to his, giggling contentedly. "I'm afraid," Gaius said, clearing his throat tactfully, trying to conceal his confusion and embarrassment, trying to speak evenly, not allowing himself to speak in an unseemly, flustered manner. "There's been a misunderstanding. I didn't mean…" "You… don't want to?" Muzet immediately moved in front of Gaius, making sure he could see her frustrated, saddened face. The sadness in her eyes seemed genuine: Muzet had tried so hard. "But isn't it for spirits…" With a finger pressed to Gaius's lips, Muzet silenced him, at the same time taking his hand in hers, raising it to chest level. "Aren't we close enough already?" she spoke calmly, smiling naturally. Muzet slowly flew closer, still holding his hand, touching her forehead to his, closing her eyes. Just like Gaius, surrendering to the power of the woman he'd once dared to exploit. A broken spirit that had ultimately found the strength to live independently and… even enslave Gaius's will, making his heart tremble. He spared no mana. Muzet absorbed it all, along with the emotions imbued within it, squeezing Gaius's hand tighter with each passing moment. At some point, she couldn't contain herself; she exhaled loudly and grabbed his broad palm with her other hand, brushing her lips against it. A shudder ran through her spiritual body. Last time, she hadn't felt every surge of mana so vividly, consumed by despair, devastated. Now… She didn't want to let go, even though she was overwhelmed. But she had to. Muzet slowly pulled away, still holding his hand. She looked grateful and happy. But her gaze was filled with a lingering melancholy. "See you later," she said calmly and quietly. "On this side or that…" Muzet had gotten everything she could from her visit to the human world. Even more. She returned to the spirit world without regret. Although she was a little sad that Gaius couldn't go with her. For now. ㅤ