Chapter 801 Reunion of Old Friends
The soles of the military boots were slightly hard, making a clear sound as they stepped on the smooth stone floor. The steady and evenly spaced steps indicated that this was a disciplined and well-trained soldier.
“General Sir, we have arrived.”
The police officer introduced somewhat nervously and respectfully. Several soldiers followed the senior officer into the ordinary police station. They remained silent, waiting on the side.
“You all stay outside. I will go in alone. Also, Salina set up a soundproof barrier.”
“Yes, sir!” A female officer mage responded. Then, a light blue transparent barrier was formed, covering the corridor and the small police station.
Letis sat inside, watching as a figure approached. The figure wore black laced military boots, and above them, tightly fitting thick black stockings that highlighted her figure while providing good insulation.
This mature figure placed a chair outside the railing and sat down, crossing her legs naturally.
“It’s been a long time, Letis.”
Hearing this familiar voice, Letis looked up in surprise, seeing this mature and capable female general with curved black horns behind her ears, resembling a demon entering the human world, giving off a strong impact.
Although her physique and appearance had changed considerably, Letis still recognized her as her former schoolmate, the timid girl from the Goat Horn tribe, Nia.
“Nia?”
“Yes,” she said, bending her fingers and placing her arm on the armrest, lightly supporting her cheek. Looking at her oddly dressed friend, her brown eyes stared for a long time, seemingly recalling many past events.
“Are you surprised? I think we both are.”
Unlike before, Nia was no longer timid. Instead, she exuded an inner confidence and calmness, as if everything was under control, radiating a powerful aura.
“I checked your information. To be honest, I was very happy when I saw you settled in Soland. For a moment, I even thought about meeting you again to catch up.”
“But after this year’s experiences, I have to say I’m somewhat disappointed in you, Letis.”
“Is that so?” Letis looked at this friend and then lowered her head. She did not want to argue, feeling there was nothing worth arguing about.
Seeing that her friend seemed to have given up, Nia
Unbeknownst to her, a faint anger welled up inside her heart. It might have been because she saw her former self, or perhaps she was angry at her lack of determination. But she also knew that such feelings were unjustified. This friend had not been trained by her like the soldiers under her command, and thus could not be corrected using military methods.
The gap between her and Lolan was still considerable. If Lolan Hill were here, she would probably be able to gently unravel the knots in the other’s heart and soothe their unease, just as water flows smoothly. She closed her eyes for a moment, feeling a surge of emotion, then opened them again.
“Are you planning to continue like this, Letis?”
The woman in the room, dressed in a fur coat, lowered her head in silence, remaining speechless for a long time.
Taking a deep breath once more, Nia stood up, her fingers lightly tracing over the door lock, melting and separating it. Then she pulled open the door and stepped into the small room.
She walked slowly to Letis’ side and sat down next to her.
“I was too harsh in my words earlier, I apologize.” Afterward, the two of them leaned against each other slightly.
“It’s nothing,” Letis wiped her eyes.
Nia leaned against Letis’ side, looking up at the grayish-blue ceiling, speaking softly.
“In fact, when I returned to Soland, while reminiscing with my former colleagues, they mentioned the latest fashion trends in the capital, and your name came up.”
“When I heard that, I was surprised and delighted because I hadn’t received any news from you all since graduation.”
“So I looked up your information and saw that after the war, you went to work in a factory due to post-war retribution. I felt worried. You were so proud back in school, and being a high-ranking lady from a prestigious family, such a drastic change in life must have been hard to accept. Perhaps, somewhere I didn’t know, Letis had even shed tears.”
“Later, seeing you escape through the hardships, journeying far and settling in Soland, I couldn’t help but feel happy and bless you, hoping you would get through these difficult days.”
“But finally, I saw what you’ve gone through this year, which made me feel a sense of urgent regret.”
“You’ve overcome such harsh conditions and experiences, yet why did you push yourself into such a state of decadence and self-abandonment at the end?”
“That’s because you misjudged me. I am just this kind of person—arrogant and proud, like a温室花朵 (greenhouse flower) that can’t tolerate any criticism,” Letis’ voice broke intermittently from across the room.
“Didn’t we say at school that we wanted to promote our favorite things to the whole world?”
“No, that was just an excuse and a cover-up. I simply wanted to receive praise and admiration from others.”
“But Letis… ”
“It’s good, isn’t it? Everyone really liked your previous clothes. If it truly brought joy and happiness to everyone, why dwell on the intentions?”
“I’m petty; I can’t stand others pointing out my flaws. I detest those who criticize me.”
“Relax, everyone has this feeling,” Nia’s voice softened.
“But I can’t help but want those people to shut up. I don’t like being spoken about that way. Why should they be able to judge me so freely from their high horse? And if I don’t humbly accept it, it seems like I’m the bad guy.”
“So, should we deliberately design increasingly strange styles to put them in their place? That wouldn’t be good for you either.”
“What else can I do? This is just who I am.” Letis finally showed emotion, her voice carrying suppressed grievances and distortions.
“Forcing someone to be silent is not right; it damages social order. But if you keep enduring it, you’ll suffer too,” Nia analyzed slowly.
“Not everything can be understood, perhaps some people are simply bad and foolish.” After years of military service, Nia had seen many facets of human nature and understood the genuine difficulties in life.
“Use magic to defeat magic.” Recalling Lolan Hill’s occasional words, Nia suddenly replied.
“If someone stands on a moral high ground to criticize you, then stand on an even higher moral ground than them.” Nia stood firmly and rose.
“Now our military is designing new weapons for practical use. Letis, as a distinguished alchemist from Rourna, could you come and help?”
“Perhaps, once we achieve results, the nation and the military will reward us. With such honors, others won’t easily slander you.”
“You also want to clear the stains on your family, right? If you wish to spread the knowledge you have inherited and learned.”
“Will you join? Don’t worry, I’ll secure a good working environment for you and protect you.”
As she extended her gloved hand towards the bowed Letis, Nia invited her.
Letis slowly raised her head, tears streaming down her face, her makeup blurred.
She hurriedly wiped her face and earnestly grasped the reassuring hand.
“Mm, agreed?”
“Mm, agreed. I’ll protect you.” Nia looked at her companion with a reassuring smile.
(End of Chapter)
