#dating like a queen

[thevegaedit]

The High-Value Woman’s Mindset: Dignity First, Always

Attraction Principle #9:

If the choice is between her dignity and having a relationship, the bitch will prioritize her dignity above all else.

Like I mentioned two posts earlier, I’m creating a life so full that a man has to earn a place in it.

📌 If you missed it, read it here: 🔗 The Unattractive Energy I Didn’t See

And that’s exactly the mindset you need.

Men respect women who respect themselves. When you let your dignity take a backseat to a relationship, you’re telling him that your worth depends on his presence. And trust me—that’s never attractive.

That’s why you put yourself first. Your goals, your glow-up, your money, your peace. When you make yourself the priority, men naturally work harder to fit into your life.

Who is Shera Seven & Why You Need to Know Her

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ve probably seen me mention Shera Seven multiple times. And if you don’t know who she is, let me introduce you to her lore—because if you want to level up your mindset about men, money, and relationships, she’s a must-watch.

Shera Seven is a feminine strategy coach who teaches women how to navigate relationships from a position of power. She emphasizes that men naturally chase what they can’t fully have, and the moment you make yourself too available, too accommodating, or too eager, you lose your leverage.

Shera Seven’s Core Teachings:

✨ Men are providers. If he’s not providing, he’s not worth your time. ✨ Be the prize. You don’t chase men—they chase you. ✨ Always have options. Never invest in a man more than he invests in you. ✨ Stay mysterious. Never let a man feel like he has you 100%. ✨ Live your best life. A man should be an addition, not the goal.

📌 Watch her here: 🔗 Shera Seven YouTube Channel

The Bottom Line:

Dignity first, always. A man should never feel like he has you on lock. Your attention, time, and presence should be earned—not given freely.

💬 What do you think? Have you ever put a relationship before your dignity? How did it turn out? Let’s talk.

✨ Reblog & share your thoughts! ✨

[uncharted-constellations]

The entire ALBW team

Links about to become Lorules #1 hytopian fabric exporter

[paperglader]

i just feel like someone should take one for the team and write the fanfic where miss homotron goes to dragonstone on foot, meets her situationship’s new lover, and immediately goes like blind with jealousy and fury (rhaenyra, as always when alicent’s near, looks and behaves like a very confused kicked puppy)

i just need homotron and saphotron to meet, so the real war can begin

[yesloulou]

Daniel and Max interviews with Georgie Tunny for Network 10 Australia | Wednesday, 2024 Australian Grand Prix 🇦🇺

[sternentreue]

Imagine your canon Warden, Hawke, Inquisitor and Rook and their respective LI on a quadruple date - how will it go?

[dreadeves]

thinking about the sheer amounts of conflict of interest within the fae group. it’s so deeply funny to me. kieran (unseelie king) is dating mark blackthorn & cristina (whose family also has connections to the fae & is bffs with emma), gwyn is with diana (blackthorn connected) and has his own connections to mark & kieran, ash is the seelie queen’s kid who’s also connected to dru, and kit’s got his obvious shit with ty

blackthorn takeover of the fae showing how hereditary ascension can be messed up

[kojandra]

*taps mic* uhhh maybe i just don’t know but updating your (ex) wife when you’re leaving even though you know you’re being stalked, obeying her, whispering i love you in the dark while giggling foolishly, getting jealous, crying in regret, saying she makes your heart flutter, and wanting to spend an extra 5 minutes with her before leaving for work…waiting up for him to get home from work, asking your (ex) mother in law to wait for him to get home before starting the meal, lecturing him on safety, getting worried when he doesn’t come home on time, asking your former secretary to spy on him, asking if he’s still awake, wanting to ask if he could maybe take a day off?, walking all the way up the path to see him faster, and creating a master plan to quickly defend his name and honour while exposing the sworn enemy doesn’t exactly scream divorced

[aglionbyacademia]

Katelyn is a ginger with blue eyes I will die on this hill

[wonder-worker]

Wild how we know that Elizabeth Woodville was officially appointed to royal councils in her own right during her husband’s reign and fortified the Tower of London in preparation of a siege while 8-months pregnant and had forces gathering at Westminster “in the queen’s name” in 1483 – only for NONE of these things to be even included, let alone explored, in the vast majority of scholarship and historical novels involving her.

[who-the-fuck-are-you-bruh]

@hunginggrapes wait wait, you're actually onto something

so i might not want anyone to attend the wedding because JESUS

[thevegaedit]

Rewiring My Mindset

Attraction Principle #7:

Act like a prize and you'll turn him into a believer. This isn’t easy. Unlearning old patterns takes real effort. It’s not just about acting like the prize—it’s about becoming her.

That means rewiring my thoughts, my emotions, and my entire way of moving through the world.

So now?

I’m shifting my focus. I’m building my business. I’m working on myself. I’m creating a life so full that a man has to earn a place in it.

Because the biggest lesson I’ve learned?

If you want to keep a man’s attention, you need to have a life so full that he has to work to be in it.

What about you? Have you ever made the mistake of giving too much? How did you change your mindset?

✨ Reblog & let’s talk about it. ✨

[sadly-never-after]

One of my favourite things to think about is adult Duchess and how unbelievably bittersweet she will feel once she has to stop dancing.

The best and luckiest ballet dancers in the world retire around their early 40s (and that’s only if they are very very lucky), with most of them retiring around their late 20s-early 30s.

She would be the first descendent of the swan princess to find herself unable to dance. She would be the first to undergo the chronic pain and muscle cramps that will lead her to abandon her biggest passion. I can’t help but imagine how, even if it will be painful to abandon the art she has perfected throughout her life, it will also be a symbol of longevity, something that will be hers purely. It’s a medal that tells the world “Look at me! I got my happily ever after!”

[brunettesparklejumpropequeen]

I’ll never understand how ppl find their “true love” via Snapchat or any social media. Like did u look at their bitmoji and were like “yes,that right there is my soulmate!”. Don’t even get me started on the “Wyll” pickup line

[perhaps-in-anotherdream]

[CN] Li Zeyan’s Upcoming Top-up SP

“The sweetness I desire is at your fingertips.”

“All those summers we have missed have come to see you.”

—

[pcktknife]

hazards been revealed and can i just say.....girl......

[cheesy09]

[CN] Kiro's In the Heart of Destiny Mind's Quest (1/3)

🌸 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a date that hasn't been released on the EN server yet! 🌸

[Note: This date was translated with the help of Google Translate :>]

Trigger Warning: This Mind's Quest explores mature sexual themes, themes of violence, and trauma. Avoid reading this date if you do not meet the game's required 17+ age rating.

I highly recommend reading the Main Story chapters (at least season 1), as well as Kiro's R&S: Top Experimental Subject before reading the Mind's Quest.

——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——

[CHAPTER 1]

MC: This year, each department has completed many important goals. So during the Spring Festival, everyone should have a good rest. See you all next year...

Before I finish my summary, there is a knock on the door of the conference room. An employee from the business department walks in with an excited look on his face and his voice is so high, it's almost out of tune.

Staff: Boss! We received an email from Ms. Sarah! She is willing to give us her new work to produce!

MC: Who?

Staff: Who else? The queen of suspense, Sarah Pellegrini!

-

MC: ......"I sincerely hope that you can come to P Island, and I will do my best to be your host here.

MC: I will also discuss with you the film and television adaptation of my new book, Flower House*."

MC: Woohoo, Kiro, did you hear that?

Kiro: I heard it...

Through the mobile phone, Kiro's voice blends with the sound of the ship starting in my ears, sounding almost unreal.

As I turn up the volume, Kiro on the other end of the video call also zooms in.

At this moment, the sun shines brightly outside the ship on my side, while a bright moon hangs high outside the window on his side.

He leans back on the sofa and loosens the collar of his costume.

Kiro: [sulking] Honestly, you don't even read the emails I write to you so eloquently.

Kiro pouts in feigned dissatisfaction, and I smile sheepishly.

MC: I'm just so happy... After all, this is Ms. Sarah, the queen of suspense!

MC: You have no idea how many film and television companies around the world are eyeing her new book...

Kiro: I know I know—

Kiro drags out the last syllable of his sentence, and his tone becomes even more resentful.

Kiro: Because Nafei Film and Television also sent her an invitation letter.

MC: Nafei? The world's largest streaming media company?

Kiro: Uh-huh, they wrote "Kiro will star as the lead", "an estimated investment of tens of millions of dollars", as well as "Hollywood's top production team"...

Kiro: I didn't expect them to get bested by your team. They must be so depressed right now.

MC: Pfft, it doesn’t matter. Even if Mr. Kiro can’t be the leading actor for Nafei Films, he can still be the leading actor of [MC's Company Name].

Kiro: The leading man of [MC's Company Name]...

MC: What, you don't want to be one?

Kiro: Of course I do.

Kiro answers without hesitation, his eyebrows curved.

Kiro: Looking at it this way, you've become very powerful.

MC: Huh? Why do you say that all of sudden?

Kiro: I don’t know, it's just something that occurred to me and I wanted to say it.

Kiro moves the camera a little closer, and I am granted a much clearer view of his bright blue eyes.

Kiro: It feels like it was just yesterday that you invited me to help you save the endangered "Miracle Finder".

Kiro: Today, you're competing with the world's leading film and television companies.

Kiro: [affectionately] I… I’m really happy for you.

MC: After all, I have an international superstar boyfriend. So of course I have to work hard and strive for a career that will make him my permanent leading man!

Kiro: [almost resentfully] Mm, you work so hard, you have to go on a business trip to talk about work until the Spring Festival...

MC: Hahaha, so that's what you've been sulking about~

Seeing that Kiro is about to pout again, I quickly raise my hand to make a promise.

MC: Five days! I will finish the discussion within five days and come back to celebrate the Spring Festival with you!

Kiro: It’s a deal. If you don’t finish the discussion within five days, I will come to P Island and arrest you myself.

Kiro: You have to compensate Kiro for his "missing you fee", "loss of sharing delicious food fee", and "loss of kissing and hugging each other fee"!

We exchange a few words, and then Savin's voice sounds from his side. Kiro nods towards the camera and then turns to look at me.

Kiro: Savin has asked me to get to the shoot. I will video chat with you later when I have time.

MC: Okay, I'll hang up then.

Kiro: ....Wait a minute.

Kiro suddenly calls out to me. He opens his mouth hesitantly, and his expression grows more serious.

Kiro: It suddenly occurred to me that Ms. Sarah lives near Sicily?

Kiro: There's been some unrest there lately. There may be mafia activity. Please be careful when you get there, and feel free to contact me if anything happens.

Unrest? But as far as I can remember, I haven't seen any recent news about public security here.

A trace of doubt flashes through my mind, but I still nod and assure Kiro. Then, he reluctantly hangs up the phone.

I put away my phone and walk out of the cabin.

Although winter has arrived, the Mediterranean climate makes everything remain pleasant and comfortable.

Brushing away my hair, I watch the bow of the ship quickly cut through the surface of the sea, the ripples churning, and head towards the small island ahead of me.

-

P Island is not large in area, with only one small town on the island. The reefs and mountains embrace the locally-styled red tiles and white walls, making it resemble a secluded paradise.

Several of my colleagues and I follow the tourists off the boat. As soon as we arrive at the dock, we hear a cheerful female voice.

??: Ciao, MC.

I turn around and see a red-haired lady in a black dress waving at me with a smile.

MC: Ms. Sarah?

Sarah: It's me. I think you've seen my picture on the flaps of some books.

MC: Of course I have, but you look much younger and more energetic than in those pictures.

Ms. Sarah is not a writer who is keen on being in the spotlight. In the collection of news and interviews of her, she always appears as melancholy as her writing.

But at this moment, she is as cheerful and amiable as the midday sunshine in southern Italy.

Sarah: Oh, writers come out transformed after they finish up the hell of writing.

MC: Haha, I totally agree. Every time I finish a show, I feel like I’m reborn…

MC: However, it is precisely this "life and death" training that has lead us to meet here.

Sarah bursts into laughter and holds out a black-gloved hand towards me.

Sarah: Then, as someone who has also been "reborn after going through hell", I welcome you to P island.

-

We walk and talk with Ms. Sarah, and under her guidance, we arrive at a manor in the depths of town.

The manor is full of lush greenery and scattered flowers; it is obvious that it is carefully cared for by the owner every day. I let my eyes roam around the place.

MC: Did you get the idea for "Flower House" while you were tending to your own flower house?

Sarah: Honey, you're so funny.

Sarah smiles and shakes her head, looking forward.

Sarah: The inspiration for "Flower House" actually stems from an experience in my childhood.

Sarah: That experience was painful and has been haunting me ever since.

Sarah: But I thought it was time to face it and write it down, something like a farewell to that old thing.

Her voice gradually lowers, as if she has swallowed a sigh. I realize that I've said something wrong and quickly apologise to her.

MC: Sorry, I shouldn't have made such a joke before reading the novel...

Sarah: It's okay, I really like your sense of humor.

Sarah: In a moment, you will be able to see the outline and manuscript of "Flower House". You're going to be its first reader.

MC: That's great!

-

I ask the other employees to settle in and adjust to the time difference, while I myself am unable to wait to follow Sarah to the study.

Sarah hands me the manuscript and thoughtfully makes a cup of coffee for me.

At first, I am still able to drink the coffee and smile while appreciating the exquisite diction in the novel and the humor hidden in the dialogues.

But gradually, the corners of my mouth could no longer curl up, and only my fingertips continue flipping the pages silently.

MC: "The gardener said that in order to grow more beautiful flowers in the greenhouse, inferior varieties weren't needed..."

MC: "And then the flowers withered. Only I remained."

As the new generation queen of suspense, Sarah's greatest strength is that she's able to make people empathize with all the emotions of her protagonist. The tension, sadness, happiness...

At the same time, she also likes bringing up a pair of dark hands lurking in the shadows whenever the readers and the protagonist breathe a sigh of relief, thinking that all the truth has come to light.

These hands will gather the fog again and cause the protagonist to fall back into his childhood nightmare.

And in "Flower House", all of this finally comes to an end.

MC: "...I picked up the gardener's hatchet and walked towards him. And towards myself."

MC: This story is... so sad.

I close the manuscript and sigh.

MC: I originally thought that everything would end once the protagonist successfully avenged his childhood self... Why did he end his own life in the end?

Sarah: Because the pain of being trapped in the Flower House can never be relieved, only avenged.

Sarah: Those who have fallen into darkness can never be saved. The only way out is through death.

Sarah lowers her eyes. Her tone is light, as if she is saying something that is completely justified.

Is it true that there can never be liberation and salvation?

My heart aches because of her words, and a bright golden color suddenly flashes through my mind—

What about him?

Does Kiro, who was once in a similar situation as the protagonist in the book, also suffer and struggle in the same way?

Did I really pull him out of that darkness?

Thinking of this, I frown and bite my lower lip. But Sarah seems to misunderstand my expression and quickly leans forward.

Sarah: Sorry, did my words affect you?

MC: No, no, I was just thinking of someone I know.

Sarah: Who?

MC: He is actually the actor I want to recommend to you, Kiro.

MC: He's had similar experiences as the protagonist and has also faced a lot of darkness.

MC: He should be able to fit into the role well when performing...

Sarah: Wait, the Kiro you mentioned, is that the Kiro from B.S. Entertainment?

I nod, and the curiosity on Sarah's face suddenly disappears. She twitches the corner of her mouth, revealing a subtle expression.

Sarah: If it's him, I refuse.

MC: Why? Do you think he is too young? But I can vouch for his acting skills, and his professionalism is second to none in the industry...

Sarah: It has nothing to do with Mr. Kiro, I just don't want artistes from B.S. Entertainment to act in my works.

Sarah: I have some issues with them.

Sarah: It was precisely because of this that I declined the first invitation from Nafei Film and Television.

MC: .......

I never expected Nafei Film and Television to miss the opportunity because of this. I am rendered speechless.

Could it be that talks of collaboration between B.S. Entertainment and Sarah fell through, and they have since been blacklisted by the Queen of Suspense? I mutter to myself.

The atmosphere starts to become a little awkward, so I simply change the subject.

MC: We can discuss the role selection later. It's getting late now, so why don't we...

Bang. Before I can finish my words, a noise comes from downstairs.

Sarah looks at me in confusion and stands up.

Sarah: Maybe something got blown down by the wind. I'll go check it out.

She only takes a few steps out of the study when she suddenly lets out a scream.

Sarah: Why... you all...?!

??: ....Because we're done waiting.

A vague and unfamiliar male voice comes from downstairs. My heart skips a beat and an ominous feeling spreads throughout my chest.

I quickly rush out of the study and go to Sarah.

-

Looking down the stairs, the scene in the living room immediately clogs my throat.

Several men are seated on the sofa, each of them holding a gun, their black muzzles pointing at Sarah and me.

One of the men looks at me and gives me an extremely evil smile.

Man: Buongiorno, Signora MC… Oh wait.

He grins and slowly changes his words.

Man: Queen of Black Swan.

——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——

[CHAPTER 2]

Queen.

This unexpected name makes my brain go blank for a few seconds, and I find myself frozen in place for a while.

Who are they?

I suddenly remember the last instructions Kiro gave me during our video call on the boat.

-[Flashback]-

Kiro: There's been some unrest there lately. There may be mafia activity. Please be careful when you get there, and feel free to contact me if anything happens.

-[End of Flashback]-

Could it be that the "unrest" he was referring to is because of these people?

But why is the Mafia calling me... Queen?

I suppress the pounding in my heart and try my best to keep my tone steady, as if I have experienced many storms before.

MC: Who are you.

Man: It doesn't matter who we are, what matters is who you are.

MC: Meaning what.

Man: We need you to do us a favor.

MC: How troublesome.

The man changes his sitting posture, but the muzzle of his gun remains trained to my head.

T/n: I really like the touch of having MC imitate Helios' way of speaking when talking to the mafia. Really shows how couples rub off on each other 🥹

Man: Call the Boss of BS over.

The boss of BS... Kiro? What do they want to do with Kiro?!

I knew it. This is the organization that has been causing Kiro trouble every day, preventing him from getting peace of mind!

I curse him fiercely in my heart, but try to remain calm on the surface.

Should I play dumb for now? Or just say something to deceive him? Or should I agree first and then find a chance to contact Kiro...?

All kinds of thoughts run through my mind over and over again.

Since the other party isn't directly using force and only threatening us, they must be concerned about something.

Deciding to test them again, I raise a sneer.

MC: How interesting. Is this your way of asking for help? What makes you think I can call over the Boss of BS....

Man: Of course you can. After all, you are responsible for the staff resting in the hotel right now, right?

MC: You!

These people are so despicable! I take a breath and speak hastily.

MC: My employees have nothing to do with any of this. If you are looking for someone from BS, then I'm standing right here!

Man: Alright.

The man unexpectedly agrees with me. He waves his hand and gives his men some instructions in Italian.

Man: As long as you are willing to cooperate, my men will not disturb their rest.

Man: As for you two ladies, how about you please come down and take a seat?

I turn my head to look at Sarah. Her face is as pale as snow and she looks quite frightened.

Things related to BS... should not involve these ordinary people.

I take a deep breath, squeeze Sarah's arm, and lead her down the stairs.

Under the threat of gunpoint, I slowly take out my cell phone and call Kiro.

Busy tone, busy tone, busy tone...

No one answers the phone for several consecutive times. The man on the other end of the phone starts to look impatient, but I am relieved.

During work, Kiro and I rarely make continuous calls like this — If there is an emergency, we'd also find other ways to communicate.

If he sees me calling continuously and persistently, he will definitely understand... I bite my lip.

Just as I am about to hang up the fifth call, that familiar voice suddenly sounds from the other end of the receiver.

Kiro: For miss MC to be in such a hurry to find me, is something wrong?

His tone at this moment is polite and distant, as if we are just ordinary business partners.

In an instant, my uneasy heart settles down.

—Even without any hints or opening remarks, he is always able to understand me and my situation.

I clench my phone and speak in the same tone as him.

MC: Hello, Mr. K, could you contact the boss of BS?

There is silence for a few seconds on the other end of the phone, followed by another polite laugh.

Kiro: Miss, you're really making things hard for me... How am I supposed to contact someone as elusive as the Boss?

MC: But I have something urgent to discuss with him. Could you please help me, Mr. K? Just tell him...

MC: Queen needs him.

Kiro: Then... I'll do my best.

Kiro "reluctantly" agrees and hangs up the phone. I shrug at the man.

MC: I've tried my best. As for whether the boss is willing to contact you, then...

Before I finish speaking, my phone rings. It's a video invite from an unknown number.

As soon as I press the connect button, the dark night of Loveland City splashes onto my screen like ink. A dazzling silver that cuts through the night leaps into my field of vision.

A cloud of white mist still lingers around Helios' lips, as if he has just rushed outside. There is undisguised worry in his eyes, but he speaks with arrogance.

Helios: Queen.

—Isn't this transformation way too quick?! The enemy will find out!

I secretly glare at Helios, but Helios pretends not to notice and speaks first with confidence.

Helios: You are the Queen, so of course all your actions are being monitored by BS.

Helios: Including the fact that you called Kiro five times for help.

MC: Stalker.

Helios: [indifferently] Thank you for the compliment.

The moment our eyes meet, I feel as if he has gently hooked my little finger, or planted a feather-light kiss on the corner of my mouth.

It's cunning, and provocative.

Sarah: You're the Boss of BS...?

An unexpected voice sounds, and I turn to look at Sarah in confusion.

The writer who has been immersed in fear ever since coming downstairs, seems to finally come to her senses. She looks at Helios in the video with slight disbelief.

Sarah: So young....

MC: What did you say?

Her sentence is slightly muffled and I'm unable to catch it. At this moment, the man on the sofa opposite me snatches away my phone at once. He stares straight at Helios, his mouth stretching into a grin, revealing his sharp white teeth. It's like he wants to tear Helios' flesh off.

Man: I believe that this young boss has already seen our hostage, so please come to P island alone within 48 hours.

Man: Or else, Sicily won't mind one more bloodbath.

With my back towards the phone, I am unable to see Helios' expression through the screen, but I hear a very lazy laugh.

Helios: It doesn't take that long. Maybe 24 hours.

Helios: If she loses even a hair, I don't mind having one more murder on my hands.

-

MC: ....Kiro should have boarded the plane to Europe by now.

I stare at the dark ceiling above my head and sigh silently.

After the negotiation, all communication devices belonging to Sarah and me are confiscated and we are placed under house arrest in our rooms on the second floor.

I am worried about Sarah, my employees - who are now caught in this mess - and Kiro, who is on the other side of the ocean.

He'll take care of everything. He's a superhero.

I repeat this to myself over and over again, but this self-comfort isn't able to soothe the restlessness in my chest.

For some reason, something about today's kidnapping feels off, but no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to figure out what exactly.

Finally, after turning over in bed for the ninth time, I resign myself to my fate and sit up and walk towards the window.

At this moment, everything outside the window is silent, with only the occasional sound of footsteps near the manor, announcing the fact that I'm still under their surveillance.

The night sky and the sea merge together, and the distant sea breeze stirs up the waves, beating them against the island over and over again.

I stare at the night for a long time. So long, that my eyes start to feel swollen and sore.

It doesn't matter. Once the sun rises, I'll be able to see him again.

MC: Kiro....

I cover my face, letting the moisture in the corners of my eyes melt into my palms as I murmur his name.

??: [chuckling] So this is how the Queen thinks of me.

MC: ?!

For a moment, I almost think myself to be hallucinating and raise my head from my palm in disbelief.

Through my tearful eyes, the man I have been thinking about appears before my eyes. He leans on the windowsill with one hand and reaches out to me with the other.

Helios: Won't you give me a hand?

Helios: This posture is rather uncomfortable, and you wouldn't want me to get discovered by the patrol outside, would you?

My body responds to his question faster than my brain does. I hold Helios's hand and feel his familiar warmth through our overlapping palms.

This isn't a hallucination, or a dream.

I am holding my lover's hand.

Due to inertia, I stagger back a few steps, pulling Helios into the room from the window sill, and the two of us tumble down to the floor together.

Although a layer of carpet separates us from the floor, the muffled sound of the impact still brings a dull pain to my shoulder blades.

But I have no time to care about my body's protests, because at this moment, my heart and eyes are solely focused on the person on top of me.

MC: Ki....

My breath is overpowered by Helios'.

His kiss still carries the dampness of a winter night, his lips cold, while his tongue, hot.

It is so hot, that it burns me inch by inch, from my lips to my ears.

Back and forth, on repeat.

Rather than being affectionate, it is more like we are using this awkward and urgent kiss to confirm each other's existence.

My grip on his clothes gets tighter and tighter, taking in the tension of his undulating muscles.

It is obvious that he is the one plundering me, yet I feel a certain greedy desire for him growing wildly in my mind.

MC: Kiro....

I whisper his name again.

Helios: I'm here.

Even though it is so dark in front of us that we can barely make out each other's outlines, our eyes stay fixed on the other.

A bit of moonlight shines through the clouds and seeps into his deep blue eyes.

Helios: I'm late.

MC: You big doofus.

MC: It's only been a few hours, and you're already here...

Helios: But you cried.

Helios' fingers gently stroke the red corners of my eyes.

Helios: If I had come earlier, you wouldn't have cried.

MC: You just want me to cry now.

My righteous complain makes Helios laugh out loud. He hums, leans over and presses my head into his shoulder.

Helios: [whispering] You can cry as much as you want, I will continue.

——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——

[CHAPTER 3]

We lay on the carpet hugging each other, quietly listening to each other's heartbeats.

Once my excitement finally subsides a little, I softly speak up.

MC: So how did you just... "pop up"?

Helios: I think you're the doofus, Miss Chips.

Helios helplessly pokes my forehead.

Helios: After knowing that you were being held hostage, how do you expect me to come rescue you in a "normal" way?

Helios: I found an Evolver with a teleportation Evol in BS, confirmed your location, and asked him to send me over.

I stick out my tongue. I did indeed forget that such a possibility existed.

Helios: As for the group of people that kidnapped you, I found out that they are the Ansoto family, a notorious mafia gang.

Helios: They were held responsible for a smuggling operation that got busted by BS and have been wanting to take revenge.

Helios: I reminded you to be careful because I had heard a report about this matter at a BS meeting. [Takes in a breath] I didn't expect it to be...

He pauses when he says this. When he speaks again, there is a hint of uncertainty in his tone.

Helios: But I do find this a bit strange. How did they know your identity, and where did they get your itinerary from?

Upon hearing his words, I finally realize why I felt something was wrong before.

MC: Yes, I was wondering about that too... And if they have a grudge against BS, why did they insist on you coming here alone?

Helios: Why else? They're overestimating themselves if they think they can handle BS.

Helios sneers. He lets go of me and helps me sit up.

Helios: I'll settle the score with them later. The most important thing now is to get you to safety.

I am about to nod, only to suddenly remember something important, and I quickly grab Helios' sleeve.

MC: Wait, they not only held me hostage, but also Ms. Sarah and the staff I brought with me. If they find out tomorrow that I'm missing...

Helios: Don't worry.

Helios reaches out and takes my hand in his.

Helios: I'm a superhero. I'll keep everyone safe.

-

Since we are unsure of how many mafia members are stationed here, we decide to act quietly.

The mafia guarding the corridor barely get any time to react before Helios quickly knocks them to the ground. After confirming that there is no surveillance on the second floor, we quickly come to the door of the room where Sarah is being held.

The door lock is a piece of cake for Helios. We wink at each other and I enter the room first.

As soon as the door is opened, a ray of light pours out from the crack of the door.

I take a light step inside, and the figure sitting by the bed quickly raises her head.

Sarah: MC? How are you--

I quickly make a shushing gesture to her and point to the door.

MC: Long story short, someone has come to rescue us.

I pull Sarah up from the bed as a look of confusion displays across her face. She looks over my shoulder and notices Helios standing behind me.

Sarah: You're BS's....

Helios: Mm. You must have seen me in that video call this morning.

Helios: Long story short, I'm here to rescue you.

Helios leans against the door frame and smiles, imitating my tone.

Sarah: ........

Despite his friendly tone, Sarah shudders all over and I blink in confusion.

MC: Ms. Sarah?

Sarah: I... I'm sorry, I was quite frightened.

She closes her eyes tightly twice, and after exhaling, her expression returns to the calmness it had during the day.

Sarah: Thank you, young boss of BS.

Helios: You're welcome. You and MC go to the dock and wait for help. I'll go and rescue the rest of your employees.

Sarah: If that's the case we could go through the gardens. There's a path leading from the estate to the town.

Sarah: You go ahead, I'll find the key to the garden and come down right away.

There is no time to waste. Helios nods and leaves the room.

I hesitate for a moment, but am still more worried about Helios' safety, so I nod towards Sarah and walk out of the room.

His fresh scent still seems to linger in the air. I walk along the corridor, carefully avoiding the mafia who have been knocked unconscious on the ground.

The closer I get to the stairs, the stronger the sickly-sweet smell becomes.

It's the smell of blood.

I can't help but hold my breath and gaze at the agile silhouette who is still in the midst of fighting.

Helios is like a cheetah hunting in the dark, silent and fluid as he maneuvers through several mafia members.

His movements aren't superfluous, while his fighting style is quick and decisive, as if he isn't on a small island in southern Italy, but on the set of an action movie.

These people don't even have time to scream before their sounds are stabbed back by the dagger he wields.

In less than a minute, the only sound that remains in the living room is that of slightly rapid breathing.

At this moment, Helios seems to sense my gaze and looks up at me. Although the light is dim, I can still see the corners of his mouth perk up.

Helios: Come on down, it's all over.

MC: [nervously] Kiro, you wouldn't have... done that to all of them, would you?

Helios: [chuckles] Which is?

I make a gesture of swiping my neck, eliciting a sneer out of him.

Helios: Oh, I didn't do "that" to them. It's just that when they wake up, some of their muscles and joints are gonna hurt so much that they'll want to die.

As he says this, Helios reaches out and pulls me into his arms, biting my lips in dissatisfaction.

Helios: [in a mischievously soft voice] As soon as you come down, you're only worried about whether I did "that" to them? Why not care about whether I'm hurt or not?

I wrinkle my nose in pain and softly protest.

MC: A bad guy who has time to bite people doesn't need me to... hiss.

Before I can finish my words, he grazes my ear again. His teeth grabs at the soft flesh, causing a slight sting.

Helios: [seductively whispers] ....I'll let you pay me back later.

While this guy is clearly threatening me, his husky voice carries a hint of Kiro's signature flirtatiousness, making him impossible to resist.

I am about to say something back when I am interrupted by footsteps coming from upstairs.

Sarah cautiously pokes her head out from the stairwell and sees Helios and I embracing.

Slightly embarrassed, I take a step away from Helios' arms.

MC: Did you find the key?

Sarah: Mm. Have you... dealt with those mafia folks?

Helios: It's probably just the three of us who are standing in this room right now.

Sarah parts her lips slightly, as if she wants to say something, but she swallows it back.

Sarah: Then let's leave quickly.

-

With Sarah's guidance, we bypass the mafia in the manor and soon arrive at the garden's back door. The iron gate is wrapped with several circles of heavy iron chains, and a somewhat mottled iron lock hangs on it.

Sarah hands the key to Helios. Helios is stunned for a moment, but still takes it and turns to the lock.

Dawn approaches, and in the far east, a subtle blue-gray light becomes visible in the distance.

The lock seems a little rusty and the key squeaks as it turns.

Sarah suddenly grabs my hand and takes a few steps back.

Sarah: MC, I'm sorry.

A little confused, I look at her, only to find that Sarah has already burst into tears. She suddenly raises her hands, holding something between her fingers.

It's a gun.

MC: ......?!

Sarah: Per i fiori appassiti nella serra (For the withered flowers in the greenhouse).

Her fingers tremble violently, and the moment she finishes speaking, she pulls the trigger without hesitation.

Bang--!

The sound of gunfire and the sound of the iron lock opening, rings out at the same time.

Screams ignite the rising sun, and blood awakens the silent island.

MC: Kiro!

Helios: .....!

The moment the gun goes off, Helios realizes something is wrong and instinctively dodges to the side, the bullet just grazing past his arm.

As soon as he stands firm, Sarah raises the gun again.

Sarah staggers, tears still welling up in her eyes, and an expression of near madness on her face.

Sarah: Both, the Ansoto family and BS should die together!

Before the second shot is fired, Helios jumps up and appears in front of Sarah like a ghost. With just one strike, the pistol flies out of the woman's hand and into his.

Click.

The tables are turned. Helios releases the safety and points his gun at Sarah. His blue eyes are as cold as ice, shining brightly in the night.

Helios: [voice menacingly low] Answer me, who are you?

Sarah: ......

Sarah painfully arches her back, but doesn't even articulate a groan.

??: Who's there!

A loud shout is heard near the garden, and it is clear that the gunshot has attracted the attention of the remaining mafia in the manor.

Seeing the large number of mafia beginning to approach the garden, Helios knows there's no time to interrogate Sarah.

He looks around, juts out his tongue, and makes a quick decision.

Helios: You go first, I'll take care of them.

MC: No, I want to stay with you...

My next words are interrupted by something he puts in my hand — a communicator.

His stands upright, his eyes not turned towards me, but towards the encirclement not far away, showing high alert.

Helios: I leave my back to you.

He never thinks of me as a burden, and superheroes should trust each other with everything.

I bite my lip and lean close to his ear.

MC: There's an abandoned lighthouse south of the pier. I'll wait for you there.

Helios nods slightly, and his eyes meet mine for a moment.

I turn around, push the door open, and run towards the path.

Bang——Foreign shouts and gunshots sound behind me, adding the final crazy melody to the chaos of this night.

Finally, once the manor is engulfed by the shadows of the trees, I can't help but turn my head to look back.

Helios is lost in the crowd, but Sarah does not join in the dispute and remains motionless.

In the distance, the morning light just begins to break, and she is dressed in a black dress, akin to a mourning crow.

——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——

Next: Part 2

*Note: The proper translation of Sarah's book title "花房" is actually "Greenhouse", but I left it as "Flower House" instead cause it sounds a lot cooler, in my opinion. But if you want, you can read it as "Greenhouse" instead :>