Gardenia's Heart-Chapter 120: Akasha

Moving away from the frozen battlefield, Lily twirled the staff in her right hand a few times. The weight felt different from when she held it in that woman’s memories—it seemed to have adjusted itself to better serve her. Its appearance was pleasant, and the tiny floating butterflies were amusing to watch.

“Lily!!”

Suddenly, a purple-haired girl ran toward her.

Despite the exhaustion weighing down her entire body, Nia threw herself into Lily’s chest, sobbing with all her strength.

“I was so worried! Lily...! Lily!”

Gently caressing her wife’s back to calm her down, Lily felt the tension in her face slowly ease.

“I know... I’m sorry for worrying you like that.”

Still crying, Nia clutched her wife tightly with her small hands—her way of saying she wouldn’t let go again, and Lily understood instantly.

“It’s okay now. I’m fine.”

The silver-haired girl placed several kisses on her beloved’s tear-streaked face, her voice soft and reassuring.

“I’ll never let you feel fear like that again.”

As she continued to soothe the girl with deep affection, Lily heard the footsteps of two other women approaching.

“Lady Lily... what was that?”

Supported by Elarielle’s shoulder, Thelira asked in a low voice, her wide eyes showing she still couldn’t believe what she had witnessed.

“I was going to try doing it without fighting, but the moment I arrived, I saw how stubborn Akasha is—almost sadistic, really.” Lily made a face. “Considering their last contractor was the greatest mage in the world, I suppose it was expected. I figured they wouldn’t recognize anyone as their bearer without being bested first.”

As she spoke, Lily made sure to keep stroking her wife’s back, pulling her closer until their cheeks touched.

“But Akasha scared my wife, so they needed to learn a lesson anyway.” Lily puffed out her chest and smiled confidently.

Seeing the girl speak so casually about such a battle made both elves feel their sense of normalcy shatter once more.

“You... were really stopping time?”

Elarielle was the one to ask. The elven queen had seen and heard dozens of unbelievable things that day, but this seemed the most absurd of all.

“Yes. I managed to replicate the magic based on a vision of the Archmage that the fairies showed me—back when she was still building this labyrinth. But honestly, time magic is complicated to an extreme.”

While still training with Selene, Nia had shown her that—since they shared the same body—Lily could replicate the metamorph’s spells by copying the sensation of her imagined muscles shaping the magic.

Because of that, Lily had been able to use ice spells and even storm wings just by mimicking the feeling. But spells requiring advanced calculations, like teleportation, couldn’t be executed through imitation alone.

However, when she had shared a body with Sylvan, even for a short while, Lily had felt time magic being used to converse with the world. The vivid sensation engraved itself in her mind so clearly that she managed to orchestrate it afterward.

Letting herself fall back onto the ruined ground and gently cradling the girl now resting between her breasts, Lily let out a long, tired sigh.

“Even if it doesn’t consume much mana to activate, every extra second I try to freeze the world makes my body feel like it’s going to split apart. It makes sense that Sylvan couldn’t pass it on. If it’s not executed properly, the world itself will rip you apart.”

Even if her writing were perfect, Lily doubted she could ever transcribe the spell’s symbols onto paper—not even if she spent a century on it.

“Lady Lily, I still don’t understand... how did that monster turn into that?” Thelira asked, looking at the dark staff. “And why are you calling it by the same name from that old children’s fable?”

“Hm? The Torment isn’t a monster—it’s a fairy,” Lily replied, as if stating the most obvious fact in the world.

However, unlike Lily, all three girls widened their eyes in shock.

“A fairy!?”

Elarielle took a step forward, waving her arm in front of her body as if trying to push away the absurdity being presented to her.

“Actually, I think it’s more accurate to say it's a fairy that was born as a monster? I don’t understand all the complicated details—it’s just a guess based on everything I’ve pieced together. It seems that instead of absorbing mana from above to sprout from its seed, it ended up absorbing the dark mana from underground, and that’s why it took on that form.”

The girl didn’t know enough about magical anatomy to explain exactly what had happened. But if she had understood Sylvan’s lesson to Nox correctly that day, then Akasha truly was an anomaly—born from the delicate boundary between fairies and monsters being disrupted.

“That’s why I couldn’t sense them,” Nia murmured, still nestled against Lily’s chest.

Ever since they had entered the forest, fairies were the only creatures that managed to evade her mana-location.

“But we couldn’t hear them with our innate ability,” Thelira added, stepping forward with a confused look.

“It’s probably because of their monster nature,” Lily replied with a shrug.

Akasha wasn’t a fully developed fairy in mind. Their primitive instincts overshadowed any logic, and their voice was suppressed by their beastly essence.

“As for the children’s fable,” Lily added casually, “apparently your mother wrote it based on what she saw when Sylvan fought alongside her against the Torment.”

The faces of the elven girls immediately twisted in surprise.

“After the battle, Sylvan didn’t kill the Torment—but instead formed a contract with them, turning them into her fairy.”

“So that’s why she only ever said things were ‘resolved’...” Elarielle whispered, her fingers unconsciously touching the crown on her head.

Watching the girls ponder her words deeply, Lily rolled her eyes a few times before finally mustering the courage to speak.

“This might be kind of rude to ask now since you’re all tired, but could you help me out with this?”

Lily raised her left arm—still covered in ice and nearly severed—toward the girls.

“Lily, I’m so sorry!”

“Damn, I totally forgot you were hurt too!”

Both Nia and Elarielle immediately moved to treat her injury, and Lily had to spend a few minutes calming them down, assuring them it wasn’t their fault and that she was fine.

After the healing process, her arm was whole again, but for some reason, Lily noticed Elarielle watching her with a thoughtful expression.

“Is something wrong?” Lily asked, tilting her head toward the queen.

“It’s just...” Elarielle hesitated, then shook her head. “No, I must’ve misunderstood something.”

Since the elf didn’t seem inclined to elaborate, Lily let it go and turned to the next matter needing her attention.

Looking up, she saw Akasha floating quietly beside her, observing their master with timid curiosity.

“Don’t look at me like that. I know you’re hurt, but I’m too tired to give you much more mana right now.”

Lily had expanded her mana reserves significantly during training, but she had still cast [Crystal Apocalypse] twice, and stopped time repeatedly throughout the battle.

“I want my wife to rest, so be useful and carry those two.”

Narrowing her eyes, Lily spoke in a stern tone, gesturing toward the two elven girls.

At the moment the ebony staff received the order, a purple and bluish light shimmered through the air, followed by a heavy thud against the ground.

Before her stood a reduced version of the Torment—not nearly as grotesque.

Its overall shape remained, but it now stood only two meters tall, and only two of its many eyes were visible on its head.

A black tail swayed slowly, and the white blade-like appendages on its back—shaped like twisted branches—pulsed faintly with light.

“Eck...” The moment the creature appeared, a shiver ran down Elarielle’s spine, like a cold hand brushing against the core of her being.

The black wolf no longer radiated bloodlust and was smaller now, but aside from that, nothing had changed.

It was still the same creature that had spread its presence across the forest, making every elf fear for their life. And now, that very same being was lowering its head to a human.

Worse still, the Torment wasn’t any weaker. Even now, Elarielle couldn’t imagine herself defeating that creature.

Earlier that day, Elarielle had feared what Gardenia might become—a being capable of absorbing the power of its enemies and wielding a kind of mana she couldn’t even begin to understand. But now, watching the woman who held command over that same entity—who had it serving her—she began to question whether she had been afraid of the right person all along.

“Don’t worry, Akasha won’t bite you. If they do, they know the consequences.”

Lily stood calmly, eyes fixed on the wolf.

“Now Akasha, this is my wife, Nia. Got it?” Holding Nia tightly in her arms, Lily rubbed her face affectionately against the girl’s cheeks. “You need to be kind and get along with her. Your main mission is to protect her. If you even think of hurting her like before, I’ll chop you into pieces and use you as firewood.”

The last words, spoken from an expressionless face, were so cold that Akasha felt the core of their very being tremble.

The wolf lowered their head as much as possible, nearly touching the ground before the girl.

Lily gently encouraged Nia to touch them, and though hesitant, the metamorph softly pressed her hand against the creature’s fur.

And then, as soon as her hand pulled away, Akasha bowed once again, then moved toward the two elves.

Their black tail, once used to attack and lash out, now stretched toward the girls. In a single, careful movement, it lifted them both and placed them atop Akasha’s back.

Both high elves swallowed hard, unsure of how to react—or even how to stay balanced atop the wolf that, not long ago, had been trying to kill them. The absurdity of the situation twisted their faces into such confused expressions that not even Lily could hold back a laugh.

Receiving a nod of approval from Lily, Akasha picked up Elarielle’s large backpack with their mouth and began walking toward the staircase—taking care not to let either of the elves fall or be harmed.

“So... they’re still a fairy, aren’t they?”

Watching the black wolf now leading the way, Nia asked in a low voice.

“Yes...” Lily replied, knowing what Nia was truly getting at. “When we get cleaned up, don’t analyze their blood, okay?”

Because Akasha had been born almost entirely as a monster, they had developed the ability to stop the flow of time—but they were still a fairy.

The risk of Nia, as a metamorph, absorbing a fairy remained. And Lily knew that even if it meant gaining that innate power, Nia wouldn’t take the chance—especially if it might end up killing Lily in the process.

“Even if I didn’t see it, I know you did your best for me the whole time, didn’t you? You’re such an amazing wife, Nia!” Lily held her closer, her voice full of warmth.

She knew how hard her beloved tried to grow stronger—to protect her.

If Nia could gain such power, she could take even better care of the one she loved. But the guilt of not being able to do so... that was something Lily could never allow to weigh on her.

“You’ve always protected me—through all the moments I needed you most and so many others. So let me be the one to do the same for you now.”

She would protect her.

She refused to remain the one who always needed protecting.

Lily placed a gentle kiss on the girl’s forehead, the warmth of her lips turning the metamorph’s cheeks pink.

Lily didn’t know what the world had in store for that girl, but she would be by her side—not as someone to shield, but as someone she could count on for anything.

Tears began to well in the girl’s eyes upon hearing those words.

A person who loved her above all else and would protect her.

A safe haven where she didn’t have to fear anything, where she could let go and feel safe.

Lily’s arms were warm and comforting, and Nia nestled even closer against her beloved’s neck, fully relaxing. novelbuddy-cσ๓

“I love you, Lily.” Wrapping her arms around Lily’s neck, the metamorph whispered, her cheeks still flushed.

“I love you too, Nia.” With a warm smile that only ever graced her face when she spoke to her beloved, the silver-haired girl finally felt a deep sense of relief—she was with her wife again.

Before following the elves, Lily retrieved the broken pieces of Nia’s stardust blade, shattered during the battle, and tucked them into her cloak.

Carefully, the group crossed the battlefield and climbed the long staircase.

Among towering pillars, a massive door embedded into the wall stood waiting. Taking the lead, Lily pushed it open with her free hand—and wind brushed against her face.

Under the night sky, massive branches twisted through the heavens. Leaves glowed in amber and gold, falling like a gentle cascade.

And at the center of it all, perched atop the colossal trunk that formed the labyrinth, stood an enormous mansion.

Its foundation rose naturally from the living tree, while the structure itself was a tapestry of carved white wood and carefully laid brick. Its pointed rooftops were shaded in deep ebony, piercing through the canopy of leaves. Tall, arched windows caught the golden light filtering through the treetops.

Even from afar, it was impossible to count how many rooms the place had. In fact, it looked more like a network of separate buildings, winding and stacking along the branches, rising so high that one had to tilt their head to glimpse it all.

Before the girls, a winding path lit by the soft glow of golden leaves led toward what appeared to be the grand entrance.

“The highest point of your sanctuary...”

Lily murmured the words the guardian had once told her.

She had seen many great structures during her journey—whether it was Caligo’s fortress or the royal palace of Lampides, she had encountered many styles of architecture.

But something about this place stirred an unknown emotion in her chest.

Walking along the massive branch, they could see a large portion of the forest below, each biome visible thanks to the height.

A blooming garden at the tree’s base glowed softly under the moonlight.

The group exchanged glances but said nothing.

Each still held their weapon despite their fatigue as they followed the path toward the mansion.

After several minutes, they finally reached the front facade.

The ornately carved wooden doors were beautiful—their heavy and imposing look betrayed how effortlessly they opened.

Glancing to both sides, Lily took in the grand entry hall that stretched before her.

Corridors branched out in both directions, and staircases on either side led to upper floors.

“That way,” Nia murmured, still resting her head on her wife’s shoulder, pointing toward a large set of double doors ahead.

Without questioning her for even a moment, Lily walked in that direction, passing between intricately carved pillars.

This time, the doors didn’t need to be pushed open.

The sound of hinges creaking echoed through the air—and the massive hall beyond revealed itself.

A domed ceiling held heavy iron chandeliers filled with glowing lights.

Walls of white brick and wooden beams radiated a sense of elegance and age.

At the back stood a throne—not one of gold and gemstones, but a majestic chair of ebony and leather, etched with runes and padded with crimson velvet.

And beside that empty throne stood a woman.

An elegant outfit of black and gold complemented the translucent wings on her back.

A black stinger lined with white fur accentuated her waist, and long antennae adorned her short, dark hair streaked with ash gray.

Still. Silent. Unmoving.

The guardian, Rhei, stood with their usual cold, expressionless face, jet-black eyes fixed on the group.

"You're strong."

In the silence of the throne hall, Lily's voice was the first to break through. With her black cloak trailing behind her, she stepped forward onto the crimson carpet stretched across the floor.

Step after step echoed through the hall, and before any of the girls could react, she was already standing before Rhei.

"After seeing the world through that woman’s eyes, I’m certain the version of me who arrived here at the start would never have stood a chance against you."

Lily unsheathed her black sword and pointed it toward the guardian, a cold aura radiating from her impassive face.

"But now... I can’t even imagine losing."

The sound of heavy footsteps followed. The black wolf stepped up beside the girl, its tail flowing like liquid ink and curling around her defensively, awaiting her command.

"I won't let anyone hurt my family again."

Lily held her wife even closer, her voice carrying a weight that filled the room.

"So, Rhei... what's it going to be?"

She held no resentment for all they had gone through. After all, they were the ones who entered the sanctuary seeking its treasures—she had no right to blame Rhei for defending it.

Just like when she had first met that woman, Lily didn’t want to settle things through violence if there was any other way.

But after all that had happened—if Rhei still wished to fight—then Lily would grant them that battle, even if it meant killing her.

And so she waited.

Sword in hand, ready to give commands to the contracted fae by her side, the silver-haired girl stared at the bee-woman before her.

And then…

Rhei descended the small set of steps leading up to the throne and stood before Lily.

One knee touched the floor, head bowed in deference, gloved hands resting over the raised knee.

"It would be an honor to serve you, my king."

Their velvety voice spoke with unwavering resolve.

Lily blinked several times.

“…What?”

Her mouth fell open unintentionally as she let out the confused question.

Rhei lifted their head slightly. Even kneeling, they were still tall enough for their face to reach Lily’s waist.

"This sanctuary, and everything within it, now belongs to you, my king."

They answered with flawless clarity, returning to their posture of complete submission.

And the person to whom they now knelt simply continued to stare at them, baffled.

"Wait—can you start over from the beginning? Why king?"

The confrontation she had expected didn’t happen. Instead, a chain of events unfolded that she couldn’t quite comprehend.

"In addition to guarding the artifacts created by our mistress and serving as our shelter, sanctuaries exist to seek out those worthy of inheriting her will."

Rhei’s voice was calm and patient, as though giving their all to resolve the confusion before them.

"But beyond that, we were granted permission to use it to pursue our own goals."

They took a breath.

"What I seek is a king. Not a fool with a crown, nor one exalted by lineage. I seek someone who walks a path that moves the world forward and creates the future they envision."

They paused, their eyes shifting to the black wolf at Lily’s side.

"Someone who forges a path where none existed, displaying the strength to overcome any adversity—even achieving the impossible. There is no one more worthy of becoming my king than you."

A spark lit up in Rhei’s eyes, and once more they met Lily’s gaze.

"I humbly request… please accept me as your servant."

When Rhei finally fell silent, Lily felt a rush of complex emotions swelling in her chest.

Maybe it was because she had briefly shared the thoughts and feelings of the Archmage, but she knew—without a shadow of a doubt—that Rhei was not lying.

"But what about Sylvan?" Lily asked.

"Sylvan is my mentor, the one who saved me and taught me everything I know. She will always have my devotion. You are my king, Your Highness Lily, to whom I pledge my loyalty."

Rhei then rose and stepped aside for Lily. An arm supported her back as Rhei bowed, gesturing with her free hand toward the throne in invitation.

Lily stood frozen for a moment, her gaze drifting to Nia, who simply watched with joyful anticipation. Unable to suppress her own smile, Lily passed the bee-woman and slowly ascended the steps until she stood before the throne. With a single motion, she sat upon the supple leather—only to immediately feel Nia's weight settle into her lap.

"If Lily is king, then I'm the queen!" Without care for their audience or hesitation in her heart, Nia rocked her hips against Lily's thighs, pressing her cheek to her wife's as she hummed with delight. Lily's face burned at such open affection, pulling Nia closer to capture her lips in a tender kiss.

"Thank you for the warmth, my queen."

Lily laughed softly, fingers threading through violet hair. She wished to linger in this moment, but duty called.

"Rhei."

"Yes, my king." The response came instantly.

"Prepare the Amberdrop. We begin Thelira's treatment."

"At once, my king."

With aristocratic grace, Rhei turned to the obsidian wolf. Akasha and the guardian exchanged glances before shifting to reveal the two elves atop him.

"Unlike dragon's blood or World Tree sap, Amberdrop possesses no inherent healing properties," Rhei explained, lifting Thelira from the wolf before Elarielle could protest. "Its value lies in slowing mana circulation—the reason it's prized in medicines."

The golden-haired elf panted in Rhei's arms, her thighs gripped firmly by the woman's hands.

"Mmm... Lady Rhei..." Thelira's muffled moan dripped with pleasure.

"Normally, procuring even a drop would require months of negotiation with the Golden Hive..." Rhei's onyx eyes locked onto emerald crescents. A gloved finger—its claw-like nail glinting—traced Thelira's cheekbone before tilting her chin up. "Given your condition, we begin with a full dose."

Their breaths mingled as Rhei parted her lips. A viscous orange strand, glistening with saliva, dripped onto Thelira's waiting tongue.

"Wait, what—!?" Elarielle choked, her mind short-circuiting at the sight.

Thelira—still writhing against the hand gripping her thighs—ignored her sister's outburst. She seized Rhei's face, pulling her into a searing kiss. In an instant, their tongues reunited, the amber thread between them glistening as their mouths fused with desperate hunger.

"Ah... Nn..."

"Mmm... Hah..."

Wet, obscene sounds began echoing through the throne hall as the two women continued kissing with feverish intensity.

Lily covered her own eyes with one hand and Nia's face with the other. The realization that the Amberdrop was nothing more than a substance produced by Rhei's race made sense—but Lily still couldn’t understand why Thelira seemed so eager in that moment.

And then, a thought crossed her mind.

When they first met, Thelira had told her that her power only allowed her to see fragmented flashes of the future. Since there was no image of the Amberdrop on the page of the book they carried, Lily began to wonder how the elf had been so certain it was hidden within this labyrinth.

“Don’t tell me one of the reasons she was so insistent on coming along...” Lily muttered, her brows furrowing.

With both hands gripping tightly, as if trying to freeze time in that very moment, Thelira wore a look of pure bliss as the tall woman deepened their kiss. Rhei pulled her closer, one hand sliding down her waist and over her backside.

“Indeed, use your powers however you like!” Nia chimed in with a confident tone, and Lily lowered her head to glance at her.

For some reason, the metamorph had both hands on her hips and a proud smile on her face.

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