Just like countless confused boys and girls, even though she had watched countless romance dramas and love novels, when love's troubles truly descended upon her, Viloti began to feel lost.
She wasn't clear whether this was love or habit, whether her feelings for Felyn were dependence or affection.
Viloti had rarely communicated with people since childhood.
She was naturally not talkative, and after attending that malicious banquet targeting her, she became even more silent.
She had no friends to share with, and it was even more impossible to tell her relatives about these things.
Viloti could only bury her troubles in her heart.
She didn't know why she had mentioned these things to Teacher Sofia tonight. Perhaps it was because she really didn't want Felyn to leave her side.
Sofia stepped forward two steps and embraced Viloti in her arms.
This beautiful girl was a head taller than herself. Sofia had originally wanted to bury Viloti's head in her chest like in movies and TV shows.
She had thought Viloti was already clear about her feelings for Felyn, and that Felyn was only refusing because of shyness and fear, which was why she had forced Viloti and Felyn to be in the same space—things would be fine once they talked things through.
But now the situation didn't look optimistic.
Felyn seemed to really not like Viloti anymore, but unfortunately, Viloti was starting to have feelings for Felyn.
Youthful romance was just this dramatic.
"Do you think you like Felyn?" Sofia asked.
Viloti didn't speak.
"Then do you dislike Felyn?"
Viloti shook her head.
"You feel that when Felyn isn't by your side, your heart feels empty. When you see him with other girls, you feel uncomfortable inside, right?"
Viloti nodded.
Please, if this wasn't love, Sofia would write her own name backwards!
However, Sofia couldn't bluntly tell Viloti: "This is love, go chase Felyn now."
That way, not only would the two be like a game of tag—you chase me, I chase you—but Viloti might also go astray.
She still wouldn't know whether her feelings for Felyn were love or simply reluctance to let go of past comfort.
Some paths had to be walked alone.
Even if it would be sad and painful, without experiencing these emotions, she wouldn't be able to see clearly what counted as love.
"Viloti, why don't you try actively approaching Felyn?"
Sofia gently stroked Viloti's head, unable to stop because of how smooth it felt.
Viloti's body was very light and soft. Just leaning against her, Sofia felt the wonder brought by a young girl's youth.
No wonder witches always liked to trouble princesses.
"Actively approach?"
Viloti's eyelashes fluttered open slightly, somewhat confused.
"Just like what Felyn did for you before, you can also try to understand Felyn's preferences and personality first. Speaking of which, how much do you know about Felyn?"
Viloti froze in place.
Unfortunately, almost zero.
Felyn remembered her tastes and preferences, and could even see through her mood from what clothes she wore today.
But she knew nothing about Felyn—didn't know what he liked, didn't know what troubles he currently had.
"If you feel confused right now, then start by understanding Felyn. If after truly understanding Felyn, you still feel you can't leave him, still feel you want to be with him every moment, then that's love."
Hearing these words, Viloti silently nodded.
"I understand, Teacher Sofia."
She would try to actively approach Felyn.
Just like Felyn had done for her before.
Felyn would meet with her every day, give her gifts every day, follow behind her everywhere at any time. As long as she had needs, he would definitely fulfill them.
She just needed to do everything Felyn had done for her, back to him, right?
This should be what Teacher Sofia meant by actively approaching, right?
...
Felyn stood at the doll shop entrance, looking at two receipts.
Damn, these two broken dolls actually cost 1,200 crowns?
This broken caterpillar actually costs 700? This pig also costs 500?
Previously, when he worked as a human doll for a day, he couldn't even earn 200 crowns.
This damn world.
Felyn walked alone on the street, somewhat tired.
He wasn't always full of energy either. Constantly speculating about others' emotions was exhausting.
As for Viloti's reaction tonight, Felyn didn't dare continue thinking about it.
No matter what emotion it was, he would leave everything to time—it would smooth everything over.
Before then, he just needed to maintain good distance from her.
After all, this young lady wouldn't actively come looking for him.
"Just handle it coldly like this." Felyn muttered to himself.
Viloti had already left first, so the tutoring naturally ended.
Sofia had also disappeared somewhere. He had wanted to catch a ride home with her, but now he'd have to pay another transportation fee.
At this moment, Homhot seemed to officially enter its peak.
More and more groups of people surrounded him. Felyn walking alone on the street was rather conspicuous.
He held the caterpillar that all the young ladies had disdained, wandering aimlessly through Homhot.
Since he was already here, it was nice to wander around.
"Isn't this... Felyn?"
A familiar voice rang out.
Felyn looked up to see Adeline appear before him.
She wore a black V-neck sweater, the necklace around her neck caught between her chest, making her even more alluring.
She wore a black knit hat, completely different from her usual dignified and stately style.
But this outfit still suited Adeline very well. She now looked like that excellent, uninhibited older sister at home—perfect in some ways, lively in private.
"Lady Adeline? What a coincidence."
Felyn showed his professional smile and complimented: "This style suits you very well, completely different from the Lady Adeline I usually see."
"Really?"
Adeline avoided Felyn's gaze looking at her and ran her hand through her hair.
"Felyn, what are you doing here?"
Could it be a date with a girl?!
Adeline looked around but didn't see any girl's figure.
Her gaze fell on the doll bag in Felyn's hand.
Would he specifically come to Homhot's doll shop to buy dolls for himself?
Adeline didn't think Felyn liked dolls that much.
Then it was for a girl?
"Adeline, I don't know if you'll like it."
Felyn took out the blue pig that Bernice had chosen from the bag. Since Viloti didn't want it, he was just worrying about how to handle it.
He didn't really need it either, so he might as well do a favor and give it to Adeline.
"This pig doll seems to only be sold at the doll shop here in Homhot, so I came specially to buy one. I was planning to bring it to you during the next service session."
Adeline's eyes began to shine.
What was this thing? So cute!
"Thank you, Felyn! I really do like this doll."
Adeline hugged the light blue pig tightly, burying the pig's head deep in her chest.
He loves me so much!
"Adeline! Sorry for the wait~~"
Felyn saw that familiar golden high ponytail figure from afar.
This was bad!
Linda knew him. If she saw him, she would definitely say: "Eh, isn't this Viloti's simp?"
Then he'd be finished.
Felyn quickly pulled out an eye mask from his pocket and put it on.
"This is..."
Linda came to Adeline's side and saw a handsome young man with a great figure and good taste in clothes suddenly appear beside her.
She knew Adeline didn't like hearing gossip, so she had never told Adeline about Viloti and Felyn's story.
"He is..." Adeline had wanted to introduce Felyn to Linda, but when she turned back and saw Felyn had already put on a mask, she stopped mid-sentence.
He must be afraid that appearing in front of my friends would bring me bad influence, so he put on the mask!
He loves me so much!
"Linda, this is my friend. Since it's a rare opportunity, why don't we all hang out together?" This could be considered reciprocation for the pig doll, Adeline thought.
She moved closer to Felyn and whispered: "Consider this overtime, how about it?"
(End of Chapter)