CHAPTER 143: CH 143: THE PRECIOUS NECKLACE - PART 5

Despite Lysera’s intentions to hide her condition, her acting did not fool Kana.

Kana noticed almost immediately that something was off with Lysera. The distant look in her eyes, the way her fingers drummed restlessly against her leg—it wasn’t like her at all.

Concern tugged at Kana’s expression as she tilted her head slightly and asked softly,

"Lysera... are you alright?"

Lysera’s gaze shifted toward Kana, and for a moment, it seemed like she might say something honest. But instead, she gave a small, practiced smile and replied.

"I’m fine."

Her words felt hollow even to herself. As she spoke, her hand twitched slightly, instinctively reaching toward Kana, her fingertips hovering uncertainly in the space between them.

But just as she was about to brush her fingers against Kana’s cheek, she froze.

Her mind replayed Irielle’s teasing words from earlier about boundaries.

The way Irielle had smirked and said it, almost mocking her for being too careful, too distant, too respectful of lines she was afraid to cross.

Lysera’s jaw tightened as the weight of that conversation pressed against her thoughts. She wanted—needed—to prove Irielle wrong.

Gathering her resolve, she forced her hand forward, trying once more to touch Kana’s face naturally, without hesitation.

But when her fingers neared Kana’s skin, an unexpected stiffness locked her movements.

Her hand stopped midair.

A startling realization washed over her: outside of rare "special occasions," she hesitated to touch Kana.

If not for sex, even small, simple gestures—a pat on the head, a brush against the shoulder, holding her hand—felt impossible unless circumstances forced her to act.

She hadn’t noticed it until now, but the weight of that realization made her chest tighten uncomfortably.

’I don’t think I’ve ever extended any affection to Kana outside sex...or anyone for that matter.’

The self realisation came quickly and Lysera felt her face flame even more once she realized what thoughts passed through her mind.

Her mind felt jumbled, almost making Lysera curse herself for putting herself in this situation.

However, before she could make sense of it, a sudden force yanked Kana away. Irielle’s arm hooked around Kana’s shoulder as she pulled her with surprising swiftness, saying.

"Kana, come on. I need to show you something."

Kana stumbled slightly, startled, glancing back at Lysera in confusion, but Irielle didn’t slow down.

Lysera’s lips parted instinctively, words caught at the edge of her tongue, but no sound came out.

She wanted to protest, to call Kana back, to demand to know what Irielle was doing—but her throat felt tight, blocked by something she couldn’t name.

When she looked up, Irielle’s gaze was already on her, sharp and knowing. That single glance carried no words, yet it was enough to make Lysera grit her teeth in frustration.

She hated this feeling.

She hated being restrained, hated that her own hesitation made her powerless to act. But she knew the truth—there was nothing she could do about it unless she changed herself.

However, knowing what needed to change and actually being able to change were two entirely different things.

That night, Lysera barely spoke, her silence uncharacteristic even for her. She retreated into her thoughts, replaying every detail of her hesitation and Irielle’s glance, over and over again.

The next morning came quickly, and with it, the trio finally set out for the city where the auction would be held.

The streets grew livelier the closer they got, and the grand buildings reflected the city’s wealth and reputation.

Irielle, walking ahead with her usual swagger, glanced back at Kana and grinned.

"I can’t wait to get to the auction. And the city... there’s so much to see, I almost don’t know where to start."

Kana smiled softly at her excitement, though there was a hint of nervousness in her laughter.

"Y-Yeah... it does sound fun. Are you excited too, Lysera?"

Her gaze shifted toward Lysera walking quietly beside her.

Lysera paused for a second longer than necessary before answering.

"I suppose so. It’ll be interesting to see."

She replied flatly.

Kana blinked at the lack of enthusiasm and tilted her head slightly, worry stirring in her chest.

Lysera wasn’t acting like herself at all, but before Kana could press her, Irielle had already grabbed her arm and started pulling her toward a row of colorful stalls.

"Come on, Kana! Stop lagging behind!"

Irielle called, laughing.

The rest of the day was spent moving through the city, dragged along by Irielle’s endless curiosity.

Shops, markets, small performances on street corners—Irielle refused to skip any of it, pulling Kana from one place to the next with barely a chance to breathe.

By the time night fell and Irielle finally declared she was calling it a day, Kana felt her legs aching from exhaustion.

She glanced toward Lysera, who had remained quiet through most of the day, and hesitated for only a moment before deciding to approach her.

She found Lysera sitting by the window, bathed in the faint moonlight spilling into the room.

"Lysera...Is something wrong? You’ve been quiet since yesterday."

Kana began softly, crouching beside her.

Lysera didn’t answer immediately. Her eyes remained fixed on the view outside, fingers laced tightly together as though she were holding herself back.

Eventually, she drew in a slow breath and shook her head slightly.

"I’m fine. I’m just... fighting a few inner demons right now."

She said at first, but seeing Kana’s worried expression, she added.

Kana frowned, lowering her gaze.

"Inner demons?"

"Yes. But you don’t need to worry about me. When I’m ready to talk about it... I’ll tell you."

Lysera murmured, finally turning to meet.

Kana hesitated, wanting to press her further, but the quiet determination in Lysera’s tone stopped her. After a moment, she nodded softly, choosing to trust her.

Still, as Kana lay in bed later, trying to sleep, she couldn’t shake the lingering heaviness in her chest.

Something was troubling Lysera deeply—and though she promised to wait, a small part of her couldn’t help but worry about what it was.