章節 142: Light and Shadow
In the early morning, a gentle mist blankets the streets, while the golden rays of the sun, shielded by the corners of the buildings, cast a delicate boundary between light and shadow along the thoroughfare.
The straight-lined snow maple trees lining the road sway gently in the cool morning breeze, their snow-white leaves drifting down like whispers of winter's breath, reminiscent of soft snowflakes dancing in the frigid air.
Amidst the swirling snowflakes, the bright yet gentle morning light flickers among the pure white leaves, bestowing upon them an ethereal beauty that seems to transcend the earthly realm.
Xiao Mu Yu walks through the streets of the commoner district with an air of indifference, his tattered gray cloak fluttering slightly in the morning light as he brushes past the bustling populace.
This place stands in stark contrast to the still slumbering noble district; although the common folk do not suffer excessively, the pressures of life compel them to toil diligently, unlike the nobles who indulge in revelry throughout the day.
They possess no lands, no enterprises, nor throngs of servants or lofty titles; without the labor of their own hands, they risk going to bed hungry.
Thus, while the neighboring noble district remains enveloped in tranquility, the people here have already awakened from the long night's slumber.
The intermingling crowds, the bustling marketplace, the early risers selling freshly harvested vegetables, and the women who rise at dawn to procure fresh, affordable fruits—all manner of individuals contribute to the cacophony of sounds that surround the man, yet as Xiao Mu Yu continues his unyielding march, these sounds gradually fade into the background, replaced by another layer of clamor and passersby.
As he walks, the man's face remains cold and unyielding; the depths of his dark eyes seem to have witnessed the most profound despair, akin to a stagnant pool of hopelessness that stirs not even a ripple in the breeze.
Xiao Mu Yu walks quietly amidst the throng, his icy demeanor starkly contrasting with the lively scene around him; at a glance, he appears abandoned by the world, standing in solitude apart from the bustling crowd.
His silence persists as he traverses the lively market, yet he seems to wander through a desolate, frozen wasteland, where the clamor of the crowd serves merely as an inconsequential backdrop, shifting with each step he takes, while his frigid expression remains unchanged.
It is as if he is merely a detached passerby in a still painting, unaffected by the joys or sorrows of the world around him.
At the intersection of light and shadow, where the eaves meet the sunlight, stands a girl with long, aquamarine hair, as pure as water, smiling gently, "Good morning, Aunt Lina."
The middle-aged woman, momentarily taken aback as she fiddles with the produce at her stall, turns to see Freya and cannot help but smile, "Oh, it's you, Afu! It's been such a long time. Have you been out in the countryside preaching again?"
"Yes," she replies, nodding lightly, her innocent smile easily endearing, "I've traveled to many towns this time; my legs feel as though they might break from all the running."
"Oh, Afu, why must you work so hard? You're still so young. In my opinion, your most pressing task should not be spreading the word of the God of Harvest, but rather finding a handsome young man to marry. You're so beautiful and have such a lovely disposition; you should quickly find a good match before the years pass and it becomes difficult to find someone suitable," Aunt Lina rambles on, unable to restrain her enthusiasm.
"That's not true! I'm still quite young; marriage is far too early for me," Freya replies with a gentle smile, her lips pursed.
"Oh, but Afu, your reasoning is flawed!" Aunt Lina places her hands on her hips and reminisces, "In my youth, I was the belle of Gule Street, pursued by countless young men. But I was too choosy, dismissing one after another, and before I knew it, I had grown old and lost my beauty, reluctantly marrying that old coot, Uncle Cleo. So, listen to me…"
"Hey, hey, hey! Dear wife, you're rambling too much!" Uncle Cleo, who has been helping nearby, interjects as he hears the conversation turn to him, "Afu is here to buy vegetables, so why are you keeping her here with your endless chatter? Save the chatting for later at the Liuli Shrine; don't waste Afu's time now."
"You…" Her enthusiasm interrupted, Aunt Lina shoots her husband an irritated glare, muttering, "You'll pay for this when we get home, you old fool."
Turning back to Freya, Aunt Lina offers a warm smile, "Afu, what vegetables do you need today? As usual, I'll give you a discount of thirty percent."
"Thank you, Aunt Lina," Freya replies with a cheerful smile, casually selecting a few fresh vegetables, accepting the vendor's kindness without hesitation, and paying the stated price.
After exchanging a few pleasantries with the couple, Freya steps into the crowd, preparing to turn away when she suddenly spots the cold man approaching from the opposite side of the street.
His gaze remains as icy and unfeeling as ever, his chilling presence still formidable; the only difference seems to be the increasing strands of gray intermingled in his long hair.
Holding her fruits and vegetables, the girl blinks in surprise and rubs her eyes to confirm she is not mistaken; the indifferent man she encountered in Tianxin City is indeed here in Maple Snow.
At that moment, the man walking ahead senses her gaze and turns his frosty eyes toward her.
As Xiao Mu Yu's gaze meets hers, Freya cannot help but smile brightly, her lips curving into a joyful expression.
Amidst the bustling market, the beautiful girl waves her hand enthusiastically, her melodious voice reaching Xiao Mu Yu's ears, "This way, this way!"
"…" After standing in silence for a few seconds, Xiao Mu Yu walks coldly to Freya's side, his frigid gaze sweeping over her before he asks, "Is there something you need?"
Freya, slightly miffed by his question, pouts adorably, looking up at him with a hint of annoyance, "Mr. Mu Yu, is this how you always are? Is it wrong for me to be happy to see you? Can't I just say hello? After all, we're friends, aren't we? Why must there always be a reason to greet you?"
"…" His cold gaze lingers on her beautiful face for a moment, seemingly contemplating the truth of her words, before Xiao Mu Yu finally replies, "Ah… my apologies."
Though he utters an apology, his icy tone betrays no hint of sincerity.
Freya looks at Xiao Mu Yu's perpetually frosty expression, feeling a bit exasperated, "Your apology lacks sincerity."
"Then consider it a falsehood," Xiao Mu Yu replies, his demeanor unyielding.
"…"
"…"
In the bustling street, the two stand in silence.
Freya, resting her forehead in her palm, sighs, "I had a feeling back in Tianxin City… Indeed, Mr. Mu Yu, you are quite adept at creating an atmosphere of awkwardness."
"…" Xiao Mu Yu remains silent for a few seconds before coldly stating, "Do you need something? If not… I shall take my leave; I have matters to attend to."
"Hey, hey, hey! What's with that condescending tone?" Freya replies, somewhat exasperated, "After all, I am a distinguished priestess and the owner of a shrine. Your tone is rather inappropriate for addressing someone of my stature."
With a mischievous glint in her aquamarine eyes, she suggests, "Why don't you share what you need to do with me? I am quite familiar with Maple Snow and might be able to assist you."
"…" After a moment of silence, Xiao Mu Yu finally responds coldly, "I'm looking for a girl named Lin Ye at 45 Gule Avenue. Do you know her?"
"Hmm? Lin Ye? Isn't she a maid at the Earl of Little's house? Why are you suddenly seeking her?" Freya inquires, curiosity piqued.
"Because the Earl of Little is dead, and she is connected to our investigation," Xiao Mu Yu states coldly.
"The Earl of Little is dead? Lin Ye is involved in your investigation?" Freya's eyes widen in surprise at his revelation, "Mr. Mu Yu, are you a member of the Guard?"
"Ah… indeed," he replies with a detached nod, "I'm currently assisting the Guard with a case, functioning as an external member."
"Really?" Freya's eyes widen with curiosity as she scrutinizes Xiao Mu Yu closely, suddenly recalling something, her smile brightening, "I was wondering why little Izay had been sulking since he got home last night. It turns out he encountered you, Mr. Xiao Mu Yu! So, you're the 'rascal' he mentioned who suddenly joined their investigation team and seized control of it?"
"Ah… that would be me," Xiao Mu Yu responds, his expression still icy.
"Pfft… Hahaha…" Freya can no longer contain her laughter at Xiao Mu Yu's frosty demeanor, "Mr. Mu Yu, you are truly amusing; I've never met anyone quite like you before… Hahahaha…"
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