Case 95: With a burst of energy.

''Whoa... oh, ooh...''

Walking had never been this fun for me.

I couldn't believe I thought so, but it was the truth. In Cecilia's fragile body, I genuinely couldn't walk without having to be conscious of my legs. They weren't injured or anything, not even malnourished or visually damaged one bit, but I felt as though they would give up on me at any given moment.

If I had to give an analogy... right, I did seriously exercise my quads once in my previous life, and the days following that, I couldn't take normal steps normally anymore. That kind of feeling.

Moreover, the trickling pain haunting my lungs had now completely vanished, and my eyelids stopped being so heavy all the time. It was almost alien how liberated I felt, be it physically or spiritually.

''Heheh... heheheh...''

If anyone saw me now, they would think I just won the lottery. Maybe I really did.

I had no idea what kind of magical BS they put into that little vial, but seeing that it restored my body to this degree... must be something related to the roots of my race.

Thinking back, Penelope said it used an ingredient from crystal bats as a base. I was far from being a weird and probably poisonous animal enthusiast, especially since bats triggered some traumas from past life, but if it made me feel good, then I wouldn't dare to complain.

''Big sis.''

''Ah, Lyra!''

While I was doing strange dances in my room to celebrate my recovery, Lyra came up behind me. She was now wearing a smile, unlike her usual self. And... somehow, the heroine seemed much gentler today.

Perhaps wanting to spread the little happiness in my heart, I opened my arms wide, letting Lyra come over and fall into my embrace.

''You're warm.'' She chuckled, hugging me playfully. ''Much warmer than before.''

''Is that so?''

''Mhm.''

''Oh, wait—ah, that tickles...''

Suddenly, I was showered with kisses. Lyra's lips traced my forehead, my cheeks, my nose, then down to my neck...

''...Wait, what are you doing?''

''Showing my love.''

''...''

Why did she look a bit suspicious...

''Well, anyway.''

I kissed her forehead one last time before we moved on to breakfast. It was terribly early now, and the unripened air still bore that slight shade of night, but I was wide awake. In fact, I hardly even slept yesterday. Was it excitement that kept me up? Maybe I didn't need to sleep that much in the first place. Maybe both.

''Gulp...''

Either way, with a bubbly mood, I dug into my first meal, which was just some simple sandwiches, feeling the previously nonexistent appetite growing. I thought my taste buds were getting duller before, but considering how flavorful this was, it must have been true.

''Your lovers.''

''Mhm?''

Lyra, with her sandwiches untouched and hands propped up, stared intently at me, ''They said they would visit tonight.''

''On what occasion...?'' I replied, obviously puzzled. ''Did I forget someone's birthday...''

Then, as if amused, my little sister reached out and stroked my head.

''It's your recovery, silly.'' She said. ''Something to be celebrated, yes?''

I could feel my cheeks burning. When it wasn't something so important... for me... I didn't deserve it. But I was definitely loving it.

''Are we throwing a party again?''

''Probably. Let me do it this time.''

A part of me was worried that Lyra would need help organizing a party. Yet, it was but a small one. It was a pity that I couldn't 'burn' my newfound energy, but I also wanted to experience what my little sister had prepared for me.

''Heheh...''

Really, what a blessed day.

*****

Afternoon.

Several luxurious sedans were parked neatly near the front entrance of the Orleans Marquisate manor. If the property's security wasn't so tight, paparazzi would have definitely taken pictures of them and made up sensational articles for romantic teenage ladies to blush at.

The names of La Fayette, Bourbon, and Anjou never escaped the public's consciousness. A picture, a gossip, or a simple mention—it seemed as though each move these three made to that infamous seductress would generate a month's worth of talk.

In reality, they were but three young women in love.

Today was a gathering to celebrate Cecilia's recovery. Although the three held different clusters of feelings, still, the convergence was obvious—they were happy for Cecilia.

''Fufufu... look at how well I can dance!''

Looking at their lover, who was now more energetic than ever, with such a vibrant expression—to the point she resembled an angel of light, their hearts fluttered all over again. In their eyes, a halo had already formed on top of her head, with white wings blinking along her silky hair.

The frail girl they were used to was nowhere to be seen.

Her moves, the slight twist of the ankle, the graceful curve of the arm, down to the fluttering eyelashes, were akin to a blooming flower dancing in the wind. As if drawn to the sight, they stared at the moving figure for a long, long time, their yearning burned deep.

They wouldn't dare to disrupt Cecilia, who looked so blissful while dancing, who was finally free from her shackles and reborn in unyielding hope.

It wasn't until Cecilia felt her forehead damp in fine sweat that she stopped, not before bowing to the 'audience.'

''Heheh.''

That evening, Cecilia spent time with her lovers and her little sister. They had dinner, talked lots, and played lots. For just tonight, everything was peaceful, and for just tonight, Cecilia wouldn't have to worry about anything anymore.

''Cecilia, you shouldn't...''

''No! I can handle it now!''

''...''

Despite Kiara's concerned words, Cecilia was adamant. She had a bottle of wine in her hands, its origin unknown. Even before she uncapped the ominous bottle, her face already looked peachy, her eyes confused, tipsy.

Somehow, all four women in the room felt a premonition. How could one be so bad with alcohol that they get drunk even before taking a sip...?

Nonetheless, except for Lyra, everybody reluctantly cheered.

''Hic...''

And, as expected, Cecilia was absolutely wasted after just teasing her throat with a few shots. She clung to the closest person nearby, who just happened to be the unfazed Rachael.

The imperial princess, with hundreds of banquets and thousands of glasses under her belt, was no stranger to alcohol. In fact, she wasn't one bit shook—not by the drink, at least.

The mere appearance of Tipsy Cecilia, with reddened cheeks and ears, groggy, mellow eyes, was enough to sway a country. As she smacked her lips, letting out strange moans, Cecilia snuggled up to her lover, hugging her arm.

''I wuv you...!''

''Ugh...!''

A critical hit.

Rachael felt as though someone was putting a nail through her heart—in a good way, of course.

'So cute...'

Rachael thought so as she stroked the woman with her other arm. All of a sudden, the built-up stress from her work seemed to melt away.

''Cecilia, have some water to clear your head—''

''I wanna have sex.''

'''' ... ''''

Almost too nonchalantly, with a strange smile, Cecilia said.

''Let's have sex.... all of us!''

The atmosphere instantly plummeted.

''Ah, Lyra can wait outside, though.''