Frostfire Legacy

Chapter 206: How to Cheer Up Someone (2)

Under Kali's judging gaze, Aster entered the tent. But as expected, even with the largest tent they have, it was a tight fit for four people to sleep in. If they want to fit four people inside, then everyone would have to sleep sideways, with their knees bent slightly to save space... with at least one pair facing each other.

Currently, there was Liz by the leftmost edge, Cassy facing her, within her tight embrace, a slight space, before Tina, who was staring at Aster with a red face, excitedly waiting.

"Come, darling~!" She impatiently called to Aster.

"..."

Aster suddenly got the feeling to truly just put up his tent to sleep, but after seeing a faint, sparkly dot from Cassy's face, he ended up scratching that idea. "Excuse me..." He groaned as he tried to squeeze through the gap between Cassy and Tina... and turned sideways, facing away from her.

"Ahh~! Darling, you tease! Turn over here! I can't see your handsome face like this!"

Tina kept on clamoring behind him, but Aster opted to ignore her antics for tonight, at least. No matter what she tried, Aster kept a calm expression without budging and watched over Cassy before him.

"..."

He recalled Cassy's story about sleeping together with her siblings until right before coming to Orinfeld City. In his attempt to try and appease her, Aster wrapped his hand around her thin waist, sharing his warmth with her.

When one is depressed, other people's company could occasionally make it worse, but more often than not, it would alleviate it by a little. He could feel Cassy's body flinch upon his contact, but soon relaxed, allowing him to continue wordlessly.

*Sniff!* *Sniff!*

Aster kept his attention over to Cassy even when Tina started to sniff his neck again, and even when a pair of soft things were pressed against his back. His willpower to not lose to his desires was, at that point, the highest!

But then, Cassy's body started to tremble. The faint sobs he could hear told him that she was crying. However, he didn't have much experience with placating someone, so he didn't know what he could do to help her.

Thoughtless words to appease her could backfire, so he didn't speak. All he could do was hug her tighter, and hope for the best.

"Star..."

Soon, a broken voice reached Aster's ears. It was so quiet, making him almost miss it completely!

"Lory, she... I... I don't know what to do anymore..." She grumbled, her voice as if she were gritting her teeth tight. "Is she our enemy? Can't we return to before...? As party members?"

"Cassy..."

Aster finally understood why she was this depressed. It wasn't only because she was the one who revived Lory—which ended up working in Lory's favor—but also because, even now, she was still hoping for everything to return to before.

However, Aster was sure that it was already too late for that. Lory had gone too far already; it was near impossible for her to be forgiven. She only had two possible endings right now: either she succeeded in taking over the world, or she would die trying.

"Why? Why can't we help someone who was once our ally...?" Cassy added, her voice sounding like a plea.

Of course, the girls already had removed the mind control, brainwashing, and everything that Lory did to them. This meant Cassy's words were her true thoughts, her desire—her wish.

"Sorry..." Aster could only apologize. What for? He wasn't sure either.

It could be for being the one who brought Lory to the party, or for allowing things to end up as they currently are. Whatever the reason, only an apology was the best he could muster.

Right then, Cassy turned around, squirming, and faced Aster from up close. Their eyes locked upon each other, one overflowing with tears, and the other, clear like a mirror.

"Star... I'm too naive, aren't I?" Cassy exclaimed, her lips curving into a broken smile, making Aster's heart ache. "Even though I know it's too late, I just..."

Cassy herself knew that her wish was impossible. That Lory can't return to them anymore. That the "Lorelai" they knew was no longer...

*Sob!*

Right then, as if a dam broke, Cassy started to cry for real.

Tears fell like a waterfall, as her voice echoed in the tent, like someone who was mourning. Aster pulled her head into his chest, patting the back of her head gently while accepting all her tears. His gestures were as gentle as he could be.

Tina, despite her disinterest in others, stayed still for a while, as if allowing Cassy to relieve herself as much as she wanted. Liz, on the other hand, simply watched with half-open eyes, her emotions slowly getting aligned with Cassy's. She felt that if she lowered her guard, she would end up crying together with her.

Even Kali, who was outside, could hear her wailing clearly. However, she just looked up at the sky, where the artificial stars were shining, and let it pass.

Seconds turned to minutes, and finally, Cassy's crying began to subside. She was still sniffling, but her complexion was a lot better now compared to before. 'Letting it all out seemed to do the trick,' He thought.

"Star..." Cassy called him with her nasal voice. "Can you put your head closer for a bit?" she asked.

"Hmm?"

Curious, Aster did as told, and moved his head, his forehead almost touching the top of her head. Then, in a flash, Cassy lifted her head, and...

*Smooch!*

Stole Aster's lips.

"..."

"Shock" was an understatement, as practically everyone there was able to see it. Even Tina, who was behind Aster, saw it clearly! After just a few short seconds, she separated from him and smiled.

"E-Ehehe..."

She showed a cute, little, embarrassed smile, before planting her red face against Aster's chest once more.

"You-you-you-you...!"

Tina, returning to her senses, looked like she was about to explode in anger, but Aster was a step faster. In a snap, he encased her body in a thin layer of ice, limiting her movements, and preventing a disaster from happening.

"MMMMPH!"

Of course, blocking her mouth doesn't mean she'd become quiet.

Liz, although shocked at Cassy's sudden boldness, simply showed a wry smile. Whether she approved of Cassy's actions or not, she didn't look like she had anything to say.

But most of all, Aster... was confused. He was not used to interacting with the opposite sex, so he had no idea what that kiss was for.

Without getting any answers, the night quickly passed, and the next day approached.