Paris, Yvelines.


    The afternoon sunlight filtered through the treetops, and a gentle breeze carried the faint, moist scent unique to the banks of the Seine. This neighborhood was quiet and elegant, a stark contrast to the bustling center of Paris. The houses lining the streets varied in architectural style, yet all exuded a noble air. Lush green shrubs were meticulously trimmed, while white walls were adorned with climbing wisteria, giving the entire area the refined charm of an aristocratic legacy from a bygone era.


    As the black sedan glided smoothly over the cobblestone road, Nahla couldn’t help but glance out the window. She noticed that the houses grew increasingly larger, their courtyards more expansive, some even resembling miniature castles standing amidst lush gardens. Fountains, sculptures, and neatly manicured hedges—every detail radiated wealth and prestige.


    Nahla frowned slightly and turned to look at Yenneferéa, who was seated beside her. "Uh... are we sure we''re going the right way?"


    Yenneferéa smiled faintly, her tone calm. "No, we’re not lost."


    "But..." Nahla glanced around hesitantly and lowered her voice. "These houses... they all look so—" She paused, searching for the right word. "Very... rich."


    Noting Nahla’s reaction, Yenneferéa’s smile deepened with a hint of amusement. "Have I never mentioned it before? élodie’s family is one of the most prestigious in France—the Laurent family. Their businesses span the globe, covering fashion, cosmetics, hotels, restaurants, luxury goods, and more."


    "What?" Nahla''s eyes widened in shock, almost thinking she had misheard.


    Of course, she knew the name Laurent—it was synonymous with world-class luxury. Whether in haute couture, fragrances, or five-star resorts, the family was at the pinnacle of the industry. What she hadn’t expected was that Yenneferéa’s friend came from such a background.


    "You actually know someone like that?!" Nahla gaped at Yenneferéa in disbelief.


    Yenneferéa chuckled softly and shook her head. "She’s my friend, not a ‘big shot’ to me."


    "...Come on, this is way beyond just being an ordinary friend!" Nahla was at a loss for words.


    "Her family name may carry weight," Yenneferéa sighed slightly, her gaze drifting to the grand estate they were approaching. "But that doesn’t change who she is. And it certainly doesn’t change how she treats me."


    The sedan slowed to a stop. Through the window, they could see an ornate wrought-iron gate, beyond which the estate’s grand main building was partially visible—a perfect blend of classical and modern architecture, elegant and imposing. On either side, fountains rippled under the soft breeze, whispering stories of history and heritage.


    Nahla swallowed, murmuring under her breath, "Well… this is quite the eye-opener."


    The driver stepped out and, with practiced elegance, opened the rear door.


    Yenneferéa exited first, followed closely by Nahla. As soon as she set foot on the carefully laid stone pathway, Nahla instinctively lifted her head, taking in the grand estate before her.


    It was even more magnificent than she had imagined.


    A wide white gravel path stretched from the iron gate to the main building, flanked by meticulously maintained hedges and vibrant flower beds in full bloom. Fountains were strategically placed at the heart of the garden, their cascading water catching the sunlight with a soft shimmer. Towering plane trees stood proudly in the courtyard, casting dappled shadows across the cobblestone paths, lending the summer afternoon an air of serene tranquility.


    The mansion itself was a masterpiece—it''s ivory-colored walls complemented by gilded balcony railings, exuding opulence without ostentation. Enormous floor-to-ceiling windows reflected the warm sunlight, making the entire building appear like a palace of understated grace.


    Nahla’s eyes widened as she muttered in awe, "This place is... enormous."


    She had heard stories about grand French estates, but seeing one with her own eyes was an entirely different experience.


    Just then, the estate’s grand doors slowly swung open, and with the sound of hurried yet lively footsteps, a familiar figure swiftly approached them.


    "Luna!"


    élodie Laurent''s voice carried a hint of urgency as she nearly jogged across the garden, her eyes scanning her long-lost friend with unconcealed relief. Her short pink hair was neatly styled, and her crisp white blouse, adorned with black buttons, accentuated her refined yet professional appearance. Paired with form-fitting white trousers and brown leather flats, she exuded both an air of composure and an undeniable aristocratic grace.


    Following closely behind her was a composed middle-aged butler, impeccably dressed in a black tailcoat with a neatly pressed white shirt. A gold-rimmed monocle rested on his nose, and his poised demeanor made it clear that he was a key figure within the Laurent household.


    Without hesitation, élodie rushed forward and embraced Yenneferéa tightly, her words spilling out in fluent French, full of emotion. "Where have you been these past few months? I''ve been sending you messages, and you haven''t replied to a single one!"


    Yenneferéa smiled gently, returning the embrace. "It''s been a long time, élodie." She patted élodie’s back lightly before adding in a calm tone, "There’s a lot to talk about."


    Only then did élodie take a deep breath and steady herself, finally releasing Yenneferéa. But her gaze quickly shifted to Nahla, standing beside them. She arched an eyebrow slightly, realizing that her enthusiastic outburst might have been a bit overbearing. Instantly regaining her composure, she turned to Nahla with an elegant smile, giving a polite nod before extending her hand in a refined French greeting.


    "Pardon my excitement just now. Allow me to properly introduce myself—élodie Laurent, heir to the Laurent family. A pleasure to meet you."


    Her voice was warm yet poised, carrying the effortless grace of nobility.


    Nahla froze for a moment, momentarily caught off guard. She hastily reached out to shake élodie''s hand, her movements slightly stiff. "Uh… hello, I’m Nahla al-Riyah."


    Her tone held a trace of nervousness—after all, she had never spoken with someone of such high status before. The woman before her wasn’t just exuding wealth; she carried an innate confidence and charisma that made her presence all the more imposing.


    Noticing Nahla’s unease, Yenneferéa chuckled softly. "Nahla is my friend."


    At this, élodie’s smile softened. "Then there’s no need to be so formal. If you’re Luna’s friend, that makes you my friend as well." She waved a hand casually, as if to dispel any lingering tension.


    At that moment, the butler standing behind élodie cleared his throat lightly before speaking in a composed yet respectful tone. "Mademoiselle, it would be more appropriate to invite your guests inside. Leaving them standing outside hardly reflects the Laurent family''s hospitality."


    élodie blinked, as if only now realizing how hasty she had been. With an apologetic chuckle, she nodded. "You''re absolutely right. Come inside, we can talk properly."


    With that, she gestured gracefully for them to follow, leading the group into the grand estate steeped in history.


    Sunlight bathed the terrace in a golden glow. Beneath a white parasol, a gentle breeze stirred the sheer curtains, carrying the faint fragrance of flowers through the air. In the distance, the estate’s gardeners trimmed the hedges with precision, while the soft murmur of water from the fountains blended harmoniously with birdsong, creating a soothing symphony of nature.


    The butler, with practiced ease, set down a silver tray on the ornately carved wooden table. The amber-colored tea, poured from an elegant teapot, released a delicate citrus and bergamot aroma. The accompanying pastries were exquisite—macarons with smooth, glossy shells, crisp layers of French mille-feuille, and rich truffle chocolates exuding a faint cocoa fragrance.


    Nahla’s eyes were immediately drawn to the desserts. She widened her gaze in awe, momentarily forgetting that she was in the grandeur of an aristocratic estate. For a moment, she felt hesitant, unsure if she should reach out. Having grown up in modest surroundings, such a refined afternoon tea setting felt almost surreal to her. She discreetly glanced at Yenneferéa for reassurance.


    Noticing her hesitation, Yenneferéa offered a gentle smile and gave her a small nod, signaling that she need not hold back. Only then did Nahla relax, carefully picking up a delicate macaron and taking a small bite. The crisp outer shell gave way to a smooth, luscious filling—sweet but not overpowering. Instantly, her expression softened, a hint of delight appearing in her eyes.


    "This really is the life of the rich." Nahla couldn''t help but whisper in admiration.


    Yenneferéa chuckled softly, while élodie watched Nahla with amusement before turning to Yenneferéa. Her gaze held a mixture of reproach and relief.


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "Where on earth have you been?" élodie’s voice carried a trace of exasperation, but beneath it was unmistakable concern. "You disappeared for months—no messages, no replies, nothing!"


    Yenneferéa sighed gently, setting down her teacup. Her tone was calm but firm. "It’s a long story..."


    élodie studied her carefully, scanning her expression for any signs of distress. Seeing that she appeared unharmed, she finally let out a small sigh of relief.


    "Do you have any idea how worried I was? The moment you vanished, I pulled every string I could in Paris, reached out to countless connections trying to find you—but there wasn’t a single trace of you."


    A flicker of guilt crossed Yenneferéa’s face. She knew she had caused élodie much distress. Slowly, she began recounting her experiences in Esperan—from the earthquake in Paris that transported her to an unfamiliar continent, to meeting Chong Yue and others, surviving in a harsh and perilous environment, navigating through dangerous forests, encountering unknown creatures, and engaging with non-human races like dwarves and elves. She even spoke of her ascent to the summit of the Titan’s Peak, where she finally met the so-called "Divine Principle" and was granted divine power that defied all reason.


    Throughout her story, she maintained a composed tone, yet the sheer strangeness and peril of her experiences were enough to leave anyone astounded.


    As élodie listened, her expression shifted from mild surprise to sheer disbelief. Her grip on her teacup tightened, her full attention absorbed by Yenneferéa’s words.


    At this moment, Nahla finally couldn’t hold back her curiosity and asked, "I’m a bit curious—how did Miss élodie meet Luna?"


    Hearing the question, élodie immediately shifted her gaze toward Nahla, only to realize that she had just called Yenneferéa “Luna.”


    "You call her ‘Luna’?" élodie narrowed her eyes slightly, her tone carrying a hint of scrutiny—and even a touch of jealousy.


    Nahla froze, sensing a subtle shift in the atmosphere, while Yenneferéa, amused by the reaction, chuckled softly and explained, "Nahla is a new friend of mine. We’ve been through a lot together—we’re already partners."


    élodie’s expression softened a little, but she still pursed her lips in slight discontent. "Hmph, I thought I was the only one who called you that."


    Yenneferéa shook her head helplessly. élodie, however, seemed to want to lighten the mood. A playful smile curved her lips as she suddenly remarked, "Speaking of which, the first time I met Luna was truly unforgettable."


    She paused for a moment, her eyes filled with nostalgia before she continued with exaggerated admiration, "Back then, she was unbelievably cool."


    It was during élodie’s first year at école Normale Supérieure in Paris. At the time, she still had long, silky hair and was far more reserved than she was now—social interactions were not her strong suit. Due to recent negative publicity surrounding her family, she had become a subject of gossip among the students. Rival families viewed her as a thorn in their side, and some even went out of their way to make trouble for her.


    That day, the golden light of dusk poured over the ancient stone-paved streets of Paris, mingling with the bustling crowds. élodie had just finished her classes and was on her way home when a group of flamboyantly dressed thugs blocked her path.


    Their sneering smirks and predatory eyes made their intentions clear. Without a word, they forcibly led her into a dimly lit alleyway.


    élodie instinctively took a step back, her expression a mix of disdain and helplessness. She knew exactly who they were—hired by a rival family to humiliate her and tarnish her reputation. She tried to resist, but they outnumbered her. There was no escape.


    Then, at that very moment, a sharp voice rang out from the alley entrance, shattering the tense silence like a clap of thunder.


    "Let go of her, you bastards!"


    The thugs turned, their gazes locking onto the figure standing at the entrance.


    It was a girl with white hair and striking blue eyes, gripping an umbrella in her hand. Her presence was both cold and resolute. The setting sun framed her silhouette, casting her in a golden light—like a guardian angel descending from the heavens.


    Yet, her icy gaze was anything but gentle. Those piercing eyes, like the edge of a blade, radiated an authority that brooked no defiance.


    —Yes, that girl was Yenneferéa.


    Nahla listened, eyes wide with fascination, a flicker of excitement and admiration shining within them. Meanwhile, Yenneferéa turned slightly to the side, subtly attempting to hide the faint blush creeping up her cheeks.


    élodie, noticing her embarrassment, grinned even wider and continued, "When those thugs saw Luna, their first reaction was to mock her. One of them even asked if she was my friend."


    She mimicked their smug expressions, adopting an exaggerated, cocky demeanor. Then, lowering her voice to imitate Yenneferéa’s cool and indifferent tone, she recited,


    "‘I don’t know her. I just can’t stand watching a bunch of animals gang up on a girl in broad daylight.’"


    Nahla’s eyes widened in awe, turning to Yenneferéa. "Wow, Luna, you actually said that?"


    élodie nodded enthusiastically, laughing as she pounded the table. "Right?! She was so cool!"


    Yenneferéa’s face flushed as she spoke helplessly, “Enough, élodie, stop exaggerating.”


    “Exaggerating? Where? I’m just stating the facts.” élodie shrugged, a playful glint in her eyes. “And then—Luna swung her umbrella and gave those thugs a good beating! There were more of them, sure, but they were no match for her. Her swordplay was incredible, and in her hands, that umbrella might as well have been a real sword! She had them running for their lives!"


    Nahla was completely captivated, her eyes shining with admiration as she exclaimed excitedly, “Luna, you’re a real hero!”


    Yenneferéa covered her forehead, clearly embarrassed, and quickly corrected, “élodie, don’t make it sound so dramatic… Yes, I did drive them away, but I was also beaten up pretty badly. In the end, you were the one who took me to the hospital.”


    élodie raised an eyebrow, looking smug. “Oh? So you actually remember?”


    “Don’t tell me you forgot.” Yenneferéa shot her a glance.


    élodie chuckled, waving a hand dismissively, but her gaze softened. “How could I forget? That’s one of my most cherished memories.”


    She continued reminiscing—after that incident, she and Yenneferéa became best friends.


    They attended classes together, ate meals together, practiced swordsmanship side by side, and went shopping in the city. With Yenneferéa around, élodie felt an unprecedented sense of ease. She didn’t have to maintain the perfect image of a wealthy heiress, nor did she need to be wary of the empty pleasantries and social games of the elite.


    With Yenneferéa, she could laugh freely, complain without restraint, and rely on this ever-composed, sometimes endearingly awkward friend without hesitation.


    Watching them, Nahla suddenly murmured with a hint of envy, “You two have such an amazing friendship.”


    élodie turned toward Yenneferéa with a warm smile. “Yes, we do.”


    The golden hues of the setting sun draped the terrace in a soft glow, painting the sky with warm shades of red and gold. The air carried the delicate fragrance of tea, mingling with the sweetness of pastries. A gentle breeze stirred the tablecloth and lightly lifted strands of Yenneferéa’s silver-white hair.


    She looked at élodie, a small smile forming at her lips, her gaze filled with genuine warmth. “Honestly, I’m really grateful to have met you. Back then, I was like a prisoner trapped in the shadows of loneliness. But then you appeared, like a beam of sunlight—breaking through the darkness and warming my world.”


    élodie blinked, momentarily caught off guard. A faint blush crept onto her cheeks before she let out a small cough and waved a hand dismissively. “Alright, alright, no need to get so sentimental. You’re making me embarrassed.”


    Nahla rested her chin on her hand, watching the two with a knowing smile. A thought crossed her mind—their bond was truly special. It was so deep, so rare, that it was almost enough to make one jealous.


    Time slipped by unnoticed amid laughter and conversation. The dessert plate on the coffee table was nearly empty, and the teapot was half drained. The sun gradually set, the sky transitioning from warm hues of orange and red to deep blue as night quietly descended.


    élodie set down her teacup, elegantly crossing her legs before suggesting with a smile, "Since you’re taking the train to England tomorrow, why not stay here for the night? You can get some proper rest, and I’ll send you off in the morning."


    Yenneferéa nodded lightly. "Sorry to trouble you."


    "No need to be so formal, pick any room you like." élodie grinned, stretching lazily before calling the butler to prepare the rooms and dinner.


    As night fell, the grand estate was illuminated by warm lights. After dinner, the three of them gathered around the wooden table in the living room, engaging in various board games. élodie’s lively personality kept the atmosphere light and cheerful. Though Nahla had been slightly reserved at first, she quickly joined in, often laughing uncontrollably at élodie’s antics. Yenneferéa, as always, maintained her composed demeanor, though she occasionally found herself puzzled by the game rules—prompting élodie to tease her, “A law doctorate, struggling with game rules?” which only earned a helpless sigh from Yenneferéa.


    As the clock on the wall struck midnight, they finally called it a night, each retiring to their respective rooms, smiles lingering on their faces.


    The moonlight filtered through the windows, casting a serene glow over the soft bed. Yenneferéa leaned against the headboard, closing her eyes as she recalled her reunion with élodie earlier that day. A gentle warmth filled her heart. No matter how much had changed, élodie remained the same—radiant like the sun. And in the storm of the world’s chaos, Yenneferéa had finally found a moment of peace, a place where she truly belonged.


    Morning dawned, wrapping the elegant city of Paris in a cool, misty embrace. The station’s clock tower cast a long shadow under the rising sun. The vintage iron tracks stretched into the distance as the high-speed train slowly pulled into the platform, releasing puffs of white steam. Travelers bustled about, dragging their luggage across the station floor, their hurried footsteps and the rolling of suitcase wheels blending with the station’s announcements in soft French.


    élodie walked Nahla and Yenneferéa to the train station, keeping their conversation light and casual—as if trying to make their departure feel less heavy. Yet, as they finally stood before the platform, watching the train bound for England, her bright smile faltered slightly.


    Just as Yenneferéa picked up her suitcase, preparing to board, élodie suddenly reached out and gently grabbed her wrist.


    "Luna." Her voice was soft, carrying a hint of reluctance.


    Yenneferéa turned back, meeting élodie’s emerald gaze—sincere and unwavering.


    "If you ever run into trouble, remember that you can always come to me. No matter when or where, this place will always be here for you." élodie’s smile returned, through her eyes held countless emotions beneath it. "Take care of yourself… and go on to become a hero for more people."


    Yenneferéa remained silent for a moment before offering a gentle smile of her own. Her gaze was both warm and resolute.


    "I will. You take care too."


    She squeezed élodie’s hand lightly before letting go, stepping onto the train with her luggage. Nahla followed, pausing briefly to glance back at élodie, giving her a small wave.


    The train’s whistle echoed through the air as it slowly began to move. The rhythmic clatter of wheels against steel tracks filled the station. Outside the window, the platform slowly receded into the distance, yet élodie remained unmoving, her eyes fixed on the departing train, watching until it had completely vanished from sight. Only then did she let out a quiet sigh.


    "A hero, huh…" she murmured, a small smile playing on her lips.


    The morning sun streamed through the station’s arched glass ceiling, casting a golden glow over her slender, graceful figure. Then, with one last glance at the empty tracks, she turned and disappeared into the crowd.