Chapter 426: 158. The beauty and the full moon are of the same hue.
On the terrace, the moonlight is like water.
The slight restlessness in his heart was carried away by the cool breeze, Fujiwara Reya leaned against the exquisitely carved redwood railing, gazing at the full moon in the sky. The clouds surrounding the moon were cold and gray, as was the moon itself, reflecting the essence of autumn.
By now, the fireworks had ended, and the night sky would no longer be illuminated. Guests began to focus on fine wines and delicacies, engaging in conversations with the geishas. Slightly intoxicated, with vibrant lanterns hanging high, it was a subtle moment where joy and bustle intertwined.
The Snow Woman sat cross-legged on the tatami, resting her head on her hand, looking toward her master.
Her small mouth pouted, her eyes slightly resentful, giving the impression of withered grass under the sun, listless.
Don’t blame Snow Treasure for being unhappy, it’s just because the master is too fickle.
The icy wind suddenly picked up again, and as the candle flickered, the water stains on the ground reformed, allowing Yukino Ritsuko to return to Fujiwara Reya’s sight. She was taut all over with shyness, especially in those small feet. Her toes had been curled tightly since they formed, her small, taut legs revealing graceful lines. The delicate, snow-like top of her feet was crisscrossed with veins like meandering streams, making her jade-like feet appear more coldly beautiful.
In the courtyard, the festivities continued with music and dance. Amidst the sublime sounds of string and bamboo instruments, a bird in colorful plumage flew over again, bringing a new round of food and drink.
Yukino Ritsuko stood to take the food basket, bending her waist and placing it on the table.
Dressed in a pure white dress, her posture of bending over with her hips raised was uniquely charming, especially her long, slim legs, which accentuated her tall and alluring figure.
The blooming cherry blossoms wafted their fragrance gently in the candlelight, and the moon cast its moist glow between her elegant strands of hair.
Fujiwara Reya raised his hand, his arm touching the smooth shoulder of Yukino Ritsuko.
His hand slipped, wrapping around her slender waist, pulling her into his embrace.
Yukino Ritsuko gazed motionlessly at the night sky, showing no intention of moving away. Perhaps having experienced more embarrassing kisses, the shyness brought by an embrace was within her tolerance.
The head covered by silver-white hair lay still against Fujiwara Reya’s chest.
The tip of her nose breathed in the cool air, her eyes gazed at the cherry blossoms tinged with pink in the distance, while her scent was more intoxicating than the fragrance of cherry blossoms. In the dim, entangled candlelight, the layers of cherry blossoms retained a slightly romantic atmosphere.
Yukino Ritsuko’s heart pounded.
She was a bit worried.
Usually, Fujiwara Reya would make unrelated, witty jokes with her, and it was enjoyable to chat with him. But with this relationship, she worried that he might tease her about matters between men and women, a subject she couldn’t possibly respond to.
The evening breeze caressed her face, carrying the desolate feeling of autumn.
Yukino Ritsuko leaned against his shoulder, hugged a bit tighter, her white dress and hair made her figure incomparably gentle and graceful.
"Beautiful, isn’t it?" she suddenly asked in a low voice.
Her voice pierced through the night, clear and cold, untainted by any impurity.
"The legs are enchanting." Fujiwara Reya’s fingers sank into her snowy white hair, answering indirectly.
Yukino Ritsuko pursed her thin lips, looking at Fujiwara Reya with suspicion: "Are you a leg enthusiast?"
"I’m a Snow Woman enthusiast." Fujiwara Reya laughed, his tone as light and agile as a leisurely flying bird, deliberately sounding a bit flippant, "Look, I like both Yukino and the Snow Princess, isn’t that a Snow Woman enthusiast?"
"..." Yukino Ritsuko’s delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly, her face a bit cold, seemingly in a mild huff.
The Snow Woman, who had been listening with her head propped up, caught the keyword "Snow Princess" and, thinking the master was calling her, immediately leaned toward him.
Fujiwara Reya freed a hand and patted her head.
Being petted by her master, Snow Treasure squinted slightly, seeming quite content.
Yukino Ritsuko glanced at her, stretching out her hand to pull her into her embrace: "You’re still a baby, aren’t you?"
Purely from an intelligence perspective, the Snow Princess indeed seemed more like a Snow Child than a Snow Woman. However, in terms of appearance, she was undoubtedly a fully matured Snow Woman.
The Snow Woman holding another Snow Woman, their identical faces made for an exceptionally beautiful scene.
Yukino Ritsuko’s silver-white hair was slightly disheveled, her face of ultimate softness and elegance bore a serene and pure smile.
The Snow Woman tilted her head slightly, seemingly puzzled as to why she was smiling.
"Are you my avatar?" Yukino Ritsuko gently touched the Snow Woman’s nose, "Or shall we say, are we sisters from the same snowflake?"
This question, asked in vain.
With Snow Treasure’s intelligence, she couldn’t possibly understand what she was saying.
The two Snow Women interacting, Fujiwara Reya looked down at Yukino Ritsuko. Her skin, as pale as her hair color, also emitted a gentle glow, her eyes with a hint of a smile appeared clear and serene, deepening the mystery of the nocturnal mountain peaks.
"No peeking!" Yukino Ritsuko raised her head, pushing his chin upwards.
His gaze lifted, Fujiwara Reya saw the sleeping palace atop the mountain. Amidst the grand and majestic architectural complex, glimmers of candlelight flickered, the main tower standing solitary like a secluded peak radiated an imposing grandeur.
Gazing at the place where he had spent fifteen years, he slowly began, "Yukino, look up at the top."
Upon hearing this, Yukino Ritsuko immediately raised her face.
The clouds were ethereal, the bright moon hung in the sky.
The buildings at the peak of the mountain, their rooftops reflecting the silver-white moonlight, so that the scene before her seemed to be frozen in a timeless river, carrying with it an eternal sense of serenity and beauty.