Snow's Embrace: Chapter 5

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Retranslation

During the first month of spring each year, Zayne always descends the mountain for a few days, leaving me to abide wordlessly with Little Bai Ze on the mountain.

But this year, , he’s invited me to come along.

Maybe it’s because of a recent ritual festival, so the streets are especially lively, full of bustling passerbys going to and fro.

I hide in Zayne’s shadow, walking a little stiffly.

Zayne: How is it that you don’t even know how to walk anymore after descending the mountain?

MC: I’m just not too used to such a noisy place.

Zayne: And here I thought you were very accustomed to this kind of noisiness.

Catching the implication in his words, I sneak a glare his way—but unfortunately, he coincidentally turns his head and is subjected to its full weight.

MC: …

Zayne: …

Zayne: They aren’t , and they won’t see you as a demon-spirit anymore. There’s no need to be so on guard.

MC: You don’t know how vicious they were back then. Just like the books say, “the human heart is full of treachery and deceit.” They weren’t wrong.

Zayne: And yet, living all alone on the mountain, that wasn’t scary?

MC: Not at all. Big Hua and everyone else always keep me company. And besides, I ended up meeting you, and also Little Bai.

Zayne: I’m the same as Big Hua and Little Bai?

MC: Eh… As for you, naturally, you’re not quite the same…

Normally, my conversations with Zayne are brief and restrained, but this time, he uncharacteristically follows up with one more question—

Zayne: How aren’t we the same?

MC: For example—for example…

I’m briefly stumped by the question. Spotting a small stall beside me, I think quickly and grab a , stuffing it into his hand.

MC: For example, right now I only want to give you alone a gift! Big Hua and Little Bai don’t get anything!

Zayne: Is that so?

MC: Mm, what else do you like? I’ll buy it all for you.

MC: Then, just this.

I let out a breath of relief, also a little happy—this is the first time I’ve ever given anyone a gift, and moreover, it’s for Zayne!

But when I reach into my sleeve and pull out a tree branch to give to the vendor, I’m met with refusal.

MC: Look a little more closely. This is a very precious branch from the . Not only does it give off light, but if you also keep it on you, you won’t get lost.

Vendor: I only take silver coins here, I don’t accept tree branches.

MC: Then how about this? This is agate. Though it isn’t jade, the color is beautiful—

Vendor: Don’t take rocks either.

MC: …

Zayne looks at me, , without the slightest intention of stepping in to resolve this issue. I laugh awkwardly and tug a little on his sleeve.

MC: Can you… help me pay for this first?

Zayne: The gift you’re giving me, you want me to pay for it myself?

MC: I haven’t descended the mountain in so long that I forgot money was even a thing… I give you my word, as soon as we return, I’ll pay you back.

Zayne: What do you plan to pay me back with?

MC: Obviously I’m going to pay you back with money… Or, is there something else you prefer?

Zayne: Why don’t you take a guess first? Once we’ve returned, I’ll tell you my answer.

Zayne reaches his hand into his sleeve, then freezes.

Zayne: …

MC: … You can’t have also not brought any money either?!

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