Vyn "Burning Embrace"/Rewards

Story Summary

This story takes place in an Alternate Universe (AU) or possible past life. Its events do not affect the main timeline.

In ancient Beizhou City, a long-lasting snowfall has finally stopped, and the MC sits at a teahouse listening to a story about a celestial white fox who, owing a debt of gratitude to a man, has transformed into a maid to serve him. Just then, her private tutor, Vyn, discovers her in the teahouse and questions her about why she left the manor of her father, the city's supreme commander, alone. He explains that she's in greater danger than she thinks -- her father's enemies are starving and may try to kidnap her to exchange for provisions or throw her father off for an attack. She apologizes, but he tells her that she can stay since he'll stay with her and protect her. The MC asks why he's so nice to her and is disappointed when he says it's because she's his student, recalling all the various ways he treats her differently from everyone else. She asks to show him a place she's always wanted to show him, and as they walk, the two discuss how stories about the celestials always seem unfair to the indebted celestials who are hurt by their debts.

The MC brings Vyn to a peach blossom tree that she feels is special to her. When she was new to the city, she used to come to the tree and confide her problems to it. Vyn tells her a story about a celestial white snake who used to do its spiritual practice under a peach blossom tree, and a merchant who was going to cut the tree down. The snake was going to punish the merchant, which might have earned him a punishment since celestials are not to interfere with humans' lives unless they owe a debt. Before the story ends, a horn sounds as the city begins to come under attack. With her father stationed outside the city, one of the MC's father's generals, General Li, directs Vyn to take the MC out of the city to hide in the mountains.

Rather than simply escaping, the MC searches old maps for a mountain pass in order to get a signal to her father. Vyn offers to help her, and she asks again why he treats her so nicely, but he declines to answer. He claims to know a pass they can use that isn't on the maps due to its danger. As they leave, General Li updates them on the situation: the enemy is attacking the east gate, which will force the undermanned army to divide their forces and cause their downfall. Vyn tells him they will take the mountain pass and get reinforcements, but the general tries to keep the MC from accompanying him. Vyn promises to keep her safe no matter the cost.

The two traverse the treacherous mountain path, which has been unused for so long that beasts have made their home there. Vyn asks her to stay put so he can scout a clearing, and a great beast emerges, but when a golden glow surrounds Vyn, the beast soon leaves on its own. He sits down to rest, but the pass begins to collapse in an avalanche. As they fall, the MC feels a supportive golden light and passes out, believing she sees a large white snake before she loses consciousness.

The MC dreams of Beizhou City in flames, but she wakes to find herself in Vyn's arms amid blooming flowers. He reassures her that her home will not fall, her father will be fine, and he will fulfill any wish she has. She asks again why he's so nice to her, and he resumes his story about the celestial white snake: the snake's peach blossom tree was saved by a young girl from a prominent family. The merchant who was going to cut down the tree didn't want to anger her family, so the snake became indebted to the girl who unknowingly saved its tree. The snake was bitter about its unwanted debt at first, but as the girl came to the tree daily to confide her problems, it began to care for her until one day it took human form and posed as a scholar to join the girl's household as her tutor. Vyn begins to cough and grow cold as his story ends, and he puts her to sleep as he tells her that to experience her light, he's willing to bear boundless darkness.

Much later, the MC awakens from a coma back at home. Her maid catches her up on the situation: the day she left, the weather suddenly got as warm as summer, melting all the snow, and the MC's father's troops were able to arrive in time to save the city. The MC asks about Vyn; the maid says she hasn't seen him since he brought her back to the city, and at the time he seemed very unwell. The maid also noticed something white and scale-like on his hands. The MC runs straight to the peach blossom tree, calling for Vyn and hearing only silence in return, but a breeze blows and she thinks she hears a faint voice from far away.

Illustrations

Held in Secret"There are too many people here. It will be easier for us to stick together if I hold onto you."

After Story

After Story script

Vyn: Come here. Are you not waiting for me? Why are you in such a daze?

Intimate Interaction

Point 1 (tree)

(After that day, I stood under the peach blossom tree every day to wait for Vyn and shared with him my day-to-day activities.)

(Fortunately, he returned after a year.)

(And on the day of his return, the peach blossom tree went into full bloom.)

Point 2 (Scarf)

You: The weather is fairly hot today. I notice that you have your scarf on. Is your old wound acting up again?

Vyn: No. It is just an old habit of mine. If you are doubtful... You may come forward to examine my wound.

You: N-no, it's fine...

(if repeated)

You: (His scarf looks worn out. I should get a new one for him next time.)

Point 3 (Hand)

You: Your hands are warmer now, unlike how they were in the past.

Vyn: That is because your hands are warm too. As long as your hands are in mine... I will no longer feel cold.

You: Really?

Vyn: Yes, I am speaking the truth. Do you want to try holding my hands again?

(if repeated)

You: (His hands are finally warmer after holding my hands.)

Peach Blossom Hairpin...

You: Is this a... Peach Blossom Hairpin?

Vyn: Yes, this is my Flower Prayer Festival gift for you. Do you like it?

You: I like it... but why would you give it to me, Mr. Vyn?

Vyn: The peach blossom wilts easily. It only takes a few days for it to bud, bloom and wilt, but I want to use this hairpin to preserve its glorious moment for you.

Vyn: Besides, I...

You: (Why did he stop? And the way he's looking at me...)

You: Is there something you wish to tell me?

Vyn: You have yet to listen to any story this year. I have a tale about the origin of the Peach Blossom Hairpin. Are you interested?

You: The origin of the Peach Blossom Hairpin? Yes, do tell.

Vyn: About a hundred years ago, I met a couple under the peach blossom tree. The man was confessing to his adored lady.

Vyn: He gave the lady his jade pendant as a keepsake, and promised to be with her for the rest of his life.

You: The keepsake in the story was a jade pendant. How is it related to this Peace Blossom Hairpin?

Vyn: As for how they are related... After seeing what the man did, I thought of giving my lady a love keepsake too.

You: Your lady...

Vyn: My lady has promised to go flower viewing with me some day, after all.

Vyn: But I am greedy. I want to spend every season with her.

You: ...

Vyn: This Peach Blossom Hairpin is not a rare treasure, but it is my first handmade gift after knowing you. Will you... accept it?

You: (He looks as if he's... asking for my hand in marriage.)

You: Yes... but I am not good at putting on accessories. Could I trouble you to put it on for me?

Vyn: Sure. I will help you put it on every day from now on.

Story Locations

Ancient Era
Teahouse

Ancient Era
Street

Ancient Era
Pavilion Terrace

Ancient Era
Marquis House

Ancient Era
Study

Ancient Era
Street

Ancient Era
Outside the City

Ancient Era
Mountain Pass

Ancient Era
Bedroom

Ancient Era
Pavilion Terrace

Story Characters

Vyn Richter

Story Teller

General Li

Woman

Soldier

Maid