The days that followed were much calmer, the path walked like countless points connecting into a complete, closed loop.
So, every day for Vya was full and happy.
In the mornings, she would accompany Elysia to training, sometimes running into Hua and Carole along the way.
It's worth mentioning that Carole would always take Vya out for cake, and she'd usually drag Hua along too.
Then it was off to Mobius's lab to see Mobius. After that incident, even Mobius wasn't so resistant to Elysia's visits anymore.
Though her words were still sharp as ever, Elysia seemed to adore this side of Mobius all the same♪~
And then, every so often, Elysia would take Vya to see Vill-V.
On that island.
…
So today was the day. As for how to handle Vill-V, MOTH was still discussing it. Elysia's visit was partly to check on her, partly to test the waters.
A sea breeze carrying a salty, damp smell swept across P-21 Island. Elysia, holding Vya's little hand, stepped off the transport ship. The fine, soft sand crunched underfoot with a soft scrunch-scrunch.
"Big sister, where is Vill-V sister?"
Looking up at the vast island, Vya asked.
Elysia smiled and pointed toward a distant grove of trees. "She's inside the island~ Let's go take a look!"
"Yay!"
Vya happily ran ahead.
Elysia followed at a leisurely pace.
Passing through the coconut grove, the scene that unfolded made even Elysia's eyes widen slightly.
And it was then that Vya saw that light unique to Vill-V.
On the once-barren beach now stood a delicate wooden cabin, with a workshop shed built from palm fronds beside it.
"Well, visitors?"
Vill-V's voice came from inside the shed, accompanied by the crisp clinks of metal.
Making metal tools in a place like this—it showed just how strong Vill-V's survival skills and handiness were.
A moment later, she stepped out.
"Oh, it's you two…"
Seeing who it was, Vill-V's tone was flat, seemingly unsurprised.
Though her gaze lingered on Vya for a few extra seconds.
"We came to see you~!"
Elysia waved enthusiastically.
"Hello, Vill-V sister!"
Vya called out happily.
"Tch… didn't think you'd still remember me."
Vill-V gave a light humph.
"Don't be like that. I'm basically the one who got you sent here, right? Naturally, I'd come check on you♪~"
"You do remember that, Elysia."
Vill-V looked at Elysia, crossing her arms, a hint of teasing in her tone.
"Did you build all this by yourself?"
Elysia walked up and gently ran her hand over the cabin's outer wall; the wood was sanded remarkably smooth.
"Limited time. It's the best I could do."
Vill-V shrugged, though the corner of her mouth lifted slightly.
"Vill-V? How have you been getting along here?"
"Mm… not bad. Much better than when I first arrived."
It really was much better, especially considering at first she'd had to eat coconuts raw…
"Vill-V is so amazing~" Elysia praised.
"Well, honestly, I'd prefer getting out of here over praise."
"Aiya, I'd love to help you♪~"
Elysia leaned in a little closer. "A wonderful girl like you, stuck here—what a waste♪~"
"Mm."
Vill-V's response was somewhat dismissive.
"Don't worry~ I'll think of something when I get back. Maybe I'll beg Dr. Mobius to figure something out."
"Mm. I'd really have to thank you for that."
"So, can we take a look around~?"
"Of course. Feel free."
Vill-V made an inviting gesture.
The inside of the workshop was more spacious than expected.
Sunlight filtered through gaps in the palm fronds, casting dappled patterns on the ground.
Most striking was the central workbench, neatly arranged with various handcrafted tools—metal implements, a fishing net half-woven, even a small furnace.
Vya curiously moved closer to look. "Wow! Vill-V sister is so amazing!"
"It's nothing much…"
"Do you get lonely by yourself?"
"It's alright. I was used to being alone before anyway. And there are monkeys and stuff on the island, so it's fine."
She paused, a slight smile on her face. "At least it's probably better than being locked up, right?"
"I'm relieved to see you can keep such an optimistic attitude♪~"
…
Lunch was enjoyed on the beach.
Vill-V used her homemade fishing gear to catch fresh fish, served with foraged wild berries and coconut water—simple but delicious.
Vya ate with relish, her little face smudged with juice.
"Aiya♪~ Chef Vill-V's skills are still top-notch~"
"Passable…"
Vill-V shrugged. "Limited ingredients."
After the meal, Vya went to collect seashells by the shore, while the two adults sat on the sand watching the little girl's back.
"That child…"
Vill-V suddenly spoke up. "By the way, when did you two meet?"
"Oh, very early~ Back when Vya was just this little."
Elysia turned and gestured with a smile. "Why do you ask?"
"No reason."
Vill-V shifted her gaze away, her expression unchanged.
"Elysia… perhaps we could make a deal?"
Elysia just smiled, not taking the bait.
The two fell silent for a moment, only the sound of the waves echoing in their ears.
…
Soon, it was time to leave.
"Vill-V, we should get going now~ See you next time!"
"Goodbye, Vill-V sister!"
Vya ran over and gave Vill-V a hug.
"Alright then." Vill-V returned the hug gently, her tone uncharacteristically soft. "Come visit often. Not many people come to see me, after all."
"Don't worry, we'll visit often!"
Elysia promised.
"Mm! Vya will come too!"
The little girl nodded earnestly.
Watching the two board the small boat back, Vill-V stood on the shore.
"Hah, Elysia's visit this time was probably to feel me out…"
She muttered to herself, turning back toward the cabin.
"If I have any use, MOTH naturally won't just let me be."
Pushing the door open, she glanced around the little workshop she'd built with her own hands. "No idea what's going on out there… tch, being stuck in a place like this is tough."
Suddenly, she chuckled lightly, as if thinking of something amusing. "Alright, alright, Vill-V. At least it's a challenge."
"Mm. Conditions are about right. Time to bring out something new."
Hmm… She thought again of that child called Vya. There was definitely a secret about her.
She'd deliberately said those things to Elysia earlier, but Elysia didn't seem willing to reveal anything.
Well, she'd find out sooner or later. No need to rush.
…
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