CHAPTER 118: CH 118: THE VISIT - PART 2

The steady sound of footsteps echoed softly as Evaya and Kana walked along the stone-paved path leading toward the temple.

The late afternoon sun cast warm, slanting rays across the streets, but despite the tranquil scenery, there was a subtle tension lingering between them—more precisely, around Kana.

Evaya glanced at her from the corner of her eye. Kana’s shoulders were rigid, her gaze sharp, darting every so often toward alleys and passerby.

Even the way she held her bag against her chest seemed defensive, like she was expecting danger to leap out at any moment.

"You need to relax."

Evaya said finally, her voice calm but carrying a quiet firmness.

Kana blinked, startled, then tried to laugh it off.

"I am relaxed..."

Evaya raised a brow, unimpressed.

"...Okay, maybe not. It’s just... these past few days have been... a lot."

Kana admitted, lowering her gaze as a small, sheepish smile formed on her lips.

Evaya slowed her pace slightly, matching Kana’s stride.

"Your body agrees with that statement more than your words do. You’re wound up so tightly it’s almost painful to watch."

She murmured, her sharp eyes scanning the slight stiffness in Kana’s movements.

Kana glanced at her in confusion.

"What do you—"

"Stay still."

Evaya interrupted softly.

Before Kana could ask why, Evaya stepped closer and placed her palm lightly against Kana’s upper back, right below her shoulder blade.

A faint warmth spread from her fingertips, flowing in delicate ripples through Kana’s tense muscles.

A subtle glow shimmered beneath Evaya’s hand—her magic weaving gently through Kana’s body, loosening knots of tension and soothing the stiffness that had built up from constant alertness.

Kana’s eyes widened instantly, her breath hitching as the sensation washed over her. Her entire body shivered involuntarily as the tightness melted away.

"W-Wait—Evaya—!"

Kana squeaked, her face burning bright red as she instinctively clamped a hand over her mouth, almost afraid of the sound that had nearly escaped her lips.

Evaya’s expression remained composed, though there was the faintest curve to her lips, as though she found Kana’s reaction amusing.

"Don’t fight it. Let your body relax."

Kana shook her head furiously, cheeks flushed to the tips of her ears.

"I-I am relaxing, but you can... s-stop now..."

She stammered, fidgeting where she stood.

Evaya finally withdrew her hand, the soft glow fading as she stepped back.

"You’re in worse shape than I thought. You should really find ways to let your body rest, Kana. Staying this tense all the time isn’t healthy."

She said matter-of-factly, crossing her arms.

Kana took a moment to steady her breathing before replying, trying to ignore how warm her cheeks still felt.

"I know, I know... don’t worry. I’m actually heading to a resort soon. Once I get a chance to rest there, I’ll feel much better."

She exhaled, forcing a small smile.

Evaya’s brows rose slightly in surprise.

"A resort?"

She repeated, tilting her head.

"Mm-hm. It’s already planned."

Kana nodded quickly, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

Evaya regarded her for a moment, clearly curious, but in the end, she chose not to press further.

"I see."

She said simply, letting the topic go.

They resumed walking, the silence between them now lighter than before. The tension in Kana’s posture had lessened, and she even allowed herself a small, content sigh.

After a short while, Kana glanced sideways at Evaya, her lips curving into a playful smile. "You know, you’re really skilled at this. That massage... you’re amazing, Evaya."

The compliment landed harder than Kana probably intended. Evaya’s steps faltered just slightly, a faint heat creeping up her neck.

"I—it’s nothing special. Anyone in my position would have learned the same techniques."

She said quickly, averting her gaze.

Kana shook her head firmly.

"I don’t think so. If I were in your position, I doubt I would’ve bothered learning all those extra skills in the first place. So, don’t sell yourself short. You’re really incredible, Evaya."

Her voice softened, warm and sincere.

For a brief moment, Evaya felt her chest tighten—not unpleasantly, but with a warmth she wasn’t used to.

Compliments weren’t something she often received, and certainly not like this.

"...Thank you."

She said quietly, her voice carrying an uncharacteristic softness as she kept her eyes ahead, unwilling to let Kana see the faint pink dusting her cheeks.

But despite that warmth, something unsettled churned beneath the surface.

As they walked, Evaya’s thoughts wandered to places she’d been avoiding for days. The jealousy she’d been denying was becoming harder to ignore.

She couldn’t place Kana the same way she placed others.

No matter how much she told herself otherwise, Kana was different—her freedom, her closeness with High Priestess Jenna, the way Jenna looked at her, worried for her, prioritized her.

It gnawed at her, a quiet ache she kept buried beneath her calm exterior.

But she knew there wasn’t much she could do about it. Whatever these feelings were—envy, frustration, maybe even something deeper—they were irrelevant.

Her role wasn’t to question, nor to interfere. She simply had to keep them locked away, deep within, and continue doing what she always had.

By the time those thoughts had settled, the towering gates of the temple came into view.

The golden spires caught the waning sunlight, casting a warm glow across the pristine white walls.

Kana slowed as they approached, taking in the serene sight before them. The courtyard was quiet, the air carrying the faint scent of incense drifting from the inner sanctum.

The distant sound of chimes swaying in the breeze gave the place an almost dreamlike stillness.

"It’s so peaceful here today..."

Kana said softly, her voice carrying a note of awe as her eyes scanned the temple grounds.

"It’s usually like this. Somehow, though, every time you’re involved, the temple ends up in chaos."

Evaya replied, her tone even. But then her lips curved into the faintest smirk as she added,

Kana’s face went red instantly, her head snapping toward Evaya in protest.

"H-Hey! That’s not my fault!" she exclaimed, puffing her cheeks in frustration.

Evaya raised a brow, her smirk widening just a little.

"Mm. If you say so."

Kana let out an indignant huff, muttering under her breath as they passed through the grand entrance into the temple.

The serene silence inside contrasted sharply with their playful exchange, but Evaya couldn’t help noticing how, despite everything, walking beside Kana like this... felt strangely natural.

Even if she’d never admit it out loud.