Lark, who had just finished dressing Fengguang up, praised her. “Princess, you really are the most beautiful person in all three realms. With just a little dressing up, no other fairy could ever hope to compare to you.”
“Though appearance isn’t as important as one’s heart,” Fengguang said, looking at her reflection in the bronze mirror, “it is still an incredibly pleasing thing to look beautiful.” She spoke half in self-praise, but without the slightest trace of shyness.
“The princess is right. Ah… if only I could be as beautiful as you,” the young maid sighed.
Fengguang lifted her gaze and saw that Lark was also a very pretty and delicate girl. Amused, she said, “Why are you sighing? I think you’re quite beautiful yourself.”
“But still not as beautiful as you, Princess.”
“Oh? Do you want to outshine me?”
“Princess, you misunderstand! I would never think such a thing!”
Seeing that she was about to kneel in apology, Fengguang quickly caught her hand and kept her from bowing. “Alright, alright, I was only teasing you. No need to be so nervous. I’ve been getting ready for so long that Suva must be growing impatient waiting outside. Let’s go.”
“Yes, Princess.”
Lark opened the door, and Fengguang walked out. At once, her eyes fell on the man standing under the osmanthus tree.
Sunlight streamed down in dappled patterns across his white robes, making it seem as though mist and clouds lightly veiled his form. He looked as if he didn’t belong to this mortal world at all.
Then again, Fengguang couldn’t help but laugh to herself—Suva was not of the mortal world, and neither was she. They were celestial beings, the so-called immortals in the eyes of men.
“Forgive me for keeping you waiting,” she said.
“To wait for a beauty—no matter how long, it’s worth it.” Suva’s eyes showed no sudden amazement at her elaborate attire, for he always looked at her with such tender warmth. That warmth was far rarer and far more precious than fleeting astonishment.
Fengguang didn’t want to admit that her heart skipped a beat under the kind of gaze that could drown her.
He naturally reached for her hand. “Shall we?”
She nodded. “Alright.”
From the courtyard, Lark watched the two figures, tall and graceful, side by side as they walked off into the distance. She couldn’t help but think, The man handsome, the woman beautiful—truly a perfect match.
Back then, so many had marveled at the princess. Not only was her beauty unrivaled, but her strength was unmatched as well. People often wondered what kind of man could be worthy of her. And who would have thought that the one worthy of the princess would turn out to be nothing more than a humble teacher at the Celestial Academy?
Nothing more than a teacher…?
Lark’s gaze gradually dimmed.
The Heavenly Palace, usually so quiet, was bustling today because of the Empress’s birthday celebration. From all three realms—demon, spirit, and immortal—many arrived bearing gifts. At the entrance, all were required to present an invitation before being allowed inside. But when the guards saw Fengguang, they dared not stop her. Instead, they bowed and greeted her respectfully, “Greetings, Princess.”
Fengguang savored for a moment the benefits of her noble status. Just as she and Suva stepped into the long corridor of the Heavenly Palace, they happened upon a young girl.
Beiming Yu was dressed in a pale yellow gown today. The moment she saw Suva, her eyes lit up, and she hurried forward with a bright smile. “Hello, Teacher,” she greeted sweetly.
Her cheerful demeanor made it seem as though she had completely forgotten her confession from just a few days ago. But one thing remained the same—she ignored Fengguang completely.
Lucien On ABRWF Chapter 34.1