Chapter 362

Chapter 362: What Cannot Be Done, Cannot Be Done

“Little Sister must be weary after listening for so long. It’s time to retire to your chamber for rest.”

As Lin Yu’s thoughts drifted to Darkling Stalker, Red Pupil followed suit by shifting her gaze toward the white-haired girl’s shadow.

No sooner had the childlike voice faded than the shadow beneath the girl began to writhe. A murky silhouette emerged from its depths, coalescing in the next instant into a striking woman with cropped ash-gray hair and an impassive, frost-like demeanor.

The newly materialized figure fixed an unblinking stare upon Red Pupil, her silence as profound as midnight. The absence of expression, the void of inflection—even Red Pupil, adept at deciphering mortal hearts, found her sister’s inscrutable gaze momentarily impenetrable.

Lin Yu found herself taken aback by Red Pupil’s awareness of Darkling Stalker’s concealment within her shadow. Her eyes darted between the two women, tension thickening the air. The white-haired girl parted her lips as if to speak, yet ultimately remained silent, observing the silent standoff.

Red Pupil could indeed be considered her firstborn. Through four years of shared moments, Lin Yu had grown deeply familiar with her eldest daughter—their exchanges flowing with effortless ease. Were she compelled to choose, none embodied reliability more than this crimson-eyed daughter.

As for Darkling Stalker…

The mere thought of this particular daughter sent a swirl of emotions stirring within Lin Yu. Initial trepidation bordering on fear had gradually transformed during their moon-spanning interactions. Though their time together measured brief, it carried the weight of years—a paradox that defied reason.

They conversed with unforced camaraderie, traded jests without restraint, and… Lin Yu could even dote on her with playful affection… Oh, the mortification! This shameful secret must never see daylight!

Moreover… in certain aspects, Darkling Stalker represented her inaugural…

Cease! These thoughts must not take form!

Upon reflection, the two daughters stood as polar opposites. One basked in sibling adoration while the other dwelled in self-imposed isolation, her eccentricities repelling companionship. Red Pupil’s warmth drew others like moths to flame, whereas Darkling Stalker’s mercurial nature rendered her as elusive as mist.

Lin Yu’s anxiety intensified. Would their confrontation escalate beyond words?

“I took the liberty of preparing and adorning my sister’s chambers during your absence with Mother.”

The youthful voice rippled through the tension, honeyed and smooth as silk.

“Henceforth, let Little Shadow reside within these castle walls. Does this please you?”

Darkling Stalker maintained her wordless vigil, obsidian eyes piercing through Red Pupil. Perhaps recalling the lack of resistance during her previous abduction of the white-haired girl, perhaps sensing genuine benevolence beneath crimson gaze—her lips trembled faintly.

No words escaped, yet the barest nod of acquiescence followed.

“Most excellent.”

The young girl squinted her eyes happily at the words.

“Would you like to see the room Sister Magic Rainbow prepared for you? Sister Magic Rainbow mentioned wanting to sleep with you tonight. You could ask her anything you wish.”

As the words lingered,

the gray-haired daughter cast a deep glance at the young girl, uttered a soft “Hmm,” then strode toward the door.

Before exiting, she turned for one last look at the white-haired maiden in the bedroom, her eyes flickering with unspoken reluctance.

…

Once Darkling Stalker’s footsteps faded into silence beyond the room, the young girl hopped down from her chair with a sprightly bounce.

“Well, Mother, shall we begin?”

Her eyes curved into crescents, but this smile carried an unsettling difference that made Lin Yu’s heart flutter nervously.

“B-begin what?”

The white-haired girl instinctively softened her voice.

“Mother’s already guessed, hasn’t she?”

As she spoke, the young girl drifted to the bedroom door, securing it with a click before dimming the glowing Magic Crystal. She approached slowly,

shedding garments with each step.

Though devoid of crystal-light, Lin Yu’s innate night vision—a trait of her ant lineage—clearly captured every movement of this paradoxical child, neither fully eldest nor truly “youngest” daughter.

By the time Red Pupil stood before her, every stitch of clothing lay discarded.

Pale moonlight through the window revealed the girl’s crimson eyes pulsing with an eerie glow,

her slight frame trembling faintly—

was that… excitement?

But…

I’m not a lolicon!

Taking advantage of someone so young… In my past life, such content in anime, manga, or novels would’ve been taboo! Authors themselves would rage!

Moreover…

While disrobing during approach should feel seductive… with Little Pupil, it’s merely endearing and slightly comical…

Ah… Still as flat-chested as ever.

“Pfft—”

Oops—a chuckle escaped.

“What’s amusing Mother?”

The girl blinked at Lin Yu’s laughter before puffing her cheeks in realization.

“You’re mocking me!”

Even indignant, her milky voice remained adorably harmless.

“N-no, I wasn’t…”

“You’re still smiling! Your lips curve upward!”

Red Pupil huffed, then froze mid-protest, mesmerized by the white-haired girl’s quirked lips.

She drifted closer, spellbound—

“Not allowed.”

A pale palm intercepted the approaching kiss.

“Why…?”

The girl wilted instantly, head bowing like a frost-nipped flower.

“But Little Shadow could… You must’ve… with her… that whole month…”

“I was born first… took human form first… Did everything right… Tried so hard…”

Her voice frayed into watery whispers,

“Does… does Mother hate me?”

She jerked her head up, eyes glistening with liquid crimson.

“No! Of course not!”

Lin Yu flinched at the tearful accusation.

“Then… is it this?”

Small hands pressed against her barren chest.

“Too… underdeveloped…?”

Though steadier now, defeat weighted each syllable.

Suddenly, her eyes reignited. Retreating to the room’s center,

she shifted under the white-haired girl’s bewildered gaze—

morphing into a hulking black Iron Armored Ant.

«What about this form? Acceptable?»

“No.”

Lin Yu’s face remained impassive.