“!” But unlike the other Snowpriests, who were merely surprised and confused, FrostNova—the one being hugged—almost jumped out of her skin.
She instinctively pushed Griseo away and asked seriously, “Are you okay…?” However, before Miss White Rabbit could finish her sentence, her gaze swept over Griseo’s still snow-white, delicate skin, and her words gradually faltered.
It wasn’t until this moment that she finally calmed down, realizing that this mysterious little child likely wasn’t afraid of her “cold.” “Mm꒪꒫꒪)?” “…” Looking at the blue-haired little loli tilting her head in confusion, FrostNova was silent for a moment.
She pinched her nose bridge, then, with a stern expression, “scolded” gently: “Next time, don’t just hug me like that.
What if you got hurt?” Although it was a scolding, her tone softened by the end.
Honestly, FrostNova had imagined all sorts of ways Griseo might use her [color], but she had never expected her to hug her, giving her a warm embrace.
Yes—a warm… hug.
Because of her Originium Arts and Oripathy, FrostNova’s body temperature was extremely low—low enough to freeze anyone who touched her.
So, hugging anyone?
She hadn’t done that for a long, long time.
“But… it’s cool, it won’t hurt me.” Hearing FrostNova’s tone soften, Griseo blinked gently, her eyes full of a bright smile.
“Mm?
You’re that sure?” FrostNova’s face showed a trace of helplessness as she tentatively reached out her hand toward Griseo.
After a brief touch confirmed that Griseo wouldn’t be harmed, she exerted a little strength and pulled her over to sit beside her.
“Mm, because your color is really pretty.
Not just you, but them too…” Griseo’s gaze swept over Talulah and the Snowpriests sitting nearby.
Then, as if remembering something, she looked back at FrostNova.
“Let me introduce myself.
My name is Griseo, I’m a painter… And you, sister?” Since everyone, including FrostNova, had already learned Griseo’s name from Talulah, no one asked again.
But now hearing her serious introduction, Miss White Rabbit didn’t hesitate to respond: “You can call me FrostNova or Yelena.” With Big Sis speaking, the previously quiet Snowpriests immediately became lively again, chattering excitedly with Griseo or introducing themselves.
“Eh!
Someone actually touched Big Sis!
How great!” “Yeah, Big Sis hasn’t touched anyone in such a long time…” “Right, right, we haven’t even introduced ourselves yet!” “…” Seeing her lively little troop again, FrostNova didn’t stop them.
Only after their chatter settled did she turn back to Griseo: “You were going to show me how to use my [color] to paint, right?” “Why did you only give me a hug?” What FrostNova didn’t know was that the moment she asked, Griseo had already absorbed her color.
“You… want to see?” Just as Griseo, speaking in FrostNova’s tone, was about to pull out her brush and easel, a questioning voice interrupted her.
“Little Griseo?” Alina, who had finished her own tasks, returned.
“Whose color have you absorbed now?” “Alina, you’re back.” Talulah, having heard the term [color] multiple times, could no longer contain her curiosity.
“Little Griseo, what’s going on?
And what exactly do you mean by [color]?” At Miss Dragon Girl’s question, the rest by the campfire also turned their curious eyes toward her.
Although they hadn’t spent much time together, the brief interaction was enough for the Snowpriests to be intrigued by this cute, mysterious child.
Not to mention, this blue-haired little loli could actually interact with their Big Sis!
Facing everyone’s curious gaze, Alina didn’t immediately answer.
She looked across the campfire at Griseo and asked gently, “Little Griseo, do you mind if I explain your situation to everyone?” “Mm꒪꒫꒪)…” Griseo simply shook her head lightly, saying nothing.
With Griseo’s permission, Alina finally stopped teasing and briefly explained to her friends and the Snowpriests what [color] was and what made Griseo special.
Even FrostNova and Talulah, who had already guessed a little, couldn’t hide their surprise at the explanation.
The Snowpriests immediately burst into excited chatter.
“…” Unlike the others’ astonishment, Griseo, the one being discussed, now lounged leisurely against FrostNova, softly yawning.
Though they hadn’t done much today, the little loli already felt a bit sleepy, prompting her to silently admire the effectiveness of a child’s routine.
“…Sleepy?” Noticing Griseo’s little action, FrostNova carefully reached out and stroked her bangs, speaking softly.
“I’m okay…” Hearing that, Griseo first nodded, then shook her head.
“I’ve remembered Yelena sister’s color.
Later I’ll paint a picture just for you and give it to you…” Knowing how important absorbing colors and painting was to the little loli in her arms, FrostNova’s expression became complicated.
“All this… painting, Griseo, aren’t you tired?” She had meant to ask whether constantly absorbing others’ colors and being influenced by them was tiring, but she didn’t know how to phrase it, so she changed it to “painting.” Griseo, guessing what FrostNova intended to ask, let a trace of a smile flicker across her violet eyes.
“Not at all… I really enjoy painting.
There are so many friends with me in the pictures.
And… everyone’s colors are really pretty, I like them a lot.” “I see…” Hearing Griseo’s explanation, FrostNova nodded slightly and began to think through some matters.
Though she still didn’t fully understand the little loli’s identity or why she had come here, it was clear that before the child left, she should help filter and shield some people… to prevent Griseo from being negatively influenced.
After all, the Reunion Movement was large and complex, with some personnel difficult to deal with… not evil, but harsh-tempered at times.
Meanwhile, Alina and Talulah exchanged a few words.
Talulah, understanding her friend’s intentions and noticing that some things weren’t suitable to discuss here, also saw that FrostNova and Griseo were getting along well and decided to ask for help in watching over the little child.
In the end… FrostNova didn’t refuse, but she playfully nudged Talulah in exchange for some “snacks” to appease Griseo.
Having paid this small price, Talulah finally secured a brief moment alone with her best friend.
★ ★ ★ T/N: If you spot mistranslation, do tell me!
★ ★ ★ Shilling time!