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Looking down, she saw many affectionate faces.

That is trust, that is peace of mind, that is a promise of eternal companionship.

Looking up at the dazzling fireworks against the night sky, glancing back at the children behind her, and then at Korni standing with her hands behind her back, the silver-haired girl felt a tickle in her eyelashes and a misty feeling in her heart.

Turning her face away, the girl spoke softly, saying only:

"Let's go home."

P.S.: This is almost the end. I have so much to thank everyone; just reading this far is the greatest encouragement for me.

Due to a lack of energy and poor health, I borrowed some of my old books in the later parts of the story. I apologize for this and do not ask for your forgiveness.

At the very least, I want to give Nan Yin, Ke Er Ni, and those elves a complete ending. I feel the same way about all the books I've written.

There will be some epilogues and side stories, or even some bonus chapters in the future, which may be welcomed by everyone.

Once these things are settled, I will also finish writing my other book, "Bad Woman," as is a promise I should make as an author.

After both books have concluded, a new book should be coming soon. If possible, I hope everyone will take the time to read it, but I won't force you. (You can join the book club group.)

In short, thank you for being with me all this way.

Bonus Chapter: Her Imperfections

(This is a parallel world's Nanyin, a Nanyin that is no longer gentle, but indulges in unrestrained desires. Just like one of the many possibilities glimpsed in the Mirror Cave.)

(She is no longer favored by fairies, no longer a true hero, but ascends to the top with the evil type, achieving the champion's throne.)

(This is just a product of my divergent thinking, an "what if" scenario, so please don't take it too seriously. Just enjoy reading it. I might write an "other version" in the group later.)

"Hush-hush-"

The harsh, noisy flapping of wings startled the little finches perched on the branches. They swarmed away, fluttering their wings and scattering quickly before any harm could come.

Alone, leaning against the wall, gazing at the dim moonlight outside the window, a bitter taste lingered on Korni's lips.

Of course she knew whose spirit that fluttering-winged creature belonged to.

Its owner is Carlos's current champion, Nan Yin. This Ms. Nan Yin, who reached the pinnacle of the World Championships at the age of 18, has become a leader admired and respected by all trainers.

Similarly, that graceful figure, that beautiful image that often appears on the screen, is also his nominal lover, the lover he once promised for the rest of his life and for the future.

Yes, that's all in the past, a regret I don't want to recall or mention.

Looking around, 'home'—her lover's place in Miare City—felt both familiar and strange.

This quiet villa is located in a secluded suburb of the city, far from the hustle and bustle of the crowds, nestled among lush trees and surrounded by vibrant flowerbeds.

Korne initially loved this cozy little home and naively thought that by staying at home, they would not be subjected to strange looks from others and could live a long and fulfilling life.

But she never imagined that this was a place any woman could visit, not just herself, but also Diantha, the movie star, Cynthia, the distant guest from Sinnoh, and even the Unova Elite Four member Cattleya... Just like the impression people have of a champion, Nanon has everything a champion possesses, including a social circle that surrounds her with endless brilliance.

Many, many people have visited this place. Korni was never the first, and Nan Yin doesn't seem to intend to be the last.

The winged beast of the wasteland stood on the branch, opened its crimson eyes, and stared directly at her, as if warning this uninvited guest from the remote countryside not to do anything foolish.

Korni covered her lips, her face cold, and closed her eyes.

It's ridiculous that it dares to look at me like that when it's clearly outside the window.

The next moment, Lucario appeared behind it, silently driving away the former and completing the hunter's mission for the night.

Just as Zhenyifa sank into the shadows, the sound of keys clicking could be heard from outside the door.

Her 'lover' went home.

"I'm sorry, Cornet, today's party is too much."

A soft female voice came from outside the door.

Before tonight, Korni really liked Nan Yin's voice, especially when they slept together, but now it's different.

Serena had told her an hour earlier that the party had ended at 10 p.m., when the champion was having a long and unrestrained conversation with a female guest who had come from afar.

"Korne, you're so naive. You've been together for almost three years, and she's never revealed this relationship to anyone. Everything you know about Nan Yin is just a beautiful facade she presents to you."

Korne cut off communication with this acquaintance.

She rejected Serena's negative view of the relationship.

At the same time, her heart sank because of these words, as the clock tower's hands had already pointed to the early morning.

Even though Serena is also active in social circles, she never deceives herself, unlike that wicked woman who always tells lies with a gentle smile.

A faint scent of perfume slowly filled the room. The owner of this beautiful illusion, with his usual deep affection, gently sat down beside Korni and embraced the girl's slender waist.

"What's wrong? Don't stay silent, okay?"

It was a question tinged with worry.

Her lover, dressed in a black-trimmed dress, still exuded elegance at the party, her long silver hair neatly styled, resembling a dignified and graceful angel. Coupled with her soft, pleading voice... it was this deceptive aura that led this fighting gym leader to make a grave mistake a few years ago.

"Cornee?"

Seeing that Korni remained unmoved, Nan Yin gently stroked her back with her fingertips.

The unique nature of the exploration made the girl's shoulders and neck tremble slightly, and the anticipated excitement pulsed with excitement wherever her fingers touched.

......

Korne remained silent, clenching her teeth.

She thought to herself that she shouldn't have abandoned her long-held reserve and come to Nanyin's golden cage.

The female champion's extreme perfunctoriness in life and her extreme skill in flirting only made her feel that she was just one of the many casual flirtations in Nanyin music.

"Korne, let me admire you properly..."

With a smile, Nan Yin grasped the pendant on the girl's chest and gently placed a ceremonial kiss on it.

Just as she was about to cup that pretty face in her hands, a clear voice stopped those approaching pink lips.

"That's enough, that's really enough."

"...?"

Nan Yin raised her head and looked into Ke Erni's eyes with confusion.

This usually strong young woman had an unusually complex emotion in her eyes, clearly mixed with pain.

"Honey, what's wrong?"

Slightly distracted, she reached out to touch Korne's face, but was once again stopped in mid-air.

"Don't put on an act in front of me, Carlos the champion."

Korne's face was frosty, her usual vitality vanished, yet she still couldn't bear to apply any force to her hands, otherwise, red marks would be left on the other's fair skin.

She opened the French windows, and a cool breeze immediately rushed in from outside.

Under the somber moonlight, Lucario was already waiting by the window.

"Korne, are you leaving? What's going on? Can you tell me a reason?"

"If you can't manage your relationships with your colleagues... no, with everyone around you, then the next time we meet will only be on the battlefield."

Hearing these words, Nan Yin fell silent, letting the golden hair that symbolized farewell brush past her fingers, leave her sight, and fade completely into the night sky.

......

After the girl left, Nan Yin stood silently by the window for a long time, as if she was pondering something she could not understand at all.

At this moment, the small, black beast slowly walked to her side, leaped into her warm embrace, and nuzzled the trainer's chin with its pointed ears.

"Buy~"

It's Umbreon.

"So, that's what Korini-san thought..."

Nan Yin's eyes were deep and she sighed softly: "Korni... she is really gentle. She may seem stern in her words, but she has actually left me with the most leeway."

Of course, she understood Cornet's gentleness. That phrase, "See you on the battlefield," seemed resolute, but in reality, it left the greatest way out—no open accusations, no hysterical denunciations, not even a demand for exclusivity. She simply drew a line: Please manage your chaotic relationships properly.

Gently stroking the little animal's fur, she remained silent, only picking up a photo frame from the table. The photo captured the day she and Korni confirmed their relationship.

On that evening, the blonde girl mustered her courage and confessed her love to herself. At that moment, their smiles were as radiant as morning flowers, overflowing with sweetness.

Perhaps, Nan Yin was indeed moved by this emotion at that time, but—

"But I don't want to agree to her request."

Without the Pink Diamond Princess's company, Marchado appeared from the darkness, hovering quietly. It offered no comfort, but simply gazed at her, as if she were a mirror reflecting the light and darkness within her heart.

“What she wanted was to be unique, Marshadow.” The girl walked to the window. The direction where Korne had left was now empty, with only the rustling of leaves in the night wind. “A unique place, pure emotion, like what she gave me, fiery and focused.”

“But that’s too heavy, isn’t it?” Nan Yin chuckled softly, a hint of self-mockery in her voice. “Light is light because it shines on all things, not just one person.”

"Karuna's elegance, Orchid's profound beauty, and Cattleya's unique charm—they are all part of the splendor of this world. To appreciate, approach, and feel this beauty is as natural as breathing. How can this be considered chaos?"

She reached out, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the cold glass, as if the warmth of the blonde girl's touch still lingered there.

“Korni is too naive.” Nan Yin’s eyes gradually turned cold, and the confusion and feigned worry completely disappeared, leaving only a cold and clear-headedness.

She turned around, and the moonlight outlined her beautiful yet aloof profile.

“I enjoy her energy, her focus, and her unreserved love. Seeing her work so hard for me really touches my heart. This feeling is genuine.”

"But she thought love was possessiveness, a pure love that discarded all impurities. But shouldn't true love be about acceptance? Accepting my brilliance, accepting my—"

"need."

Love should be self-discipline.

Author's Closing Remarks

From its beginning in the sweltering summer to the same day of the following year, this book has officially come to its final chapter.

Most of the time, the beginning of a book often stems from a random thought, but for me, it was because I had read too many elf books and felt that they were repetitive like picture books, cloying like oiled paper, and lacked originality and intelligence.

This is not to say that my book is better than theirs, but I just don't like their writing style and emphasis.

Many people have said that my writing is too ornate, and perhaps that's true; I can't deny the opinions of many. But most of the time, I feel that I'm just trying to describe a scene more vividly, which also facilitates the expression of emotions later on. I never add unnecessary filler words.

I apologize if this makes anyone uncomfortable.

I am not a great author; I just want to write about the people I need to focus on and depict the scenes I need to describe.

The warmth of life and the poignant moments of hardship—that's what I want to write about. Similarly, I hope these words can offer some comfort to those of you who are also working hard, soothing the anxieties of city life, even if only in the slightest.

Indeed, the story of Nan Yin and Yi Bu, and the future of Korni, ended abruptly. However, I am simply lacking in energy and my health is deteriorating. I can only ask you to bear with this hasty conclusion.

Of course, their story is not over yet, and our story will continue.

I look forward to our next meeting (with a new book), maybe in a week, maybe not long, but I will eventually pick up my pen and write about things I am passionate about.

I hope that in the future, you will happen to glimpse my new book and remember that there is such an author and her writing style.

Good morning, good afternoon, and good night.

Side Story 1: The Shade of the Sun (Take a look!)

(The timeline is three years after the main story ends, just after the ZA storyline concludes. I recently finished the game, so I'm writing this side story to add some of my own thoughts.)

As day and night alternate and time passes, several years seem to have gone by in the blink of an eye.

Looking up again, it was nearing the end of winter.

Today, by sheer coincidence, we have a rare sunny and snowy day, which is why we hear such joyful sounds.

"Nanyin, come here quickly!"