This ring was something Kafka often used herself. It served more as a tool to manipulate silk threads than as an ornament.
Though clearly not a cheap trinket, it hadn't been crafted with elegance in mind.
It clashed slightly with the rest of the outfit.
The pairing felt off.
Lin Shuang raised her hand, studying the fingers Kafka was holding. Two rings adorned her left hand. The one Kafka had given her was noticeably more modest.
But still—
"No, I like this one."
She didn't pull her hand away, only smiled gently at Kafka.
"It's the first thing you gave me. Replacing it feels pointless."
Kafka's eyes shimmered faintly before softening into a smile. She didn't argue further.
"Alright. As long as it pleases you."
Yet, even without speaking, Kafka didn't let go. Still holding Lin Shuang's hand, she walked out of the shop with her.
Then, as they stepped outside and Kafka turned her back to her, sunlight spilled over her figure. She tilted her head, voice playful:
"Shall we go? Time to get our certificate. Or would you rather have a ceremony?"
"Ah… yeah."
The golden sun bathed Kafka in light, casting her in a glow almost too perfect for words.
With her elegant dress and the refined architecture as a backdrop, the entire scene felt like a painting.
Lin Shuang, caught in the moment, almost forgot what Kafka had just said.
By the time she processed it, Kafka had already tucked her into the car.
…
Compared to the last time she applied for a marriage certificate with Silver Wolf—
The visit to the government office with Kafka felt even more mundane.
Largely thanks to Kafka's presence.
Just a few quiet words from her were enough to part the red tape like water.
No complications. No resistance.
Even when Kafka gave her real name, nobody batted an eye.
From the system, a notification came through:
[Target: Kafka]
[Favorability: 70 (slightly concerned)]
[Relationship: Partner]
['She may look dangerous, but beneath it all, she carries deep love and kindness for those close to her.']
['That kind of gentleness, wrapped in danger, tends to raise a lot of rebellious kids.']
[Extra Reward: Two Crystal Necklaces]
[Reward: One Purple Card Draw]
Lin Shuang glanced at the screen. Her favorability had finally increased a little.
A small step forward.
Though it still wasn't much. More like mild concern than true affection.
As for the bonus reward—it was a necklace this time.
Once back in the car, Lin Shuang pulled the necklace out from her inventory as she stashed her ID away.
It came neatly boxed, and when she opened it, the craftsmanship was just as exquisite as always.
The purple crystal sparkled—exactly the same shade as Kafka's eyes.
She held the open box toward Kafka with a smile:
"Kafka, look. A return gift. The color matches your eyes."
Kafka paused, hand on the ignition. She looked down at the necklace and smiled softly:
"Thank you. It's lovely. Is this another pair?"
"Yeah. I've got one too."
Lin Shuang held out a matching necklace—same design, just a slightly lighter crystal.
They were clearly made as a set.
Kafka reached out, closed the box with a firm click, and then picked up Lin Shuang's necklace with her other hand.
Her eyes flicked between the pendant and Lin Shuang. Then, in one smooth motion, she leaned in.
"My dear, let me help you wear it."
Suddenly, Kafka was right in front of her.
Kneeling on one knee on the seat, leaning over, almost pressing her body to Lin Shuang's.
The car's narrow interior only made the closeness more intense.
Lin Shuang could hardly move. Kafka's face was so close, her breath warmed Lin Shuang's cheek.
"Hmm? Your face is red. Are you shy?"
Kafka chuckled lowly, unfastened the clasp, and rested her hand on Lin Shuang's shoulder.
"…I must've startled you, getting this close so suddenly."
Lin Shuang's gaze never left Kafka's face. She wasn't embarrassed—only lost in admiration.
That air of danger, so near and yet unreachable, was intoxicating.
Kafka's gloved fingers brushed aside her hair, cool against her skin.
In seconds, the necklace rested over Lin Shuang's chest.
"All done."
Kafka didn't move away. Her fingers lightly touched Lin Shuang's collarbone, tracing the pendant's shape.
In the car's soft interior lighting, the crystal gleamed.
"…It doesn't quite suit you. The color, I mean. You should pick one that complements your look better."
The crystal was lovely, but it clashed a bit with Lin Shuang's pale hair.
Kafka was sure she had chosen it for her sake.
"They're a pair, aren't they? If I wore blue or teal, it'd throw off the match."
Kafka still hadn't moved, so Lin Shuang reached for the other necklace from the box beside her.
She opened it, then leaned forward to place it on Kafka herself.
Their arms met midair. The pose felt strangely like a slow, mutual embrace.
The light brush of skin made the air grow heavy.
But as she neared Kafka's chest, Lin Shuang realized why she'd hesitated earlier.
Kafka's dress was veiled with sheer purple gauze—too similar in color to the crystal.
The necklace would vanish against the fabric.
On her, though, the gem was a perfect match.
Just… not with this dress.
"See? It suits you perfectly."
Lin Shuang didn't mention the color mismatch.
Being assertive was enough.
Kafka didn't argue. She smiled and replied lightly:
"Then my gift must seem rather half-hearted."
She bowed her head, letting Lin Shuang clasp it around her neck, then leaned back into her seat.
"This dress isn't half-hearted in the least."
Even if Kafka didn't make it herself, the dress was undeniably expensive.
To Lin Shuang, it didn't feel perfunctory at all.
--+--
T/N: I have decided to update 5 chapters for my books im translating every day.
I may be inconsistent, but i shall try to have a 5 chapter a day mentality.
Ofc, not all at once cause I don't really like scheduling my chapters cause its annoying to do.
I only did 4 chaps today to leave it on a nice number.
--+--
ANNOUNCEMENT: NEW TRANLATION
The titles too long so im too lazy, but its another star rail fanfic, go check it out.
--+--
QUESTION: Should I change the name of the mc?
Personally, I don't really mind changing the name, it was just more convenient to keep it chinese cause Xianzhou is practically china and it's known that the mc like Xianzhou culture cause they're from china, otherwise I would have already changed it, but I saw a comment recently about it.
If I get more than like... 10 comments on this asking me to change it ill change it to a Kianaesque name, seeing as she has already introduced herself to welt with a name different than Kiana.
Not a name that Welt would recognize though, but no complaints if you don't like the name if I do get more than 10 comments.
Also, This doesn't mean that I'll go back and change the name, cause that is annoying as fuck.