Chapter 1231

Charge, charge, charge, the next treasure!

After clearing a roadblock, Baterus eagerly prepared to rush to the next treasure site.

Eh, don't rush. Just now you asked me that question—I suddenly remembered——

... What? Problem, what problem?

It's… that question. After you dug up the second treasure, you deliberately asked me that.

Baterus rubbed his head: "Um… to be frank, big sis, have you been under a lot of mental pressure lately? I never asked any question just now—you must be hallucinating!"

"Oh… is that so?" Sai Feier spread her hands, "Maybe you really hit the nail on the head—I've been a bit tense lately, I really need to relax… Come on, let's go to the next treasure."

Treasure! Charge, charge, charge!

Watching Baterus charge ahead, Sai Feier let out a soft cold snort.

"The blazing spark condenses in my chest~ in my chest~ condenses!" As she walked, Sai Feier began to sing.

As for singing, I'm still better, big sis!

... Transcending time~ space~ Fire Pursuit Journey~

One person and one thief spirit sang as they came to the treasure site; after solving the golden scapegoat before the treasure, Sai Feier seemed to notice something, her expression instantly turning solemn.

She plucked a golden silkworm from Baterus's waist.

"... Shh, be quiet! Don't say extra words." Sai Feier turned to look at the silkworm, "That seamstress—she's listening to everything."

Baterus was instantly frightened: "What, what?! Big sis, what do you mean——"

"You stay over there, don't speak… I'll go meet her."

Sai Feier strode toward the silkworm.

"Yo, seamstress! Your tricks are getting more despicable—do you really think I wouldn't notice the little bug you've hung on me?"

"... Heh. As time passes… I've also started relying more on my own luck. With just this little silkworm's power, I still can't escape your keen eye… Sailiya."

Sai Feier raised her chin proudly: "Hmph… even if you could fully control Baterus's consciousness, I could still see through your disguise—Aglaea. You've gone to great lengths to eavesdrop on my every move—what's your motive? I've already said, you could succeed without me; why cling so desperately?"

"For the trip with Xiadie and Huizi, I already made an exception and acted. Asking Shizi to open wide again—wouldn't that be pushing it?"

Aglaea fell silent for a moment, her tone filled with a sorrow she had never shown before.

"I… I'm sorry, Sailiya. Though I've schemed all my life, I never could have imagined our relationship would freeze to this point."

——

Jujutsu Kaisen

"This must be Aglaea's last strength, right? In this final moment, isn't Sai Feier unwilling to say why she's been avoiding Aglaea? …This is the last chance!"

Even Huzhang couldn't help but worry for Sai Feier; if they missed this chance, Aglaea would die never knowing why Sai Feier left her……

Huzhang felt a heavy weight in his chest.

Just like in the despairing underground platform during the Shibuya incident, watching Nanami being killed by Mahito helplessly. That feeling of helplessness was like a sponge soaked in icy water, jammed tight in the chest, making each breath taste of regret.

He didn't want Aglaea to leave carrying regret. If possible, he only hoped that this demigod who had upheld the Fire Pursuit for over a thousand years could resolve her own inner knot in her final moments.

Huzhang took a deep breath, trying to suppress the suffocating sourness in his chest. He knew that in Wengfalosu, death isn't the end; as long as Bai'e completes the Fire Pursuit Journey, they can meet again in the new world.

……But if Aglaea and Sai Feier lose their memories then, will they still recognize each other?

"Sai Feier……could it be that she has some unspeakable secret?"

Yui Itto keenly caught the change in Sai Feier's expression; a flicker of reluctance and melancholy passed through her eyes…… but she quickly suppressed it.

"Unspeakable secret? If it's some dissatisfaction toward Aglaea, you could say it now." Rixiabu Dunye furrowed his brows, "Aglaea is probably the one who's cared most for Sai Feier, right? Their relationship used to be so good; their affection surely didn't suddenly deteriorate—something must have happened in between…… Sigh, it really hurts."

——

"To figure out what I did wrong… I spent over a hundred years reflecting and examining myself; but you never wanted to give me a chance to speak frankly face-to-face."

"……"

Sai Feier's pupils trembled slightly as she looked up at the silkworm: "You… don't use that tone; you know I can't stand it."

"A thousand years ago, that ignorant me… lost the most pleasant sound of waves in my life because of silence."

Sai Feier lowered her head: "Hesyin……"

Aglaea said solemnly: "So this time, even if it's just futile, I must convey the message into your ear—I need you, Sailiya. The mission of the golden lineage needs you."

"My long‑delayed finale… is finally coming. No matter how much resentment you hold toward me in your heart, it will dissipate with my departure."

"Return to Aohema, I beg you. Without you, they cannot win the struggle."

"……"

Sai Feier lowered her gaze, two fine shadows cast by her eyelashes on her cheeks.

She tried to press her voice cold and hard, yet with a barely perceptible tremor: "... Tch. I'll consider it, seamstress. Stop watching me… unless you want to completely lose trace of me."

"Heh… rest assured. Even though I greatly wish to hear your voice again and see your face……"

The golden‑thread silkworm's voice grew weaker, flickering like a candle in the wind.

"Goodbye, Sailiya."

A line of moisture at the corner of her eye was wiped away by the wind; Sai Feier gently closed her eyes.

"... Farewell, Aglaea."