I Raised the Fallen Lop-Eared Rabbit into a Yandere 21p2

Chapter 21: Metamorphosis p2

The rain outside grew heavier. The thick curtain of rain hid all the darkness under its shadow.

A pool of water that had not yet evaporated remained on the clean floor.

The bloodstains had been wiped clean. A large incense burner stood where the corpse had been.

White smoke curled upward, the sweet fragrance firmly masking the metallic, damp smell.

It was as if nothing had happened.

A small, dancing flame in the center of the incense burner illuminated Lina’s pale lips and the blood-stained nightgown she wore.

She was too tired. From her spirit to her body, she was on the verge of collapse.

After cleaning up the scene, she curled up in front of the mirror, staring at the face opposite her in the faint light.

The storm tonight had changed too much.

She deliberately put on a teary-eyed expression. For a few moments, with her eyes full of tears, she was still the pitiable little rabbit. But if one looked closely, a hint of paranoia, hatred, and indifference had been added to those blue eyes.

There was no going back.

The Lina trapped in the nightmare had not come out at all. All the scabbed-over wounds had split open the moment Adele left. She had roughly covered them with a white cloth, trying to forget the wounds.

Hatred is also a kind of strength, and she had indeed become stronger because of it.

But a wound is a wound. Without careful tending, it would eventually fester under the self-deceiving white cloth, then rot deeper and deeper, until it could no longer be smoothed over, no longer be healed.

Lina was already numb. She felt no pain. Two streams of tears rolled down her face without warning. She only wiped them away woodenly, then hugged herself.

Every time she had a stress response, Adele would hold her like this, gently comforting her.

“Don’t be afraid.”

“Good girl.”

“I will always be by your side…”

Lina imitated Adele’s tone, repeating the reassurances she had heard countless times, trying to find a moment of peace.

She collapsed onto the cold floor, like a schizophrenic, comforting herself.

Soon, her consciousness grew dim.

She seemed to hear the chirping of birds in the valley, the mooing of cows. A faint, creamy fragrance filled the air.

“Lina?”

“Lina.”

A gentle call lingered in her ears. Lina opened her eyes in a daze and found herself lying on a completely unfamiliar small bed.

Adele was holding a plate of golden-brown muffins. The clear apple sauce had just been poured on, and you could still see the fruit pulp.

“Time to get up. Today’s breakfast is your favorite muffins.”

“Teacher…” Lina still hadn’t reacted.

Adele reached out and tapped her nose. “We’re together now, why are you still calling me Teacher?”

Together?

Lina repeated, “Together?”

Adele lowered her collar a few inches. “Little bad rabbit, don’t even think about reneging.”

Lina’s gaze followed her movements.

!

A moment later, her two rabbit ears turned bright red.

Adele rubbed her head. “I have to deliver the milk to the town in a bit. You stay here at the farm by yourself. Don’t run around, okay?”

Lina couldn’t hear her words at all. They went in one ear and right out the other.

She gripped the bedding. “We really…”

Lina was in disbelief.

Adele’s eyes were still gentle. The only difference was that the love in them was about to overflow.

“Do you like me?”

She asked softly.

Lina nodded first, then shook her head violently.

No!

She didn’t have those kinds of thoughts about Teacher!

Absolutely not!

“Your mouth says no, but your heart says yes.” Adele cupped her face and smiled. “I’ll give you one more chance.”

Lina felt like her heart was about to jump out of her throat.

Thump, thump, thump!

She didn’t move, didn’t hide, and didn’t deny it again.

“So you’re admitting it?” Adele asked, knowing the answer.

Lina gave a “Mhm.” Seeing Adele’s gaze fall on her lips, her breathing quickened. A moment later, she obediently closed her eyes.

Alright.

Alright.

Whatever Teacher wants to do is fine.

One second.

Ten seconds.

Fifteen seconds.

Nothing happened.

The seconds felt like years. Lina finally couldn’t wait any longer and opened her eyes. The moment she lifted her eyelids, Adele moved closer.

“Remember my face. Look into my eyes.”

!

Lina trembled and forgot to breathe.

Adele’s kiss was just like her.

Restrained.

Gentle.

Just a touch.

Lina was very innocent. Just one second was enough to make her little face turn bright red.

“Since you call me Teacher, then let me see…” Adele coaxed in a gentle voice, “how well you’ve just learned.”

The word “Teacher” was like some kind of switch. Lina always subconsciously obeyed.

Smelling the cool fragrance on Adele, she began to feel dizzy, her whole being in a daze.

At this moment, she was completely at her mercy.

Lina was inexperienced and ardent. Nothing had even started, yet she was already trembling slightly, her scalp tingling.

A feeling of emptiness descended upon her. The innocent person had finally been enlightened.

She understood where that nameless fire that was about to burn through her reason had come from.

She felt like she was about to be burned to death.

Lina desperately needed a source of water.

Adele was right there. With a reckless thirst, she moved closer.

Just as they were about to touch, the beautiful dream shattered.

Lina woke up abruptly. The rain outside was still falling.

A torrential downpour.

The world was soaked, and she was also soaked through.

The flame in the incense burner was still dancing, like Lina’s ignited heart.

She slowly propped herself up, then crawled to the side of the wardrobe.

All of Adele’s clothes were hanging inside.

Lina’s throat moved. As if bewitched, she reached out a hand toward one of the garments.

She needed her teacher’s scent.

She needed it very much.

【Eh? Why can’t I see anything?】

【Come on! Why is it like this again!】

【Is she going to [censored] with her teacher’s clothes?】

【Person above, why were you censored?】

【Are we being set up?】

【I think we’ve connected to the Jinjiang network again.】

Lina fell from the clouds.

The hand, bewitched by desire, stopped moving. She didn’t dare to move again, letting the sweat and water flow.

A crucifix hung in the room. She gazed at the Jesus nailed to it.

His death could atone for the sins of humanity. Could it also atone for her sins?

Lina trembled in the afterglow, her hands tightly gripping Adele’s clothes. Every wrinkle was evidence of her sin.

Jesus seemed to lower his head.

Lina felt as if countless eyes were watching her from the ceiling. Her face was flushed, but her back was covered in cold sweat.

She was suddenly overcome with a strong sense of guilt.

Guilt, shame, embarrassment…

These emotions washed over her at the same time. Her mood quickly plummeted.

What was I just doing?!

How could I do such a thing…

Lina held Adele’s clothes tightly in her arms. No one had ever told her that this was nothing to be ashamed of.

As for stealing clothes…

That indeed deserved to be punished.

Lina thought of that beautiful dream again, of Adele’s every frown and smile. All the details were so real.

The temperature of her skin, the rhythm of her breathing, the beat of her heart—she remembered them all vividly.

Lina felt herself about to be lost in that dream again.

Because Adele was so gentle.

Because Adele’s gaze only held her.

Because she was thinking of Adele…

And it felt good.

This is really the end.

Lina had only one thought. She had to destroy the evidence again.

She took her own soiled nightgown and Adele’s clothes into the bathroom together.

It’s okay.

As long as it’s washed clean.

Who will know what happened?

Lina stood by the washbasin, vigorously rubbing the fabric.

There was a mirror in the bathroom.

As Lina was rinsing with water, she suddenly looked up.

She looked at herself in the mirror, slowly raising the corners of her lips, erasing the fierce hostility in her eyes, and changing back into that obedient little rabbit.

Her hands were soaked in blood-red water, but her face was practicing an innocent, harmless smile.

Teacher, I will always be obedient.

Will you always be with me?

*

A low-key carriage was parked at the exit of a secret passage.

Under Yuan You’s escort, Adele left the royal palace.

“I really don’t know how to thank you, my lady.”

Yuan You wore a half-mask, her gaze faint. She smiled. “It was nothing. Also, once the College of Arms has confirmed your identity, I’ll send someone to inform you. But their efficiency is indeed very slow.”

Adele thanked her repeatedly. “I understand. It’s okay.”

Yuan You took out a large bag of gold coins. “Her Highness specifically instructed that you were robbed and have no money on you, making travel inconvenient. It’s better to settle down sooner. Staying with others is not a long-term solution.”

What is a long-term solution?

Getting close to the princess?

Adele understood the probing in Yuan You’s words but pretended to be clueless. “No, no! I’ve already received a great kindness from the princess. I can’t take this money.”

Yuan You smiled, bypassed her, and placed the gold coins directly in the carriage. “I hope we can meet again.”

This time, Adele accepted her olive branch. “I will never forget the kindness of saving my life. If there is anything the princess or my lady needs me for, please do not hesitate to ask.”

Yuan You smiled and nodded, patting the horse’s rump. “A safe journey.”

“Farewell.”

Adele got into the carriage and quickly disappeared into the forest.

A dirty woman lay in the bushes, watching Adele’s carriage disappear completely before turning to leave.

…

The princess’s bedchamber was filled with a sleep-inducing incense. Yuan You placed her sword by the door and walked in lightly.

“You’re finally back.” Huaguang threw back the bed curtains, her expression a little cold.

Yuan You hurried forward, glanced at her, and said apprehensively, “Your Highness, I just sent her off.”

“What was her reaction?” Huaguang asked faintly.

Yuan You told the truth. “She is a sensible person who knows her place.”

“That’s good. I may not need her, and she may not be willing to get close to me.” Huaguang threw back the covers. “But her identity is questionable. It’s best not to make an enemy of her for now.”

Yuan You took the initiative to squat down and gently cupped Huaguang’s left foot before it touched the ground. “Understood.”

Huaguang stepped on her palm. “The movements on Your Majesty’s side are more important. You must help me keep a close eye on them.”

“Rest assured, Your Highness. Everything you’ve instructed has been taken care of.” Yuan You’s gaze fell on the top of Huaguang’s foot—

Beneath the thin skin, two intertwined, grayish-blue veins could be seen.

The person who had kissed them lowered her head even further. When she went to get the socks, her hand trembled, and she even dropped one on the floor.

A dead giveaway.

Huaguang looked down at her.

The subordinate, forcing a calm demeanor, understood what was proper, what the rules were.

She was very satisfied.

But the more satisfied she was, the more she couldn’t resist the urge to bully her.

“I don’t want to wear socks,” Huaguang said suddenly. “They’re uncomfortable.”

Yuan You was stunned for a moment, then looked up and asked, “Does Your Highness not like this material? Should I get a pair of woolen ones?”

Huaguang moved her foot from her hand. “You’re the one making me uncomfortable.”

Hearing this, Yuan You smiled.

She’s throwing a tantrum again.

This time, she didn’t kneel immediately. Instead, she grabbed Huaguang’s ankle directly. “It’s already autumn. It’s absolutely not acceptable for Your Highness to not wear socks.”

“How audacious!” Huaguang didn’t know what had gotten into her. Just a moment ago, she was an obedient dog. How did she suddenly bare her teeth?

“Your Highness.” Yuan You used a clever bit of force and, in the blink of an eye, had put the socks on Huaguang. “Have I not been audacious enough?”

“You!”

Just as Huaguang was about to scold her, Yuan You let go, took half a step back, and knelt by the bed.

“Your subordinate has overstepped. Please, Your Highness, punish me.”

Huaguang was suddenly at a loss.

A reward was a reward.

A punishment was also a reward!

The good little puppy has gone bad!

“Don’t touch me!” Huaguang pushed away Yuan You’s hand, which was trying to help her put on her shoes, and stomped away.

Seeing this, Yuan You quickly got up and trotted after her.

It’s over.

More coaxing to do.

*

The carriage hadn’t even come to a complete stop before Adele jumped out.

Everything in the manor was as usual. The closer she got to the top floor of the castle, the faster her heart beat.

Is Lina okay?

She hurried to the door of the room. The moment she pushed it open, she took a deep breath and prayed silently—

Please, let Lina be okay…

“Mmph—”

Adele pushed open the door. The first thing she saw was the little rabbit ball, tied up. Her face was covered in tears, and the silk scarf gagging her mouth could only produce some muffled, whimpering sounds.

It was a miserable sight.

“Lina!”

Adele rushed forward and carefully untied the silk scarf. “I’m sorry… I’m back late…”

Lina cried a river of tears. “Teacher, save me… When you’re not here, everyone bullies me!”

“It hurts so much…”

Adele’s heart was shattered into dust. She cut the ropes in a few quick movements and pulled Lina into her arms. “Did someone hit you?”

“Mhm.” Lina clutched her clothes.

“Where did they hit you? Let me see quickly, is it serious!”

Lina’s eyes flickered. “Just hold me for a while first, I’m begging you.”