Star Rail: Starting with a Lyre, Living off Busking

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After the "misleading embrace," the elven queen let Nahida go with an ambiguous smile.

Though her gaze remained warm and intense, she refrained from any further physical contact.

Nahida, however, instinctively stepped back, nearly retreating behind her companions. No matter her form or demeanor, she had no defense against the overwhelming presence of a woman so mature and maternal—almost saintly in her affection.

To be called "beloved daughter" in front of so many people… this is way too embarrassing!

"Ah, did I scare you? My apologies. You're just so precious—I couldn't help myself," the queen said, tilting her head. Her expression was a blend of guilt for startling Nahida and the innocent sincerity of a girl caught doing something mischievous.

It was hard not to notice that the queen was, in every sense, a beauty rivaling even the forest princess.

More than that, she radiated the aura of a woman at her most captivating stage. The silver silk gown she wore clung to her body, accentuating every curve. Her long, shapely legs were graceful and alluring, while her hips evoked the figures of women in classical religious paintings—voluptuous and magnetic.

Even March 7, who was no stranger to charming sights, felt her heart skip a beat, her face flushing red.

And as for Nahida, the sensation of that overwhelming softness from the earlier embrace lingered. The memory of being enveloped by those impossibly generous proportions etched itself deeper into her mind, despite her attempts to forget.

As Nahida's cheeks flushed once again, the queen's radiant smile only grew more vibrant, like a dahlia in full bloom.

If Nahida's current appearance embodied the pinnacle of "adorable," then the elven queen was the very essence of "womanly perfection."

The juxtaposition of these two was so striking that even March 7—a girl barely stepping into adulthood—felt her confidence crumble in their presence.

"Hey, what's with that running commentary?" March 7 hissed at Stelle, who had been calmly narrating her thoughts aloud with a deadpan expression. She raised a pink fist, pretending to threaten her.

"And you! Show some awareness as a fellow woman!"

"Me?" Stelle blinked, then glanced down at herself. She straightened her posture, pushing her chest out slightly, making her already subtle curves seem a little more defined.

"…Alright, I get it. But could you tone it down a little?"

March 7 quickly turned away and shoved Dan Heng's face in another direction, shielding him from the chaos. "The last thing we need is for you to start gawking too!"

Despite her flustered scolding, she was utterly at a loss for how to deal with Stelle's unbothered antics.

Dan Heng, who had been silently observing, sighed. Why is this team like this?

"Your companions are quite amusing," the queen remarked, her tone indulgent as her gaze lingered on the group. She walked over to Nahida, her every step measured and elegant, and gently took Nahida's hand.

"They're… they're great, yes! So, uh, thank you for hosting us…" Nahida stammered. Despite her typically calm demeanor, she found herself utterly disarmed by the queen's mature charm.

Perhaps sensing her unease, the queen softened her expression even further, her voice soothing. "No need to be nervous. You must be exhausted after such a long journey. The ceremony will not take place immediately—you and your companions can rest here tonight. A proper dinner will also be prepared for you."

"Ah, thank you very much for your hospitality," Nahida replied with a small bow, her voice slightly strained.

The queen smiled warmly, motioning for Nahida to follow her into the throne hall for a tour.

The Trailblazers exchanged glances and, without hesitation, followed behind. Even Mimiya, who had been trying to stay unnoticed, moved forward nonchalantly to join them.

Before Mimiya could blend in completely, a voice called out behind her.

"Ah, I wasn't sure at first, but now that I'm closer—Mimiya, is that really you?"

A bespectacled woman, bearing a striking resemblance to Mimiya, approached. Her delicate features were lit with surprise.

"What are you doing here? Don't tell me the rumors are true—that you've been working directly under the princess?"

"Wha—?! Sis? Why are you here?" Mimiya yelped.

"Have you knocked your head on one of your adventures? I've been stationed in the Golden Forest as a scribe for five hundred years."

Mimiya's sister smiled gently, though there was a clear note of exasperation in her expression.

"It seems you haven't been reading the letters I've sent you, have you?"

"I have! I mean, I totally—ahh!"

Mimiya's protests were cut short as her sister, smiling "warmly," twisted her ear.

While Mimiya was caught in familial chaos, the Trailblazers followed the queen deeper into the throne hall.

As they entered the grand chamber, Nahida felt an immediate shift in the air.

The elven queen's earlier gentleness gave way to a solemn demeanor, her expression now one of regal seriousness.

At the center of the hall stood the throne, a natural formation of the World Tree itself. Countless branches extended from its base, resembling veins that connected it to the massive, luminous Golden Tree behind it.

The tree's trunk shimmered with a translucent, almost otherworldly quality. From its golden canopy, fiery leaves drifted downward, their physical presence undeniable despite their ethereal glow.

As Nahida stepped inside, the golden branches seemed to stir, weaving together to form a mesmerizing spectacle—thousands of hands and eyes emerging in an intricate dance. The rustling leaves created a symphony, an eternal hymn of compassion and grandeur.

"So… this is the World Tree?" Nahida whispered, her voice tinged with awe.

Nahida's quiet words seemed to echo the thoughts of every Trailblazer present.

The elven queen, who had led her to this place, turned gracefully, her figure illuminated by the radiance of the Golden Tree. For a fleeting moment, her silhouette seemed adorned by a thousand outstretched hands. Yet upon closer inspection, it was only a hazy halo of light.

What might have felt eerie instead radiated a divine serenity, as she spoke in a voice like song, melodic and resonant, as if reciting sacred verse.

"In this realm, myriad trees flourish, their blossoms undying.

For every soul in need, the Tree of Compassion is born anew."

With her final words, the Golden Tree blazed like a miniature sun.

The vibrant light carried an indescribable vitality, and everyone present felt a peculiar sensation wash over them.

It was as though they stood in a golden sea of wheat, waves of grain rippling under an eternal wind. Growth was perpetual, life unending, and the sensation of being immersed in an endless cycle of flourishing ecosystems was profoundly moving.

"Wow, this feels… amazing," March 7 murmured, closing her eyes to savor the sensation, a strange fullness settling into her spirit.

Beside her, Dan Heng's brows furrowed deeply, his eyes closed as if lost in distant memories.

Meanwhile, Stelle's gaze became unfocused, her expression blank as if she were gazing upon an astral vision.

In her mind, she saw a divine figure suspended among the stars—a serene Aeon of Abundance.

The entity's jade-like skin gleamed with alabaster purity, yet their body bore fissures, each crack revealing blackened voids adorned with ruby-red eyes. Seated upon a tree of crystalline jade, they gazed downward, their gaze tender yet immeasurably sorrowful.

"You… are the Abundance," Stelle whispered.

As Nahida softly uttered the same title, a wave of celestial grace descended.

"Wait—!"

Her expression shifted, and she raised her hands as if to reject the blessing, but the gift was already bestowed.

Instead of the calamity-laden rainfall she had feared, this was a pure benediction from the Aeon of Abundance.

This divine insight enriched her mastery over her domain and power, advancing her understanding to new heights. Her body underwent a startling transformation.

Her hair, once tied in a single side ponytail, began to grow. The ribbon slipped loose as her locks cascaded down like a silken waterfall, reaching the ground.

Her petite frame blossomed, transitioning rapidly from childlike to the form of a maiden, and finally to that of a fully grown woman.

The ethereal purity of her presence took on an enchanting allure, one that stirred both reverence and a subtle, magnetic desire.

This stunning transformation lasted but a moment. Just as swiftly, her appearance reverted to her original youthful form, as if time had rewound itself.

When everyone reopened their eyes, it was clear something profound had shifted.

Dan Heng's hair had grown longer, his ears now elongated and elegant, akin to the forestfolk. A pair of dragon-like horns adorned his forehead, faint crimson markings accentuating his sharp features, his eyes carrying the essence of a dragon's majesty.

Stelle, hands on her hips, puffed out her chest with a hint of pride, as though something had subtly "grown" as well.

Nahida, while seemingly unchanged physically, now carried an aura that was impossible to ignore. Her gaze, pure and serene, paired with her tender smile, exuded the paradoxical feeling of a young mother's loving wisdom emanating from a childlike visage.

March 7, however, seemed entirely untouched.

She glanced around at her companions—Dan Heng's newfound regal poise, Stelle's faintly enhanced figure, Nahida's luminous aura—and suddenly felt a pang of insecurity.

"Wait a minute! Why does it feel like I'm the only one who didn't change?!"

Even the elven queen tilted her head slightly, a curious look crossing her face as she studied March 7.

"Could it be that March has another god she venerates?"

"Um… well, I sort of follow the Earth Mother, I guess? Some people even say I'm a priestess of her church…" March 7's voice trailed off, her confidence wavering under scrutiny.

The queen frowned slightly, like a child pouting. "Impossible. The Earth Mother would never allow her followers to have such a figure."

"Wait, can we even talk about this?!" March 7 exclaimed, her embarrassment quickly giving way to gleeful curiosity.

"It's fine. Everyone knows about her… quirks." The queen rested her hand on her cheek and smiled mischievously. "Despite having the figure of a child herself, she often likes to present as a benevolent, maternal saint."

"What?! That's so juicy!" March 7 gasped, suddenly full of energy as she pieced together the implications. "So that's why all her priests are—oh, I knew there was a connection!"

Her thoughts drifted to certain flat-chested clerics she knew, and she couldn't help but stifle a giggle.

While March 7 was lost in her musings, Dan Heng clenched his fists and took a steadying breath. His dragon horns shimmered briefly before beginning to fade, a low growl of disapproval echoing faintly in his mind.

"I am not your shadow. Begone!" he muttered under his breath.

The dragon-like form dissolved, leaving Dan Heng drenched in sweat. His heightened state had been an unconscious reaction to the celestial energy, a manifestation of his instincts to protect himself.

Still, now that everyone had seen it, there would be questions. How would he explain this?

Before he could dwell on it, March 7 dashed toward Nahida, scooping her up and rubbing her cheek against Nahida's smaller face.

"Ahhh! I don't know why, but I suddenly feel this overwhelming urge to cuddle Little Nahida!"

"Don't act on it first and explain later! And stop calling me 'Little'—it makes it worse!"

Nahida protested, wriggling in her arms as March's affectionate assault continued. "Why do you always find the most annoying places to nuzzle?"

As the commotion unfolded, Stelle approached Dan Heng quietly.

"You okay?" she asked, her tone low and steady.

"I'm fine." He shook his head, though his tone carried a mix of relief and regret.

Stelle studied him for a moment before adding in a whisper, "Don't worry. We won't tell Mr. Yang or Himeko."

Dan Heng chuckled faintly. "That won't be necessary. They already know. If anything, their overprotectiveness is because they're all too aware of my... nature."

He ran a hand through his still-longer hair, his expression complicated.

"Right...they are, after all, the adults here..."

"You sound thoughtful," Dan Heng observed.

Stelle nodded. "Nahida once said she wanted to teach me to be an adult. Though, according to her, she could only do so before we returned to the train."

"…Wait, what?" Dan Heng blinked, his curiosity piqued. "Run that by me again?"

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Greetings, esteemed Readers,

Your steadfast support throughout this journey has been as constant as the tides and as enduring as stone. In the spirit of gratitude, I am pleased to announce the release of bonus chapters, a reflection of your unwavering dedication and enthusiasm.

Should you wish to continue fortifying the foundation of these tales, WiseTL's efforts can be supported here:

[patreon.com/WiseTL].

Even the humblest contribution becomes part of an enduring legacy, a cornerstone for tales yet to unfold.

As my time here concludes, may the strength of stone guide you forward. Until we meet again.

With utmost sincerity,

— Zhongli