My Instant Death Doomed Firefly to a Lifetime of Regret

Gramr Imperial Academy

Dawn roused Liuying from sleep.

Her lashes fluttered open to amber light. Warmth lingered in her palm—An Ming slept slumped in a chair, his hand gripping hers.

His room. His bed. Her cheeks flushed.

He's 13! He sees you as a sister! She chastised herself, easing her legs from the sheets.

The movement woke him. "Morning, Liuying."

"Good… morning."

Sitting upright, she steeled herself. "I won't let you die. I don't care about Gramr's fate—just yours."

An Ming traced their intertwined fingers. "We'll survive. Together."

"Promise me." Her voice trembled. "One more year. I'll teach you everything. Then—the Mountains."

"Deal."

"But if danger comes," he grinned, "I'll die for you."

"That's mutual life-debt nonsense!"

Liuying leaned close, nose scrunched. "I'm the elder. I protect you."

"Of course, jie-jie."

Her palm swiped at his head. "You're mocking me! Extra drills today!"

Laughter echoed as they danced around the room.

[Age 14]

Liuying unleashed hellish training. The girl who devoured three Oak Log Rolls wielded blades like winter gales.

You surpassed every swordsmaster. Five moves—that's all instructors lasted.

Swarm whispers resurfaced in galactic newsreels. Molten Knights streaked skies hourly. The Empress assured peace.

Whoosh!

An Ming's blade halted mid-strike. Sweat dripped.

Liuying's twin tails swayed as she smiled. "Graduated."

He'd beaten her.

"All thanks to Master Liuying."

"Just Liuying." She preferred her name on his lips. "Celebrate with cake?"

"Stberry shortcake. For our hardworking teacher."

Her nod faltered. "The Mountains… tomorrow."

"Ahem. 'Romance dulls blades,' was it?"

Annie's voice cut through the hall. Her glare lingered on Liuying.

"Liuying's my mentor. What do you want?"

"Father—Parliamentor Caesar—says your sync test begins at dawn."

Jealousy prickled Liuying's chest at mentor.

An Ming ruffled her hair. "Teacher. Sister. Savior. My everything."

"I-I knew that!"

Sunlight couldn't rival her smile.

They shared strawberry cake at sunset. Liuying nibbled like a contented mouse, cream dotting her lips.

"Stop staring." She shoved a spoonful at him—missed his mouth, smearing his chin.

Laughter bubbled as he dabbed cream on her cheek.

"Wasteful!" She retaliated with a perfect bite.

Here, she wasn't a hack. Just a girl. Just his.

She still didn't understand this warmth in her chest. But cakes didn't matter. Battles didn't matter.

As long as I have you.