I've been transported into a Western fantasy game, and my dad wants me to marry my sister.

Chapter 72 Betrayal and Withering 0 of the Blossoms 2

Around noon.

Vera stood at the entrance of Sylvia's restaurant, hesitating for a full five minutes before finally mustering the courage to push the door open and go inside.

"Vera! Vera!"

"Over here! Over here!"

Upon seeing Vera arrive, Sylvia ran out of the kitchen, her face instantly breaking into a bright smile.

"You're here! I've been waiting for you for so long—where did you go this morning? I saw a figure that looked a lot like you, but..."

"I...I had something to do this morning..." Vera interrupted her guiltily, not daring to look her friend in the eye.

"Going to the forest... to practice magic."

"I see." Sylvia, unsuspecting, happily pulled her to sit down in their usual spot.

"You must be hungry, right? I made your favorite honey-baked ribs again today, and also tried making a new berry tart!"

Soon, the fragrant food was served.

The golden-brown, caramelized ribs are brushed with glistening honey and served alongside tender, roasted root vegetables.

Berry tarts, on the other hand, have a crispy crust piled high with freshly picked forest berries and drizzled with a layer of clear pectin, making them look incredibly tempting.

In the past, Vera would have cheered and then devoured the food without any regard for her image.

But now...

She picked up her knife and fork, cut off a small piece of rib, and put it in her mouth.

The sweetness of honey and the aroma of pork filled my mouth—it was delicious, and Sylvia's cooking was as excellent as ever.

But for some reason, she always felt that something was missing.

It lacked that amazing feeling that made her heart race and her taste buds explode.

It lacks that complex flavor with a blend of unfamiliar spices and rich layers.

It lacked that magic that made her completely forget her image and only want to bury herself in her food.

That's too traditional.

Unlike Lynn, I can't always provide myself with different and novel experiences.

"How is it?" Sylvia looked at her expectantly, her twin ponytails swaying gently as she leaned forward slightly.

"Mmm...delicious."

"Sylvia's cooking skills are getting better and better."

Vera forced a smile.

This is the truth, but it's also a compliment that comes out of insincerity.

Because in her mind, she couldn't help but compare this meal to the meat buns and sweet tofu pudding that Lynn had made that morning—

Then, to her dismay, she discovered that she actually thought Lynn did a far better job.

In fact, Sylvia is simply incomparable to her.

This realization made her feel even more guilty.

She shouldn't have compared the dishes that Sylvia genuinely prepared to Lynn's.

She ate in small bites, but the food on her plate disappeared unusually slowly.

She, who usually eats a whole serving of ribs plus two berry tarts, only ate less than half of it today and already felt... full.

It's not that I'm actually full, but rather that I feel "enough" psychologically.

Her taste buds were still craving more stimulating flavors, but her stomach had already lost interest in the food in front of her.

She seems to have gotten used to the taste of Lynn's cooking.

"Vera?"

"Why are you eating so little? Are you feeling unwell?"

Sylvia noticed her unusual behavior and asked with some concern.

"Ah... um."

"I'm probably a little tired from practicing magic this morning, so I don't have much of an appetite..."

Vera nodded quickly, as if grasping at a straw.

She put down her knife and fork, unable to look into Sylvia's disappointed eyes.

"Is that so..."

"Are you coming over again tonight? Do you want to rest for a bit? I'll make you a cup of calming herbal tea?"

"I've prepared a surprise for you tonight, I think you'll like it."

Sylvia's voice lowered.

"No."

"I'll go back and rest for a bit..."

I don't know if I'll be free tonight, let's talk about it then.

Vera stood up, her tone hurried.

She had already made her choice.

However, she still didn't know how to face her best friend's feelings.

She practically fled the restaurant.

The moment the door closed, Vera leaned against the wall outside and let out a long sigh of relief.

My chest feels heavy, like a stone is pressing on it.

She looked down at her hands—the hands that had just held the knife and fork were still trembling slightly.

I'm sorry, Sylvia.

She said it softly to herself.

I didn't mean to lie to you.

But... but I really...

In her mind, Lynn's mischievous face and his tempting words, "I've prepared a surprise for you tonight," reappeared.

A struggle flashed in her emerald eyes, but it ultimately turned into a resigned sigh.

She turned and walked towards her treehouse.

Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the leaves, casting a long shadow behind her.

I'm so sorry.

Sylvia.

I am sorry.

Lynn's surprise that evening seemed even harder for me to refuse.

I can't go back.

......

Inside the restaurant, Sylvia stood by the window, watching her friend's hurried departure, and gently bit her lower lip.

She looked down at the half-eaten ribs and berry tarts still on the table, her eyes gradually dimming.

"Vera..."

She murmured softly, her voice filled with confusion and hurt.

"What...is wrong with you?"

Outside the window, a gust of wind blew by, shaking a few early-withered lily petals from the tips of the leaves.

Pure white petals swirled in the air, slowly drifted down, and finally lay quietly on the soil.

Like the withering of something pure.

Silently.

They fell into the mud.