Chapter Fifteen: Missing a Light
Li Le narrowed her eyes almost imperceptibly, the curve of her lips growing softer. She took a couple of steps forward, cradling the “Glowbug” in her hands, and placed it gently on the bed bathed in the tower’s light. Her voice was low and gentle as she spoke:
“…I know you’re the bravest, most brilliant hero of all…aren’t you?”
The Glowbug’s ears twitched at her words, its little paws dropping as its beady black eyes fixed on Li Le, emitting a series of squeaks: “Zee—zee—”
“Really?”
Li Le’s eyes narrowed, and she smiled with easy confidence. “Of course. You’re the bravest, strongest Glowbug I’ve ever seen.”
The Glowbug placed its tiny paw in the center of its oval body, waving its arms and legs in excitement, its dark eyes shining as it squeaked:
“Zee—zee zee—”
“Haha…I knew it! I’m the bravest Glowbug in the whole tribe…”
Li Le chuckled, nodding sincerely. “That’s right. You’re the bravest—none of your fellow tribesmen can compare. I’ve never seen a Glowbug as courageous and clever as you…”
At this, the Glowbug gave a strange little laugh—“zee zee—”—a proud glint appearing in its eyes.
Then, suddenly, it seemed as if someone had pinched the back of its neck. The laughter cut off abruptly. It stared at Li Le, its body stiffening.
“Zee—zee zee—”
“You can understand what I’m saying?”
Li Le’s lips curled in a sly smile, but she gave no reply.
She set the Glowbug down on the table, turned, and strolled lazily toward the bed, letting out a languid yawn that brought a tear to the corner of her eye. Speaking to herself, she murmured, “Ah…so tired…it’s late already…time for bed. Brother Bai told me I should rest…”
She ignored the warmly glowing Glowbug entirely.
The Glowbug stared in utter disbelief as the person who had just been whispering sweet words to it turned away and slipped into the soft, long-haired bedding.
Lying on the bed, Li Le found it even softer than before. Glancing around, she noticed yet another layer of plush fur peeking from the corner of the mattress. Inwardly, she praised Brother Bai’s thoughtfulness and soon felt at ease enough to fall asleep.
The Glowbug was furious, but its half-moon-shaped little body and tiny paws made it nearly impossible to climb down from the table. It called out angrily:
“Zee—zee zee—”
“Can you even hear what I’m saying?!”
“Zee—zee—zee—zee zee—”
“I’m a paragon of strength and wisdom, you know! If you keep ignoring me…I’ll just…just leave! You’ll never find another Glowbug as brave as me!”
But here, the Glowbug hesitated, its voice faltering. Clearly, it was remembering Li Le’s praise from earlier, along with the cold shoulder it usually received in the tribe. It finally continued:
“Zee—zee zee—”
“I am magnanimous. If you answer me now, I’ll let bygones be bygones for your previous offenses!”
…
Li Le lay on her side, hugging the soft quilt, the corner of her lips curled in a faint smile. She ignored the little creature.
She was keeping it for a reason—why else would she have gone to such lengths? Her time was precious now.
But usefulness aside, it still needed to be kept in line. If rewards came too easily, they would mean little; she needed to make her point clear.
Besides, its temperament left much to be desired. It needed a bit of tempering, to have its arrogance whittled away.
Otherwise, with all its self-important “I, the great one” talk—even if those around her didn’t mind, she herself found it grating.
As for what she needed it for… Well, she’d have to venture into the Death Mist someday, and she still lacked a proper lamp, didn’t she?
Bathed in the Glowbug’s flickering light and its tiny cries, Li Le closed her eyes. The lighthouse beam streamed through the window, spilling over her, filling her with a gentle warmth that lulled her toward sleep.
…