Transcending the Magic Era: The Supreme Female Archmage

Hearing Auster's words, Chu Qiuchi breathed a slight sigh of relief and joked, "Haha, goodness, I almost took this joke seriously, and even thought of names for our future children."

Although he knew she was just being playful, Auster still had a fleeting impulse to tell her that it didn't have to be a joke. But he knew it could only ever be a joke. The half-day he could borrow today was already incredibly precious to him.

He lowered his head, concealing the disappointment in his eyes, and said softly, "So what name did you want? Tell me."

Chu Qiuchi was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, "Call her Audrey!"

Hearing her actually say the name, Auster paused slightly, a smile flashing in his eyes, and the corners of his mouth lifted gently. "Audrey? That's a nice name, but... why does it sound like a girl's name?"

Chu Qiuchi blinked and said mysteriously, "Yes, it's a girl's name. I've thought about it seriously. If I have a daughter in the future, I'll name her Audrey. How elegant!"

Auster looked at her playful expression and couldn't help but laugh out loud, "You really are... you even planned out the gender?"

Chu Qiuchi shrugged and laughed, "Of course, I have a very clear plan. But I was just saying that casually, so don't take it seriously."

Auster lowered his eyes, concealing the complex emotions within them, and said softly, "Well, I won't take it seriously."

His voice was soft, as if he were speaking to himself. He knew Chu Qiuchi was just joking, but for a moment, a ripple of emotion stirred within him. If... if that day truly came, how wonderful that would be.

Seeing him lower his head and remain silent, Chu Qiuchi assumed he was thinking about something, so she smiled and patted his shoulder, "Alright, don't think so much. Today is your birthday, cheer up! Come on, eat your food."

The two chatted and ate, and the atmosphere gradually relaxed. Auster would occasionally crack a joke, making Chu Qiuchi laugh heartily. Chu Qiuchi would also tease him with various witty remarks, and the two exchanged banter, their laughter radiant.

However, happy times are always fleeting. As dusk fell, a gentle breeze blew through the tent, bringing a touch of coolness. Auster put down his chopsticks and said softly, "Qiuchi, thank you for today. This has been the happiest birthday I've ever had." And the only one I've spent with you.

Chu Qiuchi looked at him with a hint of tenderness in her eyes, "As long as you're happy. We can do this every year from now on."

Auster smiled but didn't reply. He knew that such a "future" might not exist, but at least for this moment, he felt a happiness he had never felt before.

He stood up, walked to the tent entrance, and looked up at the distant starry sky. The night sky was dotted with countless stars, as if telling countless untold secrets. Chu Qiuchi walked to his side and followed his gaze to the starry sky.

With the bright moon hanging in the sky and countless stars twinkling, Chu Qiuchi felt a surge of emotion.

"Come on, I'll take you to do something interesting."

She grabbed Auster's arm and, without waiting for his reply, pulled him away.

Auster looked at the hand on his arm and smiled silently.

The two ran to an open space without a tent. Chu Qiuchi took out thin white paper, tape, wax blocks, and thin wire from her mental space. She quickly began to make the items, while Auster stood aside, watching her work with curiosity.

Soon after, a simple Kongming lantern was completed. Auster followed suit and made one as well.

Looking at the novel object in his hand, Auster asked curiously, "Qiuchi, what is this?"

"This is called a Kongming lantern. Light a candle in it, make a wish, and it can carry our wishes and blessings far away, making our dreams come true. Give it a try!"

She lit the wax block, and the flames roared up, gradually making the lamp feel lighter.

Chu Qiuchi quickly closed his eyes, clasped his hands together, and whispered a wish: "May all those I care about and those who care about me be safe, healthy, joyful, and carefree; may the world be at peace and wars cease."

She released her hand, and the Kongming lantern slowly rose into the sky, carrying her wishes into the night. Chu Qiuchi smiled and urged, "Aust, come too, release your lantern."

Oste nodded and lit his Kongming lantern. He closed his eyes, his expression earnest and devout, and whispered his wish: "May my loved ones be happy for the rest of their lives; may all my wishes be fulfilled; may my human race prosper for generations to come."

Let go, and the Kongming lantern slowly rises into the sky, walking side by side with Chu Qiuchi's lantern, gradually merging into the starry night sky.

The two stood side by side, looking up at the two Kongming lanterns that were gradually disappearing into the distance, as if they were carrying their hopes and dreams, flying towards the unknown distance.

A gentle night breeze brought a touch of coolness, but it also dispelled the worries in his heart. Chu Qiuchi turned to look at Auster and said with a smile, "How was it? Wasn't it interesting?"

Auster turned his head, his gaze falling gently on her face, and said softly, "Yes, that's very interesting. Thank you, Qiuchi."

His voice was soft, yet carried an indescribable depth of emotion. Chu Qiuchi was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "No need to thank me, it's your birthday today, of course I want to make you happy!"

Auster smiled but didn't reply, only looking up at the night sky. The two Kongming lanterns had become distant points of light, as if they had merged with the stars.

“Qiu Chi,” he suddenly spoke, his voice low and gentle, “if one day my wish really comes true, will you be happy for me?”

Chu Qiuchi raised the corners of her mouth, a bright smile on her face, and gently patted his shoulder. "Of course it will! Your wish will definitely come true."

Auster turned his head and looked at her intently, his eyes seeming to hold a thousand words, but in the end, they only turned into a soft sigh: "That's good."

The night breeze blew again, bringing a touch of coolness, but also an indescribable tranquility and warmth. The two stood side by side, neither speaking, and time seemed to stand still at that moment.

However, this tranquil scene happened to fall into the eyes of Ji Moyu, who was still wandering outside.

He had been wandering aimlessly, his heart heavy with unresolved frustration, until two Kongming lanterns rising slowly into the sky came into view. Their light was faint yet warm, like the gentlest guide in the night sky. He followed the direction of the lanterns, his pace quickening unconsciously.

However, as he approached, he saw Chu Qiuchi and Auster standing side by side, their backs to each other. Chu Qiuchi looked up at the night sky, her eyes reflecting the starlight, a faint smile on her lips; while Auster's gaze remained fixed on her profile, his eyes filled with tenderness and affection.

Their shadows stretched long in the moonlight, a harmonious image like a painting. But to Ji Moyu, this scene was like a sharp knife, tearing his heart apart.

He stood rooted to the spot, his feet seemingly nailed to the ground, unable to take another step. He wanted to call her name, but his throat felt blocked, and no sound came out. He could only stand there, watching helplessly as the two stood side by side.

At that moment, he suddenly realized that if he did nothing, he might really lose Chu Qiuchi. An unprecedented sense of panic swept over him, making him almost unable to stand.