### Chapter 42: Please Be My Puppet
Finally, Eypar sincerely apologized.
It was only then that Night Star completely let go of her anger, although she still felt that Eypar wouldn’t learn from this.
Night Star squatted on the ground, hugging her white silk calf with both hands, and glanced at Eypar. “So you still haven’t found Lianhua?”
Eypar shook her head, causing her spiky hair to wobble.
“I couldn’t. This city is just too big, and there are so many people. It’s almost impossible to find her in such a short time.”
“Indeed.” Night Star thought for a moment, understanding the difficulty of the task.
Then Eypar, with a curious expression, asked, “Speaking of which, where did you go yesterday, Night Star? I searched everywhere and checked your place too, but you weren’t there. I thought someone might have caught you.”
“Uh… Just found a random spot to rest.”
Night Star fiddled nervously with her hair.
Yesterday, she had gone back to the Night Watcher Base with Mo Yu, completely ignoring the ghost girl who tried to help her.
If she knew, she would probably be really sad, right?
“Oh well, as long as you’re safe.”
Eypar seemed unfazed.
For her, finding Night Star again was already the happiest thing ever.
“So where are you headed now, Night Star?”
“I plan to check Lianhua’s house. Maybe I’ll find some clues.”
“I see! You think she could’ve gone back home? Got it, let me protect and guide you!”
Eypar looked like she had everything under control, though she was just another useless, non-combat spirit.
Just harmless, incapable of any real protection.
Night Star decided to rely on herself.
“You being here at all is a great help to me,” she thought sarcastically.
—
Meanwhile.
Puppet Master quietly walked down a familiar street, where everyone seemed unaware of her presence, continuing with their scripted roles.
Following her instincts and memories, she found herself in front of a familiar villa.
With no hesitation, she walked forward.
“This must be it.”
It seemed like what she had been seeking might be here.
Puppet Master entered the empty villa and approached a room, opening the door and stepping inside.
Such a familiar room.
Is this hers?
A puzzled expression crossed her face as she followed her feelings to a corner where a storage box sat filled with marionettes that gave her a sense of familiarity.
She loved them.
But they weren’t what she was looking for.
What she needed was more precious, more cherished…
“Where could it be?”
She didn’t know.
Then, touching the marionettes in the box, injecting her power, hoping to bring them to life.
Her butler, noble lady, villagers, hero…
Were all exquisite marionettes.
Next second, those puppets powered by her, radiated terrifying energy, dispersing in all directions to carry out her will.
With her task complete, Puppet Master left the room and the villa altogether.
As soon as she stepped out, a voice rang out with excitement.
“Lianhua!”
“Who?”
Puppet Master turned to see an unfamiliar silver-haired girl, giving her an odd sense of recognition.
Strange.
Who is she?
—
Viewpoint shift.
Seeing Lianhua, Night Star’s heart raced in excitement, nearly jumping for joy.
Well, looks like her luck was still decent.
Surely, finding Lianhua right away wasn’t something she expected.
Going to her house was a good call indeed.
Finally!
“Wow~ Turns out she is here.”
Eypar covered her mouth in surprise when she saw Lianhua.
Despite checking the place yesterday, she hadn’t expected to find her here.
“Hmm… Could Night Star have led her into a trap?”
Eypar pondered, believing it was just coincidence.
Luck certainly plays a role here.
As Night Star prepared to approach Lianhua, a cool voice came from her.
“Question: Who are you?”
“Huh?”
Night Star paused, puzzled.
Then a theory started forming.
“I’m Night Star, your friend.”
“Night Star?” Puppet Master seemed to feel the weight of the name, familiar and dear.
But it wasn’t what she was searching for.
She extended her hand, reflecting Night Star’s image.
“I like you a lot. Become my puppet. I’ll make you the best lead actor.”
Night Star frowned slightly.
Why does this feel so familiar?
“Hmm… Even if you say that, it’s not possible.”
“What a shame,”
Disappointment washed over Puppet Master’s face.
If Night Star were to become her puppet, she’d make for the perfect partner—one worthy of being a star among her puppets.
Faced with Night Star’s refusal, Puppet Master showed a strong possessive streak.
In that case, she would forcibly turn her into a puppet.
“What?”
Hearing Puppet Master’s hostile tone made Night Star uneasy.
She figured this would happen.
Transformed Lianhua didn’t recognize her.
In other words, she might not be Lianhua anymore; instead, Puppet Master driven by Star Eclipses.
Driven by Star Eclipses’ will, this was a terrible disaster.
Was there no way to save her?
“…”
Seeing Puppet Master’s estranged emotion in her eyes, Night Star felt lost and her confidence faltered.
Yet, not a few seconds later, Night Star clenched her fist, her resolve strengthening.
No, it could still be possible!
White Fish’s mom and Eypar were living proof!
Even as Star Eclipses, they maintained their identities.
That’s it!
The solution simply needs to be found. There’s surely a way.
Night Star decided to awaken Lianhua’s memories.
If she no longer recognized her, she would try to make friends again.
“Lianhua.”
“Call me Puppet Master.”
“Hmm… Puppet Master, can we be friends?”
To which she replied…
“No. The stage doesn’t need friends. You’ll be my puppet,” Puppet Master insisted.
Night Star nearly passed out.
This was just like her future self—always wanting to dominate her.
Night Star realized what being her ‘puppet’ meant now.
Not in costume, but transforming her through Star Eclipses, making her just another mindless walker.
“No, I refuse. I don’t want to be a puppet. I just want to be your friend. No matter how difficult, I won’t give up.”
“In that case.”
Puppet Master’s expression turned cold.
Next second, overwhelming Star Eclipses energy surged forth, creating intense pressure.
Zing!
Countless invisible strings swooped towards Night Star, ready to control her forcefully.
“Yikes!”
Night Star shrieked and dodged.
Fortunately, the strings weren’t fast enough to reach god-speed levels, allowing her to avoid them barely.
“Eh…?”
Eypar watched, perplexed.
“Why fight?”
Ghost Girl floated toward Puppet Master, trying to reason with her.
But Puppet Master’s icy gaze said it all, devoid of any warmth.
“You can’t be my puppet. Leave.”
“Wah!”
Eypar’s pupils dilated, shrinking back slightly, overwhelmed by fear.
Terrifying… What’s this?
Can she see her now?
At last, fear overcame Eypar’s curiosity, making her retreat.
“Waaah! Run, Night Star, she’s scary!”
