Aurora had just finished tidying herself up when she heard the doorbell ring.
Without needing to look through the peephole, Aurora could already see the blindingly radiant Celestia outside through the door.
Aurora was not surprised by Celestia's visit.
However, the fact that Twilight Sparkle didn't follow her meant that Celestia had probably managed to soothe her for the time being.
As expected, Celestia understood her well.
"Princess, you've returned. Did your inspection go smoothly?"
Aurora opened the door, slightly averting her head, not daring to look directly at Celestia; after all, in her eyes, Celestia was simply too dazzling.
Seeing the lingering tear stains at the corners of Aurora's eyes, Celestia's heart sank, but she didn't point it out, merely responding naturally.
"Very smoothly. May I come in and chat with you for a while?"
Aurora locked eyes with Celestia for a moment, then stepped aside and invited her in.
So much had happened today; despite Celestia's calm and composed appearance, she was actually feeling numb inside.
Aurora brought out black tea and snacks to host Celestia, then sat opposite her, waiting for her questions.
"Oh, right, I brought this for you."
The atmosphere was still a bit awkward; it wasn't the right time to cut to the main topic yet.
Celestia took out the glasses case that Aurora hadn't taken with her, placed it on the table, and pushed it toward her.
"You didn't seem to have the chance to tell us this good news yet. Now, could you put them on and let me see?"
Aurora certainly wouldn't refuse; if she didn't put them on, she wouldn't be able to talk to Celestia properly.
It was just a bit of a pity; she had originally wanted to show them to everyone today.
Using magic to grasp the frame, she took out the monocle and placed it over her left eye, and with that, the world returned to its normal appearance in her eyes.
It seemed like it had been a while since she had properly admired The Grand Princess's magnificent beauty.
'She is so beautiful.'
"You are so beautiful."
Celestia gazed at her student and offered a sudden compliment.
Upon hearing this, Aurora lowered her head, feeling a bit shy.
Why did she have the feeling that her hidden thoughts had been seen through? After all, The Grand Princess didn't usually use such direct words when complimenting ponies.
Seeing Aurora's bashful and shy reaction, Celestia laughed without restraint, which made Aurora somewhat displeased.
"Princess, there's no need to coddle me like a child."
"Oh, apologies. I just think these glasses really suit you."
Celestia stopped laughing. Her gaze had not left Aurora from the beginning, but this attention didn't make the pony feel pressured; instead, it constantly conveyed a gentleness that said, "I care about you very much."
"Also, in my eyes, you have always been a child. Just like last time at the Grand Galloping Gala, you can rely on me as much as possible, instead of bottling up all the pressure and mistakes inside yourself."
Aurora had just finished regulating her emotions and was still very sensitive; hearing Celestia, her nose couldn't help but ache again.
However, she wasn't ready to expose her fragile emotions in front of another pony, so she took a deep breath, bringing her turbulent heart back to stability.
"I just... I only just realized I did something wrong, but it has led to irreversible consequences."
"Perhaps it hasn't reached the point of no return."
Celestia rose from her seat and walked over to sit beside Aurora.
This distance meant they couldn't see each other's expressions, but they could more clearly feel each other's voices and companionship.
Confiding and listening—that was all that was needed right now.
"Come, tell me about it, Flying Light."
A voice, deliberately lowered by Celestia, reached her ear, as if inviting her to share a secret.
She could feel The Grand Princess's body heat on one side of her, and a few strands of rainbow-like, silky mane were wrapped around her hoof, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
This was something Aurora loved to play with when she was little.
Noticing the small body beside her trembling slightly, Celestia silently placed a box of tissues where she couldn't see it, but where Aurora could easily reach it.
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