After everything had been said, Wen personally escorted Rory back to her room.
"Master, when I return to the waters this ti, I may not be back for several days," he said gently. "When I do return, I’ll bring you many treasures from the sea."
There were countless things in the waters that could not be found in the Central District. Even if one tried to purchase them, the cost would be astronomical.
"Alright!" Rory replied without hesitation. She wasn’t about to be polite about it. "I want edible sea beasts, glowing coral, and sea-silk..."
Wen smiled and nodded. "No problem. Whatever Master desires, I will bring it back to her."
He was already planning to use spatial stones to build a small rfolk palace at the bottom of the artificial lake. He would raise the sea beasts she liked within it.
After seeing Rory safely into her room, Wen did not imdiately leave with the escort Vincent had arranged.
Instead, he went to find Yuel.
Yuel had just been about to retire when he saw Wen at his door. A flicker of surprise crossed his face.
"Is there sothing you need?"
Since Yuel had fed him leaves before, Wen held him in high regard. He spoke with sincere politeness.
"I would like to exchange sothing for so of your leaves. Would you be willing?"
Yuel stepped aside. "Co in."
Grateful, Wen entered.
Each of their rooms contained a small reception area crafted from spatial stone, arranged much like the main living room downstairs—just smaller.
After pouring Wen a glass of water and setting it before him, Yuel asked, "What do you want my leaves for?"
Wen did not hide the truth. "I’ve noticed that after eating your leaves, my body improved significantly. If I could have more, I believe my illness would recover quickly."
Vincent had ntioned that the rfolk King suffered from a strange condition—during episodes, he could not maintain human form and was unable to use his abilities.
"How did you contract it?" Yuel asked.
"I was bitten by a Rank ten insectoid during battle with the swarm. After that, it beca like this."
"I see."
Yuel smiled faintly. "Many insectoids carry toxins. You were likely poisoned."
"My leaves can help, but they cannot completely eliminate the toxin. My flowers can."
He had seen countless similar cases on the battlefield.
Taking out two blossoms, he placed them before Wen.
"Consu these. The toxin should be neutralized."
"I only ask for one thing in return—no other paynt. Once you recover, give so pink pearls."
"Only pearls?" Wen looked astonished.
Yuel nodded. "Only pink pearls. However, since you’ll be gone for so ti, I would prefer to receive them now."
Wen hesitated—not because he was unwilling, but because he wasn’t sure he could cry.
"I’m afraid I won’t be able to produce tears," he admitted honestly.
"That’s not a problem," Yuel said calmly. "I can help with that."
Reassured, Wen swallowed the flowers.
Almost imdiately, warmth spread through his body. The suffocating blockage he had felt for so long dissolved.
He lifted his hand. A clear column of water surged into existence.
"My ability has returned."
Joy filled his eyes. "I feel completely healed."
So this was the power of blossoms from a mutated Moonvine—truly comparable to the sacred tree’s blooms.
"Good," Yuel said. "Let’s begin."
He placed a box in front of Wen. "Catch them in this."
Otherwise, they would have to pick pearls up off the floor one by one.
"I want them the size of pigeon eggs," Yuel added casually.
Wen swallowed hard. That would require very large tears.
"I’ll try."
He forced himself to recall sorrowful mories. After much effort, two tears finally fell—yet the pearls were only the size of fingernails.
He looked at Yuel guiltily.
Yuel turned and retrieved a peculiar plant.
"Break this open and sll it."
Trusting him, Wen did as instructed.
The mont he inhaled, an overwhelmingly pungent scent shot straight to his skull.
Tears erupted uncontrollably, like a dam bursting.
What was this horrifying thing?!
Frantically tossing the plant aside, Wen grabbed the box and began catching pearls.
Large pink pearls—each the size of pigeon eggs—fell one after another into the container.
Under the lights, they glead with a luminous blush.
Yuel watched, deeply satisfied.
Still, after several minutes, only three or four dozen pearls filled the box.
"More," Yuel said, handing him the plant again.
Wen tensed. He had eaten the man’s flowers. What choice did he have?
So he cried.
Half an hour later, Yuel surveyed five brimming boxes of pearls and nodded with moderate satisfaction.
He would have preferred more—but Wen truly could not cry another drop.
"Not a single tear left," Wen croaked, pointing at his swollen, reddened eyes. "If I continue, I might go blind."
Yuel wasn’t heartless. Wen was now Rory’s follower—half family.
He tossed him a bundle of leaves.
"Crush them and apply to your eyes. They’ll recover quickly."
"Thank you."
Wen hadn’t expected such generosity.
"I’ll bring you more pearls next ti," he promised solemnly.
Yuel could hardly refuse that.
As he escorted Wen out, they nearly ran into Nix descending from the third floor.
"Wen? Yuel? Why are you together?"
Nix stared, astonished. Wen had co out of Yuel’s room?
Yuel never allowed anyone inside except Rory.
Then he noticed Wen’s red eyes.
"Wen, what happened to your eyes? You look like you’ve been crying."
Wasn’t he unable to cry?
"I’m fine," Wen said with a smile. "I asked Yuel for so help. Everything’s resolved now. It’s late—rest well. I’ll be going."
He hurried off.
With eyes that red, he looked dreadful.
Nix turned, bewildered, to Yuel. "What help did he need?"
Yuel tossed him a pink pearl.
"He asked to treat his illness."
Nix stared at the pearl in his palm, eyes widening. "He can cry again?"
Yuel was incredible.
Yuel pinched Nix’s jaw shut and asked, "You just ca down from the third floor. Did you go to see Rory?"
Unable to speak, Nix nodded.
Released, he grumbled, "I ant to keep Rory company... but Jasper beat to it. When I got there, he was already in her room."
Just one step too slow.
He had missed his chance.
Tomorrow.
Tomorrow, he would absolutely win Rory over—and complete the bonding with her.
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