“Something? Lady Finihiya, if there’s anything you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to tell me.”
Finihiya pursed her thin lips thoughtfully, then tilted her head toward the direction of the library.
“Could you please come with me for a moment?”
“Certainly.”
Leading Danila toward the library, she gently pushed open the slightly ajar door and approached the yew wood table inside.
Pointing at the text in the book with her fingertip, she asked Danila, “Have you ever seen a plant like this before?”
“A plant?”
Danila responded with a puzzled tone before focusing seriously on the passage describing the plant.
After a short while, Danila answered vaguely, “Soapberry tree and soap pods? I’ve heard of them, but I’m not sure if I’ve actually seen them since I’m not really interested in plants.”
“I see…!”
“Lady Finihiya, are you looking for something like this?”
“Yes.”
“In that case, I’ll ask around later. If they’re available, I’ll have someone bring some back.”
“Really? Thank you.”
Upon hearing Danila’s reply, a faint smile appeared on Finihiya’s lips.
The rain gradually intensified.
Large droplets, accompanied by occasional swirling gusts, pounded violently against the window, rattling it loudly.
***
After Danila left, Finihiya sat back down in her original spot.
Noticing the rainwater streaming in through the window, she slowly stood and walked toward the half-open glass pane.
Just as she was about to close the window, a strange yet familiar animal cry suddenly echoed from within the dense curtain of rain.
Before she could ponder the source of that familiarity, a small pale blue shadow streaked through the thick rain directly toward her.
Guwu~
A young dragon, its feathers soaked from the rain, landed on the windowsill.
It emitted a cheerful-sounding call and flapped its body excitedly.
The rainwater clinging to its feathers immediately turned into countless fine mist droplets, scattering in all directions.
With some experience in animal behavior, Finihiya cleverly took several steps back the moment the hatchling landed.
The dragonlet’s immature voice called out.
Because it was still young, its high-pitched, babyish tone resembled that of a kitten, sounding rather like a spoiled pet’s whine.
Perhaps this little fellow was indeed being affectionate.
Lost in such thoughts, she watched as the hatchling flapped its wings, trying to get closer.
Seeing this, she hurriedly put her hands between them to maintain distance before it could come too near.
“Wait, let me dry you off first.”
“Gu.”
The hatchling seemed to understand her, tilting its head and then folding back its wings.
Since there was no towel in the library, she went outside briefly.
Picking up a dry, clean towel, Finihiya slowly wiped the young dragon’s damp feathers.
Perhaps enjoying the gentle touch, the hatchling half-closed its eyes in contentment.
Since that encounter, this young dragon appeared here almost every day.
Come rain or shine…
Even in the current torrential downpour, the dragon still came unfazed.
This made her feel slightly helpless but also brought a faint smile to her heart.
She had no idea who the hatchling’s owner was; she had even asked Danila a couple of days ago, but Danila shook her head in ignorance.
Watching the dragon curled up comfortably on her lap, Finihiya tilted her head slightly.
Could it really be wild?
If so, that would be an incredible stroke of luck.
Dragons were extremely rare creatures, and as adults, possessed terrifying power.
Moreover…
This little one didn’t seem like an ordinary wyvern.
Her fingertips gently stroking the glossy feathers, she could sense a considerable magical power within the young dragon.
And it was still growing…
With these thoughts, Finihiya shifted her gaze toward the window.
Because of the dragon’s visit, the window she had intended to close remained open, allowing the rain to continue drumming against the glass and spilling inside.
Outside.
“The rain’s stopped.”
Sitting at her desk, Darlian sat dazedly, having nothing to do.
Her thoughts scattered, she suddenly heard Elus’s voice.
She lifted her eyes and glanced sideways to see Elus standing at the open window.
After gazing for a moment at Elus’s fiery red hair, she shifted her view toward the still overcast sky.
Dragging her feet, she murmured, “With this weather, it wouldn’t be surprising if it rains again soon.”
“Lady Darlian, you’re right.”
After opening the window, Elus let in the cool, damp breeze.
The Mossberry Flowers in the vase on the desk gently rustled.
“According to the latest news from Lord Gelemex, Mas Beardsley has been completely defeated, and the Church’s supreme authority is once again under Pope Doloff Teziris.”
“It’s only been a few days…”
Hearing Elus’s report, Darlian’s well-shaped brows furrowed slightly, a trace of helplessness flashing across her delicate cheeks.
Though Mars’s downfall was expected, she hadn’t anticipated it being so total and swift.
“They say Mas Beardsley’s betrayal—his attempt to desecrate the Saintess—was exposed, and the conservative faction led by Barden Morberg incited a rebellion that gained overwhelming popular support.”
At this, Darlian sighed softly.
“To be honest, I really don’t want to use such crude words to describe a man, but this fellow is truly beyond redemption.”
***
In the end, Darlian sighed again in resignation.
“Mas Beardsley has now fled back to his original territory, but Pope Doloff Teziris is not letting him off. The Knights’ Order is preparing to launch an assault.”
“Since things have reached this point, when the time comes, have the cabinet write a letter of blessing to Dorov in my name.”
“Yes, I’ll do it right away.”
“Mm.”
Glancing at Elus’s retreating back, Darlian stared at the gray, misty sky outside.
“Lady Darlian.”
“Hmm?” She immediately withdrew her gaze. “Is there something else?”
“I noticed that wooden box has been sitting here for many days. Would you like me to take it downstairs for disposal?”
The wooden box.
Shifting her eyes toward another wooden table in the room, on which an empty wooden box rested.
Staring at the plain exterior of the casket, her mind involuntarily conjured the image of that stunning girl, delicate as a porcelain doll.
A faint smile appeared on her lips as she replied to Elus.
“No need, I’ll take care of it myself.”
“Understood.”
After saluting, Elus pushed the door open and left the room.
The room was once again enveloped in a peaceful, quiet atmosphere.
Tilting her head, Darlian looked once more at the sky where the rain had ceased, then rose with a light smile, lifting the box from the wooden table.