Sylvia ate her meal while lost in thought.
Kafka's capture today meant the Ambrosial Arbor was on the brink of revival.
She'd practiced most of the day and had mostly memorized the spell to unlock the Scalegorge Waterscape.
But somehow, it felt like she wouldn't make it in time to dig up the Arbor before it awoke.
Truth be told, Sylvia wasn't even sure she could successfully collect the Arbor at all.
And she had no idea where Dan Shu had run off to.
Ever since returning to the Xianzhou this time, Sylvia hadn't been able to reach her. Jing Yuan didn't seem to plan on mentioning her either.
Who knew what kind of arrangement had been made.
The words Dan Shu had spoken during their last meeting still weighed on Sylvia's mind.
There was this nagging feeling—as if that woman would throw her life away without a second thought.
Then again, maybe it wasn't just a feeling.
As for Tingyun's tail… Sylvia had given up trying to shake it off.
The woman was sitting right up against her now, calling her "benefactor" over and over, acting even more affectionate than usual.
Across the table, March 7th pouted, watching Tingyun's enthusiastic display before blurting out, "Miss Tingyun, your attitude's changed so much… Did you two know each other before?"
Ever since the Sky-Faring Commission asked Tingyun to guide the Express crew, she'd been plenty warm and welcoming—a gentle, spring-like breeze.
March hadn't paid it much mind before, but seeing how Tingyun acted toward Sylvia now, she couldn't ignore the temperature difference.
If Tingyun's treatment of the crew was polite hospitality, then the way she treated Sylvia could only be called passionate.
You could tell just from the way her ears kept twitching.
What kind of emotional whiplash was this, anyway?
Once March spoke up, Stelle leaned forward too, craning her neck to get a look at Tingyun on Sylvia's other side.
Bailu also knew Tingyun—she was a regular client, often coming for massages and therapy.
Though she hadn't shown up in a while recently. Who knew why.
The culprit, Sylvia, could only think: 'Beats me.'
Tingyun, however, cheerfully hooked her arm through Sylvia's and smiled at March.
"On my last merchant trip back, I was attacked by ruffians. My benefactor here saved my life. They say a Lord Ravager was behind that ambush. If not for her, who knows what would've become of me."
"Whoa—hang on, is this the same Lord Ravager we heard got beaten back from the Xianzhou not long ago?"
March's eyes lit up as she connected the rumors with Tingyun's story.
Tingyun nodded with a smile.
"That's the one. Later, my benefactor mentioned that Ravager tried to use my identity to infiltrate the Xianzhou. It didn't work out."
"So that's what happened…"
Welt adjusted his glasses. He hadn't said much until now.
Hearing Tingyun's tale, he couldn't help but sigh softly.
Who would've thought the delicate-looking Miss Tingyun had been through something so dangerous.
"A life-saving favor… no wonder, then."
March's eyes softened with understanding. It was like how she and Stelle had only met recently but clicked right away.
Though March definitely wouldn't act quite like Tingyun was now.
She stole a glance at the distance between Tingyun and Sylvia.
Even between girls, that was a bit too close for March's comfort.
Thinking that, she couldn't help but peek over toward Stelle.
Even though Stelle always said she was joking, March had a feeling she really did have some not-so-innocent thoughts about Sylvia.
Especially after hearing Stelle go on about Sylvia's looks before.
Muttering stuff like 'white hair is an instant win' and just generally acting unhinged.
March was convinced she was up to no good.
Then again, with Stelle's usual lack of seriousness, Sylvia probably didn't see her that way at all.
And remembering how often this girl went digging through trash bins really didn't help her case against someone like Miss Tingyun.
But still—
Even if March thought Stelle didn't stand a chance, she was still on their side.
So of course March would root for her.
That's why she glanced subtly toward Stelle now.
Only to find the girl had just scooted a tiny bit closer to Sylvia… while shoveling food into her mouth without a care.
She didn't seem to mind the interaction beside her at all.
It made March want to shake her.
Stelle, get it together! She's gonna end up as someone else's wife at this rate!
--+--
After leaving the restaurant, Tingyun raised her arms and stretched deeply with a contented sigh.
Then she slumped softly against Sylvia's shoulder.
"Haa… I've been running around all day. A full belly really makes one sleepy."
She'd been busy since morning—first dealing with the mess at Cloudford, waiting for Sylvia to rescue her, then rushing off with the Express crew to catch someone at Stargazer Navalia.
Today had been utterly exhausting.
Straightening up again, Tingyun opened her folding fan and waved it gently.
"I've been to too many places today and I'm worn out. I won't keep you all any longer—I'll take my leave first."
"Thank you for your help today, Miss Tingyun."
Welt responded politely. They really would've been lost at Stargazer Navalia without her guidance.
"It was nothing, nothing at all. As long as I didn't hold up your important business, this one is satisfied."
Tingyun exchanged a few more courteous words, then tilted her head close to Sylvia's ear and whispered,
"My, my, benefactor… you really are quite the flirt, aren't you? I saw what that Trailblazer named Stelle has you saved as on her phone."
Then, suddenly, she let out a soft puff of air right against Sylvia's ear—
"Hiss…"
Sylvia shivered, and Tingyun's tail twitched as if about to swat her.
But Tingyun didn't press further. Without waiting for a reply, she pulled back, acting as if nothing happened.
"Another meal owed to my benefactor tonight. Remember to come find me for dinner tomorrow, alright?"
With that, Tingyun turned and walked away, her tail swaying behind her.
Sylvia touched her ear and glanced at the Express crew.
Stelle was staring intently, eyes wide. March had her hands over her face, but her fingers were spread wide open.
Welt was looking somewhere else entirely.
As for Bailu—she was full and happy, surveying the street, completely oblivious to the whole exchange.
"Sylvia, I'm going to check in with an Alchemy Commission outpost for news. Shall we split up here?"
Bailu tugged at Sylvia's sleeve. She hadn't forgotten that the Alchemy Commission's entrance was still blocked.
It wasn't a life-or-death emergency, but it was no small issue either.
Things seemed calm for now, but who knew when that could change.
Bailu needed to be ready to provide medical support at a moment's notice.
"Sure, go ahead. Come find me tomorrow if you're free."
"I know, I know! It's about my future, after all. I won't forget."
Bailu waved over her shoulder and scampered off down the street.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.