After listening to Jeht's detailed explanation, Lumine smiled at her and said, "Anyway, congratulations, Jeht—you finally made some progress."
Jeht giggled her thanks, then added, "Mm, this is both for my long-held wish and for the future of the tribe. Just now, the Mother told me there lies a secret belonging to the Goddess of Flowers."
"If that secret can be uncovered… it'll definitely bring new hope for our tribe's survival in the desert."
As she spoke, Jeht kept her eyes fixed on Lumine's, earnestly extending an invitation.
"I know this is my own mission and honor… but I truly hope you can stay by my side and witness this historic moment for the tribe with me."
Then Jeht's cheeks flushed a little. She shyly raised her hand to scratch her face and spoke with a trace of embarrassment.
"After all… ever since my dad passed away, you two have been my most trusted friends—no, the closest things to family… so that's why I want to ask you to come with me. Will you?"
Lumine nodded and agreed without hesitation.
"Ah, of course! Once you finish properly burying your parents' belongings, I'm sure you'll finally be able to put your heart at ease, and begin a brand-new life here in the Tanit Tribe."
The moment the words left Lumine's mouth, the once-anxious Jeht immediately broke into a radiant smile and exclaimed excitedly, "Really? That's great! Thank you!"
Right after, Jeht dashed forward and hugged Lumine tightly, affectionately rubbing her cheek against Lumine's.
After the two of them fooled around for a while, Jeht finally reined in her smile, returning to the main topic with a serious look. "First, we need to go to the Gurabad's Ruins to find a 'Fragment of Liloupar.'"
Hearing this, Lumine asked with a doubtful expression, "Fragment of Liloupar? What's that supposed to be?"
Facing Lumine's question, Jeht could only shake her head with equal confusion. She scratched the back of her head and answered truthfully.
"I don't really get it either. Mother told me that according to the tribe's stories, only she knows how to open the path to the 'Eternal Oasis.'"
At this point, Jeht didn't even know how to describe it clearly anymore, and could only say in mild frustration, "Mm… that's really all the info I can give. Azariq should be able to explain more. So… should we head out now?"
Just then, Shao Yun—who had been quietly listening—suddenly asked, "Do you need me to come with you?"
A hint of awkwardness appeared on Jeht's face.
She first turned instinctively toward Lumine, then pursed her lips lightly, clearly struggling to decide how she should respond.
After a moment, Jeht spoke gently, choosing to decline Shao Yun's offer.
"Uh… well, the Mother specifically arranged Azariq to escort me, so you really don't need to worry about safety."
"And honestly, you're a distinguished guest of the Tanit Tribe. From the standpoint of keeping you safe… I personally think it's better for you to stay in the tribe."
However, Shao Yun did not back down because of her words.
On the contrary, he continued confidently, "My skills are definitely not weaker than Lumine's!"
"These past two months, sure, I spent most of my time sitting atop the canyon enjoying the view—but don't go underestimating me because of that!"
Hearing Shao Yun insist like this, Jeht became even more flustered.
She opened her mouth, but couldn't find the right words to reject him again.
So she could only stammer in distress, "I—I…"
Seeing Jeht's troubled expression, Shao Yun shifted his gaze to Lumine and asked, "Lumine, what do you think?"
To Shao Yun, Jeht's attitude wasn't the real deciding factor—what truly mattered was Lumine's intentions.
Lumine herself also felt uncertain and couldn't decide right away.
After a brief hesitation, she turned to Jeht to ask for more specifics.
"So… how many days do you think this trip will take before we return?"
At this moment, Jeht was desperately trying to figure out how to keep Shao Yun in the tribe.
Suddenly hearing Lumine ask such a question, she snapped back to attention—but her nervousness made her stumble over her words.
"Uh… w-well, um… it's hard to say."
"But it shouldn't take too long… after all, we're only going to find that so-called 'Fragment of Liloupar.' I don't think it'll take many days."
After listening to this vague answer, Lumine thought it over. If it truly wouldn't take long, then she, Jeht, and Azariq should be fully capable of handling whatever situations might arise on the road.
Thinking this, Lumine lifted her head, smiled at Shao Yun, and said, "Then Shao Yun, you don't need to worry. I think with Jeht and Azariq, we'll be fine."
Hearing Lumine say she didn't need Shao Yun's help, Jeht finally felt her heart settle.
She quietly breathed a sigh of relief, her face unconsciously relaxing.
Seeing Lumine's decision, Shao Yun—though still somewhat concerned—respected her choice.
"In that case, all right. But be extra careful out there!"
Afraid that Lumine or Shao Yun might suddenly change their minds, Jeht hurriedly grabbed Lumine's hand and dragged her toward the tent entrance.
While running, she didn't forget to give an excuse. "Then let's not waste time—let's go!"
Paimon saw Jeht whisk Lumine away in an instant, quickly chased after them, and shouted, "Hey! Wait for me!"
…
And so, Lumine, Paimon, and Jeht set out.
Shao Yun went to find Aderfi to claim the privilege Azariq promised him—choosing one item for free.
Soon, Shao Yun arrived at Aderfi's tent.
At the moment, Aderfi had his back to him, completely focused on checking his merchandise.
Shao Yun approached and said, "Hello, Mr. Aderfi. Azariq told me you got a new batch of good items, and said I could pick one—the cost goes to him."
Hearing the voice, Aderfi slowly turned around and nodded his agreement.
"Mm, no problem. Since Azariq approved it, go ahead and take a look."
As he spoke, he gestured toward a piece of cloth spread out nearby, on which various goods were displayed.
Shao Yun looked in that direction, scanning the items one by one.
But when he took in the entire selection, his face showed clear disdain as he frowned and said, "Uh… you're sure these are the good things?"
The moment those dismissive words entered Aderfi's ears, he froze. Then he hurriedly put down what he was doing and rushed to explain.
"How can you say they're not good? These are treasures of all kinds! Cosmetics, luxury goods, clothing, toys, fresh produce, farming tools—even delicate instruments!"
"And you know, some of these were brought all the way from Sumeru City with great effort, while others were imported from Fontaine!"
As Aderfi rambled on, Shao Yun scanned the goods casually.
His gaze landed on the cosmetics. Hmm… maybe Jeht or Lumine would like those. Though come to think of it, Lumine always goes bare-faced… I've never seen her put on makeup…
Next, he looked toward the luxury goods—where a cluster of colorful gemstones sat.
But after only a glance or two, he couldn't help muttering internally, These gems… why do they look more and more like those fake jades that so-called beast-tamer 'Margaret' tried to sell?
Then he checked the so-called delicate instruments and felt even more speechless.
To him, they were nothing more than a pile of mismatched worn-out parts—not "delicate" by any stretch.
Perhaps to lifelong desert nomads, these were already impressive and advanced tools. But to Shao Yun, they held little appeal.
Finally, his gaze fell on the produce.
Compared to the rest, they at least looked somewhat decent.
After examining them, he picked up a neatly packaged box of Sumeru Zaytun Peaches.
Inside were four plump, glossy Zaytun Peaches, arranged tidily.
Shao Yun nodded in satisfaction and told Aderfi, "All right, I'll take this box of Zaytun Peaches."
Aderfi looked surprised. "Ah, you've got good taste! You picked the most expensive fruit here right away."
Shao Yun blinked, then glanced at the Fontaine-imported Bulle Fruits beside them.
"The Zaytun Peaches are the most expensive? I thought imported Bulle Fruits from Fontaine would cost more."
After all, imported fruits usually cost more—though the rainforest wasn't exactly close to the desert either.
Hearing Shao Yun's doubt, Aderfi explained, "In the desert, fresh vegetables and fruits are incredibly rare treasures."
"And Zaytun Peaches spoil even more easily than Bulle Fruits. So even though the rainforest is closer than Fontaine, Zaytun Peaches still end up the priciest."
Shao Yun nodded thoughtfully.
A faint smile crossed his lips. "No wonder Azariq was so happy when he got that can of canned peas."
"But this time, he's definitely taking a big loss."
Exchanging canned goods for fresh fruit… that was basically a losing deal.
When Shao Yun finished choosing, Aderfi casually asked, "I heard some news—something about the Mother sending Jeht and Azariq to the sacred site. And your companion went with them… Why didn't you go?"
Shao Yun shook his head lightly, puzzled. "I didn't? What are you talking about?"
Seeing his confusion, Aderfi quickly said, "It's nothing. Anyway, since you're free right now, can you help me with a little errand?"
"Don't worry—I'll make it worth your while!"
Shao Yun followed his gaze and saw a pile of goods set beside the tent.
After thinking for a moment, he guessed, "Let me guess… a delivery job?"
Aderfi smiled and nodded.
"Haha, you got it."
Then he bent down and rummaged through the pile.
A short moment later, he pulled out a box of bandages and handed it to Shao Yun.
"This box is for Masseira," Aderfi explained. "Tadhla pushed herself too hard during training and got injured. But since she doesn't want the schedule delayed, she asked me to buy some bandages."
Hearing that Tadhla was injured yet still training, Shao Yun frowned in concern.
"If she's already hurt, shouldn't she rest and heal properly?"
"And bandages alone won't be enough, right? Doesn't she need medicine too?"
Aderfi shrugged helplessly. "I just buy whatever's on the tribe's shopping list. If it's not on the list, either it won't help the tribe, or the Matron will scold me for wasting Mora."
After handing over the bandages, Aderfi hoisted up a heavy sack of crocodile feed and, panting, said, "Oh, right—there's also Yuften's order. One sack of crocodile feed."
Hearing "crocodile feed," Shao Yun instantly thought of the imported Italian crocodile food.
With a teasing tone, he said, "Crocodile feed? In that bag… is it 'Angelo Bronte'?"
Aderfi froze.
Then he put the huge, bulging sack down by Shao Yun's feet and asked, completely lost, "Huh? Who's that supposed to be?"
Realizing he might've said something he shouldn't, Shao Yun quickly waved his hands and changed the subject. "Nothing, forget it. Anyway, anything else you need me to deliver?"
Aderfi scratched his messy hair, muttering, "Let me think… I don't think there's anything else…"
Just as Shao Yun lifted the crocodile feed to leave, Aderfi suddenly smacked his own forehead.
"Aiya! My memory! Almost forgot—there's the Matron Babel's package!"
He quickly bent down and searched through the mountain of parcels.
Soon, he pulled out a small square box.
Holding it carefully, he solemnly handed it to Shao Yun and reminded him repeatedly, "Remember—whatever you do, don't peek inside this box!"
"If Matron Babel finds out someone touched her package, the consequences will be terrifying!'"
Shao Yun accepted the box casually and joked, "Don't worry. I don't snoop through other people's stuff—unless it's letters."
Then he muttered to himself for no clear reason, "Roaming the world, building quite the reputation for myself…"
Hearing his random mumbling, Aderfi stared in confusion. "What are you even talking about? What lands? What reputation?"
Shao Yun calmly tucked the bandages and Babel's package into the pack at his waist. "Nothing."
Then he lifted the heavy sack of crocodile feed. "I'll be going."
===BREAK===
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