July 1st, 9748 of the Radiant Calendar, a long-awaited day of rest.
As night fell, Velin stood by the window, poured a bowl full of Glowing Wine, and set it on the windowsill.
A few minutes later, the Mutated Griffon arrived as expected. After calling out a few times, it picked up the Glowing Wine and returned to its nest, ready to enjoy the fine drink with its two wives and six children.
Xuemiyya sat on the bed, watching the griffon fly away, and said with a smile, "You've turned Xing into a drunkard."
"A drunkard, then. It's not like I can't afford to keep one." Velin came to the bed, sat on its edge, and answered indifferently.
"By the way, how is the Seven Emotions Clone progressing?"
Xuemiyya condensed a red sphere in her hand and said, "At present, I've only formed the initial shape of joy. It will need another three months before it is born."
Velin curiously reached out and touched the sphere. To his surprise, it was soft.
"It feels quite nice."
Xuemiyya did not stop Velin from stroking it. Instead, she brought it closer to him. "I think it feels nice too. Whenever I have nothing to do, I take it out and hold it."
"Hahaha, I wonder if it knows it's being treated like a plush toy right now." Velin reluctantly withdrew his right hand and teased it with a laugh.
"Before it takes shape, it won't have any memories at all, so there's nothing to worry about." Xuemiyya smiled gently and answered her husband's question.
Velin asked, "How are Hilda and Sisina doing, along with the Shadow Guards under their command? Are they easy to use?"
"I haven't interfered with their management. I left everything to them. Important information only needs to be