The flowerbeds at the center of the Four Seasons Flower Sea were off-limits to idlers, lest trampling damage the fragile ecological balance within them.
But clearly, Russell was not counted among the idlers.
While the Knight Retainers busied themselves cooking, he could stroll leisurely through the flowerbeds and enjoy this rare sight amid the ice and snow.
His elder brother Roland was likewise not counted among the idlers, so he toured the flowerbeds with Russell, admiring the colorful flowers within.
"They're all cold-resistant flowers, mostly tulips. Tulips come in the most colors and are the most vibrant," Roland said casually. "Back in Guangguang River Valley, I disliked overly gaudy tulips the most. But seeing them here is simply refreshing."
"Yes." Russell agreed.
The two brothers chatted idly when a rustling suddenly came from the tulip beds. Then a tiny little creature burrowed out of the flowers, stepped onto the garden path, and stared curiously at them.
"Huh?"
Russell studied the little creature with equal curiosity. It resembled a chick and was about the size of a quail, perhaps not even as large as a palm.
Yet it had a mouth full of sharp teeth, as well as feathered forelimbs with claws. Its torso, neck, and hind legs were covered in down, while its tail was draped in feathers similar to those on its forelimbs, only longer.
Both its feathers and down were rather gaudy.
A blue gleam shone in its tiny eyes as it fixed its gaze tightly on Roland and Russell.
"What kind of animal is that? I don't think I've ever seen one before." Russell wanted to step closer for a better look at the little thing.
But the creature was startled and immediately dashed into the nearby flowerbeds.
It did not run like a chick. Its body