Hearing Cao Xing's invitation.
Gwyneth stood blankly in the snow, clutching her lute, seemingly unsure how to respond.
Cao Xing continued.
"Though I don't know whether I can find a way to restore your voice, if there's a chance, I'll help you look into it."
"In the meantime, my territory can be your safe haven."
Cao Xing did not make her any absolute promises.
Gwyneth seemed to seriously consider his suggestion, a thoughtful look appearing in her eyes.
A moment later, she gestured again.
Victoria said, "She's asking what she would need to do if she joined the territory."
Cao Xing smiled. "Do what you're good at. You can teach the children in the territory how to play musical instruments."
"Oh, and when you have free time, you can teach the others how to read too. You can serve as the territory's teacher."
Come to think of it, the literacy efforts in Cao Xing's territory should have begun by now.
Most of the Polar People and staff in the territory were illiterate.
And there was Tong Chuchu as well.
That little girl's education also needed to be put on the agenda.
Gwyneth considered it for a moment.
Then she nodded solemnly.
"She says she's willing."
Cao Xing gave the empress beside him a speechless look. "I understood that sentence."
Cao Xing sent Gwyneth a recruitment invitation.
The woman quickly accepted it.
Recruitment successful: Gwyneth has joined your territory. Territory population +1
A smile appeared on Cao Xing's lips as he walked up to her.
"Welcome, Gwyneth."
He extended his right hand.
The woman seemed somewhat flustered and did not know how to respond at first.
After a moment, she extended her right hand and removed the black glove from it, revealing a hand covered in scars.
There were