The plain-looking woman gazed at Gu Qingshan. Her eyes moved up from where his hands were blocking him and met his.
"I'm Maria, Princess of the Roland Empire. There are some things I'd like to discuss with you, but clearly, you should first wash away the stench of blood and change into a proper dress uniform. Then we can talk."
"I agree," Gu Qingshan said.
Maria clasped her hands behind her back and turned to leave.
Six maids soon brought in a brand-new dress uniform, then left as well.
The door closed.
"Princess? What does she want with you?" Plush Duck asked, puzzled.
"Who knows?" Gu Qingshan said.
Crow drew Thorn Sword and tapped himself with it, then tapped Gu Qingshan.
Flames flashed over them both.
All the dust and stench of blood on their bodies vanished completely.
"Did the flames burn away all the grime? That's some exquisitely precise fire control."
Gu Qingshan asked with interest.
Even the blood in his scalp had been burned away, yet not a single strand of hair had curled from the heat, let alone caught fire.
Crow said with a hint of pride, "I just figured you don't necessarily need water to bathe."
He looked at Plush Duck and added, "You still need a proper wash with water—wash, rinse, and dry."
The two of them parted ways and changed into their dress uniforms.
"I'm ready," Gu Qingshan called out.
Clap!
The door swung open.
The six maids came in. Several of them took Crow away to rest, while the others led Gu Qingshan up a flight of stairs to a Hanging Garden.
Princess Maria was sitting on a bench among the flowers and plants, holding a book in her hands.
"Your Highness, he's here," a maid said.
The Princess waved, signaling for Gu