After fussing over it for quite a while and failing to snatch any, Elena was so angry she paced three circles around the courtyard. In the end, she plopped down beside the stone table, muttering vicious threats like, "Just wait until you're asleep."
Su Li paid her no mind at all. He picked up the remaining chestnuts and continued peeling them.
Once Saina had finished tidying the kitchen, she came out carrying three cups of cooled boiled water and set them on the table.
"Drink."
Elena took a cup and gulped down a mouthful, her anger subsiding by more than half. Saina sat beside Su Li, and the bracelet with its lover's knot swayed on her wrist beneath the sunlight.
The courtyard fell quiet for a while.
Su Li swept the chestnut shells aside and spoke.
"Let's talk business."
Both women looked over at once.
"There's no rush to reach the fourth tier. Take your time and grind through it. But there's something that needs to be put on the agenda—you two need weapons that suit your hands."
Elena's hand paused around her cup.
Saina tilted her head and thought for a moment. "I have a kitchen knife."
"That kitchen knife is for chopping ribs." Su Li rapped the tabletop. "If you really went into a fight holding a kitchen knife, people would think you were there to cook."
"I can chop people too." Saina was completely serious.
Elena let out a snort of laughter, then hurriedly pulled a straight face.
Su Li ignored them and continued on his own.
"We have the Heart of the Flame Demon now, along with that batch of high-purity refined steel. Add in the third-tier rune circuits I learned from Talia, and we can absolutely forge a set of fourth-tier weapons."
"I'll forge myself