After dinner, Saina went to help Martha clear the dishes, leaving only Su Li and Elena in the courtyard.
Elena leaned against the courtyard wall, rolling a Purple Gold Coin between her fingers, her voice lowered.
"Old Ford was only testing the waters this time."
Su Li squatted on the ground, poking an anthill with a twig without even looking up.
"I know."
"He sent money, medicine, travel permits—every single one is a hook. Next, he'll definitely find an excuse to send you to the royal capital. Once you step through the gates of Red Leaf Manor, getting back out won't be easy."
Su Li tossed aside the twig, rose to his feet, and dusted the dirt from his backside.
Elena stopped spinning the coin and looked at him.
"So how are you planning this?"
"First, we go to Silver Crown City and pick up the little elf." Su Li stretched lazily. "That mess in the royal capital can wait. In our last life, we helped your father, and in the end, we all got dragged down with him. This time, I'm in no rush."
Elena did not argue.
More than anyone, she knew exactly what had happened in that final palace explosion in their previous life.
Saina's voice came from the direction of the kitchen.
"The little elf?"
Su Li turned around. Saina stood in the doorway holding a basin of washed dishes, the expression on her face rather complicated.
"...You mean Elonore?"
"Yeah."
Saina set the basin on the stove and wiped her hands.
Silence hung for several seconds.
Su Li waited.
He knew all too well what it had been like when these three women got together in their previous life.
Saina's attitude toward Elonore had always been complicated—she complained about her, but in truth protected her