"Isn't it too tight...?"
"You're skinny as a bamboo pole, and you still think it's tight?" Elena picked up the sewing box, her tone plainly disdainful, but her hand was exceptionally steady as she stitched, every stitch spaced evenly.
Su Li moved several long benches beside the stone table, then carried out two jars of liquor from the woodshed. They were mixed-grain spirits he had picked up at the market two days ago—not expensive, but with a strong kick.
Just after noon, Elvin arrived.
The old elf had changed into a light gray casual outfit today. He looked less like a grand elder and more like some family's kindly grandfather. Talia and Violet followed behind him.
Talia stood with her arms folded, expressionless.
The moment Violet entered, her eyes reddened.
"Master." Elonore hurried up to her, not even getting out a second word.
Violet grabbed her sleeve. "You heartless little thing—I taught you for two years—and you just go and get married like this—"
Talia reached out and stuffed a piece of rib into her sister's mouth.
"Shut up. Eat meat."
Violet whimpered around the rib, tears and drool streaming down together.
Elvin walked to the stone table and set down a silver-gray protective talisman he had brought with him. It was round, palm-sized, with incredibly fine elven runes flowing across its surface.
Su Li glanced at the talisman. The aether fluctuations were steady; it offered protection at least at the middle of Tier Three.
"From this day onward," Elvin said. His voice was not loud, but everyone in the courtyard stopped what they were doing. "This girl's future is hers to decide."
He looked at Su Li.
Su Li took the talisman, weighed it in his hand, and nodded.
"Don't worry."
Elvin smiled and took his seat.
When the