With a wave of his hand, Ruger put the three portions of fruit-stewed fish strips into the Abyss Bedroom space, then opened a spatial doorway and strolled inside.
"Big Brother Ruger!"
The familiar, affectionate greeting put Ruger at ease.
For once, Aisijin was not asleep. Ever since drinking the Fighter Potion brewed with dreaming mushrooms, she had been able to rival Zhizhi in sleeping for ages without waking.
Ruger had even wondered whether some chance occurrence had stirred the dragon bloodline within Aisijin. He had told her to count the scales on visible areas such as her elbows every time she woke up, to see whether they had grown larger or more numerous. Unfortunately, such a short period of observation had revealed nothing.
"Wow, Big Brother Ruger, you got new clothes!"
Aisijin blinked curiously.
"Do they look good?" Ruger asked with a smile.
Aisijin nodded, then shook her head.
"They smell a little stinky... not like you, Big Brother Ruger..."
Aisijin tilted her head as she spoke, and Big Silly Hum nodded beside her.
The three kobolds began getting dinner ready. Naturally, the main course was the dish the young waiter had so enthusiastically recommended.
As they ate and drank, Ruger also gave them some precautionary instructions.
The two dragonborn kobolds kept nodding their large heads as they stuffed meat into their mouths and drank their soup.
"And you!"
Ruger looked at the back of his hand.
"I know you can hear me. This is a test for you, my loyal and clever servant. I hope you won't disappoint me..."
Ruger spoke softly.
As though cooperating with Ruger, a lump rose on his shoulder just as he finished speaking. The Blood Curse Doll, freshly awake after a long sleep, lifted its head and looked at the back of his hand.