Lynn had just sat down in the laboratory when the communication tablet rang again.
He picked it up and saw that it was a message from Alphonse.
"Lord Lynn, would it be convenient for me to visit now?"
Lynn's heart stirred. He knew the kid could no longer hold himself back.
"Come to my laboratory."
Before long, footsteps sounded outside.
The laboratory door opened automatically, and Alphonse stood in the doorway wearing a deep purple robe embroidered with intricate silver runes.
His face was still as pale as ever, his lips faintly colored, and his eyelashes long, carrying a hint of... allure?
He also carried a wooden box tied with silk ribbon.
"Lord Lynn, pardon the disturbance." Alphonse bowed slightly.
Lynn stepped aside. "Come in."
Alphonse entered the laboratory, his gaze sweeping over the surroundings.
The Soul Furnace operated in the corner. The Dragon Soul's main soul slept within it, its faint draconic might spreading through the room.
Golden light shone through the crystal furnace walls and reflected onto the walls. A bookshelf stood nearby, though it held few books and served mostly as decoration.
Alphonse did not look any further. He placed the wooden box on the table, untied the ribbon, and opened the lid.
Inside lay a fist-sized piece of Nether River Crystals, of even better quality than the ones received at the banquet.
"A small congratulatory gift. Please accept it. There were too many people at the last banquet, so I was embarrassed to bring it out."
Alphonse's voice was very soft.
Lynn glanced at the crystal and did not refuse. He stored it in his ring. "Sit."
He took out a tea set from his ring and arranged it on the table.
The teapot was made of purple clay, while the cups were white porcelain with