When night fell,
Cui Ciyou and his companions finished their first "exploration" of the city.
Everyone returned to the inn.
The heartwood of "Demon Wood" burned steadily in the hearth, giving off a warm, orange-red glow.
After a brief rest in their room at the inn,
And a dinner of "roasted monster meat" provided by the inn that tasted barely passable,
Cui Ciyou looked at the few "spoils" he had carefully purchased that afternoon.
He decided to take advantage of everyone being there to hand out the gifts he had chosen specially for them.
First, Cui Ciyou picked up the wide-brimmed Forehead Protector, carefully stitched from the dark hide of some unknown magical beast.
He walked over to Rujierd, who was resting against the wall with his eyes closed.
"Mr. Rujierd,"
Cui Ciyou offered him the Forehead Protector and said gently,
"This afternoon, I noticed that the bandage around your forehead was getting a little worn and loose."
"This Forehead Protector might be more durable, and... more comfortable, too."
Rujierd slowly opened his eyes and looked at the finely crafted Forehead Protector in Cui Ciyou's hand.
A flicker of emotion passed through his gaze.
Without a word, he quietly accepted it.
Then, with practiced movements, he unwound the white bandage around his forehead.
He revealed the gem he had deliberately kept hidden, which gleamed red in the firelight.
A moment later, he covered it perfectly with the new leather Forehead Protector.
The leather's soft yet tough texture, along with its ideal width and snug fit,
Made it feel much more comfortable than the old bandage.
Rujierd raised his head, his deep blue eyes fixed on Cui Ciyou.
His voice held a little more warmth than usual.
"Thank you, Ciyou."
"It has been... hundreds of years since I last received a