The next day.
The first light of dawn streamed through the carved wooden windows of Dragonflight Court, spilling onto the spotless floor.
In the distance came the distinctive clang of Wite City's smithies.
And so a new day began.
When Cui Ciyou stepped out of his room, Alice was already in the sitting room, ready and waiting.
She had put on an outfit that allowed her to move freely.
Her fiery red hair was tied into a neat ponytail.
With her hands on her hips, her crimson eyes shone brightly.
Alice wanted to go out and have fun.
Soon, the others woke up one after another.
Elinalise and Sylphy looked radiant.
Their trip to the night market had left them thoroughly satisfied.
Talhand, meanwhile, had dark circles under his eyes, but clutched several sheets of parchment covered in data.
He looked exhilarated, as though he had made a major breakthrough in his herbal research.
The sight of Talhand sent a chill through Cui Ciyou.
That... potion for finding true love?
Has he actually figured something out?
If something like that got out...
I feel like the consequences would be even scarier than war...
Rujierd was as silent as ever.
He merely gave everyone a slight nod in greeting.
Just then, a door creaked open.
Keith stumbled out, yawning and looking as though he was still nursing a hangover.
"Hey, everyone. Morning..."
Alice immediately gave him a scornful look.
"Hmph, Swindler. Only just getting back?"
Keith chuckled, completely unbothered.
He pulled a heavy purse from inside his clothes and set it on the table with a clear clink of metal.
"Hey... Alice, that's no way to put it."
"What I did wasn't gambling. It was 'information gathering.'"
Keith raised his eyebrows smugly.
"Wite certainly lives up to its name. The casinos