Lynn kept his eyes closed and waved a hand to show there was no need to worry. His condition had remained stable throughout.
"Big Brother Awen, don't stoop to her level either. She's been a demon for so long that she can't shake that nasty, spiteful streak overnight. I'll straighten her out properly when we get back."
The nature-element girl huddled in the pool, hugging her shoulders, and glared at him furiously.
"Pah!"
"All you can do is use the curse to keep me under your thumb! Once I get free of you, I'll kill you all!"
Lynn: "..."
Sir Awen: "..."
A brief silence settled over their surroundings.
With his eyes closed, Lynn took a deep breath and slowly cracked his knuckles, producing a series of crisp pops.
"Big Brother Awen, please wait outside for two hours. Whatever you hear during that time, please don't come in. And once we're back in Dark Night City, please don't tell anyone about this. It might damage my reputation."
Before Sir Awen could speak, the Mother Tree of Desire asked warily:
"What do you want to do?"
Lynn said with his eyes closed, "Remove 'want to' and 'what,' and wouldn't you have your answer?"
"..."
Two hours passed in a flash.
As for what exactly happened during those two hours, naturally, nobody knew.
It was just a tiny bit noisy.
And two hours later, the enormous trunk, which had still been somewhat withered before, was visibly more lush than ever, as though a precious rain had fallen upon it. Even its crown was covered in rather dubious red flowers.
Two hours later, outside the enormous trunk.
Lynn stood still, adjusted his Monocle, and said solemnly:
"Big Brother Awen, I'm ready. We can return to Dark Night City whenever we like now,