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The short week passed quickly. During this week, Mengdie's daily schedule was packed full. Early in the morning, she would tie heavy sandbags to her limbs and jog around the city. Once the city awakened, she would don a cloak and inquire about the Black Flame Snake throughout the city. In the afternoon, she took the sleep-deprived Nia to the royal garden. After dropping Nia off at a secret entrance used by the maids, she left that humiliating place where she once had to wear an extremely short maid outfit and continued her inquiries in the city. After dinner, she would go to Rand's flower shed to train in the evening, always hoping for another chance to fight with the former Sword Sovereign. Unfortunately, every time she was there, Edward was pestering Rand for sword lessons, leaving Mengdie unable to join in.
Finally, the afternoon of the seventh day arrived.
Today was the day for the Rainbow Bird to report back. Mengdie, along with Nia, once again went to the royal garden and had to wear that embarrassingly short maid outfit as she anxiously waited for Sasa.
"Praise the great Goddess, let the power of the wind gather in my hand, and take me to distant lands."
While waiting, Nia suddenly started reciting the only spell she had learned in the past seven days. As her words ended, a small wind magic circle appeared under her feet! The air around Nia's feet thickened with magic. The little girl flashed a mischievous smile at Mengdie, who was turned away, her gaze fixed on Mengdie's tail. In an instant, she stepped forward with a speed that the old Nia could never have achieved, charging towards Mengdie's tail!
"Wind Riding Technique!"
How could Mengdie not sense the little girl's intentions? To be honest, she was surprised by Nia's sudden ability to move so quickly. But as surprising as it was, the current Nia was still not capable enough to truly challenge Mengdie, who was already on guard. As the little girl's hand swiftly reached for Mengdie's tail, the yellow and white-tipped tail suddenly flicked up and gave her a gentle slap on the face.
"You little rascal, I've warned you not to always aim for my tail. It's not there for you to play with."
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Nia, touching her not-so-painful face, looked resentfully at the swaying tail and muttered, "So, it's there to tempt others to grab, but not allowing them to do so, making others annoyed? Sister Mengdie, you are so cunning! Keeping such a fluffy and cute thing all to yourself!"
Mengdie was speechless. Fortunately, Sasa arrived with Lena and Coco. Mengdie immediately went up to meet them, and after a brief exchange of pleasantries in the pavilion, they got straight to the point.
"Mengdie, my Rainbow Bird returned this morning. The letter from Prince Silvermoon has been delivered to the King of Silvermoon. After reading the letter, the King seemed very relieved and looked much better. As for your friend Aya, my Rainbow Bird inquired a bit, and although she has been repeatedly threatened with death by the furious old King over the past month, thankfully, due to the intervention of Silvermoon's Water Movement and the Flame Guardian, she is safe and sound, still working as a maid in the house of those two magicians."
Hearing this news, Mengdie truly relaxed. The concern that had been weighing on her mind was finally lifted, and she felt somewhat weak with relief. She hadn't told Sasa about Aya working as a maid in the homes of Xisco and Linda, so the fact that Sasa mentioned it indicated that the information was likely correct.
"Miss Mengdie, you seem... relaxed?"
Mengdie laughed softly, her tail swaying easily. She was indeed relaxed, almost to the point of wanting to jump for joy. Great! Now that Aya's safety was assured, it was time to continue searching for traces of the Black Flame Snake! But... unfortunately, Mengdie had almost searched the entire city of Luweil during the week, yet no one had seen anyone with a black snake tattoo on their shoulder...
"Is that so? You're relaxed. However, the next piece of news I have might make it hard for you to stay that way," Sasa said seriously.
Mengdie was alarmed and sat up straight, "What news? Could it be... you've got information about the Black Flame Snake?"
Sasa nodded with a smile, "You're smart, Miss Mengdie. Lena heard last night that Prime Minister Rayen and my father were discussing a small village to the southwest of Luweil City. The village has been repeatedly attacked by a pack of fierce wolves. The King sent troops to exterminate them, but these wolves are cunning and hide in a nearby forest when the soldiers arrive. The soldiers went into the forest and didn't find the wolves, but they stumbled upon some people with Black Flame Snake tattoos engaging in some activity deep in the forest. Unfortunately, unfamiliar with the forest, the soldiers got lost and were then ambushed by the wolves, nearly wiped out. The only surviving soldier died after returning to the village and reporting what he saw. Father and Prime Minister Rayen were debating last night whether to send more troops to investigate the village. Miss Mengdie, is this information useful to you?"
More than useful, it was incredibly valuable! Mengdie stood up abruptly, grabbed Lena's hands, and thanked her repeatedly, making Lena somewhat embarrassed.
"Black Flame Snake, I've finally found your trace! There's no time to lose, Princess, I must take my leave now, thank you for your information and help. If you ever need me, just say the word! Nia, you stay here with the Princess and continue learning magic. Edward, Xiu, and I will go to that village to look for clues and find the Cup of the King, then come back for you!"
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