Edward, oblivious to Rand's expression, stood up in agitation, unable to sit still any longer. He grabbed his giant sword and knelt on one knee before Rand: "Master! Please don't say our journey was useless. At least through this journey, I realized how weak and vulnerable I used to be! I... I want to protect Miss Mengdie and everyone else!"

(Hey, hey, hey! What's going on? Why drag me into this?! I don't need your protection!!!)

"Moreover, I want to protect the Kingdom of Silvermoon! So, Master, please. I beg you to make me stronger! I want the strength to protect those I value! The 'Spirit Sword' and 'King of Sword Spirits' are just minor aspects of your swordsmanship. I want to continue learning from you, as I did ten years ago! I want to improve my swordsmanship! And, I want you to return to Silvermoon with me! With my guarantee, I can have you reinstated in the Royal Knights and even as the leader! Your skills... You definitely have the strength!!!"

As Edward spoke, Rand only sighed and his expression grew sadder, but he didn't get angry. However, when Edward brought up returning to Silvermoon again, the old man suddenly became furious! He slammed his hand on the table, stood up with a hunchback, and turned to enter the flower shed. Edward, realizing he had misspoken, hurriedly grabbed Rand's sleeve and shouted: "Master! Don't you trust me? Or have you lost faith in the Silvermoon you were loyal to?!"

As Edward persisted in his pleas, the old man finally calmed his anger and turned to lift Edward up.

"Master Rand...?"

"Don't call me Master anymore... I'm just an old florist nearing my grave... Your Highness, I trust you. And Silvermoon. But... I'm really old, I don't have the energy..." Rand's eyes flickered with a sense of time-worn wisdom.

"Master! How can you be old? Your swordsmanship is still superb! What... What exactly happened ten years ago? Why were you expelled from Silvermoon? And why did my father treat you so badly? No one could be more loyal to Silvermoon than you. I refuse to believe you betrayed the kingdom! Where is your sword? Where is Cangyue, the sword second only to the King's Sword Silvermoon?"

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

Mengdie, not fully understanding the conversation, quietly moved next to Xiu and whispered, "Cangyue? What is that?"

Xiu thought for a moment, glanced at the tail behind Mengdie, smiled slyly, and said: "Hehehe, well~ let me touch your tail, and I'll tell you."

Mengdie rolled her eyes at Xiu's nonsense. Just as he was about to intricately explain Cangyue, a sword specially used by the Silvermoon general and of the same level as the King's Sword Silvermoon, Mengdie had already lost interest and stood up to leave.

"Mengdie sister, where are you going?"

Seeing Mengdie get up, Nia, somewhat sleepy from the heat, struggled to stand and walked over to grab Mengdie's constantly moving tail.

The tail nimbly dodged Nia's grasp and gently patted her head.

"Alright, alright, don't follow if you're sleepy. Xiu, let Nia get some proper rest. I'm going to see Sashala and ask if she knows any other traces of Blackflame Snake. Also, see if I can borrow some Sular from her to buy stuff."

Xiu agreed, picking up Nia and efficiently pulling out a handkerchief and a small bottle of essence from his pocket, applying it, and covering Nia's nose. In three seconds, little Nia closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep.

......

"Xiu..."

"Mm? What is it, Miss Mengdie~?"

After laying Nia on the bed, Xiu looked at Mengdie with a sleazy smile.

"Nothing. I just hope your inventions are used to serve people, not to satisfy your own evil desires."

"Oh~ I see. But Mengdie, I'm not quite sure what you mean by satisfying my own evil desires???"

Unsure if Xiu genuinely didn't understand or was just feigning ignorance, Mengdie could only shake her head. She glanced at Edward, who was still pestering Rand, sighed, and left the house. The white wolf followed her out, and they walked towards the maid's path.

After Mengdie left, Edward continued to pester Rand with questions like "Where is Cangyue?" "What happened ten years ago?" "Can Master Rand return to the Royal Knights?" and so on. Rand, growing impatient, huffed, shook off Edward's hand, and walked into the tea room with a hunchback, slamming the door behind him.

Xiu: "Oh dear~ seems like the former Sword Master is a tough nut to crack~ Your Highness, are you going to continue?"

Edward, panting, took a few breaths, then firmly stuck his sword into the ground! He rolled up his sleeves, humming, and prepared to barge into the tea room.

"I'll continue! I won't give up until I convince the Master!!!"

"Really?" Xiu smiled and tucked the magic book into his chest, "But before you continue, we might have some 'guests' to deal with."

"Guests?"

As Edward looked surprised, the door of the hut suddenly opened. The figure that appeared made the Prince of Silvermoon astonished...

"Hehe, my dear cousin. I didn't expect you to still be alive? And hiding in such a place."

The sarcastic voice came from outside the door, and the first thing that appeared in front of the two was a sword...

Silvermoon... the King's Sword!