Brain bloom

Mori couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. But this was a mass-produced plant that had been forgotten underground for who knows how many years. How much could it possibly know? Mori asked a few last questions without much hope: "Is there anything else you haven't told me? About this... Eden Bank, and the 'traveling soul' of the underwater civilization."

"Nothing."

"OK then."

This trip yielded nothing but a corpse and a lotus flower. When asked, Youlian revealed there was no treasure hidden anywhere; the biggest find was a sack of ancient digging tools… and these rather sad stories.

With reverence, Mori placed the body and his belongings into his bag, then carried Youlian and the soil in his hands before heading away from Eden Bank. Each step he took brought Mori a slight improvement in his mood. Youlian remained silent throughout, her faith clearly wavering.

On the way, Sen Shi picked up the other person's hand again.

Knowing that this path was safe, she jogged up and soon saw the crack she had come from. Using her staff to illuminate it, she could see the ocean flowing across it.

Getting out wouldn't be difficult; Mori could use ice magic to freeze a tunnel, which would be enough for her to return, since she still had plenty of mental energy. But... was this really the proper way out?

The crack on her head was accidentally cut by her arrow, not a real way out.

Sen hesitated, because the steps continued to extend forward and upward.

Where does the end lead?

Suddenly remembering something, Sen Shi put down You Lian, took out a large map of the entire island of Silvermoon City, and used the light to carefully distinguish the directions... That's right, if these steps are straight ahead, then the end must lead to Silvermoon City.

Her fingers tapped on the map, and she couldn't help but ponder the connections between them.

"Ah, Morishi-neechan." A sweet and familiar voice suddenly came from upstairs.

"Fu Fu".

"Oh no! Something's happened at home! Enemies have come knocking!"

Mori looked up in despair and stared at the salt spirit stuck in the crevice: "W-what happened again? Why is it you who came to deliver the message again? Did giving you the name Fufu not bring you good fortune?"

Volume 1, Chapter 112: Political Demands

Fufu clearly heard what Senshi said, and her eyes immediately lit up, clearly expressing her criticism of those harsh words. Then, in a resentful tone, she launched into a fierce rebuttal—

"Salt is a very auspicious thing! It can bring you good fortune! The name Fu Fu, which the princess gave me, is clearly wonderful..."

"Okay, okay, tell me, what happened at home? Is Dandelion still safe?" Sen Shi asked anxiously.

She thought that at such a crucial moment, Fufu would definitely ignore her. However, Fufu threw a tantrum, just kept flashing its light, unwilling to come out from the gap, and even less willing to continue to convey information.

"Mori-neechan... I'm very unhappy."

"Please forgive me, my lovely little Fufu. We've been through thick and thin together. I was just joking. So, tell me, about Dandelion... I'll listen to all your complaints. But let's get down to business!"

“Since Sister Morishi said I can’t bring good luck, then…” Her tone suddenly became mischievous, “I won’t tell you that this is actually good news.”

"...Good news?"

"Well, I was just trying to make a joke. Oh well, if Fu Fu can't bring good fortune, then so be it."

Moritoki froze for a second before realizing that Fukufu was joking. Indeed, although she was a salt spirit, Fukufu was by no means someone who didn't understand the bigger picture. From the moment she calmly began to complain, Moritoki should have known that the situation wasn't serious.

She stood on tiptoe and reached out to grab Fufu, but it escaped.

Sen jumped up again, and only managed to grab the cool-feeling sprout in his hand after nearly hitting his head on it.

"Alright, go ahead and tell me, since you drank my bathwater."

……

Earlier that morning, Dandelion used meditation to calm herself down. She firmly believed that Mori had the ability and the luck to return safely—at least, that's how she comforted herself.

Not long after they became familiar with each other, Yuan arrived at her backyard again from the realm of demons.

I wish I hadn't maintained that polite demeanor today. I had barely settled down when I called out from under the window, "Princess Dandelion, I'm sorry to bother you. Would it be convenient for you to come down and talk to me?"

Hearing this sound, Dandelion ended her flustered "meditation" and opened the window to look down.

I wish I were still wearing that outfit, and when I looked up and saw the dandelions, I squinted at the sunlight.

"I'll go down now."

“Then, then you don’t need to come down. Since you can hear each other’s voices, and the situation is urgent—that’s how it is for you.”

"The matter of Mori?"

"No, it was the human world's council that just officially concluded in the demon realm." She put one hand on her hip and continued, "As the strongest demon, I also went to help scare those humans, which is why I'm late."

"An emergency meeting... I didn't expect it to involve an ancient deal made with the devil." Dandelion knew the seriousness of the situation.

"However, they weren't scared by me, because they were all engrossed in their discussion. They were discussing you, and if I'm not mistaken, enemies will be coming to our door soon."

Dandelion recalled yesterday's events. Man had already warned that Silvermoon City would make a choice that was extremely unfavorable to the Four Seasons at the meeting in the Demon Realm, which probably referred to this.

Holding important meetings in the Demon Realm has become a tradition for humans. After all, the human world is too vast; even with advanced technology like the airships of the past or those incredibly fast flying beasts, holding an emergency meeting between leaders is extremely difficult.

So, long ago, people made a deal with the ancient King of Demons, proposing to borrow the realm of demons. This way, no matter where they were, as long as they stepped into that world of demons, they could meet face-to-face. It was very convenient, and the demons would guarantee their safety.

However, the cost is quite high, and this contract is only enforced on major issues.

He told Dandelion about what happened at the meeting: "The famous eunuch of the Peda Empire urgently made a demand to Silvermoon City—'We want to take revenge on the Four Seasons on your territory, so you are not allowed to shelter them or interfere.'"

"...As expected."

"Then, that little girl from the Holy Coffin Kingdom... uh, 'Holder of the Holy Letter B, Guardian of the Blade of Chaos,' what a weird name and long list of titles, also made a diplomatic request to Silvermoon City:"

"Our search party is assembled. Even if we have to raze your Silvermoon City to the ground, we'll find what's hidden inside. If you could lend us a way, or simply hand over the item, everyone would be very happy. The Four Seasons Ones got it, didn't they?"

After hearing the demands from both sides, Dandelion gritted her teeth and cursed, "Why is the Holy Coffin Kingdom also..."

"Didn't you steal someone's holy relic? The skull of the first Pope."

Dandelion was stunned, wondering how such a thing could happen? Could it be that Sen Shi did it secretly? That's something to be proud of... No, she's not here now! It's not something to be proud of... Wait, could it be that...?

She suddenly remembered a crystal box that had fallen from the sky and landed at her feet; there was indeed a skull inside.

It was indeed a conspiracy, she silently concluded in her heart.

"What about the Demon Queen of the Chaos Land? Could she have become my enemy as well?" Dandelion asked Yuan with her last bit of strength.

"Yes, she also attended the meeting and made a very serious diplomatic request to Lord Balzac of Silvermoon City: 'How long has it been since the night market opened? Don't push me, I'll also make up a reason and say I have a grudge against the Four Seasons.'"

"It's really the same as always." Sighing, Dandelion rubbed her forehead, realizing that things were really serious.

"What was Lord Balzac's answer? Well, you can guess by thinking about it."

"Yes, he did not protect you."

Mann's threat was real, and Dandelion wasn't surprised at all. Now, the world's three major powers had all become enemies. If Lord Balzac hadn't allowed the night market to open occasionally, the enemies might have become four major powers.

Should she really resort to fate magic? She hesitated.

While the two great destiny spells of the Flower Kingdom are both trump cards and possess the potential for reversal, they both require a tremendous price to use. If Mori Toki cannot return, although there is nothing that can be done, using destiny spells must be seriously considered.

Besides this, there is another path to take, and that is wish. But now the Four Seasons are in a weak position, and Mori Toki's whereabouts are unknown. Wish is definitely no longer willing to sacrifice his life force to make this deal with her.

"Um, Princess Dandelion, I have something I'd like to discuss with you."

"Tell me, I have it too."

“Then I’ll speak first.” Yuan cleared his throat, his face suddenly turning a little red: “In fact, I also have a serious diplomatic request: if Princess Dandelion does not agree to my deal, perhaps the devil will also have a grudge against the Four Seasons.”

Volume 1, Chapter 113: Oral Contract

Upon hearing Yuan's words, Dandelion's heart trembled slightly, as if it too was filled with the chill of late autumn.

She lowered her gaze helplessly, because yet another person had appeared who showed hostility.

It seems that even if one usually feigns kindness and friendliness, a devil is still a devil, and that will never change. Even if someone was originally human, being raised by a devil means that their soul already contains the devil's true evil.

The usual pretense was finally torn to shreds when the Four Seasons were in dire straits.

It finally bares its fangs, intending to greedily tear off a piece of flesh. If it doesn't grit its teeth and let the other bite, then the other will bite through its throat and tear off all the flesh, leaving probably not even a complete skeleton.

"Is this the devil? Okay, I get it."

“Yes, I represent the devil.” Yuan nodded, looking serious.

Given this, it's impossible to conduct an equal transaction according to the previously agreed terms.

Dandelion remembered the original terms of the deal perfectly: her lifespan would allow her to fight at full power three times, a terrifying amount of strength. Therefore, she wanted to use these three uses to exchange for Wing Cloud's entry ticket with the Four Seasons Warrior.

Dandelion was reluctant to agree, after all, the Winged Clouds ritual is the most important folk ceremony of the Four Seasons.

But now, even if it's given away for free, it's useless. Taking advantage of someone's misfortune is the norm, and the other party will definitely have a lot of additional conditions attached.

The dandelions by the second-floor window gaze indifferently downwards.

What kind of deal do you want to make with me?

"Well, I understand. I wanted the right to participate in Yiyun, as I mentioned before. By the way, Sen Shi also promised to put in a good word for me, I wonder if he did?"

Dandelion showed no outward reaction, but her eyelashes fluttered restlessly along with her eyelids. She couldn't help but mutter to herself, accusing Yuan of secretly using devilish methods to win over Mori's heart. Danger was lurking nearby, yet she hadn't taken any precautions?

"Looks like they didn't say." Yuan's lips curled into a smirk, clearly not happy.

Dandelion suppressed her anger: "Speak, what are the terms of your deal? Stop keeping me in suspense, Miss Devil."

"It's my three usage rights, which I'll exchange for your participation rights in Wing Cloud."

"...Just like that? Are you sure? The same as before?"

"Damn it! Is it still not enough?"

He swung his fist hard into the air.

"I thought you'd be scared by me at a time like this and agree immediately!"

"You really scared me..."

"The Four Seasons are really difficult to deal with." She muttered for a moment, then looked up and held up one finger. "I'll give you one more feather from my father! This is my final concession! Otherwise, I'll really be your enemy, I'm not kidding!"

"……Row."

"If that's still not enough, then... um? You said yes? Does that mean it's a deal?" Yuan asked incredulously.

"Okay, deal."

Dandelion wiped the cold sweat from her forehead, worried that she would see it. She had already prepared herself for a major hemorrhage, as long as these extremely troublesome devils didn't interfere.

I never expected their threat to be so...naive? Perhaps only that word can describe it.