Ark Simulator, don't I have no physical form?

He no longer armed himself with anger and indifference, but instead learned to express his needs through complaints, to gain attention through coquetry, and to… “manage” their attitudes towards him with a slightly aggrieved and temperamental demeanor. This transformation filled Enya and Yera with immense relief and…satisfaction. They knew this wasn't submission or weakness, but rather…genuine trust and intimacy. Only in front of one's closest and most trusted people would a person reveal such an unguarded, even somewhat “childish” side.

Now, Suri is more like a large, pampered pet cat that has been thoroughly domesticated. He can usually stay quietly by himself, but when he needs attention and comfort, he will come over and rub his head against your hand, or silently accuse you of "neglect" with his beautiful eyes. If you stroke his fur, he will purr contentedly; if you upset him, he won't use his claws, but will only lightly pat you with his paw pads (metaphorically), or turn his back to you with his rear end. But as long as you offer him something delicious or fun to coax him, he will immediately forgive you without any hesitation.

In the meditation room, the most common scene nowadays is this: Enya might be reading, Yela might be standing quietly, and Suri might be curled up on the sofa playing games. But the air is no longer filled with tension or awkwardness, but rather with a... relaxed and warm atmosphere, like that of family. Enya would occasionally look up and ask Suri with a smile if she had finished the game; Yela would silently refill Suri's tea at the perfect temperature; and Suri, while operating the screen, would respond vaguely in a nasal voice, or complain about the game's difficulty, her tail unconsciously swaying gently in the air.

When Enya and Yera "subconsciously" squeezed next to him again, Suri stopped struggling and protesting. He would just sigh like the filling in a sandwich, utterly dejected, and then... very naturally... adjust his posture, resting his head on Enya's soft shoulder, and quietly tucking his feet (wearing socks) into the slightly warm crook of Yera's legs, finding the most comfortable "collapse" angle, and then... continue playing his game! It was as if these two "human cushions" beside him were born there.

Enya and Yera were completely content with this. They enjoyed Suri's "natural" dependence and intimacy. Watching him relax and be at ease beside them filled them with immense happiness and...a sense of accomplishment. This boy from a faraway land, once scarred and wounded, had finally found peace and belonging in the "net" they had woven with patience and love.

And what about Suri himself? He might never admit it, but he truly... loves his current life. He loves Enya's gentle nagging and indulgence, he loves Yela's silent protection and thoughtfulness, and he loves this feeling of being surrounded by deep love and security. Those sharp edges haven't been smoothed out, but rather... enveloped in warmth, melted into a more rounded and resilient core.

He was still Suri—proud, strong, a bit of a homebody, and hating sweets. But he was no longer the same Suri. He had learned to complain, to act spoiled, to…be an “ordinary person” who could be occasionally willful and let his guard down in front of those who loved him.

"Hey... I'm hungry." Su Rui put down the terminal, rubbed her slightly sore eyes, and said in a soft, sleepy voice.

"What would you like to eat? I'll have the kitchen make it," Enya immediately put down her scrolls and asked softly.

“…Grilled fish. No sugar.” Suri yawned and rubbed her head against Enya’s shoulder again.

“Okay~” Enya replied with a smile, reaching out to ruffle his silver hair.

Yera silently got up and went to the kitchen to instruct them to prepare dinner.

Suri squinted her eyes contentedly, like a cat that had been stroked and felt comfortable, and made a soft purring sound in her throat.

Outside the window, the wind and snow continued. But inside, it was warm and cozy.

The "three-person" life within the monastery, after initial adjustments, tests, and even "competitions," seemed to have entered a new and more stable balance. However, any balance contains subtle dynamics, and the mysterious spiritual connection between Suri (Snow Leopard version) and Enya, stemming from the relationship between "host" and "dependent consciousness," became the most unstable factor that could disrupt this "superficial balance."

Enya is the dwelling place of Suri's consciousness, his "anchor point," and the foundation upon which he can exist stably in this icy wasteland. This connection, intangible and formless, is real and tangible, like an invisible, warm thread that always wraps around and connects the depths of their souls. And Suri, though never explicitly stated, seems to subconsciously have a natural affinity and... dependence on this connection.

Driven by this "instinct," the interaction between Suri and Enya subtly underwent a qualitative change. This change was extremely subtle, yet it was enough to be noticed by the two perceptive women.

First, there's a change in "distance." Suri no longer consciously maintains a certain, invisible boundary with the two of them, as he used to. He'll more naturally and proactively... get closer to Enya. Especially when Enya is focused on reading, writing, or meditating, when her mental energy is highly concentrated and her spiritual power is most stable and active, Suri will unconsciously curl up to the closest place to Enya—usually next to the desk Enya often sits at, on the softly cushioned carpet, or simply nestled at Enya's feet.

Volume 18, Chapter 1132: I Will Always Be Watching You

Suri wouldn't disturb Enya, simply staying quietly, hugging his tail, playing with his terminal, or even just resting with his eyes closed. But that "presence," that natural emanation of affection for the peaceful and serene aura surrounding Enya, was so obvious. He would unconsciously adjust his posture, trying to stay as close as possible to the edge of Enya's spiritual field (for lack of a better term), as if drawing some invisible, reassuring energy.

Enya quickly noticed this almost "cuddling" posture. Whenever she awoke from deep meditation or looked up from lengthy documents to see Suri curled up quietly at her feet, his silver hair gleaming softly in the lamplight, his fluffy tail swaying gently with his breath, an indescribable tenderness and…strange sense of satisfaction would well up within her. It was as if she were protecting not only his body but also the part of his wavering consciousness that depended on her. She couldn't help but reach out and gently stroke Suri's head, feeling his soft hair and warm body, her heart filled with an indescribable, intense sense of belonging, akin to being "needed" and "trusted."

"Suri, are you sleeping comfortably here?" Enya would ask in a soft voice.

Suri usually wouldn't answer immediately, only letting out a muffled, nasal "hmm" from her throat, or simply nuzzling Enya's palm unconsciously with her head before continuing with her own things. But that completely relaxed, utterly trusting demeanor was more captivating to Enya than any words.

Secondly, there's a subtle difference in their "interactions." When Suri feels bored, tired, or simply in a bad mood and needs some comfort, the first person he'll almost always turn to is Enya. He'll dawdle slowly to Enya's side, not saying a word, just staring at her with his clear black eyes, his gaze carrying a... barely perceptible, animalistic dependence and... a signal of "seeking attention."

Enya always understood immediately. She would put down what she was doing and gently ask, "What's wrong, Suri? Tired? Or hungry?" Sometimes, Suri would nod or give a vague reply; sometimes, he would just shake his head and then... very naturally, rest his head on Enya's knees, or gently place his tail on her legs, close his eyes, as if she possessed a special, reassuring magic. Enya would then gently stroke his hair or lightly comb the downy fur on his tail, humming an old, soothing folk song from Sherag. Suri would usually relax quickly in this atmosphere, even making soft purring sounds.

This unreserved closeness and trust, almost like a cub seeking its mother, is something Suri rarely gives to Yela. He may trust and depend on Yela, but that's largely based on his recognition of her as his "protector" and "caregiver," and… a kind of "companionship" affection. But in Enya's presence, he seems to let down his guard, revealing a deeper, more instinctive dependence.

Enya was acutely aware of this difference, and secretly delighted by it. An indescribable feeling, a mixture of possessiveness, a sense of accomplishment, and...a touch of smugness, grew within her. See, she was the most special, the closest, the most inseparable presence for Suri. That bond, originating from the depths of their souls, was something Yera could never match. Whenever Suri unconsciously nuzzled against her leg, or fell peacefully asleep beside her, a gentle, satisfied smile, tinged with a hint of "smugness," would involuntarily appear on Enya's lips. She would steal glances at Yera beside her, a subtle, almost imperceptible, woman-only sense of pride in her gaze.

And Yera, this perceptive, deep-thinking "maid" (goddess) who also... harbors special feelings for Enya, naturally took all of this into account.

At first, she just found the inexplicable closeness between Suri and Enya somewhat...irritating. But gradually, as Suri's almost "mother-child" dependence on Enya became more and more obvious, a strange, bittersweet emotion, like a vine quietly growing, began to spread in her chest.

Was it...jealousy? Not entirely. Was it...resentment? Perhaps a little. More than that...an indescribable feeling, a mixture of loss, unease, and...a sense of being excluded. She watched Suri curl up unguardedly at Enya's feet, watched Enya gently stroke his hair, watched the unspoken, tranquil harmony flowing between them...she felt like a superfluous bystander, only able to stand aside, quietly watching, unable to truly join in that...unique intimacy between them, originating from their very souls.

Suri would accept her feeding, tolerate her touch, and even inadvertently show concern for her (such as handing her a band-aid), but he rarely sought her out like he did with Enya, showing her that complete, unconditional, almost instinctive trust and dependence.

This contrast, like fine needles, pierced Yela's heart, making her feel...like an outsider who strives but never receives an equal response. This feeling became especially clear and...unbearable when Enya occasionally cast that slightly smug and boastful glance at her.

However, Yera's pride and her identity as a guardian prevented her from expressing these emotions. She simply fulfilled her duties silently, even more so. She would prepare Suri's favorite savory snacks with extra care, keep the tea at the perfect temperature while he played games, quietly drape a light blanket over him while he read, and quietly retreat into the shadows when he and Enya were being affectionate, leaving them alone.

But her gaze would involuntarily follow Su Rui's figure. When she saw Su Rui sleeping peacefully beside En Ya, a complex tenderness and... loneliness would flash in her eyes, a feeling she herself didn't even realize. When she saw Su Rui looking around anxiously because En Ya had been gone for a moment, an impulse would surge within her to go over and comfort him like En Ya had done, but in the end, she would only purse her lips and suppress that impulse.

Between her and Enya, a silent, subtle "competition" began, one that only they themselves knew. It was not a hostile competition, but rather an unspoken undercurrent carrying a sense of probing, comparison, and a touch of "rivalry."

Volume 18, Chapter 1133: The Unnoticed Undercurrent

Enya would more deliberately use her "spiritual connection" with Suri to "attract" him. For example, during meditation, she would unconsciously radiate a gentler, more tranquil spiritual field, like a warm, fragrant nest, luring Suri, this "spiritual fledgling," closer. When Suri was drawn to her, she would give him a gentler, more "maternal" smile, offering him more affectionate caresses and whispers.

Yera, on the other hand, would solidify her position in a more practical and subtle way. She would remember every little of Suri's preferences and habits, preparing everything before he needed it. She would take even more meticulous care of his daily life, gradually infiltrating Suri's life with her unwavering concern, making him accustomed to her presence and dependent on her care. She wouldn't compete with Enya for that "soul-level" intimacy, but rather attempt to build an unbreakable, indispensable connection on a "practical" level, like air and water.

Interestingly, the protagonist, Su Rui, seems completely unaware of this turbulent undercurrent of competition.

He remained immersed in his comfortable, "domesticated" life. He would naturally gravitate towards Enya, who made him feel most at ease and comfortable, and he would also accept Yera's meticulous care without a second thought. He couldn't discern how much of Enya's smile was "maternal" and how much was "triumphant," nor could he fathom the complex emotions beneath Yera's silence. To him, Enya's touch and Yera's refreshments were both part of "home," things he could accept with peace of mind, and even... somewhat enjoy.

He would relax and doze off beside Enya, and let out a satisfied hum through his nose when Yera handed him his favorite snacks. Occasionally, he would complain that Enya was "too noisy" and that Yera was "too controlling." Like a spoiled child, he took for granted the distinct yet equally sincere care from his two "guardians," completely unaware of the silent, sweet, yet slightly bittersweet undercurrent behind that care.

"Suri~ come and try this, it's my new herbal tea, it's not sweet~" Enya held up a steaming cup of tea and greeted Suri, who was looking at the snow scene by the window, with a smile.

Suri slowly walked over, took the cup, sniffed it to make sure it wasn't sweet, then took a small sip, and then raised an eyebrow almost imperceptibly: "...Not bad." It was a rare, above-average evaluation.

Enya's smile grew even brighter. She secretly glanced at Yera, who was wiping her weapons not far away, and a hint of smugness flashed in her eyes.

Yera paused slightly as she wiped her weapon, a surge of emotion flickering in her dark eyes, but she quickly regained her composure. She put down the weapon, walked to a nearby cabinet, took out an exquisite box, opened it, and inside were several perfectly baked flatbreads sprinkled with rock salt. She walked to Suri and silently handed him the box.

Suri's eyes lit up, and without any hesitation, she picked up a flatbread, took a bite, and a satisfied look appeared on her face. She mumbled her evaluation, "...Hmm, this is good." Then, naturally, she took the whole box from Yella's hand, hugged it to her chest, and ate the flatbread while drinking tea, her tail wagging gently in contentment.

Yela watched his satisfied expression, and the corners of her tightly pursed lips curved upwards almost imperceptibly. She said nothing, simply standing quietly to the side, watching Su Rui enjoy his meal. But her slightly gentle gaze revealed a hint of contentment.

Enya's smile faltered for a moment, but quickly returned to its gentle expression. She picked up the teapot, poured Su Rui another cup of tea, and said softly, "Eat slowly, don't choke."

Su Rui responded with a soft "hmm." He was so engrossed in his culinary world that he was completely oblivious to the silent, electrifying exchange of glances between the two women beside him.

This is probably what they mean by "not appreciating one's blessings"? Or perhaps it's "being slow to realize one's good fortune"?

Suri swallowed the last bite of the pancake with satisfaction, licked the crumbs from the corner of his mouth, and then... very naturally, shoved the empty box into Yella's hand, turned around, and slowly moved back to the window to continue watching the snow scene. It was as if the "tea and snack incident" just now was nothing more than an ordinary daily interlude.

Enya and Yera exchanged a glance, a spark seemingly flying through the air before quickly disappearing. In each other's eyes, they saw a hint of helplessness, a hint of indulgence, and… an unspoken understanding of "there's plenty of time ahead."

After all, this awkward yet adorable silver-haired boy with fluffy ears and a tail had long been an inseparable part of their lives. No one could possess him entirely, nor could they let him go. So, let this silent, gentle "contest" continue on this snow-capped mountaintop. As long as he could continue to be pampered and loved by them, peacefully, with a touch of temper, that would be enough.

Life within the monastery was warm and peaceful, like a secluded paradise. However, this seemingly eternally frozen kingdom of Shelag was not monolithic. The holy mountain was the tranquil center, but the world below harbored its own undercurrents and entanglements of interests. Just as beneath the thickest ice, there is always flowing water, colliding and churning, occasionally creating eddies that could even disturb the calm surface.

That afternoon, Enya was in the meditation room as usual, dealing with some academic correspondence. Her lake-blue eyes scanned intently over the reports written in ancient script on the parchment scrolls, but her delicate brows gradually furrowed. Sunlight streamed through the icy window, casting dappled shadows on her face and illuminating the increasingly frequent, gunpowder-laden words on the letters.

"The Shivaish family's mines... has another dispute arisen..." Enya put down the letter, sighed softly, and a hint of weariness appeared between her brows. This wasn't the first time she had received reports about friction between the three major families at the foot of the mountain. Kjerag wasn't a unified kingdom, but rather a facade maintained by several ancient and powerful families, with the Shivaish, Blantau, and Perroch families at the forefront, each managing different areas and resources. The Shivaish family, in particular, held the mining rights to Kjerag's most precious, deeply buried Originium veins, a symbol of wealth and power, yet also the most likely target of conflict.

This dispute appears to be more complex than previous ones. The letter states that the Shivaish family has discovered a rich mineral deposit in an area near their traditional hunting grounds and plans to expand mining. However, this area happens to be on the edge of the prime woodland that the Blantau family has relied on for generations, and is also a crucial passage for part of the Perroch family's grazing route. The vibrations, pollution, and potential impact on the ecosystem caused by the mining have provoked strong dissatisfaction from the other two families.

Volume 18, Chapter 1134: They were arguing, while Suri was just passing by.

The Blanto family accused the Shivaish family of destroying the forest, threatening valuable timber resources and hunting grounds; the Perroch family, on the other hand, worried that the mines were polluting water sources, affecting the health of livestock, and obstructing grazing routes.

“It’s the same old problem again… the conflict between interests and tradition.” Enya rubbed her temples, her voice tinged with helplessness. As a saintess, although she didn’t directly intervene in secular affairs, maintaining harmony and stability within Jeragand was one of her sacred duties. These family disputes often required her to mediate, or at least express the will of the gods (or, to speak on behalf of “Jeragand”), guiding all parties to exercise restraint. But each intervention was like walking a tightrope, requiring extremely careful balancing.

Yera stood by like a loyal shadow. She had naturally seen the letter's contents, a flicker of understanding in her dark eyes, but mostly a cold, worldly-wise indifference. She understood better than Enya the intricate web of interests and deep-seated conflicts between these families. In her long existence, similar dramas had played out countless times. As long as it didn't jeopardize Sherag's foundation and… Enya's safety, she didn't want to interfere too much. After all, she was a goddess, not a caretaker, much less an arbitrator. But… Enya was worried.

"Should I go and take a look, Your Holiness?" Yera asked calmly, her tone devoid of emotion. But if necessary, she would personally descend the mountain, acting as a "maid," using the "power of the gods" to "observe" and... to "deter" as needed.

“Not for now.” Enya shook her head. She didn’t want to use Yela’s power lightly, as that would break the balance and could also cause greater suspicion. “Let the messenger convey my wishes first. Please invite the heads of the three families to the Holy Mountain for a meeting. I hope we can sit down and talk and find a compromise that is acceptable to all parties.”

Just then, Suri (Snow Leopard version), who had been curled up on the couch by the fireplace, wearing noise-canceling headphones and engrossed in a challenging shooting game, seemed to have finished a round or sensed the subtle change in the atmosphere. He pulled off half of his headphones, revealing a furry ear, turned his head to look at them, and asked in a languid, confused tone, "...What's all the noise about? Is it those...troublesome things down the mountain again?"

His tone was flat, carrying an air of detachment. Family feuds and mine profits were far less "important" to him than the enemies in the next level on the screen. He simply felt that Enya's sigh and Yera's sudden (though subtle) tension were disrupting his enjoyment of the "peace and quiet" afternoon.

Seeing that he was unusually "concerned" (if that's to be called it), Enya put away her worried expression and tried to explain in a light tone: "Well, it's just some minor friction down the mountain. The Shivaish family is mining a new mine, and they have some disagreements with two other families... the Blantau family and the Perroch family, over land use."

Suri didn't even flinch after hearing this, simply putting his headphones back on and giving a mumbled "Oh," clearly uninterested. But just a second before he was about to re-immerse himself in the game, he seemed to catch a key word. He paused slightly, took off his headphones, tilted his head, and revealed an expression that was almost "bored curiosity," asking, "Blanta...Perroch? Who's that? Never heard of it. What...animal does it sound like?"

Enya was amused by his reaction and patiently explained, "These are the ancient families of Sherag, their crests and symbols. The Blantau family's crest is a nimble squirrel; they are adept at surviving in the forest, skilled in hunting and herbalism, and are the guardians of the woodlands and hunters. The Perrochi family's crest is a strong brown bear; they are mountain people and shepherds, with a bold character and great strength, guarding the high-altitude pastures and grazing routes."

“Squirrel? Bear?” A glint of something like “this is somewhat interesting” finally flashed in Suri’s eyes, but he quickly returned to his lazy demeanor, pursed his lips, and commented, “...Oh. A little squirrel and...a big bear. Arguing over some ore and land? Boring.” He clearly had no concept of his family’s history, honor, or complex web of interests, grasping only the most visual image and the simplest point of conflict.

"Pfft—" Enya burst out laughing at his overly blunt (and disrespectful) description, even the worry between her brows dissipating somewhat. She shook her head helplessly: "You can't say that, Suri. Every family has its traditions and principles. But... you're right, arguing over resources is indeed... pointless." She sighed, a hint of weariness at the endless conflicts down the mountain flashing in her eyes.

Yera's lips curved into an almost imperceptible smile, but her eyes remained calm and undisturbed. Suri's simple, outsider-like perspective, so focused on the core issues, actually made her feel...somewhat satisfied. Often, those complex entanglements of interests and high-sounding reasons, stripped of their facade, aren't they simply a case of "little squirrels" and "big bears" fighting over territory and food?

“Fortunately,” Enya said, her tone becoming more relaxed, “the letter said that although the words were strong, all parties were still relatively restrained and there were no signs of the use of force for the time being. Everyone seemed to understand that violence would not solve problems on the land of Shelag, but would only bring disaster.”

Su Rui gave a noncommittal "humph," put his headphones back on, and muttered vaguely, "...good for them." Then he ignored them and immersed himself back in his virtual battlefield. In his view, as long as they didn't actually fight and disturb his peace, the "little squirrels" and "big bears" down the mountain could argue however they wanted; it had nothing to do with him, the "idle man on the mountain."

However, a faint, almost imperceptible sense of unease flickered within him. Though he'd said "boring" and "meaningless," the word "force" had touched a nerve. He'd experienced real battlefields and knew all too well how severe the consequences could be if things got out of control. But since Enya said everything was alright, then…it really was alright, right? After all, this was Sherag, the place Enya and Yera protected. With them here, things should… stay relatively peaceful.

Enya smiled at Su Rui's nonchalant, "the tall ones will hold up the sky" attitude. Su Rui's "indifference" and "straightforwardness" strangely lessened Enya's worries about the conflict down the mountain. Yes, as long as everyone remained rational and avoided violence, there was always a solution. She picked up her pen again and began drafting a mildly worded but clearly stated summons letter for the three major families.

Volume 18, Chapter 1135: Enya: I Won't Be Favorable

Yera silently stepped aside, her dark eyes gazing at the endless snow-capped mountains outside the window, her expression profound. She knew Enya's intention to mediate was good, but could those "squirrels" and "bears" driven by self-interest at the foot of the mountains truly maintain restraint as the saintess wished? She had to prepare for the worst. She slightly turned her head, glancing at the silver-haired boy on the soft couch who seemed indifferent to everything but actually possessed astonishing hearing and was extremely vigilant. If... if it really came to that, perhaps... this seemingly lazy little fellow, who actually harbored terrifying power, would be... an unexpected trump card? However, she hoped it wouldn't be needed.

Silence returned to the meditation room, broken only by the crackling of the fireplace, the occasional sound effects from Suri's game, and the scratching of Enya's pen on parchment. But a subtle, heavy tension seemed to hang in the air, like the calm before a storm. The squabble between the "little squirrel" and the "big bear" down below, though temporarily muffled by the snow and ice of the sacred mountain, had already subtly touched this tranquil sanctuary. And Suri, this seemingly detached "outsider," would his future fate intersect with the conflict down below? Time would tell.

The air in the meditation room seemed to have returned to its languid tranquility after Enya finished explaining the "territorial dispute" between the "little squirrels" (the Blanto family) and the "big bear" (the Perroch family) down the mountain. Suri (Snow Leopard version) put his noise-canceling headphones back on, isolating himself from those "boring" worldly squabbles, and continued to immerse himself in his virtual battlefield. His fingertips slid rapidly across the screen, perfectly isolating the sounds of gunfire, explosions, and the screams of enemies falling, leaving only the occasional dissatisfied "tsk" or a barely perceptible, satisfied exhale.

However, some seeds, once sown unintentionally, will quietly take root and sprout in the subconscious. Although Suri outwardly dismissed these "family matters," his unusually keen, almost beast-like intuition allowed him to glean something unusual from Enya and Yera's brief but somewhat somber conversation. The fleeting complex emotion in Enya's tone when she mentioned the "Shivaesh family," and the undisguised weariness between her brows, made it impossible for him to completely dismiss the matter.

A few days later, it was another snowy afternoon. Su Rui's eyes were getting tired from playing games, so he put down his terminal and listlessly lay on the soft couch, his fluffy tail swaying gently behind him. His gaze wandered aimlessly, finally landing on En Ya, who was reviewing documents at her desk by the window. Her head was lowered, her long, silvery-white hair cascading over her shoulders. Her profile appeared serene and gentle in the snowy light, but her slightly furrowed brows betrayed her inner turmoil.

"...Still worrying about those things?" Su Rui suddenly spoke, his voice slightly hoarse from just finishing the game. He remained in the prone position, but turned his head to the side, his obsidian-like eyes lazily looking at Enya, and his furry ears twitched slightly in her direction.

Upon hearing this, Enya looked up, a hint of surprise flashing in her lake-blue eyes, which quickly turned into a helpless, bitter smile. "Yes... those three families, each with their own opinion, none of them are willing to give in. The Shivaish family insists that mining will revitalize the family and benefit Sherag, the Blantao family is worried about the damage to the forests and hunting grounds, and the Perroch family is unhappy about the impact on water sources and pastures... Sigh, what a headache." She put down her pen and rubbed her temples, clearly this matter had caused her considerable distress.

“The Shivaish family…” Suri chewed on the surname, a thoughtful glint in his dark eyes. He remembered that Enya was the saintess of Sherag, an existence independent of the three major families, serving the gods. But the snippets of conversation he'd overheard between Yera and Enya seemed to hint that Enya had some… special connection with this “Shivaish” family? Perhaps… their origins?

He was never interested in other people's backstories, but at this moment, a strange curiosity, tinged with a hint of inquiry, compelled him to ask. He tilted his head, his furry ears twitching slightly, his tone flat yet carrying a barely perceptible probing: "...Hey, that 'Shiva Ash' who mines...what's your connection to him? He sounds...so familiar?"

He asked directly, without any beating around the bush. That's Su Rui's style: simple, blunt, and to the point.

Enya paused, clearly not expecting Su Rui to suddenly ask this. Looking into Su Rui's clear, dark eyes, filled with pure curiosity (and perhaps a hint of gossip?), the annoyance in her heart seemed to lessen somewhat. She remained silent for a moment, a complex, indescribable light flashing in her lake-blue eyes—a mixture of nostalgia, estrangement, and a touch of… faint bitterness?

“I…” Enya began softly, her voice low, as if she were talking about a distant past that had nothing to do with her. “My real name is Ensia Shivaish. I… am from the Shivaish family, and I am… the second daughter of the previous head of the family.”

Suri's ears perked up instantly! A hint of surprise flashed in his dark eyes. Although he had suspected it, hearing Enya admit it still surprised him. This gentle, kind, somewhat naive and idealistic saint, who always thought of others, was actually the young lady of the seemingly "rich and powerful," "domineering" Shivaesh family?

"Oh? So you're still the young lady?" Su Rui raised an eyebrow, his tone slightly teasing, but his eyes held no disdain or contempt, only pure curiosity. "Then you..." He paused, seemingly choosing his words carefully, but ultimately opted for the most direct approach, "...In this matter, shouldn't you... show a little bias towards your family?" He asked as if it were a matter of course, as if it were a matter of course. In his understanding, people would subconsciously protect their "family," it was human nature.

Enya looked at Su Rui's "Does this even need asking?" expression and couldn't help but chuckle. Her laughter carried a hint of helplessness and a touch of relief. She put down the document in her hand, stood up, walked to Su Rui's soft couch, and sat down naturally on the edge of the couch.

"Favoring...my family?" Enya repeated the word, a slightly mocking smile curving her lips. But the mockery wasn't directed at Su Rui; it was directed at...a certain outdated notion, or...certain people? "Su Rui, do you know? Sometimes, the place you were born isn't necessarily the place you belong. And blood ties...don't necessarily bring true warmth."

Volume 18, Chapter 1136: Su Rui Has a Little Plan

Her tone was calm, but Su Rui keenly sensed a hint of...coldness and aloofness hidden beneath that calm.

Enya reached out, her fingertips slightly cool, and gently pinched Suri's cheek. She did this with practiced ease. Suri merely tilted her head slightly, letting out a soft, disgruntled grumble, but didn't pull away, seemingly already "accustomed" to this level of "offense."

“The Shivaish family… are the masters of Kjerag’s mines and wealth, a powerful and ancient family.” Enya’s voice became somewhat ethereal, as if recalling something. “But to me, it was… a huge, cold cage filled with intrigue and scheming. My father… the former head of the family, was a man who only cared about the family’s interests and power. My brother, Ensiodis, perfectly inherited my father’s ambition and… ruthlessness.”

She paused, a barely perceptible hint of pain flashing in her lake-blue eyes: "In their eyes, the interests of the family are above all else, and personal will and emotions are bargaining chips that can be sacrificed at any time. As for me... because I was born weak, I cannot inherit Originium Arts, nor can I bring direct and powerful military force or wealth to the family... so, from a young age, I have been regarded as... a 'useless vase'."

Suri's dark eyes narrowed slightly. He sensed the undercurrent beneath Enya's calm demeanor. Although he hadn't personally experienced the complexities of life in a large family, he had witnessed enough darkness and indifference to understand the feeling of being "used," "ignored," or even "abandoned."

“Later,” Enya’s voice calmed, carrying a sense of settled tranquility, “because my constitution resonated with the Holy Mountain, I was chosen as a saintess, and thus… I was able to leave that home and come to this Holy Mountain. For me, this place…” She looked around the simple yet warmly lit meditation room, her gaze sweeping over Yera standing quietly to the side, finally settling on Suri’s face, her lake-blue eyes regaining a gentle yet firm light, “is my home. Yera, and…” She paused, her fingertips gently brushing through Suri’s silver hair, “…and you, are my ‘family’.”

Suri's heart skipped a beat, almost imperceptibly. He looked up and met Enya's eyes, brimming with tenderness and sincerity. A strange yet warm feeling slowly flowed through his heart. Family...?

“So,” Enya withdrew her hand, her tone becoming relaxed again, even a little playful, but her eyes were incredibly serious, “this time, I won’t side with the Shivaesh family. I hate my ambitious, ruthless brother. As long as he behaves himself, doesn’t do anything outrageous, and doesn’t harm the peace of Kjerag, I’ll… treat him like a stranger. As for the family’s interests…” She shrugged, revealing an almost mischievous smile, “what does it have to do with me, this ‘useless vase,’ this ‘runaway saint’?”

She paused, a barely perceptible tenderness flashing in her eyes, and added, "The only person I care about is my sister, Enya Shivaish. She... is different from me. She's a good girl, just a little... too kind and naive. I only hope she can be safe and happy, and not be bothered by the dirty business of the family. As for whether the Shivaish family mines or digs mountains, whether they prosper or decline... I don't care."

Suri listened quietly, his dark eyes unfathomable, revealing little emotion. Enya's estrangement and indifference from her family, her dislike for her brother, and her longing for her sister were all laid bare before him. This undisguised, scarred honesty, ironically, evoked in him a strange sense of resonance and respect for Enya. She appeared gentle and mild, yet possessed her own unwavering principles and resolute determination.

“…Oh.” Suri was silent for a moment, finally uttering only a simple syllable. He didn’t say anything comforting, nor did he express agreement or disagreement. He simply reached out his paw and gently patted the back of Enya’s hand, which was resting on her knee. The movement was somewhat stiff, but it carried an awkward sense of reassurance.

Then, he turned his head and looked back at the snowy scene outside the window, as if the heavy conversation had never happened. But his furry ears turned almost imperceptibly toward Enya, and his tail curled up gently, resting on Enya's wrist, conveying silent support.

Enya felt a warmth in her heart and her eyes welled up slightly as she watched Su Rui's awkward yet sincere gesture of comfort. She knew that Su Rui understood and...accepted her past and present. She reached out and ruffled Su Rui's hair again. This time, Su Rui didn't make any sound of dissatisfaction, but simply squinted her eyes and let out a very soft, almost inaudible gurgle.

“So,” Enya stood up, her usual gentle smile returning, but with a hint of determination in her eyes, “I will only try my best to mediate from the perspective of a saint, to find a solution that is relatively fair to all three parties. As for the outcome… that’s up to their individual fate.”

Su Rui hummed in response. He didn't press further, but he had a different perspective on the conflict down the mountain. At least, he knew that Enya wasn't the type to favor her "family" out of personal bias. This made him...feel...not bad?

“However,” Suri suddenly remembered something, turned his head, a sharp glint flashing in his dark eyes, his tone turning cold, “if they dare to bring trouble here, disturb…this place.” He didn’t specify what he meant by “this place,” but his gaze swept over Enya and then glanced at Yera in the corner, the meaning clear, “I will let them know what it means to… ‘regret’.”

His tone was calm, yet it carried an undeniable sharpness, like a blade drawn from its sheath! In that instant, the chilling aura emanating from him seemed to lower the temperature in the meditation room by several degrees.

Enya and Yera were both taken aback. They both sensed the undisguised, cold protectiveness in Suri's words, like that of a predatory beast guarding its prey! He wasn't joking!

Enya felt a warmth in her heart, but also a bit amused and exasperated. She reached out and gently rubbed Su Rui's cheek, saying softly, "Don't worry~ With Yela here, no one will dare to cause trouble on the Holy Mountain. Besides, I believe things won't escalate to that point."

Yera nodded slightly, a cold glint flashing in her dark eyes: "I will ensure the peace of the Holy Mountain." Her promise carried immense weight.

Volume 18, page 1137: It's best to do it this way, don't push your luck.