A single stone table, a solitary wooden stool resting beside it, and a few stray blades of grass peeking through the cracked paving stones in the corner—that was the entirety of the courtyard's furnishings.
The surrounding walls were entirely bare, stripped of decorative paint or hanging scrolls. It bore none of the refined warmth typical of a Great Yan courtyard.
As everyone looked toward the lonely stone table, Nine paused in her tracks, a flicker of embarrassment crossing her pale face. "I'm sorry. Since almost no one ever comes to visit, I didn't prepare any extra stools."
She turned and retreated into the dark interior of the small house, searching around for a moment before returning with a few mismatched wooden stools. Setting them down, she brought out an old ceramic teapot and four small cups.
"I'm afraid there's no tea left in the house," Nine murmured, setting the empty cups down. "Is hot water alright?"
Hearing her hushed words, a visible flicker of quiet heartache flashed across Fumizuki's eyes. "Nine... please, sit down first."
At Fumizuki's gentle request, Nine took her seat, her gaze sweeping quietly over the guests. Before she could speak, she felt a light, curious poke against her exposed forearm.
Looking down, she saw Flandre leaning forward, poking her finger against the raised black crystal growths protruding from her flesh.
Nine instantly recognized the little girl. This was the cherished child who had been practically attached to Fumizuki's side over the past two years, frequently accompanying her to public events and appearing on official broadcasting channels.
"Don't touch those," Nine warned softly, shifting her arm slightly to pull away. "These are raw Originium crystals. If you scratch yourself on the edges, you could contract Oripathy."
"I know!" Flandre replied, her bright red eyes devoid of any fear as she continued to lightly touch the edge of a crystal. "I've seen way scarier cases than yours. WhiteSmith's Oripathy had spread all over his face, and I wasn't even scared of that. I've seen your condition plenty of times before, so why would I be afraid?"
Nine looked up helplessly toward Fumizuki. She had never held an ounce of resentment toward the elegant woman who stood beside Wei Yenwu. On the contrary, whether in her past days at the Guard Department or in her current isolation, Fumizuki had quietly extended countless gestures of grace to her. Nine felt nothing but deep gratitude toward the Governor's wife.
Sensing Nine's unspoken appeal, Fumizuki offered a soft, reassuring smile. "Flandre, stop teasing her for a moment. Nine, we came here today because there is an important matter we would like to consult you on."
Hearing those words, Nine immediately straightened up and stood from her stool. "My skills and everything I have today are inseparable from your guidance, Lady Fumizuki. If there is anything you require of me, I will not refuse."
Fumizuki gently raised her hand, resting her soft palm over Nine's knuckles. "Sit back down, my child. This is a good opportunity for you."
Once Nine lowered herself back onto the stool, Fumizuki gestured toward Flandre and carefully laid out the purpose of their visit, detailing the miraculous surgical extractions and stabilization methods developed on Rhodes Island.
When Fumizuki finished speaking, Nine fell into a long, stunned silence. She truly had not anticipated that Fumizuki's sudden visit to the slums would be for a reason like this.
"Yenwu and I have always carried a deep sense of guilt over what happened to you back then," Fumizuki said, her tone brimming with sincere warmth. "So when Flandre brought us this news, you were the very first person who came to my mind."
"Arranging for you to travel to Rhodes Island serves two distinct purposes," Fumizuki continued smoothly. "First, we need someone trustworthy to evaluate this new surgical treatment Flandre described. If the medical outcomes are truly as remarkable as reported, I hope you can act as a representative for Lungmen to help facilitate a formal partnership."
"Secondly," Fumizuki added, her eyes softening, "Flandre mentioned that this organization, Rhodes Island, harbors exceptionally talented medical researchers with limitless potential. Perhaps one day they will discover a true cure for Oripathy, and Lungmen wishes to establish early diplomatic goodwill with them."
Throughout the entire conversation, Fumizuki deliberately refrained from framing the trip around Nine's personal medical needs. Yet both of them knew that once Nine arrived at Rhodes Island, she would naturally be among the first to receive treatment. Furthermore, according to Fumizuki and Flandre, the vast majority of Rhodes Island's personnel were Infected themselves—meaning Nine would face no prejudice or isolation during her stay.
Though her current life in the slums was manageable, her status as an Infected still brought constant friction and hostility to her daily existence. No matter how she evaluated it, taking this assignment was an overwhelming benefit.
"May I... have some time to think it over?" Nine asked quietly after a brief pause.
"Of course," Fumizuki replied, a gentle curl forming at the corners of her lips. She knew Nine well; phrasing it that way meant she had already agreed in her heart.
Seeing that the primary objective was settled, Fumizuki naturally steered the conversation toward lighter topics. She asked about Nine's recent daily life, her meals, and whether she had suffered any unfair grievances in the neighborhood—caring for her just like a loving elder attending to a cherished junior.
Having conversed with Fumizuki many times in the past, Nine responded fluently, the tension gradually draining from her shoulders.
After chatting comfortably for nearly half an hour, Fumizuki finally rose to her feet. "The idea regarding Rhodes Island came entirely from the news brought by little Flandre. If there is anything specific you wish to ask about their facility, you can consult her directly."
"There is no need to rush your departure," Fumizuki added gently. "Whenever you are ready, simply come to the Governor's Mansion, and I will arrange your escort team."
Nine stood up and bowed deeply to Fumizuki. "Thank you, Lady Fumizuki..."
Fumizuki patted her shoulder affectionately. "What is there to thank me for? As long as I can see you children safe and healthy, I am content."
Flandre reached into her pocket and pulled out her smartphone. "Sister Nine, let's exchange contact details! If you have any questions later and it's inconvenient to walk over to the mansion, you can just call me directly."
Seeing the sleek smartphone offered by the little girl, a genuine smile broke through Nine's normally guarded expression for the first time that day. "Alright..."
After saving the contact numbers, the three of them walked out of Nine's quiet courtyard together.
"Are you two coming back to the Governor's Mansion with me for lunch?" Fumizuki asked, turning to Flandre as they reached the street.
Flandre shook her head, pointing toward the vibrant market street a short distance away. "No thanks! If we cut through this lane and cross two streets, we'll be right near home. There are tons of delicious food stalls along that route, so Sister Meiling and I plan to walk back!"
Fumizuki let out a soft laugh, leaning down to playfully pinch Flandre's nose. "I didn't realize you were such a dedicated little foodie! Alright, I won't force you."
"I will have the staff package those salted egg yolk and osmanthus pastries you liked and send them to your residence later," Fumizuki added warmly. "If you ever need anything else, remember to tell your auntie."
After crouching down to chat with Flandre for a few more moments, Fumizuki stepped into her armored vehicle under the watchful eye of her security detail, and the convoy glided smoothly away.
Flandre and Hong Meiling turned toward the lively commercial thoroughfare.
"That Lady Fumizuki is truly an extraordinary woman," Hong Meiling remarked suddenly as they walked alongside the bustling crowds.
"Huh? What do you mean?" Flandre asked, tilting her head in curiosity.
"When we first arrived, Sister Nine was actually feeling quite complicated and defensive about seeing Lady Fumizuki," Meiling explained calmly. "That kind of subtle emotional shift is incredibly complex... I suppose only someone like the master of the Palace of the Earth Spirits could read every nuance. But it certainly wasn't entirely positive at the start."
"Yet the moment Lady Fumizuki laid out her proposal, Sister Nine's mood shifted completely," Meiling continued. "It's as if every single reaction from that young woman was anticipated and guided by Lady Fumizuki from start to finish."
While Meiling didn't claim to be a master of psychological analysis, her mastery of Qi made her intensely sensitive to subtle shifts in human energy. Throughout the interaction, Fumizuki's Qi had remained flawlessly calm and steady, whereas Nine's Qi had fluctuated constantly before settling into total alignment with Fumizuki's intentions.
"That's only natural, isn't it?" Flandre replied, not finding it strange at all. "Auntie Fumizuki helps govern a massive city like Lungmen every single day!"
Having managed the affairs of Lungmen for decades alongside Wei Yenwu, keeping the sprawling metropolis prosperous and orderly, it was hardly surprising that she possessed such effortless grace and diplomatic skill.
Meiling smiled, nodding in complete agreement. "That's true. For someone who handles the weight of a whole Mobile City, guiding a small conversation like this is child's play."