Luther’s home was small but tidy, filled with various knickknacks, especially animal figurines.

Noticing Shen Lin’s gaze lingering on the figurines, Luther blushed and said, “If I ever get the chance to leave, I’d love to see animals from the outside world. The elders say that there are birds as small as rice grains, fish as big as hills, deers taller than several people, and even flying mice.”

Hearing his jumbled description, Shen Lin couldn’t help but chuckle. “The rice-sized ones are hummingbirds. The hill-sized creatures probably aren’t fish but whales. The tall ones are giraffes. As for flying mice… those would be flying squirrels. They don’t actually fly, nor are they mice, they glide.”

Luther listened in a daze, his face full of yearning. “How wonderful… The world outside must be so vibrant. I’d love to see it.”

Shen Lin nodded. “Me too. But we can’t leave.”

“Right…” Luther’s expression fell. Then he suddenly brightened. “Wait!” He picked up a small lion figurine from the shelf and handed it to Shen Lin. “This is for you. You two are so alike, both refined and noble, yet adorable.”

Shen Lin: “…”

Yan Xiuyi’s icy gaze went toward Shen Lin.

Under that stare, Shen Lin accepted the lion. “Thank you, I like it. I didn’t bring you a gift, so let me tell you about whales instead?”

He described whale habits and the phenomenon of whale falls¹, captivating Luther, who gazed at him with admiration. “You’re so knowledgeable.”

“Not really. I just read about it at the library yesterday.” Shen Lin seized the opportunity. “Luther, you know many people, do any of them understand ancient script?”

Luther thought for a moment. “Mrs. Anne might. I heard she worked at the library when she was younger and studied Moonfall’s old writing system.”

“Mrs. Anne?” Shen Lin pictured the sharp-tongued old lady who walked her bald parrot around town. “Layla’s landlady?”

“Yes. But she’s forgetful now, I’m not sure how much she remembers. Why do you ask?”

“I’ve been studying old scripts lately. I want to get closer to the gods.”

“Really?” Luther frowned. “It’s better to keep some distance from the gods. Most of us aren’t meant to bear holy burdens. For ordinary people like us, hearing divine whispers can… damage the mind. There’ve been many such cases in town.”

“Thanks for the warning,” Shen Lin said. “I’ll be careful.”

Luther smiled. “Glad I could help.” He turned to cook.

Yan Xiuyi suddenly asked, “Why did you say we’re friends?”

Shen Lin replied offhandedly, “…Boyfriends are also friends.”

Yan Xiuyi froze, clearly not expecting that answer. He made a soft noise, then leaned in to kiss Shen Lin’s lips.

Caught off guard, Shen Lin shot KP a glare. “Your sadistic sense of humor is terrible.”

“It’s in character!” KP defended. “Felton is obsessed with Orion! Your relationship is too safe, I want his love to burn brighter! To consume him!”

Burn my ass, Shen Lin thought. It was already scorching enough. Any hotter and they’d combust.

After placating Yan Xiuyi, Shen Lin approached the kitchen. “Need help, Luther?”

“No! You’re my honored guest, ” Luther paused, peeking out. “Actually, could you shell these peas? The kitchen’s small, just you. A third person would crowd it.”

He didn’t want them alone together outside his sight. He longed for even accidental brushes with Orion in the cramped space.

The pure-hearted bartender’s fantasies stopped there.

“Sure.” Oblivious, Shen Lin entered. When Yan Xiuyi tried to follow, Shen Lin shooed him away, only for Yan Xiuyi to scoop him up effortlessly and carry him out.

Yan Xiuyi then rolled up his sleeves and marched into the kitchen. “How much to wash? I’ll do it.”

The sliding door shut, leaving Shen Lin outside while Yan Xiuyi and Luther stood shoulder-to-shoulder inside, both glowering.

Shen Lin: “…”

This is bad.

Soon, a fragrant lunch was ready. Luther served Shen Lin first. “How is it?”

Shen Lin took a bite. “Delicious! Luther, you’re amazing!”

Yan Xiuyi scoffed.

Shen Lin: “…”

Yan Xiuyi’s madness was driving him insane. He shot Yan Xiuyi a warning look, only for Yan Xiuyi to seize his hand under the table and whisper, “When you look at me like that, I want to kiss you.”

Shen Lin: “…”

Shut up!

Despite the awkward meal, Shen Lin steered the conversation skillfully. When the time seemed right, he asked, “Has Layla always lived with Mrs. Anne?”

“Yes. She rents from her, but…” Luther smiled. “They’re like mother and daughter. Mrs. Anne charges little, and Layla cares for her. She’s clever and attentive. Three years ago, Mrs. Anne fell gravely ill. We all thought she’d die, but thanks to the doctor and Layla, she recovered! At her age, it was miraculous!”

“Did Layla grow up with her?”

Luther looked puzzled. “Hmm… Not sure. She started selling lilies outside the tavern seven or eight years ago. Outsiders brought lily seeds, but no one else could grow them, only Layla. People say lilies are delicate, needing perfect care to bloom purely.” He hesitated. “Why the interest in Layla?”

“She’s been kind to me. I want to return the favor but don’t know what she’d like.”

“I could care for you too,” Luther mumbled, then sighed. “But business is slow lately. Aunt Lina’s ale needs ingredients from outsiders, fruits that won’t grow here.”

He checked the clock. “Today’s ration distribution day, but the mayor hasn’t announced anything. By now, half should’ve been handed out. People say the outsiders abandoned Moonfall this year, abandoned the gods’ call.”

Shen Lin nodded gravely. “I’m worried too. By the way, Luther, do you know about the ruby in Moonfall Cove?”

“Of course. They say it’s the gods’ tear of mercy for our town. It only surfaces during the decennial crimson moon, these very days. On the ritual day, Benson retrieves it as the gods’ emissary.”

“Sadly, I missed it ten years ago. I’m eager this time.” Shen Lin probed, “Since it’s a divine gift, does it have special properties?”

“Not sure. It’s sacred, a miracle. But…” Luther lowered his voice. “Only Benson can retrieve it. Others who enter Moonfall Cove drown, the emerald water won’t let them float.”

So that’s why Benson holds such power, Shen Lin realized. Even the mayor deferred to him. He must have gained real abilities from the “gods.”

Just then, the long-absent Keeper spoke: “Roll for Listen.”

The dice landed successfully. Shen Lin heard commotion outside and went to the window.

A crowd had gathered, waving banners. A familiar woman’s voice rang out, Mrs. Fornier, standing on a slow-moving cart, her thin frame radiating determination as she proclaimed:

“We demand equality! Not just fair resources, but an end to all discrimination!”

“We demand lives of dignity! Equal opportunities for work and marriage!”

“The gods’ love is universal! No one should be divided!”

Today was ration day. Their needs were urgent. Yet not only were they deprived, even the upper-caste townsfolk and Father Benson received nothing.

She was a remarkable woman, fighting for a noble cause.

Shen Lin watched with respect, when a gunshot cracked through the air.

The street fell silent for a heartbeat before erupting into chaos.

In Shen Lin’s sight, the middle-aged woman swayed… then collapsed forward.

A crimson flower bloomed on her chest.

1.  A whale fall occurs when the carcass of a whale has fallen onto the ocean floor ↩︎