Chapter 179: Gone With the Storm
The rainy season dragged on.
Autumn had barely begun before the cold air arrived.
Yellow leaves fell with the wind, and the streets were deserted.
Winter had come, bringing with it icy rain and howling winds that stung the face…
In the Falmouth courtyard, Lena examined a beautiful gift box.
Inside was the pocket watch Modesty had just delivered.
Palm-sized, it was as intricate as a complex machine.
Enamel face, gold casing, pearl inlay, miniature painting…
The ornate exterior, studded with diamonds and rare metals, exuded a timeless beauty.
“Excellent craftsmanship.”
Lena praised Modesty’s skill, immediately sending her to the finance department for a reward.
“I look forward to our next collaboration…”
Modesty chuckled, her fatigue overshadowed by the generous reward.
She had worked tirelessly for a day and a night, without sleep or food, to meet the deadline, and the reward had exceeded her expectations, proving that hard work paid off.
The price of this pocket watch alone was enough to buy a small family.
But its significance was far greater than its monetary value.
Like using money to measure a precious gem would only diminish its value, Lena’s intention was to give it away, that was the true meaning of the gift.
“Mines will surely like it.”
Lena smiled.
Spending a fortune just to please someone, she hadn’t expected herself to be so impulsive.
But it was worth it.
After all, Mines had given her her heart, Lena couldn’t be a heartbreaker…
Well, she was already quite the heartbreaker…
“Master.”
An old man in black robes appeared at the entrance to the courtyard.
It was Stinky Jia.
Lena’s smile faded. “What is it?”
“Master, I wanted to ask about the schedule for the next resurrection project, uh, I mean, the preparations for the Bone Dragon are complete, when will we begin?”
He spoke respectfully, carefully choosing his words, not wanting to disturb Lena’s mood.
“Not yet.”
Lena tapped her finger on the table, her legs crossed.
“Wait, and double-check everything, no mistakes this time.”
“Understood…”
Stinky Jia bowed deeply, not entering the courtyard, as if knowing he wasn’t worthy of sharing this space, maintaining a respectful distance.
“Then leave, you’re an eyesore.”
Lena watched as Stinky Jia left, then her tapping stopped, and she smiled. “Hmph, quite a useful servant.”
But just a tool, nothing more.
Lena wouldn’t teach him necromancy, but she could use his desire for advancement, offering small rewards, keeping him loyal to the Falmouths.
Maintaining her image of power was enough.
“Speaking of the Bone Dragon, it’s quite a problem…”
The demonic power, fused with the abyssal energy, made creating large-scale undead creatures difficult, the otherworldly power too corrosive, even for her creations.
The Bone Dragon incident at the concert was a prime example.
“I can’t keep wasting money like this, where can I find another rank seven dragon core…?”
The last one had been found in the Falmouth warehouse, but there was only one, and she had destroyed it.
“Sigh, if only I were rank seven, I wouldn’t have to risk creating a dragon above my rank, spending so much time and effort gathering materials, walking a tightrope.”
Lena looked up at the sky, her expression melancholic.
The gloomy sky and the falling rain mirrored her mood.
Lonely and desolate, a yearning for strength.
“The rain is getting heavier…”
The cold rain poured from the sky, the thick clouds like an open wound, unable to close.
Lena seemed trapped by the sudden downpour.
…
In a small gazebo, a gray-haired beauty sat alone, sipping tea and listening to the rain, her beautiful face tinged with melancholy, her eyes downcast, her long eyelashes concealing her emotions, a soft sigh escaping her lips. “Gone with the storm, come with the storm…”
A gust of wind blew.
Her white dress swirled around her.
She looked up at the darkening sky, as if waiting for someone.
“Is this truly fate’s will…?”
The gray-haired beauty frowned, complaining.
A figure emerged from the rain, rushing into the courtyard, seeking shelter in the gazebo.
“Master…”
The little dove, her feathers drenched, her figure overlapping with Lena’s, like that night at Lena’s bedroom door.
“I’ve said my goodbyes, I really have to leave now.”
She still wore her red feather dress, but the spider lily was gone, given to Lena.
“Yes, I know… I know…”
Lena slumped back in her chair, as if her soul had left her body.
“Do you love me?”
Mines asked again, her voice filled with sorrow.
Raindrops pelted her small body, but she stood firm, yet lacking the courage to step under the gazebo’s roof.
She knew she couldn’t delay any longer…
“I do.”
Lena transformed into a gray shadow.
Stretching, reaching out.
They embraced in the rain, kissing, their clothes soaked, their fingers cold, but their hearts warm, their love sincere and passionate.
“I love you, Mines,” Lena confessed.
“Master…”
Mines’s voice trembled, her beautiful face contorted with emotion, tears streaming down her face.
“I don’t want to leave you, this isn’t what I want… waaaah…”
“I know, I know everything, Mines.”
Lena’s eyes were also wet, and she nodded slightly.
Mines stood on tiptoe, kissing Lena deeply, like a starving beast.
Lena, feeling Mines’s warmth, wrapped her arms around her neck, deepening the kiss, a final farewell.
“Master… my Master…”
“I’ll miss you.”
“Mm, me too… please don’t forget me… I love you too, Lena…”
Mines closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, her cheeks were flushed, her expression shy.
The rain continued to fall, heavier now.
They kissed for a long time, Lena giving her the pocket watch.
A token of their love, Lena said.
And then, the rain washed over them, as if cleansing them.
Lena’s arms were empty, she knew Mines was gone, perhaps never to return, she had to let go…
