Having resolved Cole’s matter, their next target would be the Love of the Sky in the Motou mountain range.
It was not wise to just let Gregory leave like that. But Gu Mengmeng knew very well that there was nothing worse in this world than being indebted to someone’s love. So no matter what, she would never take advantage of someone’s affections for her.
Previously, she had been embroiled with Lea as he had always stood a place in her heart. She could not bear to completely cut him off.
In contrast, she had no feelings for Gregory at all. As a result, she could not lead him on.
But now that they had let go of Gregory… how would they be able to ascend the mountains?
“Let’s go to the Motou mountain range during next year’s rainy season.” Elvis hugged and kissed Gu Mengmeng. “Because of Gregory’s matter, things have already been delayed by a month. If we don’t start stockpiling food now, we won’t have a comfortable winter. Didn’t you want to go visit Chixuan and Kanwu? Let’s spend this year’s winter in Zacharias, alright?”
Gu Mengmeng mulled over this before shaking her head. “This is the first year of your reign as a Wolf King. All the wolves are gathered here in Sauder and you need to stay here this winter to set their minds at ease.”
“What do I care if they are ill-at-ease? I am only concerned for your happiness.”
Gu Mengmeng gave a charming smile. She caressed Elvis’ chest gently. “Since you are now a king, you must bear the requisite responsibilities. With just one command from you, they will risk their lives to kill anyone. You owe them some stability. Let’s head to the Motou mountains the moment winter ends next year. We can go to Zacharias to visit Chixuan and Kanwu after that. I believe that our sons will not blame us.”
Elvis didn’t insist and just nodded. “I always comply with whatever Xiao Meng says.”
Since Ian’s mission had been completed, he said that he would be returning to Saint Nazaire to accompany Mandy. Gu Mengmeng nodded her assent. It would be unreasonable of her to keep two newlyweds apart just because she enjoyed the company of friends.
Ian took two steps before turning back again. “Eh, Gregory. The fan that you gave Gregory, could you also give me one?”
“Why? You want to give one to Mandy to gain some favor with her?”
Ian nodded. “I accidentally broke that cup which you gave her… I want to bring back a fan to cajole her.”
Gregory pouted. “The feathers provided by Gregory are only enough to make two fans. I gave one to him and the other is with me. If you want it, you must capture 12 Melottis in exchange for it. I will then spend the winter making a new fan.”
Ian looked somewhat distressed. “Can I give you those 12 Melottis during the drought season next year? Those birds live in a very far-off place, and I will need at least two days to fly there. I am afraid that I cannot catch 12 before winter begins. I won’t be able to hurry back to Saint Nazaire if the snows seal off the mountains by then.”
Gu Mengmeng was shocked. “You need to fly so far to catch a Melotti?”
Ian nodded.
Gu Mengmeng frowned. She felt a bit uncomfortable.
She had never noticed why Gregory only appeared once a day during that period. He would deliver the Melotti, eat a meal, and then immediately fly off again. She thought he wanted to steer clear of her so that she could not pester him to bring her up the mountains. As a result, she didn’t probe him, not wanting to cause any unnecessary misunderstanding.
After realizing that Gregory liked her, Gu Mengmeng then thought he was just trying to control his own feelings toward her, and so was reluctant to linger around.
Now she knew that he had been flying day and night just to capture those Melottis.
All because she had casually commented: “I like their feathers and wish to make a fan from them. It would look so lovely”.