"It’s best that way!"
Vinard decisively hung up the communication.
.........
The contents of these conversations were recorded verbatim by the plant surveillance equipment scattered throughout the room.
Ron deliberately chose to have these communications in the early morning to let Sheena fully understand his "background" strength.
Three Great Wizard-level supporters, each representing the top influence in the Wizard World.
Cassandra’s political power, Uther’s academic prestige, Vinard’s technical authority—such a combination is enough to make any force think twice.
Sure enough, less than half an hour later, there was a gentle knock on the guest room door.
"Lecturer Ralph, may I come in?"
Sheena’s voice sounded gentler than yesterday, with a hint of cautious probing.
"Of course, Elder Sheena."
The door slowly opened, revealing Sheena’s figure in the doorway.
She appeared more radiant than last night, but her transcendent aura was even more pronounced.
Emerald patterns flowed beneath her skin like living water, and her elliptical pupils twinkling in the morning light with the plant’s unique vitality.
Yet she had evidently made some disguise, not displaying more evident non-human traits.
At least on the surface, she still maintained the basic image of a human female.
"How was your rest last night?"
Her attitude became much more reserved, no longer possessing the overt and covert coercion of yesterday.
Instead, it was replaced by an almost commercial politeness and sense of distance.
"Very well, thank you for your thoughtful arrangements."
Ron feigned satisfaction:
"The environment of the Vitality Spring indeed has a unique charm, leaving a deep impression."
Sheena keenly sensed the subtle change in his words.
Yesterday, Ron’s attitude was relatively naïve, but today showed more of the polished diplomatic rhetoric.
"That’s good."
She gracefully seated herself on a vine chair in the room:
"But I am curious, Lecturer Ralph, about last night’s...special phenomena, what is your opinion?"
This was a clear probing question.
Sheena wanted to understand Ron’s acceptance level of the fallen ceremony to assess the feasibility of further actions.
"Special phenomena?"
Ron feigned a puzzled expression:
"Are you referring to the bioluminescent effect of the nocturnal plants? Quite fascinating; I’ve only seen similar descriptions in theoretical literature before."
"And those flowers that only bloom at night, their fragrance has an obvious calming effect. I slept very soundly."
This deliberate misinterpretation caused a flicker of disappointment in Sheena’s eyes.
But she quickly adjusted her strategy, no longer probing sensitive topics directly.
"It seems Lecturer Ralph has research in botany as well."
She switched to a safer entry point:
"I noticed you contacted several important figures today, presumably elders who care about your safety?"
"Indeed."
Ron admitted frankly:
"The Tower Master and two Great Wizards...are all very concerned about my itinerary, considering there are indeed certain...uncertainties in the Quicksand Lands."
He deliberately emphasized "Great Wizard" and "uncertainties," hinting that he was not unaware of the dangers.
Sheena’s pupils slightly contracted, obviously understanding the implication of this hint.
She began reassessing the risk-reward ratio of her actions.
A young wizard supported by three Great Wizards whose disappearance would surely trigger immense attention.
Especially the type like Vinard, who might directly lead a team over to "search."
"Your friends are indeed very concerned about you."
Sheena’s tone became more cautious:
"However, I believe during your stay at the Vitality Spring, your safety is completely assured."
"I think so too."
Ron displayed a meaningful smile:
"After all, Elder Sheena is such a revered scholar, surely wouldn’t let guests experience any unpleasant events."
Ron lightly stroked the surface of the Silver Pocket Watch, feeling the sense of flowing time within.
The pointer showed it was nearing noon, and according to the original itinerary, he should return to the Sand Sea School today.
"Elder Sheena, time flies."
He feigned a realization:
"According to the arrangement with the Sand Sea School, I must return today."
Saying this, he took out a travel schedule from the Storage Bag, detailing various time nodes:
"Dean Salamanda arranged a follow-up academic visit; any delays could affect the entire exchange program."
Sheena felt an immediate surge of urgency upon hearing this.
She originally planned to keep him for at least another day for more "academic guidance."
But Ron’s seemingly reasonable scheduling left her without an excuse to forcefully retain him.
"Leaving so soon?"
She struggled to maintain a gentle tone but revealed a marked disappointment in her eyes:
"I was planning to show you some even more valuable research results."
"Your kindness deeply moved me."
Ron displayed an adequate level of regret:
"But academic exchanges need orderly arrangements; even though brief, this visit has already given me a deep understanding of the Life Tree School’s philosophy."
He showed a look of anticipation:
"I believe there’ll be more opportunities for collaboration in the future, allowing for deeper discussions."
Inside, Sheena’s mind was restless like turbulent seas.
She could feel a perfect opportunity slipping between her fingers, yet outwardly, she had to maintain a graceful demeanor.
As an elder of the Life Tree School, each of her actions represented the school’s image.
Being overly eager to retain him, not only would expose her real intentions but also might trigger the other’s alertness and disapproval.
"In that case, I won’t insist."
She reluctantly displayed a decent smile:
"Please return to your room to pack up; I’ll prepare some supplies for your journey."
"Thank you so much, Elder Sheena."
Ron politely bowed, then turned to walk toward the guest room.
Sheena watched his silhouette disappear around the vine corridor’s corner, her gentle expression immediately replaced by anxiety.
She quickly headed to her private study, closing the door before starting to pace back and forth inside.
Emerald patterns rapidly flowed beneath her skin, a physiological reaction to emotional excitement.
"I can’t let him leave like this..."
Sheena clenched her fists, her elliptical pupils shining with refusal:
"Such a rare opportunity, if missed, who knows how long it will take to encounter it again."