"Of course, his void remains true body is still at the core Abyssal Observation Station; only a fragment of the void remains is attending as a constructed phantom."
Ron showed a glimmer of interest in his eyes.
Being able to see Uther’s void phantom is a rare learning opportunity in itself.
As a Great Wizard who has lived for thousands of years, Uther carries an abundance of rare knowledge and experience.
Though it’s just a phantom, it is still enough to benefit any seeker of knowledge greatly.
"I understand. Please wait a moment while we prepare."
Ron calmly responded, turning around and nodding to Ailan.
Moments later, he led Ailan and Dale to follow Franka to the Jadeite Pavilion.
"Master, is this the festival you mentioned we’re going to?"
The Sea Siren’s crisp voice was filled with barely concealed excitement:
"I’ve never been to a human festival; will there be dances like in the sea?"
Ron slightly smiled, "No, tonight is just a private gathering. There might not be any celebratory activities, only your favorite delicacies."
"Delicious food!" Dale’s golden eyes lit up instantly:
"In that case, nothing else matters. I haven’t even been part of a Sea Race festival since being captured."
"The Sea Race’s celebrations must be beautiful." Ailan then stroked the silver-haired little head and softly echoed:
"Our plant life’s festivals are much quieter, where everyone simply stands together quietly, letting the roots touch, sharing memories and feelings.
Sometimes this exchange lasts for days, even weeks."
Franka, leading ahead, seemed oblivious to the chatting behind her.
But Ron keenly noticed that the tense lines of her back slightly relaxed.
Perhaps this relaxed atmosphere affected her, easing her constant state of vigilance slightly.
When the group arrived, as Franka pushed open the courtyard door, a warm and sweet scent greeted them.
Tonight, the small pavilion was different from usual; a delicate crystal wind chime hung on the door, making a clear sound in the breeze;
soft magic lamps adorned both sides of the corridor, emitting a warm orange glow;
the air was filled with the scents of baked bread, honey, and some exotic spice, making anyone feel unwittingly cheerful and relaxed.
"The Princess is waiting for you in the dining room," Franka softly said, leading the group through the corridor.
Upon entering the dining room, Ron’s attention was immediately captured by the scene before him.
The long table was laid with a silver tablecloth, set with exquisite tableware and crystal wine glasses.
Suspended in the center of the room were dozens of small light spheres, emitting warm light, like stars dotted in the air.
What surprised him the most was seeing the Black-haired Princess personally standing in the kitchen area.
The young lady wore a light apron, focused on cooking something.
Her black hair was simply tied at the back, revealing her smooth forehead and slender neck.
She appeared a bit less aristocratic and more living-like than usual.
"Master Ron!"
Upon seeing him enter, Eve raised her head, a bright smile blooming on her face:
"Welcome to my little banquet."
She greeted him while her hands didn’t pause their movement.
Her ten fingers deftly danced in the air, utilizing that unique Spiritual Power controlled technique, precisely managing every detail of the cooking.
The grasp of heat, the addition of spices, even the micro-adjustment of food molecules, were precise to a stunning degree.
Ron drew closer to the kitchen area, interested in Eve’s cooking skills, "I didn’t expect the Princess to excel in this area."
Eve chuckled softly:
"Rather than culinary skills, it’s more like a practice for my Spiritual Control that has nowhere to be placed.
For years troubled by the ’Demon Devouring’ symptoms, regular magic practices were a luxury for me.
But cooking provided a safe realm where I could use refined control techniques without triggering the symptoms."
With a gentle wave of her fingers, a silver knife floated in the air, slicing vegetables at a dizzying speed.
The slices were as thin as cicada wings, as even as if measured by precise instruments.
Meanwhile, in the pot on the other side, the sauce stirred slowly under her spiritual control, and the flame adjusted its intensity as needed, perfectly coordinating the cooking process.
"Franka just helped me prepare some ingredients."
Eve explained with a touch of pride:
"I prefer to handle the actual cooking process myself. It’s one of the few times I feel...like a normal person."
Her voice slightly lowered on the last word.
Ailan quietly stepped in, her emerald-green branches gently swaying:
"Your control skills are astounding, the precision comparable to the Root Guidance Technique of many Tree-man Elders."
Eve’s eyes brightened:
"Really? What kind of technique is that? I’m not very familiar with plant life’s ways."
Ailan’s voice carried rare enthusiasm:
"Root Guidance Technique is used by Elders to regulate energy flow in the forest.
They can perceive the state of every tree through the roots and guide the distribution of nutrients and water precisely, ensuring the health and balance of the entire forest..."
Just then, an elderly voice, somewhat familiar, suddenly rang out in the room:
"It seems I arrived just in time."
Ron turned and saw a human figure, formed by gathering silver light, slowly taking shape in the center of the room.
Initially just a vague outline, it gradually became clearer, finally appearing as a kindly-faced old man.
He wore an ancient robe, with hair and beard all white, yet his eyes were bright and lively.