In the outskirts of Witherspoon.
The river flows quietly, a large old Toona sinensis tree covering the sky like an umbrella.
Richard stood under the tree, picked a leaf from it, and tossed it into the moat. The leaf spun on the surface of the water and drifted away.
Far away stood Ning Yu and Avril, surrounded by burly pandas, arms folded, their icy gaze warding off any idlers who sought to come near.
After the awkward banquet came to a close, Cui Beixi brought Richard and the little fox here.
To make time for this, Helen declined countless invitations to dances and dinners by nobles, including the persistent gaze of affection from the prince.
Richard knew that his beautiful snake mentor must have something to say.
He was waiting.
The one thing scouts especially needed was patience, something Richard was never short of.
