บท 193: Truce

Liam left the Runes Hall at Ann's side in the morning, having just spent the last two hours being taught by Eliakim Badders.

A few days had passed since his return from the Silver-Winged Leopard hunt, but Ann still hadn't cultivated with him. He had been with her three times in the last few days, once accompanied by Joan.

Joan had worked to convince Ann without speaking explicitly. Joan had simply made ambiguous comments to test Ann's sensitivity to dual cultivation and to get her to think about the positive points.

Joan still didn't think it was time for Liam to do to Ann what he had done to her. She wanted a few more days before he made his move.

But Liam had been improving his relationship with Ann on his own, getting to know her better, spending more time with her, creating an intimacy. He didn't know if she would cultivate with him, but he wanted to nurture their relationship so that she would at least keep it a secret when he made his offer.