"What? An elf's heart?"

Wenwu didn’t know what an elf’s heart could do, but he knew one thing for certain: it would cost a life.

"Exactly. The Elvenfolk dwell deep in forests, their bodies brimming with Essence Energy. The heart is where it concentrates most densely."

"So you’re asking me to kill an elf and steal its heart… just for your magic?"

Wenwu never expected an Imperial Princess to demand another’s life for sorcery. This wasn’t passion—it was an unhealthy obsession.

"Relax. I never said *kill*. Haven’t you heard? Even after death, an elf’s body stays perfectly preserved for years. Their remains alone can serve as magic tools."

*So the Princess Royal isn’t beyond saving yet.*

"Then why ask *me*? This palace is full of people far stronger than I am."

"Elves only reveal themselves to those rich in Essence Energy—they see them as kin. To others? They’re invisible."

"I refuse. Risking an entire race’s wrath for one spell? Not worth it."

"Succeed, and you may do *anything* you wish with me."

"Deal."

*Grave-robbing? Simple enough. But that reward…* Wenwu’s mind already painted vivid pictures of the princess in his mind’s eye.

"Come to think of it—we never properly introduced ourselves."

"Your name holds no interest for me," she said coolly, "but since we must: I am Desmona. Second Princess of the Empire."

"I’m Wenwu. A… a…"

"You may leave." Desmona cut him off, true to her word. She cared nothing for who he was. "Mirantha should be waiting outside. She’ll escort you out."

Wenwu took the hint and slipped from the laboratory.

Just as promised, Mirantha stood guard at the door.

"You heard everything?"

"Mm."

"Then lead the way, please."

"Hmph!" Mirantha’s scowl was icy, but Princess Desmona’s orders were absolute.

"How about a rematch sometime?" Wenwu tried to break the stiff silence. Mirantha ignored him—still seething from the princess’s earlier scolding.

She marched him straight to the palace gates. Before parting, she shot a frosty glare over her shoulder: "Don’t you *dare* mention gambling to me again." Then she vanished without looking back.

"Hey! Master!"

Silver’s voice chirped the moment Wenwu stepped outside.

"Master! Are you alright?"

"Eh… mostly."

"If I’d known it’d end like this, I wouldn’t have gone to such lengths! I even bought a coffin—top-grade one, just in case we failed." Silver crossed her arms, eyes shut tight in theatrical regret.

*Only this fool would buy a coffin beforehand.* Still… she’d meant well. Mostly.

Wait. *Top-grade?* "Silver—where’d you get the money?"

"Lady Karida gave it to me suddenly. Said ‘use this to help him.’ She looked so heartbroken… I only learned you’d been arrested after asking."

Wenwu barely registered the story. His mind fixated on one thing: *How much is left?*

"Well… about the gold coins… ten remain. Enough for a decent dinner."

"You little—!"

"Ahhh!" Silver squealed as Wenwu pinched her tail.

"Our deal," he reminded her.

A shiver ran through her, but a blissful smile bloomed on her face anyway.