Ink Orchid and White Ivy parted ways. Dragon Cypress saw its low spirits and, to cheer it up, suggested traveling north in the summer to search for source stone mines.
Reason told Dragon Cypress that the idea of searching for source stone mines in the north was unrealistic, the hope was so slim it was basically nonexistent.
But Ink Orchid was full of confidence about it, bringing it up every few days.
Dragon Cypress had no choice, so just treated it as accompanying Ink Orchid for a walk, taking it as a summer escape to the north.
The Flame Spider roving merchants did the same—heading north in summer for coolness, and south in winter for warmth.
...
After a big detour, ten days passed and they arrived at Silver Cypress Mountain.
The blazing sun scorched the noon sky.
Even Mountain Persimmon, who toiled away daily without tiring, couldn't stand the heat and, for once, paused to rest.
There was what seemed like a naturally formed reservoir on the mountain.
