After breakfast, Xyliana, accompanied by her group, went to the city government office.
The spring sunshine warmed their bodies pleasantly.
Walking on the wide, clean street, Xyliana watched the children playing happily by the roadside.
At the city office, Xerxes and Xicob explained Xyliana's situation to the officials.
Lord Sun and the others heard about Xyliana's "misfortune" and all immediately condemned the wicked person responsible.
Soon, Xyliana received her registered household certificate.
Looking at the strange writing on the certificate, Xyliana felt a bit helpless.
It seemed she had no choice but to relearn the common written language of this beast continent.
For now, she would pretend to be unaware.
She carefully put away her household certificate.
Then, Xyliana's group followed Lord Sun to a quiet alley.
Along the alley stood rows of tall trees, full of green leaves at this perfect season.
White flowers bloomed densely on the trees, and petals scattered on the street, creating a delicate and graceful scene.
This was a quiet and elegant alley with few homes.
They entered a residence, and Lord Sun looked a bit embarrassed as he said,
"Miss Xyliana, I'm really sorry. Most women here live in houses belonging to their beast husbands.
No one wants to live in government-assigned houses. They are usually left unused, so they were turned into shops.
The only decent house left is this one. It's a bit small. I'm afraid it might be a bit inconvenient for you."
Small?
Looking at the house, Xyliana quietly wondered to herself.
The house had a front yard and a back yard.
The front yard had a small garden with an unknown tree blooming bright red flowers. It was very beautiful.
Sunlight filtered through the thick branches, spreading mottled light on the ground.
The tree's shadow moved with the wind, dropping a few red petals. A gentle breeze carried the fresh scent of flowers and plants.
There was a separate small kitchen and washroom, both quite delicate.
The back yard had a small fish pond where a few fish swam happily, adding a sense of clear elegance.
The house had three rooms: one main room in the center and one side room on each side.
The eaves had green tiles with beautiful carved patterns.
The back yard also had several unknown trees, with small gardens on each side. Nearby was a small pavilion, also very delicate.
"Not small, not small, I think it's very good. Thank you, Lord Sun."
Xyliana quickly thanked Lord Sun.
What Xyliana didn't know was that Lord Sun called it small because most women lived with several beast husbands and naturally looked down on such a delicate small yard.
This house could fit two or three people comfortably, but it would feel cramped with more.
Xyliana carefully kept the property certificate. This was her proof of ownership, so it must be kept safely.
After sending Lord Sun off, Xerxes and Xicob directed the guards to tidy up the house.
Watching the people coming and going, and the steady delivery of daily supplies and furniture, Xyliana was momentarily stunned.
At this moment, Zhiyina was directing nearby:
"Hey, put this here, yes, be careful."
"Put that vase by the window!"
"Hey! That's expensive! Handle it carefully!"
The guards worked quickly. In no time, the small yard looked completely transformed. The interior was decorated finely with all kinds of furniture.
The front yard garden, the fish pond, and the pavilion in the back were all cleaned and arranged neatly.
Looking at everything, warmth filled Xyliana's heart. She bowed to the three and said gratefully,
"Xerxes, Xicob, Miss Zhiyina, I am truly grateful for your kindness.
If there is anything I can help with in the future, please do not hesitate to ask."
"Hey, there you go again. Get up quickly."
Zhiyina quickly helped Xyliana up.
"This is just right. I was worried it might be too plain.
Besides, setting this up for you is really for my own good.
If your place is messy when I come visit, wouldn't I just be asking for trouble?"
She put her hands on her hips and acted like a spoiled young lady.
Everyone laughed at Zhiyina's playful manner.
"Yes, Miss Xyliana, just go along with her.
If this pampered young lady's place isn't good, it will really cause an uproar!"
Xicob joked nearby, while Xerxes said nothing.
Looking at these people in front of her, Xyliana felt a long-lost warmth.
Maybe now, she had friends.
After tidying up, the group finally got ready to leave.
"Xabrina, take care of yourself. When I have time, I'll come visit you."
Zhiyina said reluctantly, then gave Xyliana a tight hug.
Xyliana returned the hug with her arms and smiled:
"Okay."
After a while, Zhiyina reluctantly let go.
"Miss Xyliana, this is a jade pendant from my Xicob family. If you have any trouble, take it to the government office. It should help."
Xicob handed over a clear jade pendant, smiling.
Seeing this, Zhiyina quickly took off her own jade pendant and gave it to Xyliana too.
"How could I forget? This is from my family. Xabrina, you should keep this too."
Faced with their kindness, Xyliana had no choice but to accept them.
"I will keep them well." Her bright eyes showed sincerity as she spoke seriously.
Before leaving, after much urging from Zhiyina, Xyliana was given some money.
She didn't want to accept it at first. The Chen siblings and Xicob had helped her so much, she didn't know how to repay them.
In the end, after Zhiyina's many "threats and temptations," Xyliana accepted some of it.
The late spring sunshine poured gently through the trees along the street.
The shadows swayed, scattering brilliant light on the ground.
A breeze mixed with the fresh scent of plants brushed softly against Xyliana's cheek.
Inside the carriage ahead, Zhiyina stuck out her head and waved goodbye.
Xyliana smiled and waved back until the crowd disappeared at the street's end.
What would the coming days be like? Xyliana smiled and shook her head, then walked into her yard.
The smoke and trees,
Clouds cover peaceful land.
This place is not my home,
Without heart, I just wander.
The light wind brushed her hair near her temples.
Sunlight shone on her body.
The scent of wild grass in the yard was fresh and pleasant.
Entering the side room, Xyliana began to pack her things.
She didn't have much, only the pajamas she wore when she came, and some herbs and fruit she had picked in the forest before.
After packing, she looked at the few herbs left on the table and felt a headache coming.
"It seems I have to find a way to gather more herbs."
Xyliana muttered to herself.
Then a clear, melodious voice came from inside the room...
?!
Xyliana was startled by the voice...
My throat? It's healed?