Chapter 21 A Night of Poetry, Wine, and Starlight

Only two humans were in the Emerald Holy Land, and they knew each other.

Katyusha naturally stayed by Suren's side.

The three of them strolled around the village, chatting.

Before long, the sun set, and the sky was ablaze with red clouds.

The tribespeople of the Dalu set up roaring bonfires by the river, piling up fruits and vegetables like mountains, and the aroma of roasted meat filled the air.

The Dalu people sang and danced, welcoming their two human friends from the Dalu tribe.

However, because of Suren's unusually high seniority, apart from exchanging a few polite words with Elder Wolf, the Deer Chieftain, none of the elders or younger generations dared to approach him. Anyone who did come had to perform a grand salute.

The formality made Suren feel somewhat uncomfortable.

Katyusha's situation was similar.

Although she was treated as a friend of the Dalu tribe, she didn't know anyone here.

Fortunately, the two of them sat together, with Yuta on Suren's left and Katyusha on his right.

Perhaps sensing Suren's restraint, the Deer Chieftain and the elders didn't interfere much, exchanging a few pleasantries and leaving the rest for the young people to mingle on their own.

The wooden table was laden with fruits unique to the Holy Land, perhaps dozens of varieties, many of which Suren had never seen before.

Not only him, but even Katyusha, the noble young lady, had never tasted them. She chewed slowly, savoring every bite.

Yuta would occasionally peel a large one and hand it to him. Suren was a rough man and didn't bother with the manners of a noble lady; he ate heartily, juice dripping down his chin.

Katyusha was a natural socializer, and she quickly became acquainted with Yuta as well.

The three of them chatted happily about everything and nothing.

Katyusha shared many strange and interesting anecdotes from the top noble circles in Luying.

Yuta told them many stories from the forest.

Suren felt that since he had transmigrated, he had only been fighting and killing, and didn't have much to talk about.

Thinking about it, he saw the bright red cloak on Katyusha and told a modified version of Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf to suit the occasion.

Katyusha listened with great interest and was amazed when she finished, "Little Red Riding Hood actually turned into the Big Bad Wolf and ate her grandmother and the hunter? Wow... Mr. Suren, your story is so strange. Shouldn't a brave prince pass by, defeat the Big Bad Wolf, and save Little Red Riding Hood?"

Suren smiled without saying a word.

As soon as she said that, Katyusha suddenly noticed her own red cloak and belatedly realized something, looking at Suren with a faint gaze. "Hmph, I understand, you're implying that I'll turn into the Big Bad Wolf!"

Although her tone was accusatory, she didn't seem to mind at all.

She grinned, baring her white teeth, looking like a wolf about to bite, but with a cute and fierce air, "Ah... if I turn into the Big Bad Wolf, the first person I'll eat is you, Mr. Suren~"

After laughing, Suren also asked, "By the way, Miss Katyusha, didn't you say you were an astrologer, how are you also a poet?"

Yuta, who was beside them, also sincerely praised, "The elders all say that Miss Katyusha is a very talented poet."

"The two aren't contradictory,"

Katyusha blinked her eyes and looked at him, replying, "Astrology is about deducing the changes in the laws of all things, while poetry is a medium for recording all the interesting stories in the world. Romantic love, epic wars, brotherhood, joys and sorrows... all kinds of things. I'm an astrologer, and I also like poetry."

As she spoke, she looked up at the sky, her eyes blurred, and her voice became softer and softer, "I've had a dream since I was little, to travel the entire continent like those great wandering bards, experience all aspects of life, and write the most beautiful stories in the world..."

The sky above the Emerald Holy Land was particularly enchanting.

Tonight, the stars were shining brightly, infinitely deep.

Listening to her words, Suren casually said, "Such a dream should be easy for Miss Katyusha to realize, shouldn't it?"

As a young lady from a great noble family, she could choose her own path.

She wouldn't have to worry about making a living, and could simply be a poet.

Hearing this, Katyusha didn't know what she thought of, and the light in her crystal eyes dimmed a little, "That's not true."

She didn't directly answer the question, but murmured, "I can only write my dreams in stories. There's a little girl, like an ugly duckling, who looks ordinary, but she's innocent and loves poetry, loves all beautiful things... In the end, she'll definitely become a great poet."

Suren's expression became a little strange as he listened.

Wasn't the story about herself?

Freckles, braids, and clothes that weren't very extravagant. If it weren't for her occasional displays of great wealth and cultivation, she wouldn't look like a young lady from a top noble family.

Talking about writing stories, Suren felt that if he were to write a story, he would never write about an ordinary protagonist like Katyusha said.

In his stories, the protagonist had to be handsome.

Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to immerse himself in the story.

More importantly, his handsome readers wouldn't be able to either.

.......

The three of them chatted about everything under the sun.

Suren also asked Katyusha about the origin of the short spear, and she said it was a family heirloom with many years of history.

She heard that fishermen found it in the belly of a strange fish they caught in the sea.

She also said that her family's vault had many more strange and unidentifiable objects like that.

She warmly invited Suren to visit her family's castle sometime.

Hearing that, Suren realized once again that Katyusha was definitely a very high-ranking noble.

But he was also curious, among the few great noble families with hereditary dukes and marquises in Luying, which one did she belong to?

The banquet continued, and as they were chatting, a commotion arose in the crowd.

Seven or eight strong Dalu tribesmen suddenly carried a large square wooden box over.

Yuta said excitedly, "Look, it's the [Poet Immortal Mead]!"

Suren naturally saw it at a glance. There was actually a seal on the large wooden box?

Hearing that it was wine, he was also very curious about what kind of wine it was that deserved such treatment.

Katyusha, who was beside him, had obviously heard of it, her eyes full of anticipation, "Recorded in ancient books, the [Poet Immortal Mead] that's said to inspire poets?"

Yuta nodded, "Yes! It's brewed with spring water from the Holy Lake and nectar from the Divine Tree, and it needs to be aged for many years to be ready. It's only opened and taken out during very important sacrifices. I've only heard the elders talk about it, but I've never tasted it myself."

Obviously, this was to entertain the "Oath-Keeper."

Katyusha was also clever and guessed something, blinking her eyes and saying, "The clan leader grandpa said he would give me some when I left. I didn't expect to drink it in advance, thanks to Mr. Suren."

"Hehe."

Suren also felt that he was benefiting from Mr. Mirror.

.......

The sealed wooden box was opened, revealing a huge ceramic pot inside.

The Deer Chieftain personally opened the mud seal, and a rich fruity aroma of wine wafted out, instantly filling the entire river valley.

Even Suren, who wasn't a fan of alcohol, felt a craving in his stomach when he smelled the aroma.

After the mead was unsealed, the Dalu tribesmen, led by the Deer Chieftain, performed a prayer, praising nature for everything it had given them.

After the prayer, it was time for a toast.

A large cup, made of bamboo, was filled and handed to Suren.

Suren used All-Knowing Eyes to take a look and was quite surprised.

[Kvasir's Poet Immortal Mead]

Details: In mythology, a legendary divine wine that can condense a 'Poetry Godhead' when drunk; this is a fragmented recipe passed down by the Dalu clan. The best of wines, drinking it grants a temporary boost to Comprehension. The higher the level of intoxication, the easier it is to enter a state of enlightenment; has wonderful benefits for poetic inspiration;

"It really has special effects, actually a temporary boost to Comprehension."

Suren felt like he had learned something new again.

This was the first time he had seen a wine with amplification effects.

Moreover, it was "Comprehension," the most ethereal thing.

Katyusha held a glass, her little face full of anticipation, "Ya~ the legendary divine wine."

Judging from the expression of this young lady, this was definitely something very, very precious.

Suren responded to the toast from the Deer Chieftain and the Dalu elders, and everyone drank together.

Then he took a big gulp.

It was slightly cool at the entrance, and just as he was about to savor it, a complex taste exploded in his mouth, rushing into his taste buds. In an instant, he seemed to taste the sweetness of fruit, as well as the heat of alcohol. It was like ten thousand horses galloping, and like gentle streams flowing. The complex layers were indescribable.

Moreover, the magic was yet to come!

The alcohol was very strong, giving people a feeling of floating in the air.

It was a very pleasant experience, as if he was not drinking wine, but a mouthful of rainbow from the sky. His whole body had a kind of extreme enjoyment as if he had fallen into the clouds.

It filled his heart with surging emotions, wanting to express them.

That was the inspiration of poetry!

However, Suren's attainments in poetry were not high, and he didn't drink much wine, so that feeling flashed by in an instant.

But on Katyusha's body, a magical scene immediately appeared.

The alcohol was very strong, and she only took a sip, but her little face was instantly covered with red clouds, and her entire neck became flushed. She looked extremely shy, adding three points of charm.

However, unlike others, she actually condensed that magical halo again.

Seeing this scene, not only Suren, but even the Dalu elders couldn't help but look at her with shock and approval in their eyes.

Katyusha didn't seem to notice the changes on her body, and covered her mouth, hiccupping, "Ah... Mr. Suren, this wine has a strong aftertaste~"

Suren was dumbfounded.

Last time in Snowstorm City, he had drunk with Katyusha once and knew that this girl couldn't hold her liquor very well.

This wine was even stronger than anything he had drunk before.

Moreover, this [Poet Immortal Mead] was definitely an irresistible temptation for poets.

The higher the degree of drunkenness, the more inspiration for poetry creation would gush forth.

Obviously, Katyusha had experienced it. Although she was saying she was dizzy, she picked up her glass again, eager to try, "Mr. Suren, Sister Yuta, let's toast~"

Then, this greedy little girl gulped down a big mouthful.

Suren and Yuta smiled at each other and clinked glasses.

It was rare to drink such good wine, and he was also getting a little tipsy.

This wine was truly top-notch.

Moreover, Suren was surprised to find that the state after drinking actually made him feel unexpectedly good! Those negative emotions were also unexpectedly stable, as if he was enjoying the soothing feeling of wandering in the ocean of poetry.

Suren drank cup after cup, unable to stop.

After a few cups of wine, he also felt that his creative inspiration was exploding, becoming more and more intense.

Countless rhymes, words, and artistic conceptions, like fragments scattered across the sky, flashed through his mind.

It was like picking up some at random and being able to compose a wonderful poem.

Suren thought that even he, a poetry noob, was like this, so what about Katyusha, whose poetry skills were praised by the Deer Chieftain?

At this moment, the face of this greedy girl was full of red, and her eyes were slightly tipsy.

And the phenomenon of that milky white halo on her body was getting thicker and thicker.

As she was drinking, Katyusha turned her face away from the starry sky and suddenly asked, "Mr. Suren, can I write you into my story?"

Suren replied casually, "I don't mind, as long as I'm the protagonist."

Hearing this, Katyusha didn't know what she thought of, and her eyebrows twitched slightly.

She was drunk, but not out of her mind, and a mischievous glint flashed in her eyes, and she smiled, "You're so greedy. But what if I want to be the protagonist in my story?"

Suren was also a little dizzy from drinking and said casually, "Ah... then write a romantic love story."

Katyusha laughed heartily when she heard that, but shook her head like a rattle, "No way! Astrology tells me that I will be the most shining star in the future. Unnecessary things like love will only hinder my speed of drawing my sword!"

Suren looked at her slightly tipsy bragging state, and thought of a sentence, "Without experiencing heartbreaking love, how can you write a good story that makes people cry?"

Hearing this, Katyusha surprisingly did not refute, "Hmm... that seems to make sense."

She tilted her head and thought about it, her eyes a little dazed, "I'll tell you later when I've figured out how to write our story."

Suren didn't care, "Oh."

The more they drank, the more excited they became.

Katyusha became more and more tipsy.

Suddenly, as if she had grasped some inspiration, the halo on her body suddenly solidified. She said excitedly, "Wow, Mr. Suren, Sister Yuta, I want to recite poetry for you!"

Suren smiled and nodded.

Yuta was also a little drunk, her pretty face slightly flushed, and she smiled, "Okay."

However,

They thought they would just listen to the recitation of poetry.

An unexpected scene happened.

The moment Katyusha opened her mouth, the wind and clouds changed color.

"Wind!"

She seemed to want to chant a poem praising the wind, pondered for a long time, and then uttered a single word.

But as soon as this word was spoken, the surrounding air trembled violently, and suddenly there was wind!

The night wind poured into his collar, and although Suren's mind was dizzy, his eyes suddenly froze, and he muttered in shock, "Words become law? Is poetry so powerful..."

Not only him, but also the Dalu elders in the distance looked at her with frozen expressions.

The Deer Chieftain and Elder Wolf looked at each other, full of emotion, "What a high talent..."

The breeze fluttered Katyusha's skirt, as if responding to her call.

Suddenly, Katyusha's tone became fierce, "Great wind!"

As soon as these words came out, a gale suddenly howled between heaven and earth, blowing her braids and clothes.

"Have you seen the face of the wind?

No one has seen it, neither you nor I;

But between the leaves trembling,

The wind is blowing from there.

..."

Katyusha was like singing a beautiful ballad, her voice floating around. The wind elves also seemed to be responding to her words, playfully scurrying through the forest, rustling.

The large riverbank campfire was filled with the melodious sound of reciting poetry.

The god of nature in the Dalu tribe's faith is a god who has condensed the "Poetry Godhead", and their blood is flowing with the romance and freedom of wandering poets. Everyone at the banquet was intoxicated by the beautiful melody of Katyusha's recitation of poetry.

Suren also realized for the first time that listening to people recite poetry could be such an enjoyable experience.

It was like a gentle massage to the soul, and the whole person was soothed.

At this time, the wind was getting stronger and stronger, but it was very gentle.

The wind elves lifted Katyusha up and slowly floated her into the air.

Suren also felt like he was drunk, floating~

No, he wasn't just feeling it.

His whole body floated up.

Wrapped in the wind, lifted up.

And Yuta who was beside him.

Katyusha's eyes were dazed, and she waved to the Deer Chieftain on the ground, obediently, "Clan leader grandpa, we're going to see the stars~"

The Deer Chieftain smiled kindly, "Okay. Be careful not to fall."

A response came from afar, "We'll be careful~"

Hearing this, Elder Wolf, who was beside her, watched the three people fly away, her face full of smiles, "It's good to be young."

.......

The three of them flew higher and higher, and the bonfires on the ground became more and more distant, flying to the top of the dense forest canopy.

"There's a wooden house on the treetop to the west. I used to climb up there to see the stars..."

Following Yuta's direction, they came to the top of a redwood tree dozens of meters taller than the surrounding trees.

There was a tree house on the treetop, like a huge bird's nest, without a roof, only a few wooden boards.

Here, the brilliant starry sky was unobstructed.

The three of them landed, and Katyusha seemed to have let herself go under the influence of alcohol. Her cheerful laughter echoed throughout the dense forest.

The wind elves did not forget to bring them candied fruit and wine.

The three of them continued to clink glasses in the small tree house and drank a lot.

The night was charming, and the air was filled with a romantic atmosphere.

When the wine was at its peak, the three of them lay back there, looking at the sky, gradually dazed.

Katyusha said drunkenly, "Mr. Suren, do you know? I've never been so happy in my life~"

"Yeah. I feel good too."

Suren also felt that the feeling was great now, as if he was lying in the clouds, and many, many wonderful inspirations seemed to have appeared in his mind.

That feeling of soaring became stronger and stronger as the wine went to his head.

Suren carefully felt the wonderful experience of "soaring in poetry".

"Mr. Suren, can you recite a poem for me?"

"Okay. If life deceives you, don't be sad, don't be anxious. Be calm in the days of sorrow, believe me, happy days will come!"

"Wow... did you write that?"

"No..."

"..."

This girl Katyusha was probably really drunk, and she didn't have the reserve of a noble lady. She clung to Suren's side. She didn't avoid skin contact at all, and spoke close to his neck, very affectionately.

Suren was blown by the hot air beside his ear and didn't care about her. But looking at the braided girl in front of him, he vaguely had an illusion that he saw a beautiful purple-haired woman. It seemed like he had seen her somewhere.

At this time, this girl didn't know what she thought of and asked vaguely, "Sister Yuta, do you like Mr. Suren?"

Suren listened, and his mind hadn't reacted yet.

He heard Yuta's dreamlike reply beside him, "Mmm..."

Saying that, she seemed to have fallen asleep, and the two were very close, with large areas of skin touching.

After returning to the Holy Land, Yuta changed into the Dalu tribe's clothes. The simple animal skin clothes were very thin, like hot pants and a sports vest, and large areas of skin were exposed to the air. With this touch, Suren only felt his arm sink into a warm, bone-eroding softness.

Suren couldn't even lift his eyelids. Hearing these words, he probably smiled.

The dialogue of drunk people would suddenly end without any response.

The three of them had no more conversations.

Katyusha's alcohol tolerance was the worst anyway, and she had long been dizzy.

After a long while, she remembered something and babbled, "Oh, I think... writing a... love story... seems not bad..."

As soon as these words came out, the tree house fell into silence.

The three of them seemed to have fallen asleep.

The aftereffects of the [Poet Immortal Mead] were very strong, and the wine provoked people's desires.

In a daze, Suren felt a warmth in his hand.

The touch was very smooth, so he touched it.

Huh... it seemed like a back?

He instinctively turned it over and touched it again.

It still wasn't a satisfactory touch...

Half-asleep, Suren couldn't open his eyes, and his disobedient hand touched it again, carefully distinguishing it, and then he felt a slightly raised, warm and moist touch.

He squeezed it.

Well, it turned out it wasn't a back.

The drunken state was very angry. His brain knew what he was doing, but his body was out of control.

It was probably this action that awakened the sleeping person, and a resentful murmur came from his ear, "Mr. Suren, you're too much... I don't mind you taking advantage, but you actually dislike me..."

After a long while, he heard a intermittent babbling murmur in his ear, "Ah, I'm going to turn into a big bad wolf and bite you to death~"

Suren thought he had been bitten.

It was like a big bad wolf wearing a red robe, or a white wolf.

Gentle and bone-eroding.

That night, he had endless good dreams.