After establishing a preliminary and stable treatment plan for Cartethyia, the heavy stone in Rover's heart finally lifted. With the top-tier scientific research power of the Black Shores and the Shorekeeper overseeing things, he no longer needed to be on high alert at all times.
One evening, he found the Shorekeeper on the boundless terrace high up in the headquarters. She stood there quietly, gazing at the setting sun as it gradually sank below the distant horizon, the rosy light plating her form in a soft golden rim.
"Shorekeeper," Rover said as he walked to her side.
The Shorekeeper did not turn her head, her voice as gentle as ever. "It seems you've finally decided to allow yourself to relax a little."
"Yeah," Rover smiled. "Now that Carty's condition has stabilized, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Come to think of it, it feels like I haven't had a real rest in a long time."
"It's not just a feeling; it's the truth," the Shorekeeper said, turning around, her purple eyes fixed on him. "Since you woke up this time, you've been constantly on the move. Saving Jinzhou, returning to the Black Shores, and then traveling far to Rinascita... Even a body that hasn't withered in ten thousand years can feel mental fatigue."
"I intended for you and Encore to have a good time in 'Second Solaris,' but I didn't expect the incident with 'King Boo' to happen afterward, preventing you from resting in peace."
She raised her hand slightly, pointing toward the residential area of the Black Shores below, where soft lights were beginning to flicker. "Since you've decided to stay for a while, why not give yourself a real holiday? As our home, the Black Shores is not only a heavy center for scientific research but also a home for thousands of residents."
"Experiencing life here deeply might be a better form of relaxation for you than any treatment."
As if in response to her words, several large jellyfish-shaped floating lanterns suddenly rose from the harbor below. Their soft light illuminated the entire harbor like a dream, and the sounds of laughter and joy began to drift over from the distance.
"This is...?" Rover asked, curious.
A hint of nostalgic warmth appeared in the Shorekeeper's eyes. "This is the Harvest Feast celebration organized spontaneously by the residents to celebrate this year's harvest. It's been held every year, but this is the first one since you woke up."
"In the early days of the Black Shores, although it was the only region not affected by the Lament, the number of people who came here to pioneer was still very small. The soil was extremely barren, and almost no crops could grow. People relied on a small amount of supplies transported from the mainland and fishing to survive."
"Under the efforts of generations of immigrants and scientific technology, we improved the soil of the archipelago and opened up multiple fishing grounds in the nearby waters. Every harvest year, people gather to celebrate."
"Today's Black Shores is no longer the barren land of the past, but the people who have lived here for generations still keep this celebration as a custom..."
Just then, a flurry of noisy footsteps and familiar complaints drifted in from the terrace entrance.
"I say, Boss! Can you please take better care of public property next time you travel?" Aalto walked over with a pained expression, still carrying the dust of travel on him, clearly having just returned from field duty. "The tail payment for my customized small boat was installment-planned for three years! Now the boat is gone, the insurance company refuses to pay, and the merchant is hounding me for the remaining balance. I almost had to go perform on the streets of Jinzhou, you know?"
Beside Aalto was the vibrant Sheep Warrior, Encore. As soon as she saw Rover, her eyes lit up, and she cheered, "Big Brother!" before pouncing into his arms.
Rover stroked Encore's head and looked at Aalto. Recalling the ill-fated boat, he couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and apology. "Ahem, this was... indeed my oversight. Regarding the tail payment..."
Before he could finish, the Shorekeeper cast a faint glance toward him. Her voice remained gentle but carried an air of unquestionable authority. "Consultant Aalto."
Aalto shuddered and immediately stood straight. "Yes! Leader!"
"I recall that the purpose of purchasing that small boat was for 'Near-shore Ecological Sampling,' not for 'Trans-oceanic Transport of the Supreme Leader of the Black Shores.'" The Shorekeeper's tone was calm, as if she were merely stating facts. "Lending out important assets in violation of regulations, resulting in damage and indirectly putting the Supreme Leader in a dangerous situation... You should prepare yourself mentally for this year's year-end performance evaluation."
Aalto's expression instantly turned to horror, and cold sweat appeared on his forehead. "Lea-Leader! I was joking! Entirely a joke! It is my honor to serve the Leader!"
"The tail payment... I'll scrape it together myself! Performance... please, anything but the performance evaluation!"
Aalto, truly a veteran actor accustomed to dealing with all sorts of people, looked ready to burst into tears on the spot. He didn't dare mention compensation anymore; he just wanted to save his salary.
The Shorekeeper nodded slightly and said no more.
Aalto, feeling as if he had been granted a reprieve, quickly tried to retreat with Encore.
But Encore didn't care about these adult financial disputes. She continued to cling to Rover, her big eyes sparkling as she pointed to the lively celebration below. "Big Brother! It's so lively down there! Are they having a festival? Encore wants to go see!"
"Will Big Brother go with me? Oh, and Uncle Aalto is treating!"
Hearing this, Aalto's face darkened. He didn't even pull Encore along anymore, promptly making a run for it.
Infected by little Encore's innocent joy, Rover smiled and rubbed her hair. "Alright, I'll take you to play in a bit."
At that moment, another lively figure flew onto the terrace, accompanied by the scent of camellias.
"Rover, it's so lively down there! Is there a celebration?" Camellya leaned over the railing to look down, then suddenly turned back and grabbed Rover's arm. "Go, go, go! Staying in the headquarters all day is boring to death! How can such fun happen without me?"
Rover, pulled by Camellya, smiled helplessly.
He looked down and said to Encore, "Encore, you go to the entrance of the celebration with Camellya first. She knows where the good food is. Have her use Aalto's wallet to buy you some cotton candy. We'll be there soon."
"Yay!" Encore cheered and immediately stuck to Camellya.
Camellya was happy to have a little sidekick. After blowing a wink at Rover, she led Encore downstairs with a giggle.
The terrace fell quiet for a moment.
Rover looked at the Shorekeeper and extended the invitation again. "Shall we go take a look together?"
The Shorekeeper shook her head gently. "You go. The celebration needs someone to maintain..."
"The Tethys system is more than capable of handling basic operations and on-site security." Rover interrupted her. He took a step forward and reached out his hand to her, his gaze gentle and firm. "You just said you wanted me to experience life. And life shouldn't always be about watching from a corner."
He paused, his voice softening. "Occasionally, try being one of those invited. How about it? Everyone at the Black Shores, and me... we all hope to see you at the festival."
The Shorekeeper froze slightly, looking at Rover's outstretched hand. In her eyes, which had been calm and rippleless for ten thousand years, something seemed to melt ever so slightly.
After a moment of silence, she finally raised her hand and placed it gently in Rover's palm.
"...Mhm."
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