562 The Edlarose



[She is a gossamer lining of silver in a world of dark clouds. But there is a dark, seductive part of Turan that only the wisest rulers have come to understand. In fact, in most cities, Temples of Turan are not allowed within city walls. Young men, women, and even mothers are so enthralled by the goddess' allure; temples must be kept from one's sight, "lest those who are easily beguiled be brought into the temple every day."]

That was a rather lengthy description. Ren mused to himself.

In this regard, she was quite a naive goddess. Ren thought. In a violent world, her aims were almost comical, but this did not stop young men and women from worshipping her and continuing on until her first child was born.

Ren's eyes went to Turan herself. He knew that it wasn't her real face, but he couldn't help but marvel at her beauty.

Ren's gaze was drawn to the resplendent figure of Turan, the divine embodiment of love. Her ebony tresses cascaded in sleek waves, glistening with a touch of moisture as if she had just emerged from the depths of a sacred pool. Her seductive countenance, framed by a halo of radiant light, held an enchanting allure that captivated any man's attention.

Turan's face, adorned with an air of mystery, exuded a seductive charm that enticed the hearts of mortals and immortals alike. Her eyes, brimming with an otherworldly depth, reflected the myriad shades of passion and tenderness. A subtle smile played upon her lips, inviting admirers to explore the depths of desire and the boundless realm of love.

Adorning her back, sprouted from the delicate curve of her shoulder blades, were majestic wings fashioned from the purest white feathers. These wings, resembling the ethereal grace of swans in flight, added an ethereal touch to her divine presence. Each feather glistened with iridescent hues, casting an otherworldly glow that echoed the luminescence of moonlit waters.

Elena elbowed him, and Ren cleared his thought.

"We're just passing through," Elena said. "We don't mean any harm."

Turan giggled. "Is that right? However, I cannot just let you pass." She rose to her height, her nakedness stumbling for all to view.

Elena elbowed Ren more forcefully this time, and the latter retrieved his gaze, clearing her throat.

It was not like he was attracted to it.

Anyway . . . he needed to defeat Turan to get the [Golden Fruits], but it would be a problem if she wouldn't fight them.

Was this going to be another Quest, just like what happened with Anansi?

"What if we force our way?" Ren said, wanting to initiate a fight.

"What are you doing?" Elena whispered. "She's a high god."

"What? You can't defeat her?"

The challenge in his voice shot the Princess's spine straight. "Of course, I can."

"I can hear you, you know," Turan chimed in. "Anyway, this is my territory. My domain. If I refuse to fight you, then you can't do anything about it. No matter what you do, as long as I willed it, you can't enter here. Either hear me out or go back."

Ren and Elena exchanged glances before the latter stepped forward.

"What is it that you want that would grant us safe passage?" Elena said.

Turan's eyes squinted upward in glee. "Simple." Her smile widened as she presented a delicate flower to Ren, it's vibrant colors and intricate petals exuding an enchanting allure.

Elena's eyes widened in recognition, realizing the significance of the flower that had appeared before them.

It was the rare Eldarose, a flower revered among the elves as a symbol of love and commitment.

When Ren used [Probe], all he had gotten was a short description of the flower and its properties. And none about the whole symbol of the flowers for the elves.

One thing that had stuck with him was the fact that the flower alone could create a charm or love potion.

Interesting.

Turan's symbol was love, after all, so he didn't think anything weird about that.

"Give this to her, and you shall gain passage," Turan finished with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"That's it?" Ren was skeptical because that was too easy.

"That's it." Turan seconded.

Was there something about the flower, he wondered? Ren then looked at Elena, but the latter only stared in a daze at the flower.

So there is.

"Is something the matter?" Ren asked.

Elena jumped on her toes and quickly replied, "Nothing."

There's definitely something. Ren took note. However, since the Princess didn't seem to have any negative reaction to the flower, the matter was quickly gone from his head, and he accepted the flower.

"Before I give this to her," Ren suddenly said, "Can you also give me your Golden Fruit?"

Turan's face wasn't perturbed at his request. She even smiled. "Very well then. I shall throw in two of my precious Golden Fruits as a gift."

Two was already generous enough if he was going to get it for free, so he didn't object.

"You're the first couple to ever grace my domain after so many years . . . I longed to be entertained."

Ren ignored the couple part and didn't correct her. They were just NPCs anyway. There was no harm done.

Though he couldn't get the feeling that something weird was going on.

Turan's laughter echoed through the air as she watched the exchange. "Oh, the beauty of unknowing hearts. Ren, offer the Eldarose to Elena with sincerity, and if she accepts, the path shall be opened for you."

Ren, unaware of the flower's significance, looked at Elena with a blank face. "Well, if it helps us gain safe passage and the golden fruit without fighting, I have no qualms about offering this to you."

He couldn't believe that this was too easy, and his mind was hung up on the thought that something might happen after this that he didn't notice Elena's weird reaction.

Elena, her cheeks flushed, reached out her hand to accept the flower. Her voice softened a little. "Ren, I think you don't know the meaning of this, but until you do, I'll hang on to this for a while. Come talk to me again after you get the whole meaning behind this gesture."

[Your Relationship Level with Princess Elena isn't enough yet!]

Huh? Ren was baffled as to why that notification popped up.

What did it mean . . . 'isn't enough?'

As Elena accepted the Eldarose, a shimmering light enveloped them, and the presence of Turan seemed to recede. The way forward became clear, the swampy terrain transforming into a path of verdant beauty.

Turan's voice echoed in their minds one last time. "May your love blossom and thrive, granting you safe passage through my territory."

Love? What was she talking about? Ren didn't have time to ask when he received two [Golden Fruit] just like that without any effort.

He was ecstatic, of course, not knowing the storm he had caused on the Princess's emotions.

Elena had misunderstood Ren's happiness as a sign, and she blushed even more.