This Necromancer Just Wants to Plant Trees - Chapter 173

Chapter 173: Matthew's View on Love

Matthew hurried towards the office door and encountered Suyan after a few steps. She was wearing pajamas, looking pale, with a white bandage wrapped around her head, notably with two extra layers where it protruded from her forehead.

Concerned, Matthew asked, "How are you feeling lately? Still running a fever?"

Seeing Suyan's ailing state made Matthew uneasy. Normally lively and healthy, her current complexion hinted at a tough time recently.

Suyan softly replied, "Still running a fever, but the temperature has lowered compared to before. I think I'm starting to get better. Don't worry about me, Matthew."

Nodding slightly, Matthew observed the raised area under the bandage and inquired, "Why cover it up?"

Blushing, Suyan admitted, "I find it unsightly."

Sensing Matthew's curiosity, she softly offered, "Would you like to see?"

Matthew hurriedly declined, recalling his conversation with Rhaegar about the sensitivity of devil horns. He realized it was better not to engage in any casual contact.

The Blood Flag Clan was technically a branch of Tieflings, beings with devil blood, yet their strong human genes asserted their sovereignty. Devil blood granted them power and unique customs, but human lineage tempered their evil tendencies, granting them more possibilities.

However, Matthew's refusal didn't dissuade Suyan. She quickly removed the bandage, and a faint mist emerged from her forehead. Soon, a small, crystal-clear horn caught Matthew's eye. Compared to Rhaegar's imposing horns, this small, blunt one was inconspicuous.

"If you're curious, you can touch it," Suyan offered, lowering her head.

Matthew instinctively raised his right hand but stopped midway as a furious sound echoed from the office:

"Moo!"

It was the first time Matthew heard such a rough sound from a goat's mouth. He immediately stopped and offered an apologetic smile.

Suyan, with curious wide eyes, asked, "Matthew, why do you always bring a goat?"

"Is it a special hobby of yours?" she teased.

As Matthew tried to explain, he noticed a hint of mischief in Suyan's eyes. He realized she likely knew the goat's true identity but enjoyed the playful charade due to an unspoken understanding.

Clearing his throat, Matthew said, "It's a prop for practicing spells."

"By the way, are you here to see your father?" he asked.

At this, the goat stamped its feet, and Suyan's pale face flushed slightly, "Yes, I want to tell him not to return to the Blood Flag Kingdom."

"I know he's worried about me, but I feel I'm almost recovered. I've read many books from our homeland, and Mrs. Wesley mentioned that Tiefling awakenings vary. I just had a fever; it's not a big issue. I know he escaped from the inferno, a place he wouldn't willingly return to. I don't want him to go back; I fear he might not return."

The agitated goat suddenly quieted down. Matthew glanced at it and then gently reassured Suyan, "If your father knew how much you care for him, he'd be relieved."

"But trust him. Though Rhaegar seems idle, I believe he's clever. If he's decided to return, he must have prepared comprehensively. As for yourself, don't overthink it; excessive worry will only weaken you. Trust the wisdom of adults."

Suyan, pensive, then slightly puffed her cheeks, "Wisdom of adults? But I'll be an adult soon. Will I suddenly become wise overnight?"

"Wisdom accumulates through experiences, not overnight. Many nights will surely bring growth," Matthew replied with a smile. "Alright, that's enough talking. You must be tired; let me escort you back."

Suyan glanced at the goat, nodding with a gentle smile. The two silently departed.

Around the corner, Matthew quietly dispelled the illusory magic.

Rhaegar sat on the floor, holding a shield, his expression complex.

...

Matthew escorted Suyan back to her room. As they entered, he spotted the little devil again. She made a face at Matthew, then swiftly darted into the wardrobe.

Suyan sat on the edge of the bed, catching her breath before introducing, "She's Nini, my companion demon. Mischievous and stubborn. I don't like her much."

Observing the demon for the second time, Matthew found it odd that he hadn't sensed her presence despite encountering her twice. There were no system notifications either. This seemed unusual, especially considering Nini's seemingly average level.

However, considering this might be a Blood Flag Clan secret, Matthew refrained from probing further.

After a brief chat, Suyan began yawning. Matthew was about to leave when she said, "I've been having nightmares lately, a bit afraid to sleep. Can you stay with me?"

"Of course," Matthew nodded. He picked up an old storybook from the nearby shelf and started reading softly.

After listening for a while, Suyan chuckled, "My dad has told me these stories countless times."

"Sometimes hearing familiar stories before sleeping aids in dozing off," Matthew said casually.

He continued reading, thinking Suyan might talk more. However, soon her breathing became steady and faint.

Asleep.

Quietly closing the book, Matthew watched Suyan's profile. He admitted she was a good girl, tall, delicate, with a calm demeanor. Despite her noble background, she seemed more like a sensible girl from a modest family.

This type of girl usually attracted many, but Matthew didn't feel much towards her. Perhaps preconceived notions made him subconsciously consider Suyan a child, at best a rich girl in school.

Even excluding this bias, Matthew still found Suyan uninteresting as a potential partner. She lacked charm and excitement, which were key to his view of a partner.

He preferred a driven woman with her pursuits. To him, a woman's charm lay in her intriguing conversations and purposeful actions. He admired girls with a stubborn streak.

Therefore, considering Suyan from a partner perspective, her appeal fell short even compared to Margaret, burdened with a debt of 2.6 million.

After all, Margaret's determination and persistence impressed Matthew. Moreover, as his relationship with Rhaegar improved, pursuing his daughter felt peculiar.

So, Suyan... better not.

Matthew shook his head unconsciously. Then, he startled, "What am I thinking?" He returned the book and was about to leave.

At that moment, Suyan screamed in her sleep, sweating profusely, and the little demon swiftly emerged from the wardrobe.

"What's wrong? A nightmare?" Matthew asked, approaching with concern.

Suyan's face was flushed, her pupils dilated, beads of sweat on her forehead, a faint green glow from the short blunt horn. Matthew noticed her ears seemed slightly pointed, nails a bit longer. She clutched the blanket, her voice trembling as she stammered about dreaming she turned into a demon, committing atrocities in a castle, drenched in blood.

She seemed disoriented.

Matthew hesitated, intending to comfort her, but Suyan pushed him away suddenly, "Leave, Matthew.

I'll be fine. Just a terrifying dream. I need some time alone."

"Huh?" Suyan's abrupt change startled Matthew, who was uncertain. "Are you sure you're okay? Should I call Rhaegar or Mrs. Wesley?"

Shaking her head, Suyan appeared calmer now, "No need. Please, just go, Matthew. It won't be good if my father sees. I'm fine, really."

As she spoke the last word, her voice quivered slightly, a hint of pleading.

Not wanting to insist, Matthew left her room.

In the corridor, his footsteps faded away.

Nini, the little demon, flew to Suyan, mocking, "Timid master, scared of a little blood?"

Suyan glared at her, then covered her face with her hands, sobbing. Her body trembled even more.

Nini approached, "Alright, alright, no more teasing. Don't be scared!"

"Isn't it strange? You're fond of that human, right? If you're so scared, why not let him stay with you?"

Suyan slowly lowered her hands. Unutterable meaning flowed in her eyes, her voice shifting from a sob to a tone akin to a moan.

"Yes, I'm scared. But it's not the blood or corpses that frighten me. It's those things—blood, slaughter, madness, hysterical battles—they fill my dreams. Yet, I don't feel an ounce of fear! What terrifies me is myself. Because when facing them... truly! I'm so excited! Ah~"

Amidst her moaning, her eyes narrowed to thin lines. She involuntarily extended her crimson tongue, licking her nail. In an instant, that nail turned a vibrant red.

After a bit of a struggle, Matthew slipped away from Rhaegar's massive sword. He swiftly departed from the Lord's mansion, returning to the Oak Forest.

On his way, he bumped into Obeest, the centaur, meticulously examining each oak tree. The Sanctuary of Life's activation had boosted life in the forest, but it also amplified the threat of pests. Fortunately, Obeest was handling it quite competently.

Matthew exchanged greetings and inquired, "Where's the Golden Pegasus?"

Pointing toward a nearby wooden cabin, Obeest replied, "She usually lingers near the World Tree, but today she wanted to wander around. She should be in that vicinity."

"I'll take you to her."

They walked a distance and soon found the Golden Pegasus drinking from the river.

Observing Matthew's eagerness, Obeest guessed he intended to ride her. He earnestly advised, "The Pegasus is incredibly shy. After these days of interaction, I've realized she's even more reserved than other Pegasi. If you want to approach her and try riding her, it's best to do so from the side. Don't rush to mount her. Start by petting her mane. It's better to wait until she agrees."

Matthew glanced at him, "Is it that troublesome?"

Obeest, serious, stated, "Ori is a celestial being with her own dignity. You can't regard her like some lowly nightmare. I've been entrusted to care for her these days. She's truly shy, please trust my professional judgment."

"Alright then, I'll approach from the side and try not to startle her."

However, as he took a few steps, the Golden Pegasus dashed over, brimming with enthusiasm! Ori rushed to Matthew, plopping down before he could react. With a swift move, he was on her back.

Ori cheered lightly, trotting happily, carrying Matthew toward the World Tree. Meanwhile, Obeest stood behind, dumbfounded by the scene.

Suddenly, it dawned on him, "So, Ori was only reserved with me..."

Matthew rode the Pegasus, strolling through the Oak Forest. Passing a lofty mound, he tapped Ori's neck, prompting her to slow down. On the hill, tea trees transplanted from Flowing Island thrived. Earlier, Peggy had helped him harvest the tea leaves, and he had pruned the excess branches himself. Though currently bare, these seven trees were brimming with vitality.

"If I gather some animal or plant remains and enrich the soil, can I get multiple seasons of tea in a year?"

Satisfied after inspection, Matthew left. Meanwhile, a brownish-gray figure dashed through the woods. It vanished from sight, yet all details were faithfully recorded.

"Hint: You've discovered a 'Gray Feathered Grouse.' Under the Sanctuary's influence, your forest gradually attracts other lifeforms. Note: When a certain species' population grows, it's considered indigenous to your forest. Your forest's 'prosperity +1'. Current forest prosperity: 3. Rainforest prosperity reference: 3001415."

"Huh? Already at 3? But the rainforest is amazing, no wonder the competition is fierce."

Curious, Matthew pondered. He didn't rush to find out, content that his forest was thriving. He believed he'd encounter new residents while wandering the woods.

Next, he toured his forest on the Pegasus, then demarcated two acres in the northern wasteland, maintaining a perpetual 'spring.' This would be his future planting ground.

After handling various tasks, with Ori's aid, Matthew flew to the canopy of the World Tree. From there, he beheld the scenic view of Rolling Stone Town, the smoke rising, and the farmers tending their lands in the southeast. To the northwest, he glimpsed the desolate hills of Hagwitch Castle along the trail of the dead. Further north, the continental road extended from Southern Trading Post to Torrent City, venturing into the Emerald Court.

He marveled at the panoramic view of most of Rolling Stone Town. It was a fantastic feeling. Sitting on a branch, caressing the Pegasus's soft mane, Matthew felt serene.

"Hope this tranquility lasts a bit longer," he murmured softly.

Ori sneezed loudly, almost as if in agreement.

The next morning, Matthew feigned illness and took a few days off. Instead of idling at the Lord's mansion, he directed the zombies to construct a fence near the cabin. After its completion, he planted numerous mushrooms—his preliminary mushroom garden located conveniently between the two ritual sites. Matthew planned to signal the microbial domain's release through this garden and draft a 'Domain Pact' linking both ritual sites.

As known, editing domains was a privilege of gods and high-level legends. Temporary access for non-legends required complex ritual magic. Fortunately, both ritual sites were open to Matthew, and he had explored various domains, possessing multiple domain warrants, giving him an advantage in crafting the pact.

By afternoon, after settling the mushrooms, Matthew didn't rest. He had Sinwalk transport a massive stone from the graveyard and placed it in the garden's center. From his bag, he retrieved materials, swiftly beginning an operation.

"Hint: You've used 1 Domain Warrant. You're communicating 'Life Sanctuary' and 'Graveyard' via 'Domain Pact.' Domain Pact activation successful. Please draft content soon!"

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