Fenglan remained still for a moment after her words, as though weighing not just her invitation, but the space between them. His crimson gaze softened slightly at her admission. Jumpy lately. He understood that more than he cared to admit. I see, he said quietly. Then I will be more careful. At the mention of leaving, something subtle shifted in him—an almost imperceptible pause, like a door half-closed but not yet latched. Minnun chose that moment to answer for herself.

The albino raven let out a clear, ringing kaw, tilting her head toward the crane as if offended by the idea of departure. Her pale feathers caught the moonlight, almost luminous against Fenglan’s dark frame. Fenglan’s expression softened further. Yes, he murmured, the faintest hint of warmth in his voice, she disagrees with me. A quiet breath left him as he finally moved again—slow, deliberate steps that carried none of the threat his size might suggest. He stopped at a respectful distance closer than before, but still careful not to intrude on her space.

Close enough now that she could see the faint movement of feathers threaded through his fur, and the way Minnun shifted her weight comfortably on his shoulder, entirely unbothered. I will not stay where I am not wanted, he said honestly, though there was no urgency in it. Just fact. His gaze flicked briefly to the quail at her feet, then back to her face. But if you are asking me to remain… then I can allow myself a little time.

Minnun gave another soft, pleased sound, as if approving the decision. Fenglan’s ears angled slightly back in something almost like restrained awkwardness—unused to invitations that weren’t tied to duty or politics. You asked about her, he continued, nodding faintly toward the bird. Her name is Minnun. She dislikes being called anything other than that.

A pause.

…and she is far more curious than I am comfortable with, most days. The last part carried the faintest edge of dry humor, barely there but real. His eyes settled on the crane again, calmer now. If you truly wish to learn about us, Fenglan said softly, you will find she is the easier one to understand.

Fenglan hated talking about himself.

Izumi