Firefly Journey

The breeze is gentle.

The Entels were bustling with activity because of Wendy's birthday, and the only guests they invited were her classmates.

Olek was the most attentive; early in the morning, he arrived at Jupes's house with two henchmen.

Lin Yuanran was a little later, and that was his opinion, even though he was the last guest.

At a glance, there were many familiar faces. The Olek trio were there, Wendy's entire family was also present, as were the innkeeper Lumer and his companions.

The most surprising thing was Sudan's poor health. Although Lin Yuanran knew she wanted to come, her physical condition prevented her from acting on her wishes.

Sultan's parents were both present; it seems these two kind adults were going all out for their daughter's hopes.

"I... I shouldn't be late, right?" Lin Yuanran greeted awkwardly.

Bernie, who was helping with the work, said, "No, you don't even need to come in two hours."

This remark caused everyone to burst into laughter. Lin Yuanran scratched his head, thinking to himself, "This isn't my fault. That damned magic is too hard to master. After all that effort, I went to bed too late."

"Come and help." Wendy handed him a feather duster. "It's almost done cleaning. It should be finished in half an hour at most."

The people of the Principality of Bema believe that the day of one's birth is the purest moment in their life, bringing no defilement to the world. On each birthday, more particular families will thoroughly clean their living environment, a practice known as "purification," a local custom with a long history.

Lin Yuanran felt this was rubbish, and what was the difference between it and doing chores at school?

Despite his complaints, Lin Yuanran kept his hands busy, pretending to help with cleaning as everyone else. As he worked, a smile involuntarily crept onto his face. Labor is the most glorious thing.

"Dorn, do all these uncles live in your house?"

Lin Yuanran and Wendy's younger brother, Dorn, were cleaning the same area when Lin asked out of boredom.

Dorn tilted his head back, a sly look on his face: "I'm not telling you."

"Please, do I need your answer?" Lin Yuanran rolled his eyes.

Don't tell me these are your distant relatives.

Oh right... Seven-year-old Dorn seems to have figured things out, but he still stubbornly said, "I'll tell you, but what will you give me in exchange?"

Lin Yuanran chuckled inwardly at the little brat taking advantage of the situation. Did he really think I was interested in knowing the details? But considering you're only seven years old, I doubt you have the intelligence to ask for an exorbitant amount.

"what do you want?"

Dorn's eyes lit up: "The candy you bought for my sister last time was delicious, do you have any more? If you want to know about my family, you have to give me one in exchange, no, three!"

Lin Yuanran smiled. Was this family's love of sweets hereditary? Then he immediately dismissed the idea, saying he'd never heard of it being inherited between siblings...

In addition to the carefully prepared rainbow flowers, Lin Yuanran also brought Wendy some candy as a gift. He gave some to Dorn in advance, which seemed like no big deal, because Wendy would definitely share the candy with her younger siblings without hesitation when it got to her later.

As the milk candy entered his mouth, Dorn showed a look of enjoyment. After chewing for a while, he swallowed it. Lin Yuanran lowered his voice and urged, "What does that seemingly dignified uncle usually do at your house?"

Dorn has a strong sense of contract: "Shoot the bird!"

Bird hunting?

What should we use to fight?

Lin Yuanran looked at Lu Mo, who was also helping out, and his gaze locked onto Lu Mo's waist. Goodness, it was indeed bulging there.

By process of elimination, it's impossible for a star-destroying cannon to be installed there, so it must be a pistol.

Handguns are firearms. In Lin Yuanran's understanding of the Pan-Ancient Continent, the appearance of such a thing was both reasonable and unexpected.

Mayor Curry Ward and the few security personnel they had were armed with standard longswords issued by the Duchy, meaning that this world was still in the age of cold weapons.

If the members of Mechanical Wings hadn't appeared, he probably would have continued to think that way.

Remington, the god of machinery and technology, invented one tool after another for the earth, so it is perfectly reasonable for his followers to carry handguns.

However, very few people possess firearms...

Lin Yuanran roughly deduced that the Mechanical Wings had done an excellent job of maintaining secrecy, and that no lethal weapons had leaked out. Another possibility was that the Mechanical Wings Church actually possessed very limited technology, making mass production impossible, and their production capacity was only enough to meet the needs of their own people.

Neither way matters to Lin Yuanran. Alchemy technology is still in the exploratory stage. Unless he can build a dimensional ship to take him home, he doesn't care what happens.

While Lin Yuanran was slacking off, the cleaning work in front of and behind the house was finished, and the celebration for Wendy's birthday officially began.

Engel Jupes appeared in everyone's sight with a big smile, pushing a huge cake, leaving Lin Yuanran and Olek stunned. Their friends knew their family's financial situation; such a large cake was a bit too extravagant.

Seemingly aware of their doubts, Wendy looked up at Lumer and said earnestly, "Thank you for your generosity."

Alright, the truth is out. It's not surprising that wealthy outsiders do whatever they want.

Lumer revealed a fatherly sense of satisfaction: "My Lord's ideal is for everyone to live a convenient life. I am just fulfilling the doctrine, well, that's all."

"Thank you, great god of machinery." Wendy placed his right hand over his heart and bowed slightly.

This is a universal prayer gesture, not limited to use before the sun god. Doing so is the greatest sign of respect until you know the prayer practices of the other church.

"Thank you, great god of machinery."

Oleksandr, the Sultan family, and Wendy's family all prayed sincerely, and Lumer and his companions felt a surge of pride and were very pleased.

Lin Yuanran chimed in, saying that there was some sincerity involved, since they couldn't just eat for free later.

“Alright, today’s star is little Wendy. Make a wish and blow out the candles,” Lumer said.

Wendy clasped her hands together, closed her eyes, and her lips moved slightly, as if she were muttering something.

A few seconds later, she opened her eyes.

"Would you mind sharing what your wish is?" Lumer asked.

Dorn chimed in at this point, "Uncle, don't you know that wishes won't come true if you say them out loud?"

Lumer said, "I know, but no one says it'll work if you don't say it out loud, right?"

Upon hearing this, the members of the Mechanical Wings behind him burst out laughing, and the Engel and Coente families also couldn't help but chuckle.

As staunch believers in alchemy, the members of Mechanical Wings have no respect for so-called superstitions; they firmly believe that technology changes everything.

Wendy gently opened her mouth: "There's nothing I can't say. I hope everyone is safe and sound, and that we can live happily together forever."

Lumer nodded: "It's a very good wish. It will come true even without a divine response."

“Before that, you may have to leave home for a while.”