Chapter 724: Chapter 704: Return to the Island (Part 2)

After clearing his thoughts, Duke stood up, deciding to first meet Yala to understand the more detailed situation on the deserted island recently, and also to see if the Wood Elves have any new discoveries or needs in the cultivation of magic potions and ecological improvements.

He leisurely walked out of the castle towards the vibrant magic potion field in the distance. Sunlight spilled over the gradually lush deserted island, and the sea breeze brought with it the salty moisture and the fresh scent of grass and trees.

Duke walked through the neatly planned magic potion field, but did not see Yala’s figure.

His heart thought stirred slightly, and his Spiritual Power swept gently like invisible ripples over the nearby area, immediately turning towards the reef area on the other side of the island, near the coast.

Here, the scenery was starkly different from the gradually lush interior of the island, with jagged and grotesque black reefs, like the grim bones of a giant beast stretching into the sea. The surging waves incessantly crashed upon the rocks, colliding and shattering between them, sending white foam splashing into the air, accompanied by a low and perpetual roar.

Aside from a few seabirds flying fearlessly in the stormy airflow, there was no one here, filled with a primal and lonely atmosphere.

However, Duke’s keen eyesight soon caught the figure standing amid the black reefs.

Yala stood with her back to the direction he came from, slightly bent over, seemingly inspecting some salt-tolerant tidal plants in the crevice of the rocks.

Her signature silver long hair was not meticulously combed as usual, but casually draped behind her, with the strong sea breeze tossing it around like flowing moonlight dancing against the inky backdrop of the reef.

She wore a light green Elf Long Dress, its simple design hugging her body’s curves tightly in the sea breeze, occasionally billowing out to outline breathtaking contours.

Seemingly sensing Duke’s arrival, Yala quickly stood up straight and turned around.

The sea breeze blew directly against her, blowing a few strands of silver hair across her cheek, accentuating her complexion that was almost translucently fair, like fine cold jade, reflecting a delicate and cool luster under the gloomy sky and white foam.

Her emerald green eyes looked over, as though containing the vitality of an entire forest, now holding a trace of surprise, reverence, and a deeply buried composure settled after experiencing fear.

"Duke," Yala approached quickly, her steps light and steady even amid the jagged stones.

She stopped a few steps before Duke, gracefully curtseyed, her silver hair sliding off her shoulder with the movement.

When she looked up, Duke could clearly see the outline of her pointed ears peeking through her hair.

Yala was indeed tall, and even when slightly bowed, she could almost meet Duke’s gaze.

The simple long dress did nothing to hide the contours of her long, straight legs, exposing a slender ankle beneath the hem, bare feet standing on the coarse, moist rocks yet seeming unusually natural, as if she was meant to blend into this primitive environment.

Sea breeze pressed the dress against her body, highlighting the striking contrast between her ample bust and slender waist, full of a kind of wild and graceful vitality belonging to the Forest Elf.

"You’re back." Yala’s voice was clear, carrying a barely noticeable tension.

She quickly tidied her hair and dress that were tousled by the wind, a subconscious action revealing the importance she placed on his presence.

"I was checking the growth of these tidal blue algae; they have a slight effect on purifying coastal water quality and stabilizing the reef soil. They might be used to improve the drainage system on the edges of some magic potion fields."

Duke nodded his head, his gaze brushing over her cheeks tinged with a light pink from the sea breeze and slight nervousness, and the graceful figure wrapped in the long dress.

"It seems that during my absence, you have not been idle, and the island has changed significantly."

Yala slightly lowered her head, a glimmer of relief flashing in her emerald eyes.

"All thanks to the opportunities and protection given by Duke, the Wood Elves are very grateful to have such a place... where they can work with peace of mind and showcase their talents." She paused, her voice becoming lighter, "We all hope to continuously create value for you."

Waves crashed against the rocks beneath their feet, the mist carrying a tangy, salty scent.

Amid this desolate yet powerful coastal backdrop, Yala stood quietly, silver hair flying, green eyes like water, her tall figure possessing both an Elf’s ethereal grace and a visual impact due to her excellent curves and long legs, like a unique and splendid tree of life suddenly blooming between the black reefs and white waves.

...

When nightfall completely enveloped the deserted island and the sound of waves transformed into a deep background melody, Duke returned to the master bedroom suite on the upper floor of the castle.

The spacious bathroom connected to the bedroom was already prepared, the air warm and humid, filled with a faint fragrance of mixed sea salt and calming herbs.

The large bath was constructed from gray-white stone, with steam rising from the hot water, and a few dried petals selected by Nina for their soothing magical properties floating on the surface.

Duke removed his dark Wizard Robe and stepped into the pool, the warm water instantly wrapping around him, dispelling a fraction of the chill brought by the sea breeze and the fatigue from a day of pondering.

He leaned back into a specially crafted indentation at the pool’s edge, closing his eyes.

Almost as soon as he settled, the carved wooden door on the other side of the bathroom silently swung open, and two slender figures walked in.

Leading the way was Nina, who had evidently just bathed, her honey-colored skin appearing smooth and supple in the warm light and steam of the bathroom.

She had changed out of her daytime cotton dress, now wearing a nearly transparent light gauze robe, her tall and graceful figure appearing faintly beneath the fabric, as she moved gracefully. The robe outlined a full bust and rounded hips.

Nina’s eyes, like those of a cat, unusually bright and docile amidst the steam, held a tray with fragrant balm and soft towels.

She padded silently across the warm stone floor on bare feet, like a true feline.

Following closely was Yala, her silver hair loose like cascading moonlight draping over her shoulders and back, the ends slightly damp.

She had shed the light green dress from the day, replacing it with a soft dark silk nightgown, its conservative design accentuating her figure due to the clinging material, her long legs’ contours distinct as she walked.

Unlike Nina, her emerald green eyes were lowered, long lashes casting a small shadow below, and her almost translucently fair cheeks carried a faint, imperceptible blush, maintaining an elegance and submissiveness typical of an elf.

"Duke," the two softly called in unison, their voices rendering somewhat tender in the bathroom’s empty echo.

Nina first came forward, placing the tray within easy reach at the edge of the pool. Then she gracefully slid into the pool, the hot water soaking the gauze robe and molding it to her graceful curves.

She approached Duke’s side, extending her slender fingers to begin massaging his shoulders and neck with the perfect amount of pressure. Her movements were skilled and gentle, her heterochromatic eyes focused on observing Duke’s expression, her tail lightly swaying in the water behind her.

Yala undid the tie of her dark-colored nightgown, allowing the silky fabric to slip down her smooth shoulders and long arms, pooling at her feet.

Under the steam and warm lighting, her body was fully exposed, her figure tall and well-proportioned, her skin pearlescent in the steam, her collarbone delicate, waist slender, and legs extraordinarily long and straight, perfectly proportioned like the most elegant deer in the forest.

She turned slightly, pinning part of her silver hair up with a simple wooden hairpin, with a few strands falling across her neck, water droplets sliding down her graceful neckline, rolling over her exquisite collarbone, and into the rich cleft of her bosom.

The forest vitality contained within her emerald eyes seemed like now a deep pool of water, carrying both nervousness and strained composure.

Yala cautiously extended her long, white legs into the bath, the hot water making her quiver lightly.

She moved to Duke’s other side, extending her hand, her fingertips slightly cool and trembling, beginning to wash Duke’s arms.