35 Who is this?

The desert, looking like snow under the moonlight, undulated in tranquil waves akin to an ocean.

Suddenly, Ilodyer felt Leslie was akin to a desert plant, resembling the common camel thorn.

That small greyish plant, even when it was held in the palm, was very tiny. It was the sole sustenance for camels in the desert, and thriving in environments where not even poplars could grow.

A lovely little shrub, and seemingly sweet but resilient.

Looking at the white desert, Ilodyer suddenly recalled a line of poetry.

In prolonged droughts and fierce winds, she displayed silent acceptance of her unjust fate. As if in perfect happiness...

Girls like Leslie were rare. Perhaps arranged marriages were common in such eras, yet unexpectedly, her small body could survive in this "Land of the Death" desert alongside with him.

It was likely, all living beings appreciate beauty, bravery, kindness... these envy-inducing virtues...

"Are you awake?"