Chapter 332
After arriving at the City Lord’s residence in White Sand City, Lex immediately retreated to his room.
For a long moment, he stood before the mirror stone, his fingers hovering near the edge of his mask.
His heart pounded with nervous anticipation.
He still did not know whether the restoration had truly worked.
Slowly, he removed the mask. His fingers trembled as they brushed across his cheek.
Smooth skin. Flawless skin. Exactly as it had been before.
Relief and joy surged through him.
It had really worked.
He quickly picked up the mirror stone.
The familiar reflection staring back at him was the same beautiful face he had once possessed.
Not a scar remained.
Only then did Lex finally relax. Now he could stand beside Nina without fear. Now he could face her with confidence.
He tested his voice next. The rich, clear tone that emerged was completely restored.
Excitement flooded his chest.
After making absolutely certain everything had returned to normal, he carefully dressed himself.
He selected one of his finest robes and took extra time arranging every detail of his appearance before heading toward the council hall.
At that moment, Nina and the others were discussing plans for rebuilding White Sand City.
“City Lord,” Shion addressed her carefully, “have we decided whether to rebuild here or relocate to a new site?”
He paused thoughtfully.
“Our current location isn’t terrible, but there is another place that would be far more suitable.”
As he spoke, his gaze unconsciously drifted toward Keil and Lani.
The two immediately understood what he meant.
Truthfully, White Sand City had set its sights on that location years ago.
Unfortunately, Sea Blue City had claimed the territory first and refused to relinquish it, forcing White Sand City to settle elsewhere.
Now that most of the city had been destroyed anyway, relocation no longer seemed impossible.
Keil raised an eyebrow.
So they still had their eyes on Sea Blue City’s territory.
He remembered very well how envious White Sand City had been of the eastern coast.
Nina looked puzzled.
“Which location?”
“The eastern shoreline,” Shion explained. “Keil and Lani know the place.”
Keil nodded.
“There is indeed an excellent site there. The scenery is beautiful, resources are abundant, and the terrain is ideal for building a city. It would also make managing White Sand City’s territory much easier.”
Nina glanced toward Shion, raising a brow at him.
“If it’s so suitable, why didn’t you build there originally?”
Shion smiled bitterly.
“Because Sea Blue City occupied it first.”
Understanding dawned on Nina.
Before she could respond, Keil spoke again.
“If you’d like to rebuild there, Sea Blue City is willing to give up that territory.”
To him, Nina’s city was no different from family. Sharing land was hardly worth mentioning.
Besides, once Nina and Lex eventually became mates, Sea Blue City would practically belong to her as well.
Having the two cities closer together would only strengthen both sides.
Future cooperation would become much easier.
And together, their combined influence would be even greater.
Nina blinked, surprised.
“Wouldn’t that cause problems?”
“Not at all.” A warm voice suddenly answered. Everyone turned.
Lex had entered the hall. Dressed in elegant ceremonial robes, he looked every bit the magnificent merman he once was. His restored appearance immediately drew attention.
He walked directly toward Nina.
“Nina, any sea or land belonging to Sea Blue City is yours to choose from.”
His eyes softened as he looked at her.
“If you want to build there, then build there.”
Truthfully, he would be happiest if White Sand City ended up right beside Sea Blue City.
That way, he could see her more often.
Nina’s eyes widened slightly as she took in his appearance.
“Lex.” A smile appeared on her lips. “You’ve completely recovered?”
“Yes.” His own smile grew brighter. “Everything has returned to normal.”
Stopping in front of her, he spoke with warmth.
“Thank you, Nina.”
Without her, he would never have regained any of it.
Nina shook her head. “I’m just glad you’re alright.”
Lani chuckled. “Lex is right. Any territory belonging to Sea Blue City is available.”
He turned toward Nina.
“Tomorrow I’ll personally take you to inspect the area. If you like it, we can start planning reconstruction there immediately. The site is much closer to Sea Blue City, which will make future travel and cooperation far easier.”
Nearby, Shion secretly rejoiced. They had truly chosen the right City Lord. White Sand City was already benefiting from the decision.
After thinking it over, Nina nodded.
“Alright. We’ll visit tomorrow. If it’s a better location, we’ll rebuild there.”
The meeting continued a while longer before everyone gradually dispersed.
Soon only Nina and Lex remained.
“Nina.” Lex hesitated slightly. “I’d like to talk to you.”
She nodded. “Of course.”
The two left together and made their way into the garden.
Sunlight filtered through the trees, scattering patches of gold across the stone path. For several moments, Lex simply stood there. Then he finally gathered the courage to ask.
“Nina…” His voice was unusually careful. “Does our agreement still stand?”
Nina tilted her head. “What agreement?”
“The one where we agreed to give this relationship a chance.”
A teasing smile appeared on her face.
“I seem to remember someone saying he didn’t want to try anymore.”
Lex immediately panicked. “No.”
His response came so quickly that he nearly stumbled over his own words.
“That wasn’t what I meant. I only said that because I thought there was no future for us.”
His expression grew earnest. Back then, he had believed he would never be able to stand beside her. That was why he had run away.
Slowly, he extended his hand. His eyes held both hope and nervousness.
“Nina… Can we try again?”
For a moment, she simply looked at him. Then, at last, she placed her hand in his.
A smile touched her lips.
“This is the last time.”
Relief flooded Lex’s face. His fingers closed gently around hers.
“Alright.”
This time, he would never let go.