"I have been looking forward to meeting with you, Innkeeper," said the insect Dao Lord. Lex thought it slightly unusual that even insects fit into the broad categorisation of Beasts sometimes, but that was hardly relevant. "I had not anticipated, however, the extent to which our eventual meeting would surprise me. Please, accept this Synaptic Slime - the most premium grade Dao fluid released during my wife's last shedding."

The Innkeeper showed not the slightest deviation in his expression as he accepted the Dao material, though he knew that this would be the first material he would use up. He'd either use it for the Butter Knife, or to start construction on the Sanctuary of Dao.

Even if the Sanctuary was not built any time soon, merely having its skeletal structure ready, demonstrating its aura, would be a nice addition to the Inn. After all, one of Lex's main points on his agenda was to build the Innkeepers reputation as much as possible to avoid confrontation as long as possible.

"It is a pleasure to finally be able to meet you," responded the Innkeeper warmly. "I apologise that it took so long for our meeting. Please, enjoy yourself for now and mingle. There will be time enough for more in depth conversations soon enough."

The Dao Lord expressed his interest in continuing their conversation before moving aside, giving the next one in line the opportunity to present his flower to the Primordial Queen.

"If you don't mind me asking," said the Innkeeper, addressing Eclipse privately. "What do you plan on doing with these flowers? I was under the impression that you only add true, primordial flora to your garden!"

Eclipse glanced at the Innkeeper from the side of her eye, considering him for a

moment.

"You know, I'm seeing more and more similarities between you and Lex," Eclipse said, tauntingly. "It's been a long time since others have asked me questions like that, not that I mind. It's not too complicated - I have a separate greenhouse and enclosure for more modern flora and fauna I find interesting.

"For one, it serves to keep me updated with the new and modern species of the universe. Even though my focus is on my garden, that does not prevent me from seeking inspiration from elsewhere. Secondly, it grants me an opportunity to spawn new, completely original primordial species.

"Even though the Primordial Age has ended, so long as there is an appropriate climate, there is no reason why new species cannot spawn. Without constant evolution, without constant change, there is a chance that even the primordial will be left behind. After all, who can say what the future holds? No one can predict what the situation will be once the universe matures."

The Innkeeper nodded. The future was truly unpredictable, and if even someone like Eclipse was considering the future lest she be left behind, Lex needed to make even more efforts than her.

"Since you've asked a question, now it's my turn," said Eclipse. "Lex told me you want to study the environment in the Primordial Garden to attempt to recreate it. Can you really do such a thing? Do you think you can manage to create an environment where Primordial energy is created? From what I understand, you don't even intend on creating a whole realm like this - merely a small corner or section of the realm where such a thing occurs."

The Innkeeper's smile widened, as if he really appreciated the question. In truth, Lex had just translated his usual, awkward smile into a casual, warm one. When speaking with the Governor about the laws of the realm, Lex had copied the words spoken by the Primordial Queen to fool him. Whose words was he supposed to copy now?

"I do not know if I can manage it or not," answered the Innkeeper. "But there is no sense in giving up before I try. Who knows, creating a small Primordial pocket might be much easier than creating a whole realm. Of course, such a pocket would surely be unable to capture the true magnificence of what you have built in a full realm. But, my goal, ultimately, is to provide an environment for guests who enjoy a Primordial Environment, nothing more."

Eclipse paused, and looked at the Innkeeper curiously. Her sudden actions seemed to attract a lot of attention, not that either Eclipse or the Innkeeper cared. Ventura, though, who was feeling left out, couldn't help but pout - though no one knew since no one could see his figure clearly.

As more and more new guests were continuously coming, not everyone understood what was happening. Hiran Kokan, leading a massive delegation of guests, arrived at the garden feeling an immense pressure.

He did not know what had happened, but the unusual mood of the ruler clearly indicated that something major had gone down during his meeting. All he knew was that the ruler called the Innkeeper bold, and that currently, there was nothing for them to worry about.

When Hiran heard that, he could not help but sigh in relief. Although he had no proof, he took that to mean that the Innkeeper may have expressed his interest in proposing to Eclipse, but was rejected by her.

Yet when he appeared at the tea party, burdened with a lot of responsibility, the first thing he saw and sensed was the Primordial Queen, standing next to

the Innkeeper, boldly and directly staring at him as if... as if...

"By any chance, do you accept sentient treasures as your guests?" Eclipse asked, her tone ambiguous.

"Naturally," responded the Innkeeper. "As long as the guests do not break any of our rules, we accept any and all guests."

There was a subtle change in Eclipse's expression.

"Well, just in case you already haven't, I advise you to update your rules," she said in a strongly suggestive tone. "If any sentient treasures or weapons come to you and request to stay in the Primordial portion of your Inn, I advise you to reject them. It would be wise to avoid the calamity that occurred during the Primordial Age."

For some reason, even though she spoke ambiguously, Lex had a very strong feeling that he should absolutely listen to her. More importantly, although she had not spelled it out clearly, Lex sensed that she was... talking about systems! Immediately Lex glanced at the Primordial Energy Scale in his system, the very one he had gotten a quest to take to 100, and the very same one he had received a cryptic notification from his own system to not complete, and saw that it was at 3.