Zhao Wei and Zhao Lin came in the afternoon.
Zhao Wei was openly impressed."The structural integrity alone...and the organization.This is masterful, Wren."
Even Zhao Lin couldn't hide her reaction.She walked through slowly, examining everything, and finally said, "It's...well done.Very well done."From her, that was high praise.
But the best reaction came from the town council members.
"Miss Wren," Councilor Chen said carefully."Have you considered...offering your services?Other properties would pay significantly for this kind of protection."
Wren blinked.She hadn't thought that far ahead."I...I'd have to think about it.Growing something this size takes enormous energy.I'd need to be careful about commissions."
"Of course, of course.But the potential..."The councilor looked around."You've changed what's possible.People will want this."
After the tours ended and the crowds dispersed, Wren stood on her platform and processed what had happened.Her social status had just skyrocketed.She wasn't just "the pun farm girl" anymore.She was the woman who'd built the impossible.
And somewhere in town, she knew Lyra was hearing about this, about how her sabotage had backfired spectacularly.Hearing how Wren had taken destruction and created something legendary.
The thought made her smile.
An Unwelcome Visitor
––––––––
VIKTOR RODE UP LATEthat afternoon, once the crowds had gone.
Wren was planting her first round of new gardens when she heard hoofbeats below.She looked down to see him dismounting, staring up at the platform with undisguised amazement.
"Permission to come up?"he called.
She hesitated, then activated a ramp.
He climbed slowly, looking at everything.When he reached the top, he just stood there.
"Wren.This is..."He laughed, shaking his head."This is extraordinary."
"Thank you."
