Timeline Player

That was a packet of the finest pepper.

"No..." The chieftain's hands trembled as he held up the bag of spices, wailing at Chi Que, "My lord... these... these spices... are far too valuable! We... we..."

He knelt down again with a thud: "This bag of spices is worth far more than those lemons! Far more than that tree! But we... we can't afford the taxes! My lord! Spare me!"

The value of this small packet of top-grade spices is more than enough to buy not only this cart of lemons, but probably their entire caravan!

However, this is the most fatal problem.

Spices were indeed incredibly valuable, but they also drove the tax burden of the transaction to an astronomical figure.

It's no exaggeration to say that even for a duchy, it wouldn't be easy to come up with that much cash in a short period of time.

The disgust on the butler's face had now transformed into an extremely complex expression, a mixture of understanding and pleasure.

He even couldn't help but let out a cold laugh.

"Hmph!" He snorted heavily. "The payment is settled. Since the shop owner has paid for the goods, these lemons naturally belong to him. As for you... the taxes, not a penny less!"

He slammed his cane down heavily: "Since they can't come up with the money, then we'll proceed according to the law! Guards, seize their goods and throw them in the dungeon to await their fate!"

The onlookers immediately erupted in thunderous cheers.

This is both a cheer for the steward upholding justice and a feeling of satisfaction at Chi Que's skillful punishment of these guys.

However, the reactions of the crowd had nothing to do with Chi Que.

He walked up to the cart, beckoned to Ke Lei, and began to unwrap the precious silver-white lemons.

【Moonlight Tears Lemon - Pale Yellow】

[Rank: Iron]

A story passed down for centuries tells of a lemon that grows deep within an oak forest, bathed in moonlight. If a traveler finds it, their journey will be safe, and wherever they are, their homeland will always be by the moon.

[Taking this will temporarily boost elemental strength, effective for levels below eight. The effect is enhanced when cooked into a dish, depending on the chef's level.]

It's actually a yellow-quality ingredient?

Chi Que was slightly surprised. Although the previous line had a lower magic level, there were quite a few good items.

Although elemental skills are not something he desperately needs, the fact that his skill ceiling is as high as eight points is enough to prove that it is quite valuable.

Ke Lei carefully placed the lemon into the car, as if it were a precious treasure.

As if she had just thought of something, she proactively asked Chi Que, "Manager, what do you plan to do with these lemons?"

He was also in a bit of a dilemma. There were at least several hundred fruits on this tree, and it was impossible to use them all to make lemonade, which would be too wasteful. So how to deal with them was a big problem.

After all, strictly speaking, lemons are a condiment.

After a moment's thought, Chi Que immediately came up with a brilliant plan that would benefit both parties: "I plan to use it to make a cake."

"Cake?" Kore asked, somewhat confused. "Can lemons be used to make cakes?"

Chi Que shook the lemon in his hand: "Don't you understand? Lemon peel can neutralize the sweetness, making the dessert more layered and refreshing."

"But how many cakes will that make?" the maid asked, pointing to the large bag of lemons.

"Yes, cakes are a very convenient food. They don't need to be made fresh; they can be sold directly after they're made. That's why we use a little more lemon zest," Chi Que replied with a hint of pride.

Moreover, the cakes produced are system items, which can be used in the modern world.

In this way, the problem of handling lemons is solved, and a large amount of chef skill points can be gained.

I'm a genius.

Just then, the maid asked a question: "Manager, what do you plan to do with the remaining lemon pulp?"

Chi Que's smile froze slightly.

"Kelei, are you afraid of sourness?"

"I'm not afraid."

"Alright, then the lemon pulp will be your lunch today."

"..."

Just as Chi Que and Ke Lei were joking around, a figure appeared in front of them.

It was Fred, the butler.

"Shopkeeper, please wait a moment." The gloom on his face had not completely disappeared, but his tone had returned to calm.

Seeing this, Vincent wisely excused himself and made a quick getaway.

"Mr. Fred," Chi Que nodded slightly, "What can I do for you?"

A complex emotion flashed in Fred's eyes, which was quickly replaced by a businesslike seriousness: "Your actions today... were unexpected."

He didn't seem to be good at saying such words of praise, and his tone was very stiff.

"I just can't stand this kind of behavior," Chi Que replied.

Fred nodded slightly and spoke again: "In any case, the outcome of this matter is acceptable. Please come to the castle tomorrow afternoon for a chat. The Duchess has also heard about your affairs."

"An opportunity!" Chi Que's heart skipped a beat. If he could enter the castle, it would be an excellent opportunity to investigate clues about the secret banquet.

But then, he couldn't help but mentally complain: "But isn't this plot going a little off?"

Normally, shouldn't the princess be attracted by my clever move, find me refreshing and unpretentious, and take the initiative to strike up a conversation and extend an invitation? What the hell is this old geezer?!

This script is completely wrong!

"Forget it, forget it." Chi Que suppressed his inner complaints: "Whether it's an invitation from an old man or a princess, getting into the castle is a victory. The important thing to do is to scout ahead and find any clues."

Having made up his mind, he bowed slightly: "I am deeply grateful for Your Excellency's kindness. I will certainly keep my appointment on time tomorrow."

"Very good." The butler seemed quite satisfied with his attitude, and even his tone softened slightly: "Tomorrow afternoon, I will send a carriage to wait at your shop's entrance."

After saying this, Fred, leaning on his cane, turned and left, surrounded by a group of guards.

Chi Que watched the butler leave, pondering the various possibilities of tomorrow's trip to the castle.

Just then, a pleasant voice rang out not far behind him: "What a cute little fellow."

Chi Que's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately turned around. He saw that the sixth princess, Liliane, had approached at some point and was squatting down with great interest, gently rubbing the cheek of Ke Lei, whose head was lowered.

The maid maintained her blank expression, only slightly turning her face away to avoid the princess's fingers.

Chi Que's face immediately darkened.

What is this guy doing to someone else's employees?

Liliane seemed completely unconcerned by Ke Lei's evasiveness. Her bright eyes swept over Ke Lei before turning to Chi Que: "It's you, Mr. Lemon. Is this your maid?"

Chi Que's expression immediately turned strange. Mr. Lemon? What kind of ridiculous nickname is that?

Is it just because he bought lemons at the market?

He pulled Kore behind him and looked directly at Lilliane: "What are your instructions, Your Highness?"

Lillian Anne smiled, her red lips slightly parted: "How about you sell her to me? I happen to need a personal maid to keep me company."