Is this cheat code from Bika? Just do it!

“No way, Luca, you didn’t scrub my back last time,” Bernice exclaimed. She walked over to Luca, grabbed her arm, and shook it playfully.

"I...I'm really busy," Luca said very seriously, her brows furrowing slightly, as if she really had something important to do.

"Really? Could it be that someone's chest is too small, and they're afraid of being embarrassed, so they don't dare to go to the hot spring with everyone?" Jin Meiting's lips curled up, revealing a teasing smile. She glanced at Luca's somewhat regrettable chest and deliberately said, "The last time we went to the hot spring, someone also made up an excuse not to go, and then secretly ran to Lord Link's hot spring pool."

"Shut up, you big-breasted bastard!" Luca immediately bristled, yelling in embarrassment and anger. Her face turned bright red, like a ripe apple. "It's not about having small breasts! Fine, I'll go then, hmph!"

Bernice couldn't help but slap her forehead, sighing helplessly. "When did Luca become so concerned about his chest?" she said, looking down at her own breasts and muttering softly, "Big breasts are no good. They affect mobility. They jiggle around when you're running, so inconvenient!"

“Bernies, you…” Luca felt as if the world had turned gray. She heard Bernice’s soft yet hurtful words: what others despised, she could never have. She felt as if her heart was being pricked by needles, a dull ache throbbing within her.

"Let's go then!" Link chuckled and shook his head. He felt a warmth in his heart watching the girls playfully bickering. He got up and walked outside. It was eight o'clock in the evening, and the sky was completely dark, but the castle was brightly lit. This was the perfect time to soak in the hot springs. After a busy day, soaking in the warm water could relieve fatigue and relax the mind and body.

Link led his wives towards the backyard. A wooden walkway had been erected leading to the hot springs, constructed of sturdy logs that creaked underfoot. Two maids led the way with paper lanterns, their soft glow illuminating the path. Two more maids followed behind, each carrying a lantern, while a group of pretty girls played and laughed, their voices echoing in the night air.

The paper lanterns were also made in the last few days, and were first introduced to the people in the castle, but haven't been widely adopted yet. After all, Winterfell has no nightlife; in the past, the streets and alleys were pitch black at night, and people went home early. Only the Guard Division was equipped with a few lanterns, used for illumination during night patrols.

The hot spring was constructed using bamboo and wood, giving it a rustic and natural look. It was divided into men's and women's sections, essentially one hot spring pool separated by a bamboo wall. The wall was made of evenly sized bamboo stalks, with green vines twining around them, adding a touch of life. The men's side was for Link's exclusive use, while the women's side was for the girls.

Link had actually considered abandoning the bamboo wall altogether and having everyone bathe together, which would strengthen their bonds. However, he thought about the girls like Farahia and Lydia in the city lord's mansion; they were still young and might feel a bit shy. So, in the end, he built the bamboo wall, providing everyone with a relatively private space.

“Lord Link, we’ll go in first,” Della said softly, her voice as melodious as a nightingale’s song, her eyes sparkling with a captivating light.

"Go ahead!" Link waved his hand, a hint of anticipation in his eyes. He stepped into the hot spring room, which wasn't an open-air hot spring, but an indoor hot spring pool.

The hot spring room was paved with pebbles of varying sizes and shapes, meticulously arranged by the craftsmen to create a unique aesthetic. Even the hot spring pools were made of pebbles, built entirely according to Link's design. Link loved the natural, rustic feel of pebbles; he believed that soaking in the hot springs in such an environment allowed one to connect more closely with nature and relax both body and mind.

"This is truly my first time soaking in a hot spring." Link walked to a cabinet and began to take off his clothes. His movements were practiced and natural, and as he undressed, he listened to the playful sounds coming from the other side. The playful sounds were as clear as silver bells, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart.

"Huh? Where's Luca? Has anyone seen her?" Della's questioning voice came through, tinged with anxiety.

"No? Weren't we walking together just now?" Bernice asked in surprise, her eyes scanning the surroundings, trying to find Luca.

"Could it be with Lord Link?" Kim Mi-ting exclaimed in surprise, a teasing smile on her face.

208. Encounter

In the early morning, the first rays of sunlight, like golden threads, gently and delicately filtered through the sheer curtains, slowly spilling into the room. That soft light, like nature's gentlest caress, bathed the entire space in a soft golden glow, instantly making the room warm and inviting.

Lydia slowly and gently opened her eyes, her movements as soft as if afraid to disturb the tranquil and beautiful morning. She felt as if her body was tightly bound by something incredibly soft, making it difficult to move, as if she were trapped in a warm and comfortable cocoon. She frowned slightly, her delicate brows furrowing like two tender flower petals gently closing. Instinctively, she gently lifted a corner of the blanket, her gaze following its movement downwards, and saw Sofia sleeping soundly, clinging tightly to her waist like a kitten. Sofia's fair face glowed softly in the sunlight, her long eyelashes fluttering like butterfly wings, her small nose breathing evenly, and her pink lips slightly pouting—she looked incredibly adorable.

"Hehe..." Lydia looked at Sophia's adorable sleeping face, and the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn up slightly, revealing a soft smile, a smile as bright and sweet as a flower blooming in spring. She stared intently at the corner of Sophia's mouth, and saw a glistening liquid there, shimmering in the sunlight, like a tiny pearl. "Who would have thought that the business genius of the capital would drool in her sleep?" Lydia muttered softly, her tone full of teasing, her voice as gentle as a breeze brushing past your ear.

"Tsk tsk tsk..." Just then, Sophia seemed to be dreaming of something delicious, her mouth smacking a few times, like a greedy little hamster chewing on its food. A slight upturn of her lips and a satisfied smile spread across her face, a smile as radiant as a blooming flower—clearly she was having a wonderful dream.

"How adorable!" Lydia's golden eyes instantly lit up, as if twinkling with stars, their brilliance like the most dazzling stars in the night sky. She couldn't resist reaching out and gently poking Sophia's delicate, porcelain-doll-like face. Her face was smooth and delicate, like silk; touching it with her fingertip felt like she could feel its fine texture. With this poke, Sophia's brows immediately furrowed, and her face pouted slightly, like an angry little bun, or perhaps protesting that Lydia had disturbed her sweet dream.

"Hehe..." Lydia found Sophia's reaction incredibly amusing, a mischievous grin spreading across her face like a playful sprite. Her eyes darted around, and she picked up a lock of her long, silky blue hair, which shimmered mesmerizingly in the sunlight, cascading over her shoulders like a blue waterfall. She gently tickled Sophia's nose, her touch as tender as if she were stroking a kitten.

"Ah..." Sophia felt a tickle in her nose and couldn't help but yawn widely, her mouth slightly open. The yawn echoed in the quiet room, like a unique morning melody. She groggily opened her eyes, rubbed her nose, and gazed at Lydia with sleepy, bewildered eyes, like a lost fawn in the forest.

"Why are you up so early?" Sophia grinned sleepily, her voice languid and hoarse, as if she hadn't fully woken up from a sweet dream; her voice was like a low lullaby.

“You've been sleeping too much; it’s getting late.” Lydia shook her head gently and gracefully. She turned her head slightly to look at the semi-transparent window. Outside, the sun shone brightly, and the sky was a brilliant, jewel-like blue, as pure as if it had been washed clean. A few white clouds drifted lazily by, like flowers blooming in the sky. It was clearly already broad daylight.

"Really?" Sophia's drowsiness gradually vanished upon hearing Lydia's words. She subconsciously touched the corner of her mouth, and when she felt the dampness, a blush instantly spread across her cheeks, as beautiful as the sunset. That blush, like a burning flame, spread from her cheeks to her ears. "Oh dear, I...I'm drooling again." She lowered her head somewhat embarrassedly, her voice so soft it was almost inaudible, like the buzzing of a mosquito.

"Looks like you had a good dream, huh? You were even drooling in your sleep." Lydia couldn't help but tease Sophia as she looked at her shy expression, her eyes full of amusement, like a little fox playing with its prey.

"Hmm! More or less!" Sophia looked up and nodded in agreement. Images of the dazzling array of delicacies in the oak tavern of her dream flashed through her mind: fragrant roast chicken, its golden, crispy skin gleaming enticingly under the lights, as if beckoning her; golden, crispy fried fish, each bite producing a satisfying "crunch," the tender flesh melting in her mouth, leaving a lingering aftertaste; and the sweet and delicious fruit pie, its colorful fruits like a vibrant rainbow, exuding an irresistible aroma… Thinking about it, her mouth almost watered again.

“Get up! Sleeping in so late at someone else’s house is really rude!” Lydia said, sitting up and stretching lazily. Her movements were like a lazy cat relaxing, full of contentment. “It’s incredible, the bed here is even more comfortable than my bed at home,” she exclaimed, gently patting the soft mattress. The mattress was like a giant marshmallow, soft and bouncy, making you want to lie there a little longer.

"Mmm, this mattress is so soft, like lying on a cloud. The blanket is so warm, and it has a light, pleasant fragrance, like flowers blooming in spring." Sophia stretched out her legs and said lazily, her eyes full of longing. The fragrance on the blanket seemed like a messenger of spring, carrying the vitality and energy of nature. "I want to sleep a little longer," she yawned, snuggling deeper into the blanket, like a little animal seeking warmth from the cold.

She was exhausted these past few days, especially during Lydia's illness. She stayed by Lydia's side the whole time, worried sick. She constantly monitored Lydia's condition, touching her forehead to check for a fever, feeding her medicine with the utmost care, as if she were cherishing a precious treasure. She didn't sleep well at night, always half-asleep, easily startled by the slightest noise. If Lydia made even the slightest sound of discomfort, she would immediately wake up to ask about Lydia's condition with concern.

"Get up! Didn't you say you were going to see that person who looks like Eliza?" Lydia said, pulling Sofia's arm and scolding her playfully when she saw Sofia still wanting to stay in bed. But her eyes were full of concern and affection. "Besides, I need to go to the pawn shop to sell the perfume; otherwise, it's just going to go to waste."

“Forget about it. How could there be a pawn shop in this remote little city? Just keep the perfume for yourself!” Sophia’s blue eyes flickered as she said seriously. Her eyes revealed a kind of wisdom and decisiveness, as if she could see through everything. “Even if there were a pawn shop, people might not be able to afford it. Your perfume is a high-quality product from the capital, and it must be very expensive. I doubt anyone here has ever seen something so luxurious.”

"What are we going to do? Just let it go bad?" Lydia stood there blankly, her eyes filled with disappointment. She had always cherished that perfume; after all, it was a gift from someone, a gift carrying their heartfelt wishes and blessings. And she genuinely loved its unique scent; it was like magic, capable of uplifting her spirits. "I've always loved the smell of this perfume. Every time I smell it, it makes me feel better."

"So what if it's broken? You don't like it anyway. Besides, it was a gift from that person." Sophia looked at Lydia's disappointed expression, a hint of a smile flashing in her blue eyes. She gently patted Lydia's shoulder and whispered, "From now on, if you want to use perfume, I'll buy it for you."

"Give me perfume? What do you mean?" Lydia blinked, looking at Sophia with a puzzled expression. She was a little confused and didn't understand why Sophia would suddenly say that. Her questioning gaze was like that of a curious little child exploring an unknown world.

"You'll find out soon enough," Sophia winked playfully, deliberately keeping them in suspense. She had already found out that there was a perfume shop in Winterhold, and that their perfumes were of very good quality. She decided to take Lydia there; perhaps they could find a perfume Lydia would like. Imagining Lydia's happy face when she smelled her favorite perfume, a slight smile crept onto her lips.

Most importantly, she had her own plans. She lacked someone to rival the Second Prince, and the perfume business was a perfect entry point. Once her perfume went on sale, it would definitely squeeze the Second Prince's perfume market. Therefore, if her family didn't have a powerful backer, she feared the Second Prince would quickly use his power to seize her business.

Lydia, the duke's daughter, is a living advertisement. By using Lydia as a figurehead, the second prince certainly wouldn't dare to go too far. After all, the Grand Duke is not someone a prince with little real power can compare to. Of course, if the eldest or second prince joined forces, perhaps the Grand Duke would back down a bit, but someone like the second prince, with little real power, is sometimes even less powerful than an earl.

Unless the prince is granted a fiefdom and has his own power and territory, he can try to confront the Grand Duke. Otherwise, the Grand Duke is not afraid of the Second Prince, since he is not the heir to the throne.

"So mysterious," Lydia chided, but still threw back the covers and got out of bed. She felt much better now; although she still felt a little weak, walking was no problem. She moved her arms and legs, feeling her body gradually regain its vitality, a vitality that flowed gently like a spring stream.

The two quickly got ready, changed their clothes, and stepped out of the room. As they looked up at the blue sky and saw the warm sun high in the heavens, they both smiled in unison. "It's such a beautiful day, the sun's out! Perfect for going out for a stroll," Lydia said happily, her eyes full of anticipation, like that of an adventurer about to discover treasure.

"Shall we go eat first?" Lydia hesitated for a moment before asking. The image of the rice porridge she'd eaten yesterday flashed through her mind; its sweet taste still lingered in her memory. The rice grains were plump and round, cooked until soft and sweet, each bite filled with happiness. "I'm actually missing yesterday's rice porridge. And that Lord Link, I want to thank him in person; after all, he saved us. Or maybe I should ask him if he wants to buy some perfume. I'm quite confident in my perfume; maybe I can earn some gold coins to buy a four-stringed lute."

"Do you think they'll still leave us breakfast at this hour?" Sofia looked at the high-hanging sun and shook her head helplessly. The sun was like a giant fireball, radiating intense heat. "It's almost noon; they've probably already taken the breakfast away."

"Uh... I guess so!" Lydia scratched her cheek, speaking somewhat uncertainly. "Noble households usually keep some food warm in case someone wakes up late and has nothing to eat. That's how it is in my family; no matter when we wake up, we can always have hot food."

"How can you even go eat there? It's almost noon, people are probably already getting ready for lunch." Sophia rolled her eyes, grabbed Lydia, and pulled her outside, saying casually. "Let's eat out. I remember that restaurant has a weird name, I wonder what the food will be like. But it smells so good, it shouldn't be bad." The aroma was like an invisible hand, drawing them forward.

"Oh!" Lydia was thus pulled away from the castle by Sophia. When they came outside, Lydia's surprise was the same as Sophia's the day before, or perhaps even more unusual. After all, she was a noblewoman and rarely had the opportunity to experience this kind of ordinary life.

The streets were bustling with activity, teeming with people and filled with the cries of vendors. The calls were like a unique symphony, brimming with the vitality of life. A dazzling array of novelties dazzled Lydia. There were brightly colored candies, like sparkling jewels, exuding an enticing sweet aroma; there were uniquely shaped toys, like enchanting little sprites, captivating children's eyes; and there were exquisite handicrafts, works of art showcasing the artisans' superb skills. Lydia's golden eyes shone with anticipation as she said, "This is my first time traveling so far, and I'm even bringing back gifts! Everything feels so new and exciting. I've never seen so many interesting things before. Even though there are all sorts of shops in the capital, the atmosphere here is completely different."

“Okay, let’s go browsing later and see what we can buy.” Sophia nodded and pulled Lydia toward the pizzeria. She knew Lydia was used to all sorts of luxurious things in the capital, but these little trinkets full of everyday life might be more interesting to her. She imagined Lydia’s delighted reaction to finding something new among these trinkets, and a smile crept onto her lips.

After walking for a while, the two arrived at the entrance of a pizzeria. Lydia stood at the door, curiously examining the shop. "This is the shop you were talking about? The name is really strange, but the smell is so good." She took a deep breath, the rich aroma making her swallow hard. The fragrance was like a tiny insect burrowing into her nose, whetting her appetite.

“Let’s go in,” Sophia said, stepping forward to open the door and leading Lydia inside. Upon entering, the two were immediately drawn to the shop’s peculiar decorations. Brightly colored paintings hung on the walls, each one a mysterious world brimming with imagination. Uniquely shaped tableware sat on the tables, each piece a work of art, almost too beautiful to use. The entire shop exuded a warm yet exotic atmosphere, as if transporting one to a mystical world.

"Welcome." Just then, a gentle voice rang out. The voice was like a spring breeze, gently caressing their hearts.

As soon as the two entered, they saw a familiar face. The person was dressed in magnificent attire, the garments resembling a blooming flower, exuding an air of nobility. With a warm smile on her face, she was none other than Princess Safina, whom they had met in the castle.

"You...you are Princess Safina!" Lydia's eyes widened in surprise, her mouth slightly agape, for a moment she could hardly believe her eyes. Her expression of astonishment was like that of a child who had witnessed something unbelievable.

209. Disguise

"Shh! I'm not called Safina anymore, I'm called Philina!" Safina tilted her head slightly, rolled her eyes playfully, and her lively expression seemed to be scolding the other for being so slow. She quickly reached out and grabbed Lydia and Sophia's arms respectively, forcefully pulling them to a relatively quiet seat, and said in a low voice, "There are a lot of people around here, so be careful."

Lydia's eyes widened, her gaze fixed on Safina's hair, which was so different from before. She was about to speak, "Your hair... why..."

"Lydia, stop!" Sofia reacted quickly, covering Lydia's mouth with her hand and gesturing for her to be quiet. Sofia frowned slightly, thinking to herself: Safina was clearly a carefully disguised persona; if Lydia blurted it out like that, wouldn't she expose her identity? She subconsciously glanced around; the tavern was bustling with people, some talking quietly, others drinking heartily. If someone recognized Safina, it would be troublesome. After all, the kingdom's bounty on Safina was incredibly high; everyone knew that capturing her meant instant wealth.

"Oh!" Lydia exclaimed, finally realizing what had happened. She quickly covered her mouth, her eyes filled with lingering fear. She cautiously scanned her surroundings again, only letting out a slight sigh of relief after confirming that no one had noticed their little incident. She knew perfectly well that Safina was now "priceless," and if those with ill intentions discovered her, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"What brings you here?" Safina leaned forward slightly, her emerald green eyes fixed on the two women, a hint of doubt in her gaze. She assumed Lydia and Sophia should both be in the capital. If it were just Sophia, she might not be too surprised, given Sophia's elusive nature; but Lydia's sudden appearance in Winter City was truly unbelievable.

“I’m here to do business,” Sofia said softly, pursing her lips slightly. Her gaze fell on Safina’s face, fixed on the smile on her lips. That smile was so radiant, so different from the Safina who was always frowning and burdened with worries. A question arose in Sofia’s mind: What had Safina gone through? What had caused such a dramatic change in her in such a short time?

“I’m here to relax and have some fun,” Lydia said, her golden eyes constantly scanning Safina’s hair. She was incredibly curious. Safina’s once beautiful, long, silver-gray hair, as dazzling as stars in the night sky, had now turned a plain black. What had happened?

"A trip? To Winter City? All this way?" Safina was slightly taken aback, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes. She subconsciously glanced at Sophia, and seeing Sophia shrug helplessly with a wry smile on her face, she immediately understood. It seemed that the two of them were still very close, inseparable no matter where they went.

"Safina, what about you? Why are you dressed like this?" Sofia tilted her head curiously, her gaze sweeping over Safina. She noticed that not only had Safina's hair changed color, but her clothes were also very plain, completely lacking the splendor and nobility of a princess.

“Me? I’ve settled down here.” Safina lowered her head slightly, her voice as gentle as a spring breeze. A tenderness flickered in her eyes, as if she were recalling the little things she had experienced in this city.

"Huh?" Lydia and Sophia stared wide-eyed at Safina in disbelief. In their eyes, Safina had always been that pampered, radiant princess. How could she possibly settle in this remote little town? This was completely unexpected.

Could it be that they've met someone they like? Lydia and Sophia exchanged a glance, the same thought simultaneously forming in their minds.

"Safina, do you have someone you like here?" Lydia finally couldn't help but ask directly. Her golden eyes were fixed on Safina, trying to find the answer in her expression.

"What?" Safina was slightly taken aback, clearly not expecting Lydia to ask such a question. A slight blush rose to her cheeks, and she felt a pang of panic. Could she tell her that she and Link were already married here? No, she couldn't. She had only pretended to be married because she was bored, wanting to experience the ordinary life in Winterfell. If she revealed it now, wouldn't everything be exposed? Wouldn't all her previous efforts be wasted?

"Could it be that you really have someone you like?" Lydia's golden eyes widened as she excitedly pressed for an answer. Safina's slight pause earlier had made her suspect something was amiss. Her curiosity was completely piqued, and she couldn't wait to know the answer.

“No, you’re overthinking it.” Safina’s emerald green eyes flickered, deliberately avoiding Lydia’s gaze. She tried to make her expression appear natural, attempting to conceal her inner turmoil.

“Alright, let’s not ask any more questions. Let’s order first,” Sofia said softly, sensing that Safina didn’t want to bring up the topic. She gently tugged at Lardia’s sleeve, signaling her not to press the matter further.

"Safina, what's the best dish?" Lydia's attention was indeed drawn to the menu. She excitedly picked it up, her eyes scanning it rapidly, muttering to herself, "This looks good, that looks delicious too..."

"There are no dishes here, only pizza. Let me order for you," Safina said with a gentle smile, her smile as warm as the winter sun, making people feel incredibly warm.

"Okay! Thank you for your help." Sophia nodded with a smile, her eyes full of trust.

"Just a moment," Safina said softly, then turned and walked towards the kitchen. Her steps were light and graceful, like a butterfly in flight. She decided to personally prepare a deluxe pizza for the two of them, after all, they were her long-lost friends.

Sofia watched Safina leave before turning to Lydia and scolding, "Lydia, you're too curious. Didn't you see Safina was disguised? Asking too many questions will expose her identity. There are too many people here; if someone with ulterior motives overhears, the consequences could be dire."

"Uh... I got a little carried away and asked too many questions without thinking." Lydia scratched her cheek sheepishly, a slightly embarrassed smile on her face. She knew she had indeed acted impulsively and hadn't considered the consequences.

"She seems to be doing very well now," Sofia remarked, her eyes filled with satisfaction. Seeing Safina's beaming smile and radiant appearance made her very happy as well.

“I suspect that Safina definitely has someone she likes, otherwise she wouldn’t have settled here.” Lydia said very seriously, resting her chin on her hand. “When a girl suddenly changes a lot, it means she has someone she likes. This is an experience I’ve summarized from reading countless novels and novels.”

"You're treating those romance novels like a dating bible again," Sophia rolled her eyes and said helplessly. She knew Lydia usually loved reading romantic novels and always used the plots as a reference for real life.

“But it makes a lot of sense,” Lydia muttered, tossing her long blue hair. “I’ve tried it, and all my maids are right. They nod in agreement every time they see me talking about these things.”

Sophia covered her face, sighing inwardly. Why was her friend so naive? The plots in those novels and stories were all fictional creations; how could they be compared to real life?

The two chattered quietly for a while before Safina emerged from the kitchen carrying a tray. She carefully placed the tray in front of them; a multi-flavored pizza was ready. The pizza emitted an enticing aroma, its golden crust covered with colorful toppings: tender vegetables, rich cheese, and delicious meats—it looked absolutely mouthwatering.

"This is pizza?" Lydia's golden eyes lit up as she exclaimed excitedly. Her gaze was fixed on the pizza, as if she were seeing the most precious delicacy in the world.

“Yes! This is my special one,” Safina said softly, a proud smile on her face. She had put a lot of thought into making this pizza, strictly controlling every step from the selection of ingredients to the cooking temperature.

Sofia grabbed a slice of pizza and popped it into her mouth. She took a small bite, closed her eyes, and looked on with pure enjoyment. The pizza had a wonderfully complex flavor; the crust was crispy and delicious, the toppings were fresh and juicy, and the various flavors intertwined in her mouth, creating a delightful taste experience.

"Delicious, soft and chewy!" Sofia exclaimed, her eyes half-closed as she chewed. She felt as if she were in a food paradise, all her worries forgotten.

"Mmm!" Lydia nodded in agreement, her mouth already stuffed with pizza, her words slurred. She held a slice of pizza in each hand, as if afraid someone would snatch it away. Her ravenous eating habits had completely abandoned any semblance of the elegance befitting a duke's daughter.

"Lydia, where's your manners?" Sofia picked up a slice of pizza with her other hand and stuffed it into her mouth as well. She mumbled between chews. Though she said that, her own eating manners were hardly any better.

Safina sat opposite them, chin in hand, watching the two scrambling for food. The scene brought a smile to her face. Who would have thought that a successful businesswoman and a duke's daughter would be so unceremoniously fighting over pizza in this small pizzeria? Perhaps, this was their true selves. In the capital, a city where nobility reigned supreme, everything had to adhere to strict etiquette. They had to wear a mask of pretense every day; life must have been exhausting.

"Phew..." Lydia let out a long breath, feeling like her stomach was about to burst. She looked up and saw Safina lost in thought, then suddenly realized that she was the Duke's daughter, how could she be so out of sorts? She smiled a little embarrassedly and secretly glanced at the people around her.

She looked up and saw many people eating pizza with gusto, their faces beaming with satisfaction. When they saw her looking over, they smiled kindly, a smile that was genuine and warm. This was a scene she had never experienced before. In a restaurant in the capital, if she were to eat like this, many would surely cast disdainful glances at her, thinking she lacked the decorum of a noblewoman.

"Isn't it relaxing?" Safina's emerald eyes flashed with a smile as she said softly, "You don't need to pay too much attention to etiquette when you eat here, because everyone will be scrambling for the food. Here, there are no tedious rules and restrictions, so you can fully enjoy the pleasure that food brings."

“Mmm!” Lydia nodded, licking her fingers—a habitual gesture. In the capital, she would never dare do such a thing, as it would be considered impolite. But here, she felt incredibly at ease, as if she had returned to her childhood, without any worries or anxieties.

"Really, we still need to be more careful." Sophia wiped her mouth with a tissue and sighed. "If we don't pay attention to etiquette in public, people will gossip. Although the environment here is more relaxed, we are still nobles, and we still need to be mindful of our image at all times."

“Being a noble is exhausting!” Safina murmured, a hint of weariness flashing in her eyes. She thought of Link. Was the person he was acting now truly him? Back in the capital, Link always seemed mysterious and enigmatic, as if he harbored many secrets. And now, in this Winter City, what side of him would he reveal? Safina's heart was filled with doubt and anticipation. She longed to understand the real Link, the one without any masks.

210. Interesting

On the outskirts of the bustling yet turbulent capital city lies a small town called Winter City. Though lacking the clamor and extravagance of the capital, it possesses its own unique tranquility and warmth. One day, sunlight filtered through wispy clouds, gently illuminating a lively street lined with various shops. Inside one of the pizzerias, a heartwarming yet slightly melancholic conversation was unfolding.

"Are nobles tired? Perhaps. Beneath that heavy crown lies untold hardship and exhaustion. Yet, even so, many still flock to it, finding joy in it." Sophia gently stirred her teacup, a fleeting hint of weariness and indifference in her eyes. She knew all too well that in this rigidly hierarchical society, becoming a noble at least meant being free from worries about food and clothing, unlike commoners who toiled daily for a living and constantly guarded against the exploitation and oppression of nobles.

"Alright, Sophia, let's not talk about this heavy topic." Lydia gently patted Sophia's hand, her tone tinged with a hint of reproach and helplessness. She understood that discussing the merits and demerits of nobles was undoubtedly asking for trouble, especially in this complex and ever-changing environment, where one should be even more careful with their words.

Lydia's gaze shifted to Safina, who was sitting beside her, a hint of tenderness and anticipation flashing in her eyes. "Safina, we're going shopping, do you want to come along? A few new shops have recently opened, and I hear they have a lot of interesting and unique things."

Upon hearing this, Safina gently shook her head, apologetic smile on her face. "I can't leave. It's almost noon, and the store will see a peak in customer traffic. I really can't get away." Her voice was gentle yet firm, revealing her love and responsibility for her job.

"When will we get together? I don't have many friends in the capital, and even fewer who are truly close to me." Lydia's tone carried a hint of melancholy; she longed for genuine friendship, but found it hard to find in this bustling city.

Safina chuckled softly, a warm light shining in her eyes. "Tomorrow, come over tomorrow, and we'll have a proper chat. Actually, I'd also like to hear news from the outside world. Winter City is too remote; many things take a month or two, or even half a year, to get here."

"Okay, it's settled then." Lydia nodded in satisfaction, stood up and straightened her skirt. "We'll go shopping now and come back to see you tomorrow. Make sure you have some tea and snacks ready."

"Yes, definitely," Safina replied, personally escorting the two to the outside of the pizzeria. Watching their figures gradually disappear into the distance, a strange sense of emotion welled up inside her. Meeting Lydia and Sophia today was truly an unexpected surprise for her. If the pizzeria hadn't needed her attention, she probably would have gone shopping with them without hesitation.

Since Asagi handed the pizzeria over to her, Safina has devoted herself entirely to the job, becoming the acting manager. Asagi rarely comes to the store now, only occasionally checking on the cleanliness or bringing some new recipes. Safina enjoys this comfortable life, finding her days busy and fulfilling, and she's thoroughly enjoying it.

……

Meanwhile, Lydia and Sophia strolled along the street, enjoying a rare moment of leisure. However, Lydia soon noticed Sophia's silence. "Sophia, you've been quite quiet today. This isn't like you," she asked curiously, her golden eyes gleaming with inquiry.

“I’m thinking about something.” Sophia’s expression turned serious, and her tone became somewhat solemn. “What do you think will happen if Safina’s identity is exposed? She’s doing well now, but once her true identity is revealed, it will bring countless troubles and dangers.”

"Huh? How could that be? Isn't she doing well now? Nobody knows she's a princess." Lydia blinked her golden eyes, looking completely bewildered and confused.

“Let’s hope so, but if her identity is really exposed, then…” Sophia didn’t finish her sentence, but both of them understood what that would mean. Countless bounty hunters would flock to her, willing to do anything for that thousand gold coins.

"You mean? Safina herself was exposed without even realizing it?" Lydia asked, frowning, her tone tinged with worry.

“No, I was just using an analogy.” Sofia sighed and shook her head helplessly. “It’s incredible that Safina would stay in one place for so long. Given her status and situation, finding someone to protect her is an inevitable choice.”

"Do you think Safina needs someone to protect her?" Lydia wasn't stupid; she quickly understood the deeper meaning in Sofia's words.