Is this cheat code from Bika? Just do it!

Sophia's mind immediately raced with thoughts. Could Lydia really have fallen for Link? Wasn't it just a crush? This could cause serious trouble! Were they really going to elope? If the Duke found out, he would be furious! The Duke had always placed high hopes on Lydia, wishing her to marry someone of equal social standing, bringing honor and profit to the family. If Lydia were to be with Link, or even elope, it would bring immense shame and loss to the family.

No! Sophia made a silent decision; she had to find an opportunity to have a serious talk with Lydia. This dangerous game couldn't continue! She couldn't watch Lydia get into danger and trouble; she had to fulfill her responsibility as a friend and help Lydia make the right choice.

"Miss Sophia, what kinds of things are usually auctioned at those auctions?" Just then, Kim Mi-jung suddenly asked curiously, breaking the delicate atmosphere. Kim Mi-jung had been quietly listening to their conversation, her own curiosity about auctions piqued. She wanted to know what unique items would appear at auctions in this other world.

Jin Meiting's voice brought Sophia back to her senses. She thought for a moment, then said, "Many rare treasures, like large gemstones, knight's armor, and swords. The gemstones are colorful and radiant, each one priceless; the knight's armor is exquisitely crafted, sturdy and durable, protecting the knight from harm on the battlefield; the swords are incredibly sharp, gleaming coldly, and are symbols of warriors. Occasionally, slaves are auctioned, but those slaves are usually quite special..."

Sophia suddenly stopped speaking, not continuing. But Jin Meiting understood her meaning: those orc slaves, especially the beautiful orc girls, often fetched high prices at auctions. Orc girls possessed unique appearances and personalities; their wildness and beauty attracted the attention of some nobles. These nobles bought them, some as playthings, others attempting to tame them into their servants. Jin Meiting frowned, feeling a touch of disdain and disgust at this slave trade. She believed everyone should live freely and equally, not be bought and sold like commodities.

216.Conversation

The setting sun, like a giant fireball, slowly sank towards the horizon. Its orange-red rays, like a magnificent ribbon, spread freely, bathing everything in a warm and beautiful hue. The distant mountains, the scattered houses, and the trees swaying in the wind all turned crimson under this light, as if meticulously painted by nature's magical artist.

The evening sky wasn't as dark and deep as at night, but rather shone with a soft blue light. That blue, pure and gentle, intertwined and complemented the orange-red sunset, creating a dreamlike and enchanting scene. The rolling mountains, bathed in the tender glow of the setting sun, seemed draped in a thin veil of red, each peak appearing to come alive, exuding a tranquil and captivating aura. That rosy blush gradually spread from the mountain peaks to the slopes and finally to the foot of the mountains, like nature gently spreading a touch of rouge across the landscape.

"Sophia, where are we going now?" Lydia blinked her bright, golden eyes, her face full of confusion. Her voice was clear and melodious, sounding especially pleasant in the tranquil atmosphere. She tilted her head slightly, looking at Sophia beside her, and continued, "It's almost dinnertime at the castle. You suddenly dragged me out here, doesn't that mean... we're not having dinner at the castle again today?"

Upon hearing this topic, Lydia's previously radiant face instantly fell, looking like a wronged kitten. She pouted and frowned, continuing, "I've been in Winterfell for four days, and I've only eaten in the castle three times. The rest of the time, you dragged me out to eat. The food in the castle is so delicious; my mouth waters every time I think about it."

“Find Safina. We’ll have dinner at her place tonight.” Sofia slightly raised her head, gazing at the gradually setting sun on the horizon, a hint of determination in her eyes. She gently took Lydia’s hand, walking steadily down the wide avenue. The trees on both sides of the avenue cast long shadows in the afterglow of the setting sun, intertwining with their figures, as if telling a story about to unfold.

This morning, Lydia's unusual behavior in the study made Sophia feel a little uneasy. She noticed a strange light flickering in Lydia's eyes when she looked at Lord Link, a light that made her wonder if Lydia had fallen for him. If that were the case, then some necessary precautions would have to be taken. After all, in this complex world of nobility, matters of the heart often involve too many interests and rules. Moreover… Sophia had some other concerns, though she hadn't fully figured them out yet.

Therefore, she felt she needed another person to help her, and Safina was the most suitable candidate in her mind. Safina was intelligent, quick-witted, thoughtful, and honest and kind. With her by her side, many things would be handled more reliably.

"Alright then!" Lydia reluctantly agreed, slowly turning her head to gaze at the magnificent castle in the distance. Bathed in the setting sun, the castle exuded a mysterious and enchanting aura; its towering towers and sturdy walls seemed to whisper tales of its glorious history. Lydia pouted, her heart filled with reluctance. The food in the castle was like magic; ever since she'd tasted it once, it had captivated her. The sweet tomato and egg stir-fry, vibrant in color and perfectly balanced in sweet and sour, was a taste of pure bliss with every bite; and the crispy fried chicken wings, golden and crunchy on the outside, bursting with flavor as the tender, juicy meat inside, were irresistibly delicious…

"No, I can't think about it anymore, I can't think about it anymore!" Lydia shook her head vigorously, trying to shake off the tempting images of delicious food from her mind. She pouted, looking aggrieved, following Sophia. She didn't understand why Sophia, who clearly loved the food in the castle, always insisted on eating outside. In her eyes, the castle's food was like a precious treasure, something to be enjoyed.

Seeing Lydia's pout, Sophia sighed helplessly, her sigh filled with tenderness for Lydia. She stopped, gently patted Lydia's shoulder, and said softly, "Lydia, let's move out of the castle in a couple of days."

She knew, of course, that it was almost time for dinner at the castle, and she was equally reluctant to part with the delicious food. Each time she savored the castle's cuisine, she felt a unique warmth and satisfaction. However, she couldn't stay in the castle forever. In this complex world of nobility, there were many rules and constraints they had to abide by.

"Huh? This? Why?" Lydia stared in astonishment, instinctively pulling Sophia to a stop. Her brows furrowed, and she asked, her face full of confusion, "Why do we have to move out? We were living perfectly well in the castle. The people here were very kind, and the environment was very comfortable. I really loved it here."

"Oh! Lydia, have you forgotten who you are?" Sophia gazed at Lydia quietly, her eyes filled with tenderness and concern. She gently took Lydia's hand and said softly, "You are the daughter of a duke, of extremely noble status. Living in a nobleman's house all the time, even as a guest, will attract gossip."

In this era, noblewomen were bound by strict rules and constraints. They could not casually stay in the homes of male nobles; even as guests, an elder such as a brother or father had to be present. Otherwise, all sorts of rumors would spread like wildfire. Once a noblewoman's reputation was ruined, or if gossip circulated that she had fallen for someone, her future would be severely affected. The upper echelons of nobility sometimes valued their reputation more than their own lives.

"I..." Lydia's mouth gaped open as she stared blankly at Sophia, momentarily at a loss for words. Then, she lowered her head in dejection, her eyes filled with disappointment and helplessness. Yes, life in the castle these past few days had been so happy and carefree; she had almost forgotten she was the Duke's daughter.

In this city, she experienced unprecedented freedom and joy. Especially in the castle, Della and Kim Mi-ting didn't treat her as the duke's daughter, but as an ordinary girl. They chatted and played together, without any barriers or restraint. This pure friendship and happiness deeply captivated her, making her reluctant to leave.

“We’ve already stayed here for four days. Before, you were sick, so staying in the castle wasn’t a big deal; everyone understood. But if we stay any longer, people will start gossip.” Sophia’s blue eyes gazed quietly at the dejected Lydia, her gaze filled with heartache and helplessness. She gently stroked Lydia’s hair and said softly, “I don’t care, but you’re different. Your status means that there are some things you can’t do as you please.”

Actually, it was mainly because Jesse, Quinzan, and other noble children were being released, as Miss Kim Mei-ting had told her. These noble children, relying on their status and position, usually acted arrogantly and committed all sorts of evil deeds. Once they found out that Lydia was living in Lord Link's castle, they would definitely make a big fuss, and all sorts of rumors would flood in.

It was her father, Solo, who suggested they move out of the castle. If she were still living in the castle, she wouldn't care about the gossip; after all, she was just the daughter of a fallen nobleman, a merchant's daughter. In this aristocratic world, her status was insignificant, and her father even encouraged her to pursue Lord Link.

But Lydia was different; she was the Duke's daughter, of unparalleled nobility. Once rumors started circulating, given the shamelessness and treachery of people like Jesse and Quinzan, they would undoubtedly exaggerate and embellish the story upon returning to the capital. Lydia would then be confined to her quarters, and her marriage would soon be on the agenda. Lord Link would also face the Duke's wrath; to quell the rumors, the Duke would certainly act ruthlessly, destroying the entire Winterfell. This was something she didn't want to see; she didn't want her negligence to bring disaster upon Lord Link and Winterfell.

“I… understand.” Lydia nodded helplessly. She understood what Sophia meant; this was the oppression of social class. In this rigidly hierarchical aristocratic world, her status was like an invisible shackle, binding her words and actions. She had to consider many things, such as not disgracing the Duke, and not doing anything that would have a negative impact on him. She had to live under the established rules, like a caged bird, yearning for freedom but unable to break free from the cage's constraints.

Sometimes, she thought how wonderful it would be if she weren't the daughter of a duke. Then she could live freely, without so many rules and constraints. Or perhaps she would dare to rebel? Run away from home? But she quickly dismissed the idea. Her father was a duke, a man of immense power and influence; everyone feared her status. Even if she ran away, no one would dare take her in, and it might only bring her more trouble and danger.

Arranged marriages were soon to befall her. Lydia's older sisters had all married according to her father, the Duke's, wishes. Their marriages were like political transactions, devoid of love and driven only by self-interest. Lydia didn't want her marriage to be like her sisters'; she wanted to experience love, like in Princess Lucy's novels, a love based on mutual affection, and then marry with the blessings of her family. She longed for that pure and beautiful love, and for a lifetime spent with the one she loved.

"Alright, it's not like I'm stopping you from going to the castle. You can go to the castle even if you live outside," Sophia said softly. She had been in the business world for several years and had seen far more of the wickedness than Lydia. She understood things better than Lydia did. Seeing Lydia's dejected look, she felt a pang of heartache and wanted to offer her some comfort and encouragement.

"Really?" Lydia's golden eyes lit up, shining like stars in the night sky, full of anticipation and joy. She gripped Sophia's hand tightly and asked excitedly, "Can I still go to the castle to play with Della and the others often?"

“Of course, just tell everyone you're going to see Miss Della,” Sophia nodded, a gentle smile on her face. She thought to herself, a girl going to see another girl shouldn't gossip, right? This way, Lydia could continue to enjoy her happy time in the castle while avoiding some unnecessary trouble.

"Great!" Lydia's golden eyes curved into crescents, and her face beamed with a joyful smile, a smile as radiant and beautiful as a flower blooming in spring. She said excitedly, "Miss Della invited me to soak in a hot spring, but I don't know what a hot spring is. I've never been to a hot spring before, and it sounds like it's very interesting."

“Hot springs? You’ll see when you get there,” Sofia said, pulling Lydia along as they continued towards the pizzeria. Her steps were light and cheerful, as if she too was infected by Lydia’s joy. The afterglow of the setting sun bathed them in a golden glow, outlining their figures like a beautiful painting.

"Sophia, aren't you going?" Lydia asked blankly, stopping in her tracks and looking at Sophia with a puzzled expression. She had originally thought Sophia would go with her to the pizzeria to find Safina, and then they would go to the hot springs together.

“I have to keep an eye on the cargo storage,” Sofia shook her head, a hint of fatigue on her face. She had been very busy these past few days, either inspecting the ships or checking the cargo. From morning till night, she was constantly spinning like a top.

Since arriving in Winterhold, she has shouldered many responsibilities. She must manage a fleet, ensuring the safe transport and storage of cargo. Every detail must be meticulously attended to, as even a small mistake could lead to significant losses. Therefore, she spends very little time with Lydia; after a brief gathering at Safina's house, she has plunged back into her busy work. As for her father, he has relinquished his responsibilities, leaving everything to her.

“Okay.” Lydia sighed helplessly. She knew Sophia’s work was very hard. Looking at Sophia’s tired appearance, she felt a pang of heartache. She knew that Sophia had sacrificed so much for this family and for their future.

"You haven't bought all your gifts yet. You could ask Miss Della for some suggestions, otherwise you'll be returning to the capital in a few days," Sophia reminded her, her eyes filled with concern. She knew Lydia had been worrying about what gifts to bring back to the capital and hoped Miss Della could give her some helpful advice.

"Yes, yes, I've already asked around." Lydia nodded earnestly, a confident smile on her face. She had been thinking for the past few days about what gifts to buy for her family and had consulted many people. She hoped to choose something special and meaningful that would allow her family to feel her affection.

"We're here. I wonder if Safina can leave yet," Sofia said, gazing at the pizzeria entrance with a hint of anticipation in her eyes. She hoped Safina had finished her work at the shop so they could have a nice dinner together and chat. An enticing aroma wafted from the pizzeria entrance—the quintessential smell of pizza, making everyone's mouths water. Lydia couldn't help but sniff, a hungry look on her face. They exchanged a smile and then went into the pizzeria together.

217. Living together

On a bustling street in Winterfell, the winter wind gently rustled the shop signs. Lydia and Sophia stood in front of a pizzeria. Lydia wore a light blue thick cotton coat with a soft white fur trim around the collar. Her golden eyes gazed at the warm yellow light emanating from inside the pizzeria, and she frowned slightly before gently tugging at Sophia's sleeve.

"Should we just go in?" Lydia's voice was hesitant. She turned to look at Sophia, her delicate face showing a hint of uncertainty. "Safina should still be working, right? We're early today, and it wouldn't be good to disturb her if we went in."

Sophia, wearing a fiery red cloak, her long crimson hair fluttering gently in the cold wind, nodded slightly after hearing Lydia's words, a gentle smile appearing on her fair face: "Then let's not go in, let's wait outside. Anyway, it's still early, no rush."

So the two stood outside the pizzeria, leaning against a somewhat worn wall. Lydia would occasionally stamp her feet to try and ward off the chill, while Sophia kept her hands in her cloak pockets, chatting with Lydia now and then. They talked about the interesting things they had encountered in Winterfell recently, from the street food stalls to the beautiful snowy scenery on the outskirts of the city, one topic after another.

Meanwhile, people coming and going from the pizza shop couldn't help but stare curiously at the two girls standing outside. Some pedestrians slowed down, secretly glancing at them, then whispering to those around them, "What are these two girls doing standing here? Are they smelling the aroma outside?" Others looked puzzled, shook their heads, and hurriedly went into the shop or left.

Time passed slowly in this seemingly peaceful wait; half an hour went by...

Suddenly, the silence was broken by the crisp sound of a door opening. "Click!" The pizzeria door slowly swung open, and Safina stepped out. She was wearing a white work uniform, still stained with flour, and a white chef's hat, looking very capable. As soon as she stepped outside, she saw Sofia and Lydia standing there. The two were shivering, Lydia's nose was red and tingled from the cold, like a little cherry.

"Why are you standing here? Why don't you come in?" Safina stared in astonishment, her voice filled with surprise and confusion. She had initially thought the shop assistant was joking, saying that a friend was waiting for her outside, but it turned out to be true.

When Sofia saw Safina come out, she gave an awkward smile. She scratched her cheek and said sheepishly, "You're working, aren't you? We're not going in to eat, and it would disturb your work. The pizzeria is so busy right now, we don't want to cause you any trouble."

Lydia chimed in, "Yeah, we only stood there for a little while. We were planning to greet you after you got off work, but we ended up standing there for so long." As she spoke, she shook her heels; her feet were already numb from the cold, and every movement felt like stepping on ice.

In fact, the two women had been standing there for half an hour. They did this because they didn't want to disturb Safina's work. In their view, sitting in the shop without eating and taking up seats was not something a well-mannered person would do. After all, Safina already worked very hard at the pizzeria every day, and they didn't want to add any unnecessary trouble for her.

"Honestly." Safina rolled her eyes helplessly, her eyes filled with both heartache and reproach. "Couldn't you have come in and let me know? Even if you weren't eating, you could have come in and sat for a while to warm up. It's so cold outside, you'll freeze standing here."

She's currently the manager of this pizza shop. Although she's quite busy, she also has a certain degree of autonomy. She can leave early, but unless there are special circumstances, she'll stay a while longer to check the cleanliness and equipment in the shop.

"It's alright, we just arrived a little while ago." Sofia noticed that Safina seemed a bit upset, so she quickly smoothed her long, crimson hair and gently comforted her. Her voice was as soft as a spring breeze, making one feel very comfortable. "Can you leave now? If so, let's go somewhere else together."

Safina nodded, a hint of a smile flickering in her emerald green eyes. "Okay! Wait a moment, I'll take off my apron." With that, she turned and walked into the pizzeria.

Sofia and Lydia stood outside, quietly watching the shop. A moment later, Safina took off her apron, exchanged a few words with the staff, and hurried out. She approached the two women, her emerald eyes looking at them, and said with a smile, "Want to come to my place again today? Or to the Oak Tavern for dinner?"

“Let’s go to your house,” Sofia said quickly, a hint of anticipation in her eyes. She had felt very warm and cozy at Safina’s house last time, so she wanted to go there again this time.

"Okay, how about we go to Oakwood Tavern and order some food to go? And then buy a few steamed buns, what do you think?" Safina suggested. Her way of eating was quite unique. After all, eating pizza at pizzeria all the time would get boring, so she would go to Oakwood Tavern to get a dish she liked, and then buy a few steamed buns, and that would solve a hearty and delicious dinner.

“Okay, we’ll do it your way.” Lydia nodded, the memory of eating pizza at Safina’s house last time flashing through her mind, the delicious taste still lingering in her memory.

“Let’s go then,” Safina said with a light laugh, her face beaming with a warm smile, and then she led the way. Her steps were light and energetic, as if carrying a joyful rhythm.

The three walked along the street, and when they passed a steamed bun shop, Safina stopped. "Let's buy twelve steamed buns. They're delicious with side dishes." With that, she went into the shop, chatted with the owner for a few words, paid, and came out carrying a bag of steamed buns.

Next, they arrived at the Oak Tavern. The Oak Tavern was a two-story building with a rustic exterior. Inside, a rich aroma of wine and food filled the air. Safina led them to the second floor, a quieter area suitable for takeout. They chose six dishes they liked, including fragrant braised pork, tender steamed fish, and refreshing cold dishes. When it came time to pay, Sofia took out the coins, generously saying, "I'll pay this time as a thank you for Safina's hospitality."

The cost of around seven hundred copper coins wasn't much for them. After all, they had enjoyed plenty of delicious food and fun activities in Winter City during their stay.

After buying groceries and steamed buns, the three walked towards Safina's rented house. Safina's house was located in a quiet alley, surrounded by a very peaceful environment. The house was a two-story building, somewhat old-fashioned, but possessing a unique charm. To this day, she still lived there alone.

"Safina, aren't you afraid living here all alone?" Lydia looked around curiously, her golden eyes gleaming with doubt. Last time she came, she was in such a rush that she hadn't had a chance to properly observe her surroundings.

"Huh?" Safina was taken aback, a hint of confusion in her emerald green eyes. "Afraid? Why should I be afraid?" she asked.

"You're so beautiful, won't anyone bother you?" Lydia frowned, a hint of worry in her eyes. "In the capital, I've heard that many beautiful girls will be bothered if they live alone. You have to be careful living here alone."

“No, it won’t.” Safina shook her head, her voice calm. “There are police officers patrolling here regularly, no one dares to cause trouble. If you get caught, you’ll be locked up in a dark room.” A hint of confidence shone in her eyes, as if telling the two that this place was safe.

There was one thing she didn't mention: besides the police patrols, she mainly worked at the pizza shop, which belonged to the city lord. Who would dare to harass her? In Winter City, the city lord held immense prestige, and everyone treated him with great awe.

"A small dark room? What's that?" Sophia asked curiously, her blue eyes gleaming with a thirst for knowledge. Even though they had lived in Winter City for four days, there were still many things they didn't understand and many things they had never heard of before. Everything here was new and exciting to them.

“Hmm…” Safina tightened her grip on the paper bag and said calmly, “It’s where the Guard Department holds prisoners. It’s a small, completely dark room where they lock people up for days. There are no lights, nothing inside, just a tiny ventilation opening.”

"Huh? Are they going to starve the prisoner?" Lydia's eyes widened in surprise. In her mind, a dark little room appeared, with a prisoner inside looking weak and listless from hunger.

"No, it's just being locked up. I heard they give you porridge too," Safina chuckled. She'd heard about the little dark room from customers at the pizzeria, but she didn't actually know its purpose. She just thought this method of punishment was a bit unusual, so she remembered it.

"Wow? This punishment is too lenient! Aren't those prisoners supposed to enjoy themselves in there?" Lydia exclaimed, her voice loud enough to draw the attention of those around her. She knew all about the punishments in the capital; some prisoners who committed crimes would at least be whipped a few times, and in serious cases, even beheaded. Compared to that, the punishment in this little solitary confinement room did indeed seem too light.

"A solitary confinement room?" Sophia frowned, a thoughtful glint in her blue eyes. She felt this punishment must be different in some way, but with too little information, she couldn't figure it out. In her view, every form of punishment had its purpose, and this solitary confinement room was certainly no exception.

"Let's go inside and talk," Safina urged. It was really cold outside, and the wind felt like knives cutting into her face. She didn't want her friends to freeze outside.

"Ah."

"it is good."

The three arrived at the door. Safina took out her key from her pocket and opened it. "Click!" The door opened, and a warm breeze wafted out. Safina went in first, taking off her thick animal-skin boots and putting on animal-skin slippers. The slippers were fluffy and looked very comfortable.

"You should change too. I just bought some animal skin slippers at the market yesterday." Safina took two pairs of animal skin slippers from the shoe rack, squatted down and placed them in front of the two of them, and said softly, "These kinds of shoes are more comfortable to wear indoors, and your feet won't get cold."

"Great!" Lydia exclaimed in surprise as she put on the animal skin slippers. "These shoes are so convenient! They're warm and lightweight, much better than the shoes we usually wear." Her face beamed with delight, as if she had discovered a new world.

“I think so too.” Safina stood up and smiled. “The market introduces new things every now and then. These animal skin slippers are only available these days. I saw them at first sight when I went there last time and thought you would definitely like them.”

"Looks like I'll have to go to the big market too," Sophia said, her blue eyes sparkling as she changed her shoes. "I'll buy a few pairs to take back to the capital. I can't miss out on such good things." She had already made up her mind that she would definitely go to the big market to explore and see what new and interesting things there were next time she had the chance.

"Please have a seat, I'll start a fire." Safina, wearing slippers, pattered to the dining table, put down the steamed buns, and went to the stove in the corner of the house. She skillfully picked up some dry firewood, lit it with a match, and gently placed it into the stove. Soon, the fire in the stove was roaring and crackling.

Safina looked like a domestic woman, not at all like an elegant princess. She was efficient and professional at the pizzeria; at home, she was gentle and domestic. This scene stunned Lydia and Sofia; they had never done anything like this before, and always had maids at home. Even though it was only the second time they'd seen their friend do something like this, they were still amazed.

"What are you standing there for? Put your things down." Safina put the kettle on the stove, turned around and saw the two of them standing there dumbfounded, and said with a smile, "You've never seen anything like this before, have you? This is life. There are many little things like this in life. Although they seem insignificant, they are full of fun."

“Safina, we’ll sleep here with you tonight,” Sofia said softly, her voice gentle yet firm, before placing several bamboo tubes on the dining table. These tubes were specially brought by her and contained some specialties from the capital.

"Huh?" Safina stared blankly at Sofia, who was equally stunned. Her eyes held a hint of surprise and disbelief, as if she hadn't expected the two of them to make such a request.

"Is it not allowed?" Sofia blinked her blue eyes, a mixture of expectation and trepidation in them. She hoped Safina would grant their request and let them spend a warm night there.

“Of course you can, but the bed is a bit small and it might be a little cramped,” Safina chuckled, her emerald green eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “If you don’t mind the cramped space, you’re welcome to stay overnight. My place may not be as luxurious as the capital, but it has the warmth of home.”

So, on this cold winter night, the three girls sat around the fireplace in the warm house, sharing their stories and joys. Outside, the cold wind still howled, but inside, the house was filled with warmth and laughter.

218. Interesting

As night fell and stars twinkled, candlelight flickered in the small cabin on the second floor of the oak tavern, adding a touch of warmth and mystery to the tranquil night. Lydia, Safina, and Sofia, three close friends, sat around a slightly worn wooden table covered with a clean white cloth. Several plates of home-cooked dishes emitted an enticing aroma, lending a homely feel to the simple space.

“Tonight, we’re going to have a good talk,” Lydia broke the silence first, her voice filled with excitement and anticipation, as if she had a thousand words to say. She gently raised her hand, as if announcing an important decision, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia for past fun and anticipation for the future.

They had had nights like this before, when Lydia and Sophia would sneak out of their house to spend the night with Safina, chatting and laughing until late. However, that particular experience remained vivid in their memories—the next morning, Lydia's father, accompanied by a group of knights, stormed into Sophia's house, searching for his daughter who hadn't returned home. Lydia was confined for half a month, during which time she could only gaze at the outside world through her window, her heart filled with helplessness and regret.

“Okay.” Safina nodded with a smile, her movements elegant and composed. She gently grasped her long, flowing hair, as if sorting through her thoughts. Then, she took a rope from the cabinet and skillfully tied her hair up, revealing her beautiful and refined face. Her eyes revealed a kind of resilience and wisdom that drew people in irresistibly.

“Sophia was terrified last time,” Lydia recalled with a light laugh, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. She still vividly remembered Sophia’s terrified expression when her father appeared at Sophia’s door that morning with the knight.

"How could I not be terrified?" Sophia rolled her eyes, her tone tinged with helplessness and a hint of mockery. "The Duke and his knights surrounded my house, saying they would break in if they didn't let you go. I thought I was going to be the hero saving the damsel in distress, but it turned out to be a false alarm."

“Yeah! I was really startled that day too.” Safina stretched, showing off her graceful figure, then walked to another cabinet, took out plates and bowls, and prepared to start dinner. “I thought I had been exposed, after all, my life has always been full of thrills and unknowns.”

"Uh... I didn't know my father would react so strongly to me not going home for one night." Lydia scratched her cheek, an embarrassed smile appearing on her face. She quickly stepped forward to help get the plates, trying to make up for her mistake with her actions. "My father is usually very strict, but I didn't expect him to be this angry."

“What parent wouldn’t worry if their daughter didn’t come home all night?” Sofia said, somewhat annoyed. She took the plate and skillfully poured the food out of the bamboo tube, her movements fluid and natural. Although her tone carried a hint of reproach, it was mostly filled with concern and understanding for Lydia.

"Hehe... I was so engrossed in chatting with you guys that I forgot to send someone home to let you know." Lydia stuck out her tongue, making a playful expression. She remembered that night when the three of them sat around the fireplace, listening to Safina recount her adventures. They were so captivated by the thrilling and amazing stories that they completely forgot the passage of time.

"Alright, sit down and eat." Safina picked up the kettle of hot water and placed it on the table. The steaming water looked especially cozy in the candlelight. She then went to the cabinet and took out three small packets of milk tea. This was a precious gift from Link; he had given her five packets in total, and she hadn't been willing to drink them. "This is milk tea Link gave me. I heard it's very expensive outside and hard to find."

Safina gently tore open the packaging, poured the milk tea powder into a ceramic cup, and then added hot water. Instantly, a rich milky aroma filled the room, surprising Lydia and Sofia.

"Safina, what kind of drink is this?" Sofia asked curiously, her eyes fixed on the steaming milk tea, as if trying to discover some secret within it.

“The milk tea was given to me by Link,” Safina said softly, her voice gentle and delicate. “I heard that a pack of it sells for one silver coin outside, and it’s very hard to buy. Only some nobles can enjoy this kind of treatment.”

"Huh? So expensive?" Lydia gasped, her mouth agape in surprise. She stared at the white milk tea, her heart filled with astonishment and curiosity. She picked it up and took a gentle sniff, discovering an irresistible aroma of milk that made her want to take a sip. "This tastes so tempting!"

“It’s delicious.” Safina picked up a steamed bun, took a bite, and then ate it with some vegetables. Her movements were elegant and natural. “This milk tea can’t be bought anywhere else. I heard it’s only available to some nobles. I’m only able to taste this delicacy because of Link.”

"Supplying only to nobles?" Sophia frowned in thought. With her keen business acumen, this was definitely another highly profitable business. She secretly calculated that if she could introduce this milk tea to the market, she would surely make a fortune.

“Hmm, I’ve only heard Miss Della mention it.” Safina placed some braised pork on Sofia and Lydia’s plates and said softly, “She said that the process of making this milk tea is very complicated and the ingredients are very precious, so the production is limited. But the production may be more next year, and we may have a chance to try it again then.”

"Hurry up and eat, then take a shower," Safina urged. She knew it was cold and late. "After you finish eating, let's boil some hot water to wipe your bodies, and then get some rest."

"Okay!" Lydia put down her cup, gazing at the freshly brewed milk tea with a sense of reluctance. The milk tea was too hot to drink in one go, so she could only sip it slowly, savoring the rich milky aroma lingering in her mouth.

Sofia nodded silently. Being a clean person, she usually showered every other day, even in this cold winter. But today was a special case, so they would have to make do.

Dinner was settled amidst their casual conversation. Perhaps because all three had tasted the finer things in the castle, they now had a certain immunity to the food at the Oak Inn and didn't fight over it like they had at the beginning. What they enjoyed more was the warm atmosphere and their companionship.

"Let's boil some hot water to wipe them down," Safina thought to herself, gazing at the already dark night sky. She knew it was impossible for the two of them to go to a public bathhouse, and with the weather so cold, they practically didn't need to bathe at all. But for hygiene and comfort, she decided to boil some hot water for them to wipe themselves down.

“Okay!” Lydia replied, holding her milk tea cup and sipping it slowly, as if savoring the beauty of life. She was filled with gratitude and dependence on Safina, feeling how wonderful it was to have such a good friend by her side.

Sofia nodded in agreement. Knowing she was a clean person, she knew she would bathe less often in the cold winter, but wiping herself down was still necessary. She stood up and began helping to clear the dishes and prepare water for wiping herself down.

"Let's go." Safina carried the kettle into the bathroom, poured the hot water into the large wooden basin, and then added the cold water she had stored earlier to make it lukewarm, just the right temperature. She tested the water temperature and found it to be just right, so she called Lydia and Sophia in.