Is this cheat code from Bika? Just do it!

"Can I drink this?" Lydia asked softly, lightly licking her lips. The red wine looked incredibly tempting. Her eyes were filled with anticipation and longing, like a child seeing their favorite candy. The red liquid was like a burning flame, igniting the desire within her.

“Of course.” Link chuckled and handed over the wine glass. His movements were gentle and attentive, as if he were passing on an incredibly precious gift. He wanted everyone to experience the charm of this wine.

"Mmm!" Lydia carefully took the wine, then took a small sip. Instantly, her golden eyes lit up. It tasted sweet, with a hint of alcohol, but no bitterness. She felt as if the wine was a clear spring, nourishing her taste buds and intoxicating her. The sweet flavor spread in her mouth like a blooming flower, exuding a captivating fragrance.

"Let me have a sip too." Sofia took the wine, took a sip, and then another. The wine tasted wonderful; Sofia felt it was better than any ale or strong liquor, or rather, more suited to a girl's palate. Its rich flavor and subtle fruity aroma were irresistible. She felt as if she were in a beautiful garden, surrounded by the fragrance of grapes.

But wait, Sophia suddenly froze, her gaze fixed blankly on the wine in her hand, a wave of regret and self-reproach washing over her. Wasn't this an auction item? How could they have drunk it? The bottle and the wine alone were worth a fortune. If they had auctioned it off, they might have gained a vast amount of wealth and resources. She could almost see that wealth and resources slipping through her fingers, her heart filled with guilt. Thinking of this, she couldn't help but worry, wondering if Lord Link would blame them for this.

However, Link simply smiled, his eyes filled with tolerance and understanding. In his view, while these things were precious, allowing everyone to taste such delicious wine was a rare experience. Moreover, this strengthened his resolve to promote these wonderful things from Earth, so that people in this era could also enjoy the convenience and beauty brought by technology and civilization. He seemed to see a future world where people could taste delicious wine and enjoy a high quality of life.

"How is it? The wine tastes pretty good, doesn't it?" Link asked calmly, raising his chin slightly with a hint of confidence and composure. He knew perfectly well that the wine was indeed on the sweeter side. Upon first taste, the delicate sweetness danced on the tongue like a lively sprite, followed by a rich and pleasant sensation that spread throughout the mouth, like a grand ball for the taste buds.

Wine is unlike any other type of alcohol. Like a mysterious nobleman, clad in a magnificent robe, it possesses a unique temperament and charm, gracefully entering our lives. Each bottle of wine is like a book waiting to be read, containing stories of time and unique character. The key to distinguishing good wine lies in the plump grapes. Grapes from different regions are like works of art meticulously sculpted by nature; due to differences in soil, climate, sunlight, and many other factors, the resulting wines vary greatly in taste. Some wines possess a fresh and lively fruity aroma, like a young girl playing in an orchard in spring, full of vitality; others contain the depth and richness of age, like an old man who has experienced many vicissitudes, quietly telling stories of the past.

"Excellent! This wine is a hundred times better than the wine in the palace!" Lydia exclaimed excitedly, her face flushed, as if ignited by a passionate flame. She raised her hand and shouted, her voice filled with barely suppressed joy, as if she wanted to share her happiness with the whole world. In her mind, the wine in the palace had always been a symbol of quality, something lofty and unattainable. But this wine before her possessed a unique charm that easily surpassed those so-called royal wines. She thought to herself, if this is the kind of wine, she will come to love it deeply in the future, and even be willing to sit in a cozy corner during her leisure time, savoring its beauty and letting its rich aroma linger on her lips and tongue.

“It is indeed an excellent wine.” Sophia nodded slightly, her eyes revealing approval. She was no stranger to the wines in the palace; Lydia had once brought her a bottle. At the time, she had only politely taken a small sip, as she didn't like wine and always felt that it would affect her sharp thinking ability, like throwing a pebble into a clear lake, disrupting the original tranquility.

236. Drunkenness

Yet at this moment, facing this glass of wine, she felt it wouldn't hurt to have a little. Its smooth taste seemed to possess a kind of magic, not intoxicating, but rather bringing a moment of relaxation and comfort, like finding a tranquil haven in a busy life.

"So, what do you think would happen if this wine were auctioned off?" Link rested his chin on his hand, a hint of anticipation flashing in his eyes, a gaze that seemed to pierce through the mists of the future and see the bustling scene at the auction. He slowly said, "Just tell me what you roughly think its value is."

Lydia tapped her chin with her index finger, tilted her head, and pondered for a moment, her serious expression like that of a young scholar solving a difficult problem. Then she said earnestly, "Just looking at this bottle, if I had enough gold coins, I would be willing to pay a hundred gold coins." Her tone carried a hint of decisiveness, as if she were declaring her appreciation for the wine, as if it were the most precious treasure in her heart.

“One hundred gold coins?” Link nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to Sophia, quietly waiting for her answer, his eyes filled with trust and expectation.

Sophia frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then asked, "Lord Link, will you let people taste the wine at the auction?" She knew that for a beverage like wine that needs to be savored, if people are not allowed to taste it themselves, it is like showing guests a beautiful painting without letting them touch the colors. It is difficult to truly appreciate its charm, and therefore it is difficult to obtain a higher value at the auction.

“No, I won’t.” Link shook his head decisively, his expression serious. “I’ll only bring three bottles.” In his view, these wines were precious treasures, and he couldn’t take too many away. After all, scarcity increases value; too many diminish their worth. Like stars twinkling in the night sky, a few shine exceptionally brightly, but if the sky were full of them, they lose their unique charm. He had his own plan in mind: to maximize the value of these wines in this auction, like a shrewd businessman searching for the most suitable business opportunity amidst the market’s fluctuations.

“This…” Sofia hesitated for a moment, then said, “If we don’t let people try it, it’s hard for the wine to gain added value.” She worried that this approach would make the wine less competitive at auction and less likely to reach the expected price, like a ship without sails struggling to reach the shore of success on a vast ocean.

"That's not a problem," Link said with a calm smile, his eyes radiating confidence. He knew he had plenty of ways to make the wine a hit even before the auction. Creating hype was no difficult task for him. He understood how to use various methods to enhance the value of a product in this world full of business opportunities and competition, much like a magician performing amazing tricks.

“In my personal opinion, this bottle of wine would fetch at least 150 gold coins at auction,” Sophia said, her blue eyes narrowing slightly as she analyzed earnestly. “If it were auctioned in the capital, it could easily be worth 200 gold coins.” She possessed a keen insight into market trends, much like an experienced navigator accurately judging the winds and currents. She knew that while Eagle City was a large city, it was still several levels below the capital. At most, only earls attended Eagle City auctions; high-ranking nobles like marquises and dukes rarely came.

She guessed that at most, only a few earls from the surrounding area would attend the Eagle City auction. These earls wouldn't be short of money, but their bidding might not be too aggressive. After all, they weren't in the bustling and competitive environment of the capital, and their pursuit of valuable items wouldn't be as frenzied; it would be like a calm lake, unlikely to cause much of a stir.

"One hundred and fifty gold coins?" Link nodded slightly; this price was unexpected. His initial estimate was similar to Lydia's, around one hundred gold coins. However, a glint of excitement flashed in his eyes as he secretly calculated that if he managed to manipulate the price well, he could easily reach two hundred gold coins. Then, selling the three bottles would recoup the gold coins he spent on the warhorse. He could almost see those glittering gold coins flying towards him, like a swarm of golden butterflies dancing before his eyes.

“Um, Mr. Link, this…” Sophia held the wine glass, somewhat at a loss. Looking at the wine in the glass, she couldn't help but marvel; taking a sip felt like eating coins. The wine's value far exceeded her imagination, as if it were a treasure hiding a vast secret.

“Right, what if we add a wine glass?” Link raised an eyebrow, a brilliant idea for increasing the value suddenly appearing in his mind, like finding a beacon in the darkness. “Adding this wine glass? How much would the price increase?”

“Two hundred gold coins,” Sophia replied without hesitation. In her view, the wine and the glass were more than just one plus one. If the glass were auctioned alone, it might fetch a maximum of thirty gold coins. But with the wine, it would command a premium of twenty gold coins. The glass and wine complemented each other perfectly, creating a luxurious and noble atmosphere that made the entire auction item more attractive, like a beautiful princess wearing a dazzling crown, making her even more radiant.

“Excellent,” Link chuckled, his mood exceptionally pleasant. Three bottles of wine worth a few hundred dollars, plus a glass worth a few dozen dollars, could be exchanged for several hundred gold coins. If Earthlings knew this, they would be utterly shocked. On Earth, while wine and glasses have some value, they are nowhere near comparable to what they are worth in this world. The market rules and consumption habits here make these ordinary items incredibly precious, like a common stone transformed into a sparkling gem.

However, Link knew he wouldn't engage in large-scale reselling of wine and glassware. After all, large quantities would not only depreciate the value but also cause trouble. This world wasn't as simple as it seemed. From his daily intelligence gathering, Link had learned that many powerful forces lurked in the shadows. These forces were like monstrous beasts hidden in the darkness, ready to attack anyone who threatened their interests—like a silent storm that could sweep in at any moment.

As Winter City grows stronger, it will inevitably come into contact with them sooner or later. But it's not the right time to make contact now; after all, a king who's too reckless can fall into a trap. Link knows that his current strength is insufficient to contend with those shadowy forces. He needs time to accumulate power and enhance Winter City's strength, just as a warrior needs to constantly hone his skills to meet greater challenges. When the time is right, he will then challenge those forces.

“Lord Link, this wine…” Lydia looked at the open bottle of wine on the table, a little embarrassed. She hesitated for a moment, then said, “Consider this bottle the purchase; I’ll bring the gold coins next year.” She felt a pang of guilt, believing that if she hadn’t expressed her doubts earlier, Lord Link wouldn’t have opened the bottle. This bottle cost two hundred gold coins—enough to buy many rutu. The rutu was the instrument she had always dreamed of; its beautiful tone allowed her to immerse herself in a world of music, like a bird soaring freely in the sky.

Does Lydia have two hundred gold coins? Of course not. But she still has ways to get two hundred gold coins. She can perform at the theater more often and earn money with her talents. She can also sell some lutes, although those lutes also have special meaning to her. But for this bottle of wine, she is willing to make the sacrifice, like a brave warrior who is willing to give up her treasures for the sake of her beliefs.

“I’ll pay half the gold coins,” Sophia quickly said. After all, she had also drunk the wine and couldn’t let her friend bear such a high cost alone. Besides, how could she not help her friend who was in trouble? Their friendship made her extend a helping hand without hesitation, like passing a warm torch between them in the cold winter.

"It's alright, it's just a bottle of wine. We can open another one if you want." Link raised an eyebrow, seeing that the two seemed about to say something, but he waved his hand dismissively. "As for the gold coins, let's not talk about them. You're guests, after all." In his view, the friendship between friends was far more important than gold coins. He didn't want the atmosphere to become awkward over a bottle of wine, and he hoped that everyone could enjoy the wonderful time in this relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, like sharing the sweetness of life under the warm sunshine.

"Uh..." Lydia and Sophia stared at Link in astonishment upon hearing this. Two hundred gold coins! So generous? And he even offered to open another bottle? In their minds, two hundred gold coins was a huge fortune, yet Link had so easily given it up. Their magnanimity and generosity filled them with admiration, like looking up at a great hero with worship.

"Lord Link, may I have a little something to drink?" Henrietta tugged at Link's clothes with two fingers, tilted her head back, looked at Link with longing eyes, and whispered, "Just a little bit." Her adorable appearance was like that of a child asking an adult for candy, making it hard to refuse. Her eyes seemed to sparkle with stars, making her irresistible.

Link turned his head and looked at Luca, Henrietta, and Fiora, whose eyes were filled with longing, and chuckled, "There are more cups inside, help yourselves." His voice was gentle and kind, as if he were inviting everyone to share this wonderful moment, like inviting friends to admire beautiful flowers together in a spring garden.

"Yay!" Henrietta jumped up, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She stared at Luca expectantly, like a little animal waiting to be fed, full of anticipation and longing.

“Okay, I’ll pour.” Luca chuckled and shook his head. He took out five more glasses from the box and skillfully poured one for each person present. The crystal-clear wine swirled gently in the glasses, releasing an enticing aroma, like a group of beautiful fairies dancing gracefully in the glass.

"..." Link looked at the girls' expectant eyes and thought to himself, "It's fine if they get drunk; consider it going to bed early." His biggest worry right now was whether Fiora would get drunk. Fiora was known for her drunken antics, clinging to people and refusing to let go. Just thinking about it gave him a headache; it would be like a chaotic party, impossible to manage.

“I’ll drink less.” Fiora held her wine glass and chuckled in Link’s ear. “Lord Link, you should still keep an eye on Henrietta.” Her voice was playful, as if reminding Link to watch out for the little one who gets drunk easily, like a mischievous elf whispering secrets in his ear.

“Uh…” Link’s eye twitched as he turned to look at Henrietta, who was about to drink, a sense of helplessness welling up inside him. After all, she was someone who got drunk after just a sip of alcohol, and she was about to cause quite a few laughs, like a comedy about to unfold, making him both look forward to it and worry about it.

"Mmm! Delicious." Henrietta took a small sip, her eyes lighting up as if she had discovered a new continent. Then, she took another sip, her face beaming with a satisfied smile, like a blooming flower, full of life and vitality.

Soon, a blush appeared on Henrietta's cheeks, and her eyes welled up with tears—she was getting drunk. Her steps began to falter, and her body swayed slightly, like a sapling swaying in the wind.

"Delicious..." Henrietta shook her head, feeling herself getting drunk. Seemingly not wanting to waste the delicious wine, she poured the entire glass into her mouth. As soon as she put the glass down, she felt a wave of dizziness and collapsed into Luca's arms, like a kite with a broken string, falling to the ground.

"..." Lydia and Sophia stared blankly at Henrietta, their hearts filled with astonishment. She was drunk after just three sips? Her alcohol tolerance was incredibly low. They couldn't help but laugh at Henrietta's drunken state, as if watching an amusing performance.

"Honestly, you can't drink but you still drink." Fiora shook her head, a doting smile on her face. She stepped forward, picked Henrietta up from Luca's arms, and walked out, muttering, "It's good that you're drunk, you can go back to your room and sleep." She looked like a gentle mother taking care of her child.

Link covered his face; he'd certainly witnessed Henrietta's drinking capacity firsthand—she really did get drunk after just a sip. Watching Fiora carry Henrietta away, he secretly rejoiced that nothing too serious had happened. The discussion and tasting of the wine concluded in a relaxed and slightly joyful atmosphere, but everyone remained filled with anticipation for the wine's value and its future auction, like waiting for a ray of light in the darkness.

237. Movement

In the early morning, the soft, warm first rays of sunlight, like golden threads, delicately filtered through the fine gaps in the curtains, gently scattering their tenderness onto Link's sharply defined face. Link felt a faint, warm golden light bathe his eyelids, a ticklish, warm sensation. He slowly opened his eyes, a trace of lingering sleepiness still in his gaze, as if veiled by a thin gauze. He stared blankly at the snow-white ceiling above him, his thoughts involuntarily drifting back to the previous night—that dreamlike, yet utterly frenzied night.

That was truly a party worthy of being recorded in the annals of "madness"! A group of seemingly quiet but actually drunk and crazy girls were running wild in the study, a place that was originally filled with the fragrance of books. The entire study was filled with laughter and noise, like a surging tide, one wave after another, as if to completely submerge this small space.

Last night, Dilva, Avery, Fiona, and Inessa, those almost excessively lively girls, skipped and hopped into the study like a herd of joyful deer. Link and the others were sitting in the center of the study, a delicate round table laden with crystal-clear wine glasses, the alluring colors shimmering enchantingly in the candlelight. They gently lifted their glasses, took a small sip, and savored the rich aroma spreading across their tongues, enjoying this moment of tranquility and peace.

The moment the girls entered, they were like bees drawn to honey, immediately captivated by the rich aroma of the liquor. Their eyes sparkled with excitement, like stars in the night sky, and they clamored for a drink. Link had initially considered trying to dissuade them, as the liquor was quite strong, and drinking too much wouldn't be good for these young women. But before he could even speak, things had already spiraled out of control.

Especially Dilva, who was usually incredibly lively, like a sparrow that never stops moving. Drunk, she completely let loose, becoming like a wild, out-of-control animal. She staggered to her feet, waving her hands wildly in the air as if conducting an invisible concert. Then, like a mad rabbit, she began jumping wildly around the study. Her already pert buttocks swayed rhythmically with her movements, as if performing a unique dance, her exaggerated actions drawing laughter from those around her. Her large breasts heaved violently with her movements, as if trying to break free from the constraints of her thin clothing. As she jumped, she screamed and shouted, her voice sharp and loud, like lightning piercing the night sky, singing an unknown tune, every note filled with madness and unbridled passion, as if trying to lift the roof off the entire study.

"Sigh..." Link sighed helplessly, his sigh filled with a mixture of exasperation and indulgence towards the girls. He inwardly complained that none of his girls were easy to manage. Every time they got together, they always managed to cause something both funny and exasperating, like a group of mischievous little sprites, always creating unexpected trouble.

However, one can't be too absolute; there were still some who made him worry-free. The only one who did was Fiora. This girl seemed to have a natural capacity for alcohol, like a mysterious wine fairy. After three glasses of wine, her complexion remained rosy, her eyes clear and bright, as if nothing had happened, maintaining her elegance and composure. She sat there quietly, a faint smile playing on her lips, as if the surrounding noise was irrelevant to her. Luca and Fiora, on the other hand, were more restrained. They only took small sips, savoring the aroma as it spread in their mouths, without drinking too much. As for Lydia and Sofia, they were hesitant to drink freely because they were concerned about the two hundred gold coins worth of wine. They savored each sip carefully, their eyes slightly narrowed, as if tasting the most precious wine in the world, their focused expressions like those of two professional sommeliers.

"Click!" Just then, the door was gently pushed open, making a crisp sound. Luca walked in with light steps, her footsteps as silent as a cat's. She wore a pale pink dress, the hem swaying gently with her steps, like a blooming flower swaying in the wind. Seeing Link with his eyes open, she couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle, a smile as beautiful and captivating as a spring flower, seemingly able to dispel all the gloom in the world. The amusing scene from last night flashed through her mind: Dilva, drunk and stumbling around the study like a headless fly, finally grabbing Link and jumping around wildly. Like a greedy kitten, she frantically "nibbled" at Link's face, her rosy cheeks pressed tightly against his, her mouth constantly muttering something, as if she wanted to devour Link like a delicious lollipop.

"Hehe... Lord Link, did you sleep well last night?" Luca asked softly, his voice as clear and melodious as a babbling brook, carrying a hint of playfulness and concern.

"Fine, very good," Link rolled his eyes and said irritably. He thought to himself, how could it not be good? He'd gone to great lengths to settle these girls, who were completely drunk. He'd carefully cover one girl with a blanket, gently draping it over her so as not to disturb their sweet dreams; then he'd help another to bed, supporting her body with both hands, struggling step by step to the bedside, leaving him with a sore back and aching muscles. He was so busy he felt dizzy, like a spinning top.

"Lord Link, get up and have breakfast. Aren't you supposed to be inspecting the fleet and going to the farm?" Luca reminded him softly again, his eyes full of concern. That concerned gaze was like a ray of warm sunshine shining on Link's heart.

"Hmm," Link responded, slowly getting out of bed. His movements were somewhat sluggish, as if his body was still immersed in the fatigue of the previous night. With Luca's help, he slowly finished washing up and then went to the dining room. As soon as he entered the dining room, he saw Sophia and Fiora.

"Good morning, Lord Link." Fiora greeted softly, with a sweet smile on her face. That smile was like the warm sun in winter, warm and comforting, making people feel particularly comfortable.

"Good morning, Lord Link," Sophia said softly, bowing her head slightly, her voice gentle and respectful. She was used to this special way of greeting people in the castle, her tone conveying a hint of reverence, as if Link were a high and mighty king.

"Good morning." Link nodded, saying helplessly, "Are they still sleeping?" The "they" he was referring to were naturally the girls who had gotten completely drunk last night. A hint of worry appeared in his eyes; after all, drinking so much alcohol wasn't good for their health.

"Hmm, still not awake." Luca brought over a plate of steaming hot buns, the aroma of which instantly filled the entire dining room, making everyone's mouths water. She smiled and said, "We're having meat buns for breakfast today."

"Eat up, we'll head out after we finish." Link picked up a steamed bun, took a big bite, and the juicy filling burst in his mouth, making him squint his eyes in satisfaction. Then he picked up a cup of milk tea, took a small sip, and savored the sweet aroma. As he ate the bun, he thought to himself, this quiet breakfast felt a little lacking. Usually, Henrietta would bicker with Fiora and Dilva, the three of them like three little sparrows, chattering away, sometimes arguing heatedly over trivial matters, sometimes laughing uproari. Avery would always be there, protecting one and teasing the other, like a mischievous little elf, always saying things that made people laugh. The whole dining room was filled with laughter—that was a lively breakfast!

Breakfast was over quickly, taking only twenty minutes. Link, along with Fiora and Sophia, boarded the carriage and, under the escort of the squad, headed straight for the alley entrance.

"Clatter, clatter, clatter..." The rhythmic sound of the carriage hooves was like a beautiful melody. The crisp, powerful sound echoed through the quiet street. The carriage sped along, kicking up a light cloud of dust, like a golden ribbon trailing behind. Sophia gazed quietly at Link, who was resting with his eyes closed, her eyes slightly distracted. Her gaze was filled with adoration and love, like a devout believer looking at their idol. She couldn't help but sigh inwardly, how could such a man exist in the world? Such a nobleman, everything about him was so perfect.

She had inquired and learned that just a few months ago, Winterhold was a very backward little city. Back then, the main streets were dirt roads, turning into a vast swamp after rain. Pedestrians' shoes would get soaked with mud, making each step incredibly difficult, as if their feet were strapped with heavy sandbags. Excrement and urine were everywhere, emitting a stench like a giant garbage dump. The pungent smell was nauseating, no different from other dilapidated towns. The lives of the common people were even more miserable; many went hungry, their stomachs always empty, like hollowed-out sacks. Their houses were simple mud-walled structures, utterly unable to withstand the elements. Whenever a storm came, the houses would sway precariously, seemingly about to collapse at any moment. They couldn't afford salt or linen, yet they had to pay exorbitant taxes; life weighed heavily on them, like a massive mountain pressing down on them.

But everything changed after Link became the city lord and a nobleman of Winterfell. Every day, the city underwent a dramatic transformation. In just a few months, Winterfell became what Sophia saw: the streets were wide and clean, paved with hard, smooth stone slabs, as flat and smooth as a giant mirror. The houses were also renovated, becoming beautiful brick and tile structures, their neatly arranged bricks exuding a rustic yet elegant atmosphere. The market was overflowing with a dazzling array of goods: colorful fabrics, fragrant delicacies, and all sorts of daily necessities. People's faces beamed with happy smiles, smiles like blooming flowers, full of contentment and hope for life.

Sofia completely understood why her father had encouraged her to pursue Link. She feared that eighty percent of the women in the world would fall for him. He was the perfect male lead from Princess Lucy's novels, so perfect he could single-handedly take on a dragon. He possessed a handsome appearance, like a dazzling star radiating captivating light; a brilliant mind, like a sophisticated computer capable of solving any problem; and a kind heart, like a warm ray of sunshine illuminating everyone around him. Sofia couldn't help but imagine whether Princess Lucy would also fall for Link if she came here. She could almost see Princess Lucy and Link standing together, a perfect match, like a beautiful painting.

"Tap tap tap..." Just then, Zhan Lang's voice came from outside the carriage: "Lord City Lord, we've arrived at the alley entrance." The shout was loud and powerful, breaking the silence inside the carriage.

Link slowly opened his eyes and saw Sophia staring blankly at him, which puzzled him. He subconsciously touched his face, wondering to himself if he had a hickey left by Dilva. He thought to himself, if he really had one, it would be too embarrassing.

"..." Sophia blushed slightly and turned her head away awkwardly. She hadn't expected that time would pass so quickly while she was lost in thought; before she knew it, she had already reached the alley entrance. Her heart began to beat faster involuntarily, like a little rabbit jumping wildly in her chest.

Fiora gave Sophia a strange look. Sophia had been staring at Lord Link the whole time, her face occasionally flushing and she'd let out a silly grin. Fiora couldn't help but wonder what Sophia was thinking. Did she have some special feelings for Lord Link?

"Get out of the carriage." Link stood up, touched his face again, and didn't feel anything special. Could it be that he'd become more handsome? He secretly felt a surge of pride, then stepped down from the carriage. His steps were light and confident, like a triumphant general returning home.

Stepping outside the carriage, Link gazed at the dozen or so boats moored at the alley entrance. The boats swayed gently in the breeze, like a group of obedient children swaying softly in their mother's arms. The hemp ropes on the boats also trembled in the wind, as if telling a story of an impending voyage. The intertwined ropes made a soft rustling sound, like a low, somber melody.

238. The New World

Link gazed intently at the ships and said, "Excellent. Next year, there will be at least a hundred ships anchored here." His eyes were filled with determination and confidence, as if he could already see the bustling scene of ships gathering here next year. That scene unfolded slowly in his mind like a magnificent painting.

“Absolutely,” Sophia said earnestly, stepping aside. “Lord Link, I’m afraid it won’t just be a hundred ships; this alleyway will need to be several times larger.” She was telling the truth. Just the fact that Link’s identity as the perfume maker had been revealed would bring at least a hundred ships next year. Moreover, most of them would be from other kingdoms, since the unique scent and exceptional quality of Link’s perfume had already attracted considerable attention. The perfume was like a dazzling pearl, radiating captivating charm and enchanting countless people.

“Construction will resume next spring,” Link chuckled, his smile brimming with anticipation and hope for the future. His goal was a major thoroughfare capable of accommodating a thousand ships. He had a grand vision in mind: to transform this place into a bustling port city, making Winter City the center of commerce and trade. He could almost see the future Winter City, its streets teeming with people, bustling with activity, where all kinds of goods were traded, and wealth gathered.

"Please come with me, Lord Link," Sophia said softly, her eyes filled with anticipation, a gaze as bright as the stars twinkling in the night sky.

“Okay.” Link nodded and followed Sophia toward the ship. The guards had already dispersed, each carrying out their own tasks. They were like a group of loyal guardians, silently protecting this land. Fiora followed closely beside him, her eyes filled with concern and vigilance, her gaze constantly scanning their surroundings, as if afraid of any danger.

Once aboard, Sophia led Link to the cabin to inspect the cargo. Sure enough, they discovered a problem. The canned fish were haphazardly placed on the deck, barely secured with rope, looking utterly chaotic. The cans were askew, some even rolled together, resembling a group of undisciplined soldiers.

"If you keep these canned fish like this, it'll be a miracle if even a few cans arrive in Wangdu intact," Link said casually, a hint of displeasure in his voice. His brows furrowed slightly, like two small hills.

"This..." Sophia was taken aback, Link's words leaving her somewhat bewildered. She quickly asked, "Lord Link, why is this? We've always transported wine this way." She was worried; if the canned fish had any problems, it would bankrupt her family. This batch of canned fish alone was worth several hundred gold coins, no small sum. Those several hundred gold coins felt like a heavy mountain weighing on her heart.

"Canned fish, why can it be preserved for so long? Do you know why?" Link asked calmly, a hint of seriousness in his eyes, like a stern teacher.

"I don't know," Sophia said honestly, clenching her small hand. She genuinely didn't know the underlying principles; she was simply transporting goods using the methods she had always used. A hint of confusion and helplessness flickered in her eyes, like a child lost in the dark.

"It's about protecting that layer of yellow mud on top of the canned fish. That layer is crucial," Link said solemnly, his eyes fixed on the scene before him. "If that layer of mud cracks and air leaks out, it'll be disastrous. You see, the fish inside will rot in a short time, and the whole batch will be ruined." He knew that for canned fish, the most important aspects were the taste, the filling, and the sealing. Taste determined the consumer's first impression, the fullness of the filling affected the overall appearance and eating experience, and sealing was paramount, directly affecting whether the fish could remain fresh during long-term storage and transportation. Even the slightest problem in any of these steps could potentially cause the entire batch of canned fish to spoil, resulting in incalculable losses.

At this moment, the cans of fish, laid out unprotected on the deck, looked particularly out of place. If the fleet encountered strong winds and waves during the voyage, the ships would inevitably rock violently. The impact of this violent shaking could easily break the sealing clay layer on the fish cans. Once the clay cracked and air leaked out, it would be like opening a door for bacteria to enter the cans. Bacteria would quickly flood in and multiply rapidly in the fish. And given the long voyage ahead, by the time the fleet finally arrived in the capital and the cans were opened, they would likely be filled with rotten, putrid liquid. Not only would the shipment suffer heavy losses, but it would also severely damage their hard-earned commercial reputation. After all, in the fiercely competitive market, reputation is a lifeline; once damaged, it is extremely difficult to recover.

“This…” Sophia reacted instantly to Link’s words. Being a clever and astute person with a keen business sense, she was well aware of the violent rocking a ship would encounter while sailing. Link’s reminder made her realize that simply placing canned fish on the deck was extremely inappropriate. She secretly rejoiced that Link had noticed and pointed out the problem in time; otherwise, the consequences of discovering it after the fleet had set sail would have been unimaginable. Not only would the cargo have been destroyed, but she herself would have been placed in a passive position within her family due to this serious mistake, potentially even affecting the entire family business.

"Please enlighten me, Lord Link," Sophia quickly and politely inquired, her face full of humility and sincerity. She knew that in the business world, it was essential to ask questions when you didn't understand; this was one of the key secrets to her quick success in taking over the family business. She understood that only by constantly learning new knowledge and actively improving management methods could she stand firm in such a competitive business environment. Especially in this crucial cargo transportation mission, every detail was crucial to success or failure, allowing no room for carelessness.

“Lay rags, hay, and straw on the deck before placing the canned fish,” Link said calmly. “And stuff some rags between the cans to make sure they don’t touch each other.” He paused, then explained in detail, “The advantage of this is that the rags and straw act as cushioning, reducing the impact on the canned fish during the ship’s rocking. And the rags between the cans act like small buffer strips, further absorbing the impact of collisions, thus better protecting the canned fish from damage.” He hoped Sophia would understand, as it concerned the safety of the entire shipment.

"Understood." Sophia's blue eyes lit up instantly. With just a slight hint from Link, she immediately understood what to do. She was filled with admiration for Link; she hadn't expected him to have such profound insights into business. She had originally thought Link's exceptional talent lay only in military affairs or city management, but his professional and precise control over the details of commercial transportation only increased her admiration for him.

"Tap tap tap..." Sophia quickly adjusted her skirt, gave an elegant aristocratic curtsy, and then turned and hurried out of the cabin. She knew that time was running out; the fleet was to depart tomorrow. She had to quickly order people to find rags, hay, and straw to ensure the canned fish could be properly stored before the fleet left. Her steps were hurried, her skirt fluttering in the wind, and she had only one thought in her mind: solve this problem as soon as possible; she couldn't let anything happen to this shipment.

It was quite a while before Sofia returned to her cabin. A look of relief crossed her face. After all, the error, which could have had serious consequences, had been discovered in advance, and the huge weight that had been hanging over her heart finally lifted. She knew all too well that if the problem hadn't been discovered in time, the consequences after the fleet departed would have been unimaginable. Now that the problem was solved, she could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Upon seeing Sophia enter, Link said, "Go check where the papers are stored." His voice was steady and powerful, carrying an unquestionable authority.

“Yes,” Sophia quickly replied, then led Link to another ship. To mitigate risk, she had stored the five items on separate ships, mixed together. The advantage of this was obvious: if one ship sank during the voyage, it wouldn't mean the complete loss of any single item. After all, each item represented their hard work and hopes, and the loss of any one could have a huge impact. Of course, valuable items like the perfume remained on her main ship for absolute safety. The perfume was extremely valuable, and any accidental loss would be unbearable.

Link and his companions arrived at the ship where the paper was stored. Link was quite pleased with how the paper was arranged. It was neatly stacked, like rows of orderly soldiers. The surrounding area was reinforced with wooden planks, like a sturdy wall protecting the paper from collisions and crushing. Link nodded inwardly; it seemed Sophia had put in a lot of effort. The way the paper was stored demonstrated her competence and sense of responsibility in cargo management.

Afterwards, they inspected the storage of the wine and the arrangement of the cucumber cans on the same ship. The wine was stored in a special wine cabinet, its design ingenious, with temperature and humidity perfectly controlled. Stepping into the wine storage area, a faint aroma of wine wafted through the air, making one feel as if they had entered a wonderful world of wine. The cucumber cans were also arranged neatly, each one like a meticulously crafted work of art. They were secured very firmly with hemp rope, as if under a spell, remaining firmly in place, not easily moving even when the ship was rocking.

Next, Link checked the storage of the perfume and linen. Overall, apart from the initial mis-storage of the canned fish, although there were some minor flaws, the goods still met Link's requirements quite well. Link was relatively satisfied with the overall storage of the goods; he knew that achieving this level of storage was quite impressive for such a large-scale shipment.

“Very good. As long as there are no major accidents on the way, reaching the capital shouldn't be a problem.” Link nodded in satisfaction, placing high hopes on this first batch of goods. Whether they could open up the capital's market depended on the performance of this shipment. If this batch of goods arrived in the capital smoothly and was well-received by consumers, their business would snowball, growing larger and larger. Winter City would also become more prosperous due to the flourishing commerce, and people's living standards would improve accordingly. For Link, this was not only a commercial success, but also an important step in governing the city and promoting its development.

"That's good." Sophia breathed a sigh of relief, her heart finally at ease. Link's serious expression earlier had frightened her a bit; she was afraid her arrangements wouldn't satisfy him, and even more afraid that the goods might run into problems during the process. After all, this shipment involved the interests of too many people, and if anything went wrong, the consequences would be unimaginable. Now that she saw the goods were basically fine, her worries finally dissipated.

"Keep an eye on the people on board. These goods are off-limits." Link turned his head, his voice cold and authoritative, eliciting no disobedience. "Anyone who touches them will be beheaded." His voice, though not loud, was full of power, each word carrying a chilling edge. He knew that during such a large-scale cargo transport, there would always be some unscrupulous individuals in the fleet who would try to take advantage, stealing things or even food. This time, Sophia had to conduct a thorough investigation, as the cargo was far from cheap. A can of fish cost three hundred copper coins, a considerable sum for an ordinary sailor—enough for the wages of three or four sailors. Perfume and wine were even more expensive, starting at silver coins. For these valuables, if anyone was caught stealing, she would at least chop off their hands, if not beheading, as a warning. She wanted everyone to know the importance of this transport, and that no one could sabotage it.

“Let’s go check on the dock,” Link said, turning to Fiora, his voice much gentler.

“Yes,” Fiora replied, her eyes filled with anticipation. She was also eager to see the dock's construction progress; after all, it was a new project, full of unknowns and challenges. For her, every participation in a new project was an opportunity for learning and growth. She imagined what the dock would look like after its completion, her heart brimming with longing.

“Lord Link, may I…?” Sophia asked nervously. She was also filled with curiosity about the shipyard and wanted to know what it would look like. She had always been curious about new things, and this time was no exception. She imagined the shipyard might have all sorts of advanced equipment and busy workers, as if she were seeing a vibrant new world.

239. In full swing

“Sure.” Link nodded. The shipyard was newly built, so there weren’t any secrets to worry about. He thought it would be good to have Sophia come along; maybe she could offer some useful suggestions. After all, Sophia had extensive experience in business, and her perspective might bring some new ideas. Moreover, this visit could also enhance their understanding and trust.

Link led Fiora out of the cabin, and Sofia smiled and immediately followed. She discovered that following Link brought many new and exciting things. She walked lightly behind Link, her heart filled with joy. She felt her life had become much richer and more colorful because of Link's presence; every time she spent with him, she learned a great deal and felt an unprecedented vitality.

Escorted by a guard squad, the three headed west along the Sipurt River towards the docks. The shipyard was built at the breach, a flat area with abundant water—an ideal location for construction. A gentle breeze carried a slight chill along the way. Link walked steadily and powerfully. He turned to look at the rippling Sipurt River, his heart filled with emotion. This river had witnessed Winterfell's transformation, from obscurity to its current prosperity; it was like a thread of history, recording the city's every detail. And this river would also witness their future development. He could almost see the shipyard bustling with activity. He looked up at the opposite bank, a vast expanse of white, a wasteland beneath the snow. But Link secretly resolved that by next spring, it would be overgrown with weeds again. No, next year that would be his granary; he would transform that wasteland into fertile farmland, providing Winterfell with ample food. A bridge needs to be built across the Sipurt River; otherwise, relying solely on boat transport would be too cumbersome. Building a bridge across a nearly 100-meter stretch of water is no easy feat. It requires substantial funding, advanced technology, and a large workforce. Link indicated that they might attempt it in a few years, given their current limited technology and resources. However, he believes that with time, they will definitely achieve their goal.

“Lord Link, why don’t you get in the carriage? You’ll catch a cold,” Fiora gently advised. She noticed Link was only wearing a thin coat and felt a pang of worry. The dock was quite a distance from the shipyard, and walking there might be tiring, especially since the weather was rather chilly. She was concerned Link might catch a cold. After all, Link had a lot to handle every day, and his health couldn’t be compromised.

"No need, let's take a walk. It's been a long time since I've walked like this." Link shook his head, walking slowly through the snow. Since becoming the city lord, he'd had less time to go out, with many things to handle every day, rarely having the opportunity to stroll leisurely like this. He enjoyed this moment of tranquility, feeling the gentle breeze, and his mood became exceptionally pleasant. Looking at the pristine white snowscape around him, he felt as if he were in a fairytale world, and the pressure in his heart gradually dissipated with the breeze.

Fiora quickly boarded the carriage, took out the thermos that Luca had prepared beforehand from the compartment cabinet, and poured two cups of hot water. She carried the two cups of hot water off the carriage and hurried to Link's side. Her movements were very gentle, as if afraid of spilling the hot water.

"Lord Link, have some hot water." Fiora handed Link a cup of hot water and Sophia another, saying softly, "Drink some hot water to warm yourself up." Her voice was gentle and delicate, making everyone feel incredibly warm. She looked at Link and Sophia, her heart filled with concern, hoping they could feel a little warmth in the cold weather.

“No, no need, you drink it.” Sofia quickly waved her hand. She only saw two glasses; if she gave her one, Fiora wouldn’t have any. She didn’t want Fiora to suffer because of her. She felt Fiora was a kind girl and deserved to be treated well.

"Drink up," Link said softly, blowing on the hot water in his cup and taking a few sips. The warm water flowed down his throat, making him feel warm all over. It was as if this warm current not only warmed his body but also his heart.

“This…” Sofia hesitated for a moment, but Fiora placed the thermos in her hand, and she accepted it. She looked at Fiora gratefully, her heart filled with emotion. She felt that in this cold weather, this cup of hot water was like a precious gift, making her feel the warmth between people.

"The sky is so blue." Link looked up at the sky, which was as blue as a giant sapphire, without a single cloud. Sunlight shone on the earth, casting a golden glow on the pristine snow. He took two more sips of hot water, then handed the cup to Fiora, saying softly, "I'm full." A faint smile played on his lips, as if he were still immersed in the beautiful scenery.

Fiora stared blankly at the hot water in the cup; it was clearly still two-thirds full. Link's excuse was still so lame. She found Link somewhat endearing and couldn't help but laugh. Her smile was as radiant and beautiful as a spring flower. She felt that although Link appeared serious and dignified on the outside, he had a cute side in real life, and this contrast made her like him even more.

"Lord Link, please drink some more. I'll drink more when I get on the carriage," Fiora gently advised, worried that Link might not have enough to drink. After all, drinking more hot water is good for the body in this cold weather. She hoped Link would take good care of himself.

“No, you drink it.” Link shook his head and walked forward. He could already see the general location of the shipyard; some people were moving timber, their figures appearing particularly busy in the sunlight. The workers shouted loud slogans, working together to carry the heavy timber, their faces beaming with enthusiasm for their work and anticipation for the future. Looking at them, Link felt a surge of hope; he believed that with everyone's combined efforts, the shipyard would definitely be successfully completed.