Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The following morning, Liao Ning and Zhou Ling were already well-prepared for their day in the kitchen. It seemed like they were going to spend most of their time there.
Mikeâs mood had considerably brightened since receiving the cookies the previous day, and today he seemed even more enthusiastic.
âThose cookies you shared with me yesterday? My daughter absolutely adores them. Her symptoms from the poisoning have also significantly improved. It appears that these ancient delicacies have remarkable detoxifying properties!â he exclaimed joyfully.
Liao Ning responded with a warm smile, âIâm delighted to hear that. Whenever I get the chance, Iâd be more than happy to make more for her. But I was wondering, am I allowed to use the ingredients here as I see fit? If I need to gather specific ingredients, can I explore the castle freely?â
If she restricted herself to only working in the castle kitchen, her chances of locating the Heart Crystal would be greatly diminished.
Mike leaned in and whispered, âActually, we Sea Demons donât have many strict rules. There are some internal differences within the clan right now. As long as you can demonstrate your worth to the adults and work diligently, you should have no trouble moving around the castle as you please. You can also come and go as you wish.â
Liao Ning nodded with satisfaction. Her skills in preparing ancient delicacies could be her ticket to gaining Quidyâs trust, which in turn could lead her to the crystal.
Meanwhile, Zhou Ling discreetly memorized the layout of the castle during their journey. With the central castle spanning six floors, finding the crystal was undoubtedly going to be a challenging task.
Upon reaching the kitchen, Liao Ning and Zhou Ling were taken aback by an unexpected sight.
âAllow me to introduce these two. They joined us yesterday and will be assisting in the kitchen from now on,â Mike pointed towards two women sitting across from him. âThese ladies are also from the Empire Planet, and they specialize in preparing ancient delicacies just like you.â
However, Liao Ning couldnât hide her surprise, and it didnât go unnoticed by the other party.
As Mike and the other Sea Demons exited the kitchen, one of the women across from them inquired, âYou recognize me, donât you?â
Zhou Ling narrowed his eyes, remaining silent. Liao Ning lowered her head and whispered softly, âYes, Your Highness.â
âThereâs no princess here. Call me Amy. And sheâs Ciro, remember?â Loyaâs voice carried a subtle threat.
Liao Ning was taken aback by the unexpected presence of Loya and Sami. Moreover, it was apparent that Sami was in poor health, her face nearly pallid.
As Liao Ning was still processing the situation, Loya impatiently reiterated, âDid you hear that? You two civilians need to be cautious. Among those in this castle, only the four of us are from Planet Empire. If anyone else discovers our true identitiesâ¦
She gestured to her throat, implying a dire consequence. Liao Ning pretended to tremble and hastily assured, âYes, we understand. Donât worry.â
Observing her fearful expression and glancing at the unassuming man accompanying her, Loya found a stool to sit on.
When the rebel army had attacked the city, Loya had already prepared an escape plan. She had gone to Samâs house to inquire about the whereabouts of the gems hidden there, but to her surprise, she had stumbled upon Sami on the ground.
Of course, Loya wasnât inclined to save her. She wished for anyone who knew her background to meet their demise, but Sami possessed considerable wealth. She had mustered her last bit of strength to strike a deal with Loya before the latter rescued her.
Nonetheless, for added safety, she had brought Sami to the sea demon raceâs castle, as there were no residents from Planet Empire here, ensuring their security.
âNow that youâre here, you can help prepare this fish soup today,â Loya instructed Sami, who, despite her frailty, brought out various ingredients with effort.
âCiro, you havenât fully recovered. You should rest too. I canât be taking care of you every day,â Loya remarked.
Sami nodded, a tinge of apology in her eyes. âIâm sorry, Your Highness. I rarely engage in such menial tasks. My health is truly deteriorating.â
Before she could utter a word, a fit of violent coughing overtook her, and blood began to seep from her chest.
Liao Ning, far from being a saint, disregarded Samiâs injuries, focusing instead on preparing ingredients with Zhou Ling. However, she couldnât help but overhear the exchange between the other two.
âWhy havenât you finished yet?â Loya asked, her tone dripping with disdain.
âIâll plunge a dagger into your heart and see if you can survive that!â Sami retorted without restraint. âDonât forget who you really are! Do you honestly believe youâre a true princess? Cough, cough, cough!â
Upon hearing this, Loya didnât respond with anger. Instead, she wore a sly smile and remarked, âIt doesnât matter whether Iâm a princess or not. Itâs still better than you! Your own mother dug out your heart.. Oh my, thatâs truly chilling! â