The old elf Dranuk tried to hold back his laughter, but he just couldn't.
"Princess... Just how... Ha Ha... People have come back with cut, bruises, other injuries, even losing a limb or two..."
"But this is the first time... Aha Ha Ha... Someone has managed to plump themselves up in the dangerous forests!!"
"Just what did you think these assignments were? picnic trips? Did you at least manage to get the herbs? Ha Ha ha.."
Bingo! Dranuk had hit the nail right on its head.
Tang Yue hadn't really managed to get the herbs for her assignment and she also didn't have a handy explanation for her sudden change in appearance.
She could only grit her teeth and silently ignore the asshole's cruel taunts.
Surprisingly, a familiar figure intervened.
Royal consort Adriana, the elven princess from the southern empire, and talented in alchemy walked over and stood next to Tang Yue.
Since the old elf was really loud and talkative, of course, she heard the whole thing.
"Why was a lower level disciple sent for an alchemy gathering mission, esteemed Master Dranuk?" Her clear and crisp voice broke the noisy clamor.
"Princess Adriana, with all due respect, this is none of your business." The old elf angrily retorted.
His previous boisterous smile was completely replaced by disdain and contempt.
"Oh. But it is, esteemed Master. You see, she is my sister after all. And that makes it my business."
"Damn it." Dranuk spat out.
At this point, several guests started trickling in, and Master Dranuk didn't dare cause a commotion in the royal feast celebration.
Stupid bitches! He silently walked away staring daggers at Adrianna and Tang Yue.
"Meh. Don't worry about that old goat. He needs to be put in his place again." Adrianna comforted Tang Yue, and Tang Yue responded with a grateful smile.
Even though she could have handled this situation on her own, it still felt good to have at least one friend in this wasp nest.
"You know... If you have any problems, you can come to talk to me at any time. Depression can be dangerous." Adrianna slightly leaned closer and whispered.
"And don't listen to what anyone says. You still look beautiful. I will teach you a few sword movements, and you can regain your figure in no time." She further added with a concerned voice.
Tang Yue didn't know whether to laugh or cry. This stupid system had given her an eating disorder!!
She simply smiled and nodded. What else could she say?
"Take care then. I will meet you later. My dad and my friends are here. Enjoy the feast." The beautiful elf quickly disappeared gliding across the surface like an angel.
Tang Yue sighed in relief. Now that this drama was over, she was finally free to make herself inconspicuous.
But she had relaxed too soon...
She had barely taken a few steps and her serpentine clan relatives showed up right on time.
It looked like they were also invited to the big feast, though only her father and the Serpentine Emperor had arrived.
The Emperor took one look at her and then walked straight past her shaking his head in disapproval.
But her father stayed back and made sure she knew exactly what was in his mind.
"You had one job. All you had to do was keep your head down and stay pretty. You couldn't even do that?"
"Our clan took care of you for your entire life, even if you were crippled. And this is how you repay us?"
"I am truly ashamed daughter. You have disappointed me greatly this time. You are a disgrace to our entire clan."
Tang Yue sneered. It is good to see you too, dad!
She held her head high and met his eyes with her unwavering gaze.
"Hmm... Watch your tone, my dearest father. I am no longer your crippled daughter." Tang Yue's eyes flashed with a wave of burning anger and arrogance.
Huh? Tang Shen was stunned. She was no longer crippled?
Tang Yue chuckled, understanding his confusion. "I meant that I am a royal consort of the esteemed elven crown prince."
She decided to save her non-crippled status as a special surprise for her dear father later on.
"So you better watch how you talk to me, lest I might just have to whisper in his highness ears, how you ridiculed me in front of the royal guests."
Tang Shen frowned and angrily muttered under his breath. "Hmph. Stupid brat. You are just a useless political hostage trash. Don't think too highly of yourself!"
But, just like she had said, he just couldn't afford to make a scene here. So Tang Shen silently left after shooting one last glare at his beloved daughter.
And Tang Yue was finally free to enjoy her royal feast in peace... or was she?