The search for Princess Vilanthe in the city of Orlan was still ongoing. Bathing in the morning light, Vilanthe stretched her branches and leaves contentedly. To evade capture, Vilanthe had once again become a small tree. And for the foreseeable future, she would have to maintain this form - frequent transformations were still too much for her.
If she wasn't afraid that the guards would be can't find her to seal off the small garden where she disappeared, Vilanthe would not have taken the risk of disguising herself to leave. According to her observations over the past few days, the density of guards on the streets had significantly decreased. The bishops might think that she had already escaped from the city, as ridiculous as it sounds. But the other answer was even more absurd, that Princess Vilanthe was still in the city, evading the intensive search by the guards and somehow getting food. This was almost impossible under the martial law throughout the city.
Perhaps it was time to think about leaving. Vilanthe pulled her undeveloped root system out of the soft soil. A light rain had fallen last night, and the dew and sunshine left Vilanthe full of energy now.
If anyone were to appear on this street, they would probably be frightened by the sight before them, even screaming about an invasion by an alien race. A small sapling, not even half a person's height, was stealthily crossing the street with a tightly tied bundle hanging from its branches. It was hard to describe a non-human plant as "sneaky", but this word was indeed the most appropriate.
Fortunately, the atmosphere in the city had been somewhat strange recently. The inspections on the streets were very strict due to an important prisoner escape. Residents were reminded to report any young girls seeking food, as well as any instances of theft of property and clothing. The alert atmosphere of the guards affected the residents, who tried to minimize their plans to go out. The streets were sparsely populated, and no one witnessed this bizarre scene.
Vilanthe was now heading to the White Pigeon Trade Company on Meg Street, the only route she knew to leave the Orland Empire. Ships loaded with goods from the White Pigeon Trade Company would head to the Silver Empire and return with local specialties. She wanted to stow away on this ship. No one would notice a slender little tree mixed in the mountain of goods. Once she arrived in the Silver Empire, she would try to enter the Academy of Stars in the capital to study. If she became stronger, she would have the power to resist the church's control.
"Where is the Princess of Orlan?" Elvys suddenly thought.
"Probably on a ship to Savoy," Asland responded calmly, his eyes steady.
---
[You have completed the random side mission 0-6: Winter Festival!
Completion: 100%
Reward: Street Food Cart Gift Package (Pancake Cart, Kanto Stew Cart, Hot and Spicy Pot Cart, Honey Cake Cart, Barbecue Cart, Fried Skewer Cart, Cold Skin Noodles Cart)]
[The festival you held has come to a successful conclusion, with a satisfaction rate among participants of an astonishing 100%! You've triggered an extra reward: draw three random buff statuses for your shop. Would you like to proceed?]
Why wouldn't she proceed?
[Daily Fortune: Select a random transaction from the restaurant's daily business and award an extra 100 gold coins to the transaction.]
[Healthy Body: The staff of the tavern is 50% more resistant to negative statuses like fatigue, insomnia, and sluggishness, or this status can be exchanged to improve the physical strength of a specified employee.]
[Thin Profit but High Sales: The restaurant can earn 100, 200, and 500 achievement points for each 100, 500, and 1000 transactions per day, respectively.]
These buffs last for 30 days.
Without hesitation, Ina asked, "Can enhancing physical fitness cure some minor ailments?"
System: [Err...such as?]
Ina spoke quickly, "Since you didn't refuse, you must have agreed. A lame leg is just a minor ailment. I believe you can definitely cure Dusì."
System: Did you give me a chance to refuse?
Since the system didn't jump out to contradict her, Ina took it as an agreement. Only then did she focus her attention on the other two buff statuses. At first glance, Daily Fortune and Thin Profit but High Sales seem unrelated, one can help increase sales and the other provides an additional way to earn achievement points.
However, on closer thought, these two actually conflict. If the restaurant tries to serve only wealthy customers, the Daily Fortune buff can multiply a large transaction by 100, making it no problem to earn dozens of gold coins as a reward each day. But this conflicts with Thin Profit but High Sales. Without many rich customers, the transaction volume definitely won't be high. But if the goal is to get more achievement points by attracting more customers, Daily Fortune would be wasted, as it's very likely to draw a transaction with a very small amount. Even 10 copper coins multiplied by 100 are only 10 silver coins.
Ina didn't hesitate at all, immediately deciding to focus on transaction volume. The more achievement points, the better. As for the extra gold coins from Daily Fortune, she would just leave it to fate.
Not only because achievement points are more valuable than gold, but also because the Dragon Flame Tavern isn't just open for one month to make a quick buck and run. To turn away ordinary customers for a little profit and turn the tavern into a noble restaurant would be completely contrary to Ina's intent.
However, on closer thought, these two actually conflict. If the restaurant tries to serve only wealthy customers, the Daily Fortune buff can multiply a large transaction by 100, making it no problem to earn dozens of gold coins as a reward each day. But this conflicts with Thin Profit but High Sales. Without many rich customers, the transaction volume definitely won't be high. But if the goal is to get more achievement points by attracting more customers, Daily Fortune would be wasted, as it's very likely to draw a transaction with a very small amount. Even 10 copper coins multiplied by 100 are only 10 silver coins.
Ina didn't hesitate at all, immediately deciding to focus on transaction volume. The more achievement points, the better. As for the extra gold coins from Daily Fortune, she would just leave it to fate.
Not only because achievement points are more valuable than gold, but also because the Dragon Flame restaurant isn't just open for one month to make a quick buck and run. To turn away ordinary customers for a little profit and turn the restaurant into a noble restaurant would be completely contrary to Ina's intent.
Even though shiny gold coins held a deadly allure, Ina was still a black dragon with conscience and principles. Her restaurant would never refuse any customer based on their wealth or poverty.
Early the next morning, Ina was waiting at Dusì's door. The fireworks the previous night had gone on until late, and Dusì had spent a long time in her bed, secretly reminiscing. As a result, she now had two big dark circles under her eyes and was flustered to find her boss at her front door.
Had she overslept? Dusì hurriedly washed her face and ran out. Ina held her back, making her catch her breath, and threw her a bombshell, "I think I've found a way to heal your leg."
Dusì held her breath. It was impossible to say she didn't want to heal her legs, but Ina had tried repeatedly before. Although her left leg was a minor issue, it was indeed not easy to treat. It was a problem Dusì had since she was a child. Presumably, her biological parents had abandoned her because of it.
Frank had once sought doctors for her everywhere. Most physicians directly told him that they only knew how to treat wounds, fever, and some minor ailments, while priests could only dispel curses and restore vitality. Only a few alchemists suggested that Frank cut open her flesh on the ankle and insert a piece of bone. Limping is caused by one leg being longer than the other, isn't it? Make both legs the same length, and naturally, the problem would be solved.
Frank, however, didn't dare to believe such nonsense and hurriedly took Dusì away.
Although Ina was not familiar with medicine, she also knew that there were various causes for a limp. It might not be due to the leg bones or the ankle itself; problems with the hip joint or spine could also make a person unable to walk properly.
If there was no need for surgery and the omnipotent system could help Dusì, that would be the best. No matter how famous the doctors found outside, Ina dared not fully trust them. Now it was just a limp, but what if they met a quack and Dusì couldn't stand up for good?
Seeing the two of them standing outside for a long time without movement, Frank also came out.
"What's going on?"
Dusì threw herself into his arms, "Dad, Miss Ina says my leg can be healed!"
Frank was stunned for a moment, "What did you say?"
His face was somewhat bewildered, he raised his eyes to look at Ina, his eager gaze seemed to seek confirmation.
Ina nodded at him, "I found a way. From now on, Dusì will be a healthy girl."
Frank's mouth widened in a grin, but his expression looked as if he were about to cry. He was laughing and crying at the same time, which, paired with the gruesome scars on his face and his blind left eye, looked quite comical. But no one would mock a father shedding tears of joy at such a moment. Frank and Dusì hugged each other tightly, tears sliding down their faces.
There were no potions or special rituals. A warm white orb of light flew out from Ina's hand and enveloped Dusì. Within a minute, the light dissipated.
Ina said, "It should be okay now. Try walking a few steps."
However, Dusì stood hesitating, not daring to take the first step. Finally, under the encouraging gaze of Ina and Frank, Dusì stepped out.
Her steps seemed smoother than usual, but a slight limp was still evident when she walked quickly. After confirming with the system that no pathological reasons were causing Dusì's limp, Ina explained to the pair, "This is because you've become used to limping, and you're still retaining the original way of walking for a while. As long as you pay attention to adjust and practice frequently, you'll be able to walk like a normal person soon."
Frank nodded repeatedly, then turned and went into the house. He took out a tightly wrapped package and pulled out two shiny gold coins.
"I know that two gold coins may not be worth mentioning to you, but... I'm really grateful..." Frank stammered.
Ina smiled and refused his gold coins, "I can't take your money, but I also don't ask for anything in return. Dusì, don't you ever think about switching jobs in this lifetime. I won't let you go." Ina purposely put on a fierce tone.
"It's my honor," Dusì said with a smile through her tears.
"In celebration of your recovery, I'm giving you a day off." Ina said and turned to leave, but Dusì quickly called out to her, "Miss Ina, I've already had a rest yesterday because of the celebration. There are a lot of things accumulated everywhere that need to be dealt with. I think..."
Ina stopped. If she just walked away, Dusì might sneak off to work at the various branches. Her teleportation crystal had the highest authority. After a moment of thought, Ina decided to keep Dusì with her to prevent her from working again.
"Then come with me to the Fatil Vineyard."