To Yu Qingyu's surprise, the bathroom appeared somewhat modern. It was definitely decorated in a fancy, old-fashioned style, but all the amenities were the same as he was used to. A large bathtub, a sink, and a toilet… He was glad to find out that the castles in this world did, indeed, have running water.
There was also a large mirror, which allowed Yu Qingyu to get a good look at his new body.
The first word that came to Yu Qingyu's mind as he saw his reflection, was 'beautiful.' Prince Allen was simply stunning, like a marble statue. His skin was milky white, his features perfectly sculpted. Wavy blond hair with a golden shine framed his face, complemented by long, thick, golden lashes framing his striking azure eyes. His rosy lips were full and well-defined, his brows bent in a gentle arch. Looking down, there was a slender neck, with an alluring dip of his collarbones peeking out from behind his slightly loose, pale blue silk robe.
He was of above-average height, with long legs, a narrow waist, and a slim figure. However, unlike the bodies he previously possessed, he lacked any clear muscle definition. But Yu Qingyu didn't complain. It's not like he was muscular in his original body either.
As he washed his face, he noticed that his fingers were long and slender, his hands pale and delicate, obviously not familiar with any hard work. As expected of a pampered prince.
After he briefly refreshed himself, he went over to the dressing room, and picked out a simple, everyday outfit. Well, at least it was simple by Prince Allen's standards. As for Yu Qingyu, it was fancier than anything he had ever worn.
Once finally ready, he walked over to the dining room.
There were plenty of people already sitting by the table. Not only the envoy from Vestavia, but also Duke Sethor with his daughter, and the whole royal family, including three out of four princesses with their husbands. Although all the princesses had been living outside of the castle since getting married, they came to visit as their husbands took part in the peace negotiations.
Yu Qingyu's cheeks flushed lightly when he realized that he was the last to arrive, but he just greeted everyone and sat down, acting as if there was nothing wrong. After all, Prince Allen wouldn't be embarrassed about being a bit late to a meal, and Yu Qingyu had to stay in the character.
Of course, nobody scolded him for coming late. As he sat down, the King smiled at him, and raised his hand, signalizing the servants to serve the dishes.
During lunch, Yu Qingyu tried his best to listen in on the conversation, but he found it a tad difficult. Although he now understood the language, it still sounded unfamiliar to him, and trying to follow several people speaking at the same time, his head started aching. So, instead, he just made sure to take a good look at everyone's faces.
There was a high chance that Liu Wei was somewhere in this room.
'520, what do you think? Whom he might be this time?' he asked the system, munching on a juicy piece of meat. As expected, the food in the castle was exquisite. Even better than at Chunren Peak, or Bamboo Groove. Incomparably better. The fanciest meal Yu Qingyu ever had! And it was only a lunch, so he undoubtedly had even more to look forward to.
[I am unable to deduce Liu Wei's current identity due to insufficient observation. Anyone could still be considered equally suspicious.]
'Everyone? Even women?' Yu Qingyu joked offhandedly.
However, he almost ended up choking when he heard 520's answer.
[That is highly unlikely, although not entirely impossible.]
'What.' Yu Qingyu rushed to take a sip of water, holding back the cough with the tears in his eyes. He didn't want to draw any attention to himself.
[Technically speaking, there is no rule that a host can only transmigrate into a body of the same gender. However, that doesn't normally happen. I have only seen such a case once, when the host's contract required it.]
'…So do I have to keep an eye on the women as well or not?' Yu Qingyu asked with a frown, massaging his temple. 'Also, it's not going to happen to me, is it?'
[Highly unlikely.]
'Let's hope not…' Yu Qingyu couldn't help but let out a sigh.
He spent the rest of the day idle, just wandering around the castle. His goal was to see as many people as possible.
Before even thinking about how to do his mission, he wanted to find out Liu Wei. And judging by his previous experience, his identity might become clear in a day or two… Once dark circles appear under the eyes of someone who hasn't had them before!
Of course, there was no guarantee that this method would work, but that was the easiest way.
Only in the evening did Yu Qingyu remember about the other problem he had in this world.
Lady Elowen Sethor.
He hadn't spoken or run into her the whole day, but during the dinner, he noticed she kept stealing glances at him every now and then.
After he was interrupted by the knocking in the morning, he forgot about the whole ordeal of being betrothed, and didn't question 520 any further. But in the end, it was not an issue he could ignore.
'520. So, what's the deal with their engagement? Did they have feelings for each other?' he asked, biting his lip.
[Highly unlikely. They have only met a few times, on the royal balls. Their betrothal is a political arrangement.]
Yu Qingyu's shoulders relaxed, as he breathed out in relief. 'So she doesn't have any feelings for the prince, does she?'
[Highly unlikely. Although she doesn't seem opposed to the match. After all, Prince Allen is, well, a prince. And he is extremely good-looking, so he would be considered quite a catch.]
'Well, as long as she was not in love then that's fine…' Yu Qingyu shrugged his shoulders.
There was nothing he could do about the arrangement. And it was not his fault in the first place. However, if she was in love with the Prince, then Yu Qingyu would still feel extremely guilty. After all, even if it wasn't for the fact that he'd be gone in two months, he would have never returned her feelings anyway.
That's why a deep frown appeared on his face as he heard what 520 suggested next.
[While there is no indication of her harboring any feelings toward the Prince, Host can attempt romancing her. Then, Host can use her to convince the Duke to support the peace treaty. This would be the best-]
'No,' Yu Qingyu cut off the system. 'I am not going to play with someone else's feelings.'
He brushed back his hair, taking a deep breath to calm down.
When would that system of his finally stop suggesting such immoral solutions to him?