"Regrettably, that information is classified and can only be disclosed upon the completion of all system-assigned tasks and the conclusion of the Ascendancy Game," Flora stated upon her arrival, her demeanor strictly professional. The notion of completing all tasks seemed a distant dream to Zhang Fan, who had only traversed four worlds so far. Flora's expectation seemed almost absurd.
"Is that all? If there's nothing more, I'll take my leave. Really, interrupting someone during their gameplay," Flora commented before vanishing. The idea of a system AI engaging in gameplay puzzled Zhang Fan, leading him to question if Flora truly fulfilled her systemic duties.
With the exclusive space inaccessible, Zhang Fan ceased his attempts, leaving Holo to her apple-eating endeavor.
However, Zhang Fan didn't let Holo tackle the mountain of apples alone. That evening, he prepared a feast of apple delicacies, borrowing the castle's kitchen for the task. His culinary skills impressed the kitchen staff, turning simple apples into exquisite dishes unlike anything they had seen before.
Despite Holo's initial dissatisfaction at sharing her treats with Eclair and Ligota, who joined for the meal, the day ended on a relaxed note. Over the following days, Zhang Fan maintained a disciplined routine: exercising in the morning, meeting with Princess Mishiori, practicing with the knight's guild, and visiting Darkeion's cabin in the afternoon. His evenings were spent strolling through the city, warmly received by its residents.
One day, after returning from training with Darkeion, the head maid, Lizel, invited Zhang Fan to dine with the princess—an invitation he accepted with honor.
Led by Lizel to a grandiose bathroom rather than directly to dinner, Zhang Fan was bewildered by the elaborate preparation for a simple meal. "Is a bath really necessary before dinner?" he asked, not accustomed to such extravagance before dining.
"Absolutely, Hero. After a day's exertion, it's our duty as the princess's direct maid squad to ensure you're presentable," Lizel asserted.
Finding himself outnumbered and outmaneuvered by the armed maid brigade, Zhang Fan protested the overkill for merely taking a bath. "There's no need for such a grand escort just for a bath. I can manage on my own," he argued, but to no avail.
Lizel, determined to uphold her duty, led the charge, ensuring Zhang Fan would meet the princess in impeccable form. Despite his initial resistance, a compromise was reached, and Zhang Fan eventually succumbed to the maids' meticulous care, though not without a sense of embarrassment.
Dressed in a flattering white tailcoat selected by Lizel, Zhang Fan was ready to dine with the princess, albeit still recovering from the bathhouse skirmish. The ordeal in the bathroom, though comical, showcased the princess's maids' unexpected prowess and Zhang Fan's adaptability, even in the face of Floreniel's unique customs.