"Now I understand why I slept so comfortably…"
Lucian stretched lazily, feeling relaxed from head to toe.
Two distinct fragrances lingered around him—one soft like orchids, the other rich like peonies. It was the kind of soothing aroma that made him feel completely refreshed.
Hearing Lin Daiyu's words, he turned to look at her.
Her delicate face carried a slight pout, and her almond-shaped eyes glinted mischievously. The way her lips pressed together beneath her straight, dainty nose made her seem even more captivating.
Her long hair cascaded loosely down her back, her silk ribbon swaying slightly with her movements. Her slender fingers played idly with the ribbon as she spoke, her tone both scolding and teasing.
"You're not afraid of catching a cold sleeping here? Can't you rest properly in the cabin? You know you've tied your fate to ours, Young Master. Would it really hurt to sleep in a proper bed?"
"If you catch a chill, it's us who will suffer," she continued, her voice tinged with genuine concern.
Hearing this, Lucian felt a warmth in his chest. Without hesitation, he wrapped an arm gently around her slim waist.
"Don't worry. Inside the territory, it's almost impossible to get sick," he replied with a smile.
Her slender waist felt impossibly soft under his hand, making him reluctant to let go.
Lin Daiyu's cheeks turned a faint pink as she gave him a sharp look. "Hmph, fine. I'll prepare myself. The monster tide won't wait."
She deftly stepped out of his hold, leaving Lucian chuckling.
"What about dinner?" he asked as she started to walk away.
Lin Daiyu paused and glanced back. "Haven't had any yet."
Next to her, Qin Keqing also shook her head softly, her cheeks slightly flushed.
Seeing their responses, Lucian grinned. "Perfect. Let me show you two what I'm capable of."
In the kitchen of the Cloud Sakura Inn, Lucian bustled around with surprising efficiency. Pulling out various ingredients from the inventory, he set to work, his movements confident.
It wasn't long before he presented a modest spread: braised pork, sautéed greens, and a steaming pot of fish head tofu soup. The dishes glimmered faintly, an effect of the glowing ingredients produced by the inn.
He placed the dishes on the table with a flourish, turning to the two women.
"Ladies, please dig in," he said with a confident smile, handing them chopsticks.
"Since when could you cook, Young Master?" Qin Keqing asked, her wide eyes betraying genuine surprise.
"Don't underestimate me," Lucian replied, puffing out his chest.
The table was brightly lit, showcasing the dishes in all their glowing glory.
Braised Pork
Type: Cuisine
Quality: Trash
Buffs: +0.5 Strength, +2.5 Spirit (1-hour duration)
Description: Burnt meat with a...unique flavor.
Sautéed Greens
Type: Cuisine
Quality: Trash
Buffs: +2 Strength, +0.5 Spirit (1-hour duration)
Description: Tastes oddly like determination and regret.
Fish Head Tofu Soup
Type: Cuisine
Quality: Trash
Buffs: +3 Spirit (1-hour duration)
Description: A dish that haunts fishkind to its very core.
Both women hesitated as they tasted the food.
"So? How is it?" Lucian asked, leaning forward eagerly.
"It's...good," Qin Keqing said softly, lowering her chopsticks with a polite smile. Her blush deepened as she continued, "Young Master, if you like, I can take over kitchen duties. Back home, I used to cook for my family as well."
"That's not a bad idea," Lucian replied, nodding thoughtfully.
He then turned to Lin Daiyu, awaiting her verdict.
The mischievous sparkle returned to her eyes as she smirked. "Young Master, how about we let Peppa try some?"
Lucian blinked in confusion. "Peppa? Why would I feed my cooking to the steel-armored boars?"
"Even they might feel sorry for you, Young Master," Lin Daiyu said sweetly, batting her lashes at him.
Lucian: "…"
Before Lucian could retort, the alarm of an approaching monster tide echoed through the territory.
Lucian quickly rose to his feet, grabbing his weapons.
"Prepare for battle!" he shouted, slipping on his True Sight Lens.
The three of them moved quickly, scaling the wooden wall. Before them, in the thick fog, shadows of the monster tide began to emerge once more.
The first wave appeared—a swarm of monstrous lizardmen. They stood upright, their bodies covered in rough scales that glistened in the dim light. Bone spikes protruded from their shoulders, and their long tails swayed menacingly behind them.
"Here they come," Lucian muttered. "Let's see what we're dealing with this time."
Activating his goggles, he identified the approaching monsters.
[Desert Lizardmen]
Race: Beastman/Void
Level: 9
Physical: 44+10
Spirit: 2
Abilities: [Sandbone Armor], [Bone Spikes]
Description: A desert species vulnerable to water. Struggles to survive in wet climates.
The lizardmen charged in waves, their bone spikes glinting sharply in the light.
"Let's show them what we're made of!" Lucian shouted.
The battle had begun again.