https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-670-Lanchi-and-Thalia-Seem-to-Have-a-Date/12585042/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-672-Lanchi-is-Questioned-About-the-Pigeon/12585044/
Chapter 671: Cardinal Lanchi and Talia Find Common Ground
Chapter 671: Cardinal Lanchi and Talia Find Common Ground
The cobblestone paths of Pariel, the City of Flowers, were filled with the delicate fragrance of blooming flora and the crisp morning dew, complemented by the aromatic scent of roasting coffee beans wafting from distant cafes.
As Cardinal Lanchi and Talia walked alongside each other, an awkward silence descended upon them once more, leaving them bereft of conversation topics.
"Meow."
Cat Boss observed the pair with an inquisitive gaze, its whiskers twitching slightly. It seemed that this time, neither of them was employing their telepathic connection, but rather, they simply didn't know what to discuss with each other.
Cat Boss recalled the advice Lanchi had given to Loren during their first date. He had cautioned against initiating conversations about the other person's interests and hobbies if one was unsure about them, to avoid potentially awkward situations where the dialogue hit a dead end. Even in the face of silence, one should refrain from asking banal questions like "What's your favorite color?" or "What's your favorite food?" as these would only make the situation more uncomfortable.
Yet, here they were.
Lanchi was well aware of Talia's interests and hobbies, and the only topic he could think of was food. And so, he found himself in a conversational conundrum, unsure of how to engage Talia in light-hearted chatter.
It seemed that even the great Cardinal Lanchi struggled when it came to dealing with the enigmatic Talia.
As they strolled through the old town, the residents of Pariel went about their morning routines. Some hurried to their workplaces, while others paused in front of shops. A baker handed over freshly baked croissants and soft bread to early risers, the warm pastries glistening with a delicate coating of sugar crystals.
Lanchi and Talia walked quietly along the banks of the serene Selena River, the gentle breeze caressing their faces. Ripples formed on the water's surface, disturbed by the graceful flight of a pair of white doves that danced in the air, only to alight gracefully on the bridge railing, taking in the serene morning atmosphere of the city.
"Lanchi, what's your favorite food?"
Talia's sudden inquiry broke the silence, as she sensed the awkwardness of their prolonged silence, which contrasted with Professor Bola's idea of a date that was supposed to enhance their rapport.
"Huh?"
Lanchi turned to Talia, his brow furrowed in confusion, as if his brain had short-circuited.
"Come to think of it, is this really our first time going out like this?"
He knit his brows, perplexed by the strong sense of deja vu that engulfed him, as if he had lived through this day in a dream.
"Strictly speaking, yes."
Talia affirmed, certain of her answer.
Prior to this, their interactions had been limited to sharing meals, fulfilling official duties, or brief encounters. This was indeed their first time venturing out early in the morning with no particular destination in mind.
"How peculiar."
Lanchi scratched his head, his expression bemused.
"Am I boring to be with?" Talia asked, her tone rarely betraying any hint of uncertainty.
"Not at all," Lanchi replied sincerely. "It's just that I know you too well, and I'm trying to think of something to talk about."
His honesty was laid bare, a trait that was uncommon in most men.
"What do you know?" Talia's gaze remained fixed ahead as she spoke, her voice calm and devoid of emotion. She disliked it when Lanchi assumed he knew her so well.
"I know what you want to eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even your midnight snacks." Lanchi's response was matter-of-fact, reflecting his keen awareness of Talia's dietary preferences.
"..."
Talia was momentarily taken aback by his straightforward answer, feeling a mix of irritation and a strange inability to sustain her anger. She conceded that if someone could understand her to this extent, she would consider it a hard-earned friendship worth cherishing.
"How much longer till we reach our destination?" Talia's eyes scanned the unfamiliar yet captivating surroundings, trusting that Lanchi had thoroughly studied the map of Pariel.
Along the streets, the verdant leaves of plane trees swayed gently in the breeze, whispering ancient secrets to every passerby.
"About half an hour or so. Is that alright with you?" Lanchi inquired, offering her the option to switch to a faster mode of transportation if she preferred.
"That's fine," Talia replied, her thoughts drifting to her previous date with Miss Zhu Zhu, where her companion had also efficiently handled the navigation, allowing her to relax and follow his lead without worrying about directions.
It seemed that Lanchi, too, possessed this rare and admirable quality in a man.
"But how come you know the way around here?" Talia's curiosity piqued as she realized that not only was he adept at navigating Ikelite, but he also seemed to have a natural sense of direction in this foreign land without relying on a map.
"I have this." Lanchi pulled out a small booklet from his pocket, titled 'A Pariel Map Even a 3-Year-Old Can Understand.' "I've learned from my past mistakes, and now I'm quite adept at reading maps."
Since their destination wasn't far and they had ample time before the auction began, they could enjoy a leisurely stroll through the city, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Pariel and perhaps discovering some delightful pastry shops along the way.
Most importantly, they both relished these unhurried moments, preferring a more natural pace to the hectic lifestyle they often led.
"Not bad. It seems there are some things I don't need to teach you." Talia's appraisal held a hint of satisfaction, although she wondered who had instilled these admirable habits in Lanchi. Nonetheless, she was content to reap the benefits.
"I believe you'll find the cuisine of the Kingdom of Bosen quite to your liking." Lanchi's suggestion was prompted by his desire to please Talia's palate.
Cat Boss's ears perked up at the mention of food, recognizing the opportunity to salvage the conversation.
"Then, please enlighten me about Bosen cuisine." Talia's casual request belied her true intention to test the extent of Lanchi's preparation for this date.
Although their relationship didn't carry the same romantic undertones as Miss Zhu Zhu's dates, she was curious to see how much effort Lanchi had put into understanding her preferences. Even if he had approached this date nonchalantly, she wouldn't be offended, but she wanted to gauge his level of interest in her.
"Well, you've asked the right person," Lanchi began, his tone turning earnest as he launched into a detailed explanation, "The Kingdom of Bosen is renowned for its innovative culinary scene, and Pariel, as its heart, offers a diverse range of dining experiences, from luxurious restaurants to humble eateries and confectioneries tucked away in alleyways."
He continued, his gestures animated as he spoke, "In broad terms, Bosen cuisine emphasizes the use of seasonal and high-quality ingredients, including fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, and seafood. This meticulous selection of ingredients ensures that the dishes are not only delicious but also nutritious. From basic cooking techniques like frying, stir-frying, and grilling to more intricate methods such as braising, stewing, and poaching, each technique is employed to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients to the fullest."
As Lanchi spoke, his hands moved expressively, as if he were lecturing to a captivated audience of one.
And Talia, for her part, listened with an unusual degree of focus, occasionally nodding in agreement.
Cat Boss watched this peculiar pair, engrossed in their culinary discourse for over ten minutes.
Both of them were engrossed in the conversation, their attention solely on each other, barely glancing at the path ahead.
"Let me tell you, Talia, sauces and seasonings are indispensable for Bosen cuisine. They add layers of flavor and richness to the dishes. Aside from the five mother sauces, there are countless variations, each seeking the perfect balance of taste, texture, and appearance. Moreover, different regions of Bosen boast unique cuisines, ranging from seafood in the north to Mediterranean flavors in the south and rustic dishes in the central regions. The diversity of their food reflects the richness of their culture and geography."
Famous Bosen-style pastries, cheeses, and beverages are also a must-try.
By now, Lanchi had finally finished his explanation, and Talia was starting to feel a bit hungry.
"Passable."
Talia commended, surprising Lanchi.
"You rarely compliment me."
Lanchi's expression was one of mild astonishment. He hadn't expected this sudden praise from Talia.
"Hmm."
Talia didn't respond verbally, merely emitting a soft hum, her face as expressionless as ever.
However, her mood seemed slightly improved.
"You two cats, you've forgotten about me while chatting away."
Cat Boss spoke up, feeling left out.
"Weren't you the one who fell silent?"
Lanchi looked down at the black dough in his hands.
"..."
Cat Boss couldn't argue with that.
The two of them had been so engrossed that any interruption would have been unwelcome.
Perhaps, to successfully collaborate on card creation, they needed to maintain that state of mutual absorption.
"Meow meow meow, can we also purchase work contracts for demon employees at the Flower Capital Auction House that we're heading to?"
Cat Boss decided to change the subject to something he could participate in.
"Hmm, do you want a demon employee?"
Lanchi asked, a bit uncertain.
"Yes, yes, meow! After seeing Lisancey, I feel that our restaurant could also hire a demon chef to add some unique dishes to our menu."
Cat Boss nodded eagerly.
In the past, he had been afraid of demons. But after interacting with Lisancey on the airship, he realized that there were also gentle and friendly demons.
Now, he was quite keen on the idea of recruiting a chef skilled in demon cuisine and bringing them back to the restaurant.
Most importantly, such a specialized demon chef from the Kingdom of Bosen might be adept at creating magic attribute dishes! He also wanted his restaurant to offer magic cuisine, and he could learn by observing and asking questions. Perhaps he could even become a little cat capable of cooking magic dishes!
Recruiting a demon shouldn't be a problem. Their restaurant still had an overwhelming majority of human employees, and it was unlikely to attract special attention from the Houghton Safety Bureau, food business hygiene departments, or the Kingdom's Joint Parliament during this year's inspection.
"Lanchi, would there be any problems with hiring a demon and bringing them back?"
Cat Boss consulted Lanchi, a bit worried about potential legal risks. After all, any mishandling could damage his reputation, and he wanted to live peacefully in the Kingdom of Houghton for a long time.
"Go ahead, hire as many as you want, it's fine."
Lanchi stroked him reassuringly.
At this point, even hiring a hundred demons wouldn't matter.
"Meowtastic!"
Cat Boss rolled around happily.
"Why is the Kingdom of Bosen's August event related to the recent popularity of the Petrass Auction House?"
Talia asked, puzzled, as they walked alongside each other.
The previous night, at Countess Rosalinda's residence, they had learned that the Petrass Auction House had been experiencing high trading volumes lately, and they might come across some rare treasures if they visited. Aside from the cuisine of the Kingdom of Bosen, Talia hadn't paid much attention to other matters concerning the kingdom before their departure.
"On the one hand, it's because of the Bosen National Holiday and the Platinum-level Card Maker exam, which has attracted a large number of card makers, boosting consumption. Another reason is that we're approaching the final transfer period for the Flower Capital Grail Familiar Tournament. Contracts for potential new players and well-known familiars may be up for sale there."
Lanchi provided an explanation to Talia.
As long as she didn't ask questions that made him feel like he had a thorn in his throat, like "Why are we in prison?" he would answer sincerely.
The upcoming Flower Capital Grail Familiar Tournament had initially been under discussion for a possible cancellation this year.
Due to the presence of private contracts among the participating demons, which were more susceptible to the influence of curses than citizen safety contracts, there were concerns that the tournament could provide an opportunity for cursed demons to run amok and cause safety issues. The Pariel City Hall had been prepared to call it off.
However, the Senate seemed inclined to let the tournament proceed.
As long as the mastermind behind the spread of the forbidden curse dared to make a move, the Bosen authorities would surely seize upon any clues to track them down.
"The Kingdom of Bosen's Great Wizard Palroni has been frequently afflicted by curses lately. If the instigator aims to disrupt the relationship between humans and demons in the Kingdom of Bosen, these events provide an excellent stage for their schemes."
Talia said, her arms crossed as she spoke.
She felt like there was a connecting thread, even though concrete clues were still lacking. Nonetheless, she could sense a causal relationship at play.
"I'll get the tickets, and we can go watch it."
Attending the tournament had been part of Lanchi's plan.
The Flower Capital Grail Tournament they were discussing also had a long history in the Kingdom of Bosen, dating back to the reign of King Rani XIV, approximately three hundred years ago.
Initially, this type of competition served as a means to resolve commercial disputes, preventing open violent conflicts and potential harm to business activities.
Businesses or merchants would hire messengers to fight on their behalf in these athletic competitions, using the outcome of the matches to settle disputes and competition. The victory of a particular messenger determined the resolution of the controversy.
Over time, this system evolved into a massive league project, encompassing not just commercial disputes but also power struggles within the Kingdom of Bosen.
"Alright."
Talia was pleased to have someone else handle the travel arrangements.
Their journey to the Kingdom of Bosen felt like a mix of business and leisure, with a hint of hidden danger but also a good deal of relaxation.
"Get me a ticket, too, meow."
Cat Boss didn't want to be left out.
"I know, I know."
Lanchi assured him.
The rules of the Flower Capital Grail Familiar Tournament were quite simple and straightforward, primarily aimed at determining a winner. While specific rules might vary from match to match, the core principles remained constant.
Participants must represent a corporation or an individual, and these participants are known as "Employers." Each employer can choose a messenger to represent them in the competition.
"Messengers can be from either the Demon Tribe or humankind, and there are also some rare races with few members in the Kingdom of Bosen, such as fairies and beastmen. In recent years, however, demon messengers have been the most prevalent, and most of the famous competitors are signed to long-term contracts, fighting continuously for their employers."
Lanchi shared his knowledge about the competition with Cat Boss and Talia.
The competition is essentially ruleless, allowing the use of any combat techniques and methods. The objective is to incapacitate one's opponent until they can no longer continue fighting or explicitly surrender. With the introduction of the artificial shadow world, there are also no more casualties.
Of course, there are also employers who are wealthy but lack expertise in training messengers. They hire coaches and training teams to cultivate their messengers' potential.
The outcome of the competition directly influences the commercial interests, negotiation results, and even contract ownership between employers, as stipulated by the agreements.
There is an annual elimination tournament in August, which is broadcast in the two major eastern kingdoms of Ayloran and Houghton.
"You better not participate, meow. I'm afraid that High Priest Loren will remember last year's incident at the Ikelite City Hall, where he was criticized. If Chu Bao sees you on the screen, he probably won't be able to sit still either."
Cat Boss jumped onto Lanchi's shoulder and whispered in his ear.
He had already recognized Lanchi as a legendary coach.
"Rest assured, the intense athletic competitions are over. Now it's time for me to learn how to enjoy life with ease."
Lanchi replied, stroking Cat Boss's head.
"..."
Talia also had a deep impression of that day.
She had left early, fearing that her relationship with Lanchi would be discovered and that she would be mistaken for a member of the Demon Tribe, resulting in her expulsion from the Kingdom's residency.
As it turned out, her decision was correct, as the event eventually turned into a major accident that made the news.
She still couldn't fathom how Lanchi had transformed five cheerful third-grade students into a special slaughter squad of the Demon King's army.
Undoubtedly, the Great Poet had played a significant role in this transformation.
Now that the Great Poet had been banned, Lanchi wouldn't be able to pull off such stunts anymore.
She tentatively decided to trust Lanchi's words.
"It is said that Duke Migaya once participated as an employer and emerged as the champion. After his victory, he granted freedom to his champion messenger."
Lanchi suddenly recalled and shared this piece of information with Talia and Cat Boss.
As Countess Rosalinda had mentioned, this country was filled with legendary stories of Duke Migaya, and it was a bit of a pity that Hubertia hadn't come along.
Of course, Hubertia's presence might not have made much difference, as she always felt that her father was just average.
"Why did he participate?"
Talia wondered, as the Duke's family didn't seem to be lacking in money.
The annual elimination tournament was primarily a platform for competitors to build their reputation and negotiate better terms. The 3,000-pound sterling prize money and the option to choose a pink sacred material were not significant amounts for employers, especially for the immensely wealthy Duke Migaya.
Although there were also honorary awards and medals, Hubertia had told her that their family mansion was already overflowing with such accolades, and her father, Duke Migaya, had never been one to pursue fame. Otherwise, he wouldn't have married Ifatia.
"Duke Migaya's reason, as stated in an interview, was simply to please Miss Ifatia, as she enjoyed watching the competitions."
Lanchi shrugged as he answered.
"Oh."
Talia could understand that.
Indeed, at times, Ifatia liked to be a spectator, and as long as it didn't involve the destruction of her own home, she wouldn't be too concerned about the outcome.
"So, was his messenger from the Demon Tribe?"
Talia inquired further.
It seemed that hiring members of the Demon Tribe for such tasks was a popular trend in this country, hence the competition being named the Familiar Tournament.
"Yes, she was a demon named Etio, who wasn't initially favored to win. However, Duke Migaya recognized her talent and taught her a great deal, helping her grow and become extraordinarily powerful. Eventually, she went on to claim the championship."
Lanchi recounted the story he had learned from perusing the champion records that morning.
"That messenger of Duke Migaya is now said to be a powerful lord in the Bosen Demon World, having regained her freedom over a decade ago after initially being a slave due to her crimes. She began a new life and is now one of the highest decision-makers in the Bosen Demon World, directly communicating with the Senate of the Kingdom of Bosen."
The Bosen Demon World was currently ruled by several demon lords.
"Wait a moment, meow. What if she fell in love with Duke Migaya because of his kindness and their shared experiences, but his motivation for helping her was merely to please Ifatia? How would she have felt then?"
Cat Boss interrupted Lanchi, posing a question.
"Er... I don't think so."
Lanchi pondered for a moment, feeling that Cat Boss was thinking too romantically,
"That's too twisted."
It was unlikely.
Based on Countess Rosalinda's description of the interactions between Duke Migaya and Ifatia, Lanchi couldn't imagine the emotional turmoil that messenger would have endured if she had genuinely harbored deep feelings for the Duke.
Moreover, surely there wouldn't be a woman in Bosen who wanted to be Hubertia's mother.
While that demon named Etio might fit the criteria of having a "demonic aura" and being "cold," she lacked the most critical factor of having an "eight-century aura."
Hubertia would definitely veto such a candidate.
"..."
Talia stared at Lanchi, her thumb pressing against the knuckles of her index finger, producing a faint cracking sound.
There didn't seem to be any police officers nearby.
"But Lady Caliella was truly charismatic, with many powerful demons in the Demon World heeding her words. She wasn't someone that ordinary demons could compare to."
Lanchi suddenly sighed, his thoughts drifting.
"..."
Upon hearing Lanchi mention the Fallen Lady, Caliella, Talia relaxed her hand.
Moreover, Lanchi's implication was clear—
Caliella had charisma, and so did she.
"You two are private messaging again, meow!"
Cat Boss felt left out again as he noticed the subtle changes in their expressions and their whispered conversation.
(End of Chapter)
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