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墨書 Inktalez
As the competition drew closer day by day, the atmosphere in the capital became increasingly tense. There were not many who were genuinely interested in the spectacle; most people understood the underlying intricacies and had little mood left to enjoy the show.
The once bustling streets had quieted down, and the crowded taverns were now empty. Only a few travelers hurriedly passed through after a quick meal before leaving again.
The business at the Phoenix Flying Restaurant had also been poor in recent days. The waitstaff in the main hall were swatting flies, while the shopkeeper leaned on his hand, dozing off behind the counter.
Suddenly, a horse's neigh outside startled the shopkeeper awake, and he quickly looked outside. He saw a luxurious carriage stopping right at the entrance of the restaurant; the neigh had come from the tall horse pulling it. Realizing this, the shopkeeper shook off his drowsiness and hurried out to greet them, waving for the waitstaff to get moving.
"It is an honor to have distinguished guests visit..." Although he did not know who was inside the carriage, he could tell from its appearance that they must be of high status. The shopkeeper quickly smiled and approached.
The coachman jumped down from the carriage, placed a footstool beside it, and bowed, saying, "Young master, young lady, we have arrived."
Only then did there seem to be movement inside the carriage. After some rustling, the curtain was lifted, and a young man dressed like a noble stepped out. He glanced at the shopkeeper before stepping down and turning to help a young lady who peeked out from behind him.
Once they stood still, their attire and demeanor indicated they were not ordinary people. As they surveyed the Phoenix Flying Restaurant, the shopkeeper remained silent, waiting patiently. Until the young man casually remarked, "It's nothing special." Only then did the shopkeeper take half a step forward and smile as he spoke: "Young master, young lady, you can't see our Feng Fei's merits standing outside. Are you here to dine or stay?"
Hearing this, the young lady raised an eyebrow and replied with a hint of disdain in her tone, "What? Are you implying that we have shallow tastes?"
The young man was taken aback by her words; he hadn't thought much of it until now. Hearing his companion say this made him feel that the shopkeeper's words seemed to carry hidden meanings as well. He glared back and pressed for clarification: "Is that what you mean?"
"Oh dear! Young lady, what are you saying? We in business only wish for our guests to come inside. How can we conduct business standing out here?" The shopkeeper hurriedly explained with an aggrieved expression, looking at them with pleading eyes to show he meant no offense.
"Hmph! I doubt you have that kind of courage," she retorted silently before nodding at the young man. Only then did they both enter Feng Fei together.
The two individuals were clearly difficult to deal with, and the Shopkeeper felt a bit of a headache. However, since they were customers, he could only brace himself and attend to them personally, not daring to let the waiter serve them. If the waiter accidentally offended them, it would be troublesome. With significant events about to unfold in the Capital of the Departed Nation, it was best to avoid drawing attention.
He led them to the outside of a private room on the second floor. The Shopkeeper briefly introduced the differences among the three private rooms, and then the two chose the large room in the middle.
“Bring us your best dishes, and also,” the man casually instructed, “no one is to disturb us.”
The Shopkeeper nodded in response and turned to prepare food and drinks.
Inside the private room, only the man and woman remained. The man's expression relaxed considerably as he looked at the woman and said, “Sister, why do you still look so troubled?”
“Brother, how can I be happy?” The woman stood up and walked to the railing, gazing at the empty streets. “Look, even the common people know to avoid this place, but what about us? We can't even think about going home.”
These two were none other than Feng Chengxuan, the Crown Prince of the Dream Kingdom, and Feng Tianjiao, the Eldest Princess. They had gone out today hoping not to reveal their identities, wanting to avoid being watched constantly. Ever since Nan Gong Yao had sent people to search their residence last time, they had been under surveillance. Even after Feng Chengzhi emerged from the Millennium Ruins, he refused to ease up.
The three siblings had once entered the palace to seek an audience with Nan Gong Yao, asking him to allow them to return to Dream Nation. However, Nan Gong Yao acted as if he did not understand their words and changed the subject. Eventually, they made their intentions clear, but Nan Gong Yao still refused to let them go, making them realize that he intended to keep them as hostages.
“Sister, don’t be anxious. Once the competition begins, Nan Gong Yao will have no time to keep an eye on us. At that time, Father will surely send someone to fetch us,” Feng Chengxuan said as he walked toward Feng Tianjiao. Seeing her frail figure softened his heart. “You have no idea how much it pains me to see you like this every day.”
Feng Tianjiao indeed looked much more haggard. When asked if she was frightened by Nan Gong Yao, she couldn’t articulate her feelings well; Feng Chengxuan felt helpless.
Feng Tianjiao shook her head and said, “Brother, you are too naive. If Father were going to send someone for us, they would have come long ago.”
This thought did not originate with Feng Tianjiao but rather came from Feng Chengzhi; these were actually his words from last night.
Feng Chengzhi is the prince that the Dream Kingdom Ruler envisions as the heir to the throne, while Crown Prince Feng Chengxuan has been unwilling to acknowledge this fact. Therefore, there are some things that Feng Chengzhi simply cannot say to Feng Chengxuan and can only convey through his sister.
"Did he really say that?" Feng Chengxuan clenched his fists behind his back, not wanting Feng Tianjiao to see.
"Elder Brother, why can't you just face the truth?" Feng Tianjiao sighed, turning to look at Feng Chengxuan, her eyes filled with tenderness.
If her elder brother could recognize the truth sooner, many things might have turned out differently. There are also some things she cannot bring herself to say, just like Fifth Brother...
But Fifth Brother has his own messenger; what about her? Who could she ask to convey her thoughts?
Moreover, those words she is too shy to speak—who could she tell them to?
For a moment, the private room fell silent. Feng Tianjiao was lost in her worries while Feng Chengxuan struggled to suppress his anger towards his adorable younger brother.
"Dear guests, your food is here..." A waiter’s shout interrupted the tranquility between them as the door of the private room swung open. One by one, waiters entered, each carrying dishes or soup.
"Alright, since we're out today, let's not think about so much. Let's try the food here first," Feng Chengxuan said with a slight smile, trying to appear happier as he pulled Feng Tianjiao to take a seat.
"Look, it really is cuisine from Dream Nation; no wonder it's called Phoenix Flying Restaurant." Seeing Feng Tianjiao's daily gloominess prompted him to inquire about this restaurant serving Dream Nation dishes and bring her out for a bit of relaxation.
Perhaps she truly missed home; as Feng Tianjiao gazed at the table full of Dream Nation dishes, tears began to slowly fall... (To be continued.)
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