The next morning after the morning meeting, the ladies who had discussed earlier about the Hair and Body Wash came forth as they were carrying some clay vats that smelled slightly of animal fat (presumably boar's fat) and lye (wooden Ash) that had been shifted and was as smooth as flour, a small jug filled with liquidised beeswax and lastly a small jug filled with goodness and freshness of freshly squeezed lemon and zest in them...!

"Good morrow, Your Majesty. What we have here are the main key ingredients to make the Hair and Body Wash in liquid form without using any water at all. If we eliminate the use of water, we would be able to make it into blocks form. Besides, if the Hair and Body Wash gets a bit hard to flow, just add a few drops of water and use a stick to stir and loosen up the mix once again."

"Great idea ladies... So what would you be doing now? Are you going to prepare them here in the courtyard on front of the domain?"

I asked since there could never be the perfect explanation of why the ladies were to bring the vats and pots filled with the main ingredients to display them before me, right?

"Uh... You're right, Your Majesty. We would be doing a demonstration on how you would be achieved in the finished product. Give me a second as I take a cauldron and a stirring paddle with me."

She walked briskly to the food preparation area and borrowed a cauldron and a stirring paddle which I guess would only be used to make these Hair and Body Wash from now on.

Everyone involved with the operations of this process all came forward after I motioned for them to witness the works. I do not want them to miss it for the world and the most exciting ones were Heather, Crystal and Gwen as Heather had taken down the measurements and took a bench and sat right next to the ladies to observe how closely they were going to perform the demonstration.

I laughed at the antics of those three and as soon as everyone was around, the ladies started their demonstration.

They first poured the animal fat into the cauldron and then they added lye in intervals into the lemon extract first as one would be stirring them. Not wanting to waste the balance of animal fat, someone poured some lye into it and so-called rolled the Ash to absorb all the animal fat from it.

Once the animal fat had been cleared and the lye had been slowly mixed and stirred inside the lemon mix, the fresh lemon and its zest were then slowly poured out and mixed into the cauldron as well.

"Your Majesty, lemon extract and it's zest were mixed into the lye to perform a water reduction to it. Furthermore, we would try to not use any water except in their original form so that the Hair and Body Wash blocks could be properly set afterwards." 

The moment the freshly squeezed lemon and zest entered the cauldron, everyone could smell the whole courtyard filled with its fresh scent.

Lastly, the beeswax that had been softened down to be in their liquid form were poured in. The explained that the beeswax helped to hasten the Hair and Body Wash to harden into blocks. For liquid form, there was no need to use the beeswax at all. 

"Your Majesty, this lemon zest need not be boiled down to create the essence. Several fruits such as lemon, oranges and green lime need not be boiled down at all. They could be prepared as such."

As she had said this, the solution inside the cauldron was ready...!

How convenient. It doesn't even take up 5 minutes even to make something like 50 liquid pounds of Hair and Body Wash.

"Your Majesty, this roughly 50 pounds that we have right now would be enough to be made into ¼ fluid pounds to be shared for each household. As for now, we would be making them into block forms because the cold weather might freeze the liquid contents and it might not be able to last long till spring."

"A palm-sized Hair and Body Wash block would be able to last a family of 4 for about a week if they shower regularly and wash their hair once a week."

"I guess it's fine for a trial period. Besides, Ben and Frank had made a few sets of the 5 by 5 mould and I'm sure it would be enough to make some blocks ready before distribution."

"You can start pouring them inside the moulds and place them inside the domain where it would be set in a few days I suppose?"

I recommended the idea and the ladies welcomed it very much. They slowly ladled the contents and I can smell how great the lemon fragrance that wafted throughout the courtyard as they slowly set the contents inside the moulds.

It was like watching them make the clay bricks but this time it was the Hair and Body Wash blocks. The ladies slowly filled each of the space within the 5 by 5 wooden moulds that were 3 inches in length, 2 inches wide and 1 inch deep.

After they had filled the moulds, a lady helped to carry the mould and place it inside the domain where a bench was laid out inside. It was then stacked accordingly and by the end of the demonstration, they had managed to fill up close to 7 wooden moulds. That would make an approximate 175 Hair and Body Wash blocks.

The contents inside the mould were yellowish in colour due to the original lemon extract. Besides, the ladies mentioned that orange and calamansi could be used so the colours would be a natural orange and green colour. How convenient...!

"Your Majesty we and completed the demonstration and right now we would like to see how long it would be able to harden under normal temperature. Normally, as I've mentioned about the beeswax, the solution for the Hair and Body Wash blocks could harden up anything from 1 to 3 days."

"Without the earlier beeswax, the Hair and Body Wash blocks would harden from 10 to 15 days long and it's not counter-productive if we were to run production for them. If it is for personal use, we would just use the liquid form. It's faster."

"Ah... I see. So the liquid form does not use beeswax but uses water instead to dilute the solution. By the way, is the beeswax readily available all year round?"

"Most bees would hibernate leaving their queen inside the hive. The honey bees are the ones that remain active while year-round and it is easy to gather some nice honeycombs from the honey bees. Do you intend to cultivate these honey bees in the future, Your Majesty?"

"Nope... Just asking. I won't bear too see any of you get stung by bees. Anyway, thank you for your insights and please check in the progress and let us know when the Hair and Body Wash blocks hardened."

"Your Queen, as well as Gwen or Crystal, would take note of the progress as well. So right now, we would wait for the next product and that would be the Hair and Body Wash in liquid form and in cute pots with lids."

"I really love the lemon scent right now from the domain. The scent site will stick around for days to come I'm sure."

The meeting ended and everyone got around their daily activities as Marcel went up to me with a proposal.

"Do you think the Hair and Body Wash in liquid form could be manufactured by using all-season herbs instead? We have lemon for the body, face and hand wash and another product just targeting then hair only. This would increase Sales. If not, customers would be satisfied for one that serves all."

"Great idea mate, run along to the ladies and find out what all-year-round herbs could be used to make the Hair wash instead."

Marcel gave a thumbs-up as he hurried along and looked for the 3 ladies earlier.

During the period of 1337-1453, a terrible war broke in Medieval England and that period was called (Hundred Year's War) and a huge turmoil ensued between the England and France with the involvement of rebels as well as opportunists. 

Prince Audemars Macleod, a descendent of King Richard Macleod of Darlington had barely managed to escape with his life when the Manor he was living in was besieged by rebels in 1440, when he was just barely 18 years old.

Let us travel through time and relive the experiences of this young Prince as he was forced to 'banished' and survive with some followers they entrusted their lives with him.

Little did he realise that he was actually living in the past of his future and had no recollection of anything except when he was narrated by a Seer that had been inducted as a permanent resident of the town he founded later.

*This is a fictional world. Most plants, vegetables, fruits and certain animals didn't exist in England that time.

*Almost all novels start off with a system. This does not reveal any hint of a system until you get to almost halfway through the novel. 

* Mobsters are included in the later chapters of this novel too. 

*This is a slow grind so bear with it as the storyline develops. Thank you and happy reading...

Fu Qinglun's grandmother?
Lin Shiyu had already guessed that Fu Qinglun had some other impressive family background three years ago. So this must be Fu Qinglun's biological grandmother. 
His grandmother even flew to the Capital and sneaked around Little Lemon's hospital ward to eavesdrop on them, so what could she do? Lin Shiyu could only accept it as she raised the corners of her lips to smile at Grandma.
Grandma then continued. "But from now onwards, I'm no longer related to this rascal. Our ties are severed."
Grandma's face was filled with righteous anger and she was impartial, even severing her ties with Fu Qinglun.
Severing ties?
Even Fu Qinglun lifted his eyes to look at Grandma.
Lin Shiyu also knitted her brows, her hand was suddenly grabbed by Grandma and Grandma looked at her, with her eyes crinkled into a smile, seemingly trying to appeal to Lin Shiyu. "Little Shi'shi, I've overheard everything from outside the ward. This rascal was at fault and even caused you to suffer so much. Little Shi'shi, Grandma is not able to condone this rascal's behavior. It'll be you, Little Lemon and I depending on each other from now onwards."
Lin Shiyu, "…"
Fu Qinglun, "…"
Fu Qinglun raised a brow, he really couldn't believe this drama queen was this grandmother. Hearing her declaration, Lin Shiyu almost burst out laughing, she looked at Grandma's smiley face while she called her 'little Shi'shi' repeatedly. Grandma had easily become close to her and even wanted Little Lemon and her and to depend on her too, this…
"Grandma!" Fu Qinglun suddenly furrowed his brows and shouted.
"Why are you shouting, be quiet!" Grandma gave him a condescending glare, as if she was afraid that he would implicate her.
Grandma had figured everything out, Ah Sen had upset her little Shi'shi and her Little Lemon. Therefore, she must draw the line between her and Ah Sen clearly, if not, she'd be done for too! 
"Little Shi'shi." Grandma called Lin Shiyu's name again. "Let's go back to the ward and accompany Little Lemon, we're not going to talk to this rascal anymore."
Grandma then held Lin Shiyu's hand and walked away. 
Fu Qinglun, who had been forsaken, "…"
…
After Fu Qinglun collected himself, he strode over to the ward and stood by the door, and he could already hear laughter and see that Grandma was happily talking to Little Lemon.
Grandma was very fond of children and at the same time, good at handling them. She had already become good friends with Little Lemon, despite their age gap.
Si Kong stood beside Fu Qinglun, whispering, "Little Lemon is a premature baby and she has septicemia due to her low immunity levels. I'll need her to undergo chemotherapy in order to recover, it'd be grueling and I wonder if Little Fairy can bear to see Little Lemon go through it." 
By how, Lin Shiyu's 'Little Fairy' reputation was widely known within the Guding family. Fu Qinglun's fists were clenched in his pockets, it was all because of him. 
He was sure that Lin Shiyu couldn't bear to let Little Lemon go through therapy, Little Lemon was her life, her blood and flesh. It would hurt twice as much for her if she sees Little Lemon suffer even a bit.
For the past three years, how much did she even go through? It must have been so painful for her.
He recalled yesterday night's situation. She was crying underneath him, she was so fragile and so helpless…
He had hurt her once again. He had forced her to stay with him while Little Lemon was undergoing the surgery.
He even used such heartless and vicious words.
Why wouldn't she blame him? If anything, she must hate him and not love him anymore.
Grandma then noticed Fu Qinglun, who was by the door. He was her grandson after all and she was still waiting for him to bring little Shi'shi and Little Lemon back to Guding. She instantly coughed and pretended to be angry. "Rascal, why are you still standing by the door? You think that you're a model who just needs to stand there and pose? Hurry up and come in to pour Little Lemon a glass of water."
Fu Qinglun quickly got himself together once he heard Grandma's voice and stepped into the room. After pouring a glass of water, he arrived beside the bed. "Little Lemon, have some water."
Silence. Little Lemon had gone completely quiet once he stepped in, she lifted her eyes to look at Fu Qinglun before lowering her head again.
Little Lemon didn't want to look at him, she hugged her knees with her tiny hands and pouted her lips. 
Grandma lifted one leg, giving Fu Qinglun a kick. What the heck, it's fine if he just upset his wife but even his daughter didn't want to talk to him? 
This boy was incurable!
There was a footprint on Fu Qinglun's trousers but he wasn't bothered. He crouched over, giving Little Lemon a peck on her forehead.
"Little Lemon, Papa loves you." His voice was soft as he spoke. 
Papa loves you…
Little Lemon batted her eyelashes, she still pouted and refused to speak.
Fu Qinglun looked at her affectionately, ruffling her hair in a loving manner. She was his daughter, his daughter with Shi'shi!
He loved her.
Unconditionally, irrevocably. 
Some footsteps approached, Lin Shiyu had entered the room.
"Mama," Little Lemon instantly perked up and greeted her.
Lin Shiyu would never object to Fu Qinglun getting close to Little Lemon, they were father-daughter and Little Lemon needs a papa after all. It would only be good if they had a good relationship.
However, Lin Shiyu's face was incredibly pale, it was almost colorless.
"Mama, what's the matter, are you feeling unwell?" Little Lemon immediately realized something was amiss with her mama.
Pain, it hurt so badly. Lin Shiyu placed her hand on her tummy, feeling it aching. But she didn't want to keep Little Lemon worried and so she replied, "Mama is fine."
Fu Qinglun's face darkened, he walked over to her and grasped her wrist. "What's wrong with you?"
Her hands were cold, almost as cold as ice.
Lin Shiyu quickly retracted her wrist. "I'm fine."
Once she said that, Fu Qinglun had already lifted her up before she could realize it. "Let me take you to the doctor."
Seeing Papa carry Mama, Little Lemon let out an eep! Grandma watched the two of them and thought to herself, this rascal's pretty smart!
…
The doctor had Lin Shiyu go take a blood test.
The nurse was smacking Lin Shiyu's hand to find her veins and the sound of her smacking was a little too loud and seemed to thunder in the room.
A magnetic voice was instantly heard, though it was polite, it was cold and authoritative. "Can you be more gentle?"
The nurse lifted her head to look, there was a suave figure standing beside Lin Shiyu. Fu Qinglun wore a custom-made white shirt with black trousers that day. There wasn't a single crease on his shirt and his looks were impeccable, exuding an aura belonging to the upper class. Fu Qinglun was simply charming.
The nurse blushed, she had never seen such a handsome man before.
"Si… Sir, Miss Lin's veins are less obvious and I need to smack it harder to find them, " the nurse stuttered while she tried to explain herself. In fact, she even looked at Lin Shiyu, hoping that she would help explain.
Lin Shiyu lifted her eyes to look at the man beside her. He had one hand in his pocket while guarding beside her. Once he saw the nurse smack her hand so hard till it was red, his lips were pursed into a firm line. The nurse was intimidated by his displeasure and she was frozen stiff.


After facing her fiancé's betrayal, things take an unexpected turn after Tang Mo’er inadvertently gets involved with the Capital’s preeminent magnate, Gu Mohan.

Fast-forwarding, Tang Mo’er clenches on a pregnancy test kit with two red lines—testing positive—and confronts him. “Young Master Gu, why did you make me pregnant?”

Gu Mohan hands a baby over into her arms. “My dearest wife, be good. That’s our second child.”

And so Tang Mo’er can only hustle and take care of her two children, but unbeknownst to her, Young Master Gu has also been coveting her love and affection…

This is a face-smacking, sweet-love novel set in the entertainment industry.


Pinaka heard the chief and looked at him skeptically.. he said, 'I understand that the treasure is enormous.. if we move it in open now.. will it not attract attention and make it easy for bandits or greedy neighbors act against our country? ' the chief looked at Pinaka and said, 'Prince, I am not so foolish to ask you to openly move the treasure.. we understand that you are good in planning out strategies.. we want you to plan how to handle this.. dealing with bandits and thieves is easier than dealing with evil spirits.. speaking of which I think you brought a spiritual member from your empire. could he help us? ' Pinaka said, 'he is our Raj guru.. he is here to help you keep the evil force at bay.. ' the chief nodded and said, 'holy one.. please help us.. ' Raj guru closed his eyes and chanted a prayer.. he removed his Garland of Rudrakshas.. held it in one hand.. then removed the holy Ganga water.. he mixed Vermillion in the Ganga water.. he walked towards the chief's chair and said, 'chief, hold this lemon in your hand.. ' the chief stood up and placed his right hand palm upwards.. Raj guru placed a lemon on his palm.. then he started uttering a holy chant.. they were able to sense ripples in the surrounding air.. Raj guru sprinkled holy water on the lemon, drop by drop.. the lemon slowly turned red.. then Raj guru said, 'evil is here.. summon your sorcerer.. ' the Chief summoned the sorcerer.. he came.. the sorcerer looked mysterious.. he had beads around his neck.. he was naked except for a piece of cloth covering his private parts.. he looked as if he was in a daze..he was muttering to himself.. he saw Raj guru and said, 'I tried everything.. nothing worked.. ' it seemed as if he already knew who the Raj guru was..there was a familiarity in his tone..even the Raj guru looked at him as if he knew him...the ways of spiritual people were mysterious....Raj guru said, 'it will take the two of us to ward the evil away.. but we can do it.. '

The Raj guru held the sorcerer's hand and chanted a prayer, then said, 'you need to concentrate and find where the evil is currently located...the exact location... I will do the rest.. ' the sorcerer closed his eyes and sent out his spiritual sense.. he opened his eyes in few minutes and pointed a finger towards a direction.. there was nothing there.. the Raj guru immediately tossed the Garland of Rudraksha with force.. it stopped in mid air.. the beads of Rudraksha freed themselves from the string and got alligned in a circular fashion.. then Raj guru sprinkled Ganga water at that region and shouted.. 'reveal your self.. ' a clear ringing laughter filled the area.. 

Everyone was shocked.. the laugh was high pitched.. slowly there was a flashing light in the area surrounded by Rudraksha beads.. there was a black smoke that emitted and took a shape.. the figure represented a perfectly proportioned woman but the figure was filled with black smoke.. there were red horns on the head portion and white vampire teeth protruding from the mouth area.. nothing else was visible..

A slave who was a lowly life among royalty becomes emperor under unnatural circumstances

Leonie sits elegantly as if she's giving an etiquette lesson.
"Bring me the lemon water," she commands.
Maureen glares at Avery.
"Are you deaf?" Maureen snarls, "Get lemon water from the kitchen for Miss Summers!"
Avery nods and walks to the kitchen, returning with a fine china basin filled with lemon water. Leonie dippers her fair hands in the lemon water and turn her palms back and forth. After she finished, she asks for a towel. Avery removes the basin and offers Leonie an Egyptian cotton towel, before taking the basin and discarded towel back to the kitchen. Weak as she is, her hands shake.
Next, Maureen then asks her to bring glasses of water to the table. Avery complies, placing the crystal glasses next to an empty china basin on the tray. Mrs. Florence Howel sips the water and swishes it around her mouth before spitting it discreetly into the basin. Leonie takes her glass and takes small, elegant sips before politely bending over to spit the water. After her first two sips, she spits the water into the basin, but then she gets an idea. With a small smirk, she spits the rinse water onto the hand holding the tray.
Avery feels the acid roil with revulsion in her stomach. She shakes her hand and tries to wipe Leonie's saliva from her skin, but she's not strong enough to hold the ray with one hand. Suddenly the glasses, the basin, and water all tumble to the ground.
"What an idiot!" Mrs. Florence Howel yells, "Why can't you hold a tray? Clean it up now!"
Mrs. Howel didn't see Leonie spit on Avery's hand, but Avery doubts it would have mattered if she had seen it. Mrs. Howel gives Maureen a look and the maid comes over and kicks Avery . Avery is taken by surprise and falls in a puddle of spit-water.
Avery's hair falls messily around her face and her uniform is rumpled and dirty. Her hands are wet with Mrs. Howel and Leonie's spit water. She can't find the words to describe the depths of her humiliation. Strengthened by her sudden rage, she tries to get up and slap Maureen, but she's not strong enough to make much progress. Maureen easily stops her and pushes her back onto the ground.
"Let it go, Maureen," Leonie says calmly, standing up and offering Avery her hand, "Avery doesn't mean it. Avery, are you okay? Why don't you go to your room to clean up?"
Avery sees right through Leonie's false kindness. Stubbornly, she refuses Leonie's hand and struggles laboriously to her feet. She glares at Maureen hatefully. Leonie watches frozen in position, surprised that Avery doesn't seem to be fighting her tormentors. She knows Avery's weak, but her sudden and uncharacteristic meekness is concerning; Leonine wonders what her rival is planning.
Avery returns to her room to change. By the time she emerges, they have started eating their steaks. The rich smell of steak fills the dining room, and she can hear the sound of the knives slicing through the tender meat. She stands quietly by the table and observes the modest and dainty way in which Leonie eats her steak and drinks her water.
"What are you doing standing there?" Mrs. Florence Howel asks, "Pour orange juice for me and Leonie."
Mrs. Florence Howel cuts a piece of steak and puts it in her mouth. The steak is medium-rare and slightly bloody. A drop of blood flecks Mrs. Florence Howel's lip as she eats, making her look like a vampire. Avery picks up the jug of orange juice and walks to Mrs. Howel's side to pour her a glass. She can't help but take a longing look at the half-eaten steak on the plate. Leonie sees her and smiles cruelly.
"Avery must be really hungry after spending so much time in that room," Leonie said with false concern.
Avery looks at Leonie warily. Mrs. Florence Howel shrugs.
"Maureen, ask the chef to roast a steak for Avery," she commands.
Maureen smiles understanding Leonie's unspoken intention. She takes a steak from the kitchen, places it on a china plate, and carries it into the dining room. The bloody piece of meat is completely raw.
"Pull out the chair for Avery," Mrs. Florence Howel orders.
One of the maids pulls out the chair and presses Avery's shoulder to force her to sit down. Maureen places the plate in front of Avery, picks up the fork and knife, cuts a piece and tries to feed Avery. The metallic smell of blood fills Avery's nose. She covers her mouth, pushes Maureen away and runs to the nearest bathroom to retch violently into the toilet.
Though Avery hasn't eaten anything in days, her stomach contracts as violently as if it were full of food. She spends a long time in the bathroom before her body calms, leaving her weak and sweaty on the marble floor. Leonie listens to Avery's retching and drops her fork with a clang—a horrible thought comes to her mind.
"Is she pregnant?" she asks anxiously.
Mrs. Howel frowns and shakes her head.
"I don't think so," she answers, "If she is, I would have heard of it."
"Maybe it's recent?" Leonie suggests.
"That can't be," Mrs. Howel objects, "Dr. Meyer said she's unfit for pregnancy."
"That doesn't mean she can't get pregnant at all," Leonie says, "Oh, what will we do? If Mr. Francis Howel finds out, it's all over."
Though many servants show special loyalty to Florence or Evan, the vast majority are loyal to Francis Howel. They work throughout his houses as informants. Even when he's away, his servants keep him informed of the latest news at home. It's how he learned about Evan's illness so quickly.
"She's full of tricks," Mrs. Howel says with a worried look, "We'll ask Dr. Walter to examine her."
When Avery returns from the toilet, she notices the woman regarding her with strange looks.
"Avery, are you unwell?" Leonie asks.
"I appreciate your sudden concern for my health," Avery answers acidly, tugging her dress down as she speaks, "Besides, being half-starved, I am a little unwell. The smell of blood and grease turns my stomach."
Avery thinks nothing of this, but Leonie and Florence exchange significant looks with one another. Before Avery can notice anything, Mrs. Florence Howel  hides her concern.
"Go ask Dr. Walter to come around," she says in a cool, neutral tone.
David hurriedly rushes into the room, carrying an emergency kit with him. Avery takes a deep breath upon seeing his arrival. Something clicks in her mind as she recalls her strange dream and the way her stomach has been feeling. She gives David an uneasy look and he gazes back with concern and confusion. Avery tries to convey her concern through her expression, but Leonie irritably interrupts and draws the doctor's attention to herself.
 "Dr. Walter, Avery says she feels sick when she smells blood or grease," Leonie complains, "Could she be pregnant?"
David nods at Mrs. Florence Howel  in greeting before approaching Avery.
"Mrs. Howel," he says to Avery, "How long have you been feeling this way?"
"Only today," Avery answers with an accusative edge in her voice, "I've been in the darkroom without food or water for a few days so I didn't feel anything earlier."
David freezes in the midst of opening his medical kit. He can't believe the family has mistreated her so severely in Evan's absence. He wants to say something, but he knows he's not part of the family. They respect his medical advice but expect him to keep his opinions to himself.
"Don't waste any time," Mrs. Florence Howel snapped irritably, concerned that David knows about Avery's torment, "I want a diagnosis."
David halts for a second before sliding the pregnancy test back into the kit. Instead, he takes out another instrument.
"I'll check Mrs. Howel's pulse first," he says.
Leonie is about to object, but David gently places his hand on Avery's wrist. He listens attentively to her pulse and then frowns. He gives Avery a casual look and she returns a complicated one, filled with mixed meanings. After a moment, David removes his hand and takes a deep breath.
"I think Mrs. Howel is pregnant," he announces.


WARNING! READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
The story CONTAINS harsh words that are not suitable for young readers. There are several twists and mysteries inside this novel. The plot is not a typical contemporary-romance alone but an action-filled series fueled by revenge! 


Since childhood, she was trained to be a perfect wife to the Billionaire heir, Evan Howel. She loved him and adored this man. People around them often said she's his dog and no matter how she's badly treated by him in the past years of being married, she would keep coming back to him meekly. She tried to seduce him several times but she failed to sleep with him and being kicked out of his bed.
Someone had plotted to kill her by pushing her into the water that almost took her life. When she woke up, she became a different woman he used to know. She sneered and gave her husband a divorce agreement. 

Evan Howel offered five billion for their 3 years of marriage as compensation. She felt disgusted and declined his generosity. He began to think about why she changes into a strong woman and dare to provoke him. 

He realized that he can't let go of his beautiful wife who suffered so much for how many years. He wanted her to stay and he played a sex videotape of them in a silent mode before whispering into her ear: "If you don't tear up the divorce paper, I will unmute this video and let the whole world know about it!". She was shocked to see the video of their intimate moments that happened because of the drug given to them. 

She's ready to leave him but her devil husband won't let her go. Would she change her mind after what he had done to her? Would she give up herself again out of love? Could she win over the struggle and conspiracy plotted by Evan's grandfather?


Warning: Strong parental guidance as some chapters are not suitable for minors. 

List of my Novels Here in Webnovel 

1. Billionaire Defiant Wife
2. The Cage of The Past
3. Revenge to the Devil
4. Winter of the Wolves
5. Love & Revenge
6. My Billionaire Husband
7. Love & Revenge: The Return of the Heiress
8. You Are Mine (English)
9. Memories of the Night




Special Note: If you are looking for a sweet contemporary-romance genre, this novel doesn't have that kind of plot. Most plots of my novel talk about mystery, suspense, and a slice of life. Often FL starts a slow pace of development, from weak to strong.

"Step 1. Heat oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant. Add chicken. Season with salt and pepper, then cook for 3 to 5 minutes." 

Shen Yi flicked the other stove on and added a tablespoon of canola oil, but he paused when he read that he needed four tablespoons of butter. How the heck could he measure it? Pinching the bridge of his nose, he took another clean knife to cut the frozen butter and threw it on the pan. 

As soon as the butter hit the pan, it sizzled and produced smoke. He was startled a little but didn't panic as he saw the butter melted and blended with the oil. He shrugged his shoulders and added the garlic. 

Shen Yi saw that the pasta water started to boil so he turned around to take the noodles from the counter and poured the whole pack into the boiling water. Returning back to his pan, his nose crinkled as he took in the scent of the almost burnt garlic. He supposed it was still okay since it wasn't really burnt. 

He added the chicken and cursed when it began to sizzle, splattering the oil towards his face much to his horror. No, no. He changed his mind. Cooking was so dangerous! How could his wife protect her beautiful face? Oil splatter could hurt her!

He was so distracted with his chicken when the pasta began to boil over, its water spilling on the edges of the pot. Shen Yi cursed once more, regretting his decision now for not following the steps correctly. He could only hope that the taste would be okay. 

He quickly turned down the heat of both stoves and read the next steps. 

"Add lemon juice and basil; mix well. Add the chicken stock and allow to reduce to half."

Shen Yi took a small lemon and cut it in half. He then proceeded to squeeze the juice directly onto the pan. A line etched between his brows when he realized his mistake. He only needed the juice, but the lemon seeds also fell right in the hot pan. Surely, it didn't matter, right? Those seeds wouldn't ruin the taste of the chicken. 

He shrugged, adding the chicken stock but not bothering to measure it. He supposed that it was okay since he only needed enough liquid to make sure the chicken was fully cooked. 

"Add cooked pasta and toss. If pasta is too dry, add reserved pasta water, ¼ cup at a time, until desired consistency is achieved. Serve with lemon wedges on the side."

He eyed the cooking noodles. It should be cooked by now. He turned off the heat and drained the pasta before tossing it onto the pan with the chicken. He gave it a quick stir before it dawned to him that he forgot to save a cup of pasta water. 

Shen Yi frowned. Forget about it—water should do. He added a cup of water and let it simmer again before turning it off. 

Now, for the chocolate ganache of Lu Xinyi's cheesecake. He didn't quite understand why he should make it; but since Yuan Jin specifically told him to add a chocolate ganache on Lu Xinyi's favorite cheesecake, he had no choice but to do it. 

"Break the chocolate bars into smaller pieces and melt it with butter over the hot water." 

Ah, this was harder than he thought. Shen Yi had no idea how was he supposed to melt it over hot water. Instead, he broke the chocolate, added a small stick of butter, and dumped it in the microwave, setting the appliance on high heat for 3 minutes. That should be enough to melt both the chocolate and the butter. 

He mentally gave himself a pat for a job well done. So easy but a little dangerous if you asked him. Cooking was fun! He couldn't wait for Lu Xinyi to come home and give a taste of his cooking. He hoped his wife would repay his kindness for cooking their dinner for tonight. 

Smiling to himself, he wore a mitt on his hand and took the melted chocolate and butter. He then added cream into the mixture. See? It was so easy to make. 

Shen Yi looked at the time. He had enough time to set up the plates and change his clothes again. He gave a last look at his creation and beamed with pride. Perhaps, he should help his wife to cook sometime to make sure she wouldn't hurt herself. 

He took a quick shower and changed into a crisp and clean dress shirt that Lu Xinyi liked on him and a pair of black trousers. Speaking of his wife, she should be arriving at any minute by now. 

When he heard their doorbell rang, he quickly ran downstairs to greet his wife. He opened the door with a smug look on his face, deeply pleased that he had outdone himself this time, not aware of the mess and disaster he left in his wife's kitchen. He opened the door to reveal Lu Xinyi with a wide smile on her lips. 

"Hello, beautiful. You made it on time," Shen Yi teased.

"I passed the exam!" she yelled and threw her arms around his neck. 

"You did well. Now, don't you think we should celebrate?" he grinned while Lu Xinyi laughed before slapping his shoulder. 

"Yes, yes. We should, but I'm starving. Yuan Jin didn't let me eat while we were in his studio." She pouted, "So, what's for dinner?"

[Status: Completed]

“You’re not taking me to bed. Ever.” 
“Who said it had to be on the bed?” 
“What?! You wouldn’t dare kick me off the bed, and I will not share it with you!” 
“The only reason I would force you out is so I can have you on the floor.” She gritted her teeth and glared at her grinning husband. 
“Go fuck yourself!” she hissed. 
“Only if you show me how,” he winked back. 

Once the tabloids released an article claiming business tycoon Shen Yi was gay, his family forced him to date and seek a relationship to stave off the false accusations. After many failed encounters, Shen Yi came upon Lu Xinyi.

Orphaned since childhood, Lu Xinyi had no safe haven left the moment her boyfriend and her best friend betrayed her. Losing her only treasures left, she felt like dying inside as soon as she boarded that ship. However, after a week-long cruise with Shen Yi, she struck a deal with him. Now the Young Madam of the most powerful Shen family, Lu Xinyi turned into a better version of herself. She would not only fight back against those who had hurt her, but she had also taken a shot at accomplishing her father's broken dream.

Attending the country's most prestigious culinary school, Silver Leaf Academy, Lu Xinyi was compelled to compete not only for herself but also for her husband’s pride. Through Shen Yi's love and support, she dreamed to emerge victorious one assault after another from a family that she had long abandoned. Oh, but love for food can be a dangerous thing! As Lu Xinyi and her friends struggle to survive the competition and schemes, more and greater challenges await her, putting her love (for food and Shen Yi) to the test. 

---------------------
Little Miss Series
(1) Little Miss Devil: The President's Mischievous Wife
(2) Little Miss Witch: Revenge of the Tainted Angel
(3) Little Miss Sunshine: Conquer the Emperor's Heart
(4) Little Miss Trouble: The Emperor's Rebellious Consort
(5) Little Miss Heiress: The 30 Days Free Trial Lover
(6) Little Miss Fae: Banshee in the Modern World
(7) Little Miss Immortal: The Nine-Tailed Imperial Consort
---------------------
My Other Books
(1) PS I'm (Not) Over You
(2) Gourmet Empress: Hubby, Why's Your Name on the Menu?

Official Website: https://www.anjeerikunovels.com/
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Little Miss Devil Book Cover 2019 anjeeriku

Since the water in the kettle already boiled, it would waste if I do not make something to drink from it. Besides, it still needs one more hour before the meat that I cooked finished.
"Wifey, you want some tea? You must be tired after cleaning the house"
"Um. please make lemon tea for me, hubby"
"Okay, no problem"
Make lemon tea is easy and can be done in a short time. I put the boiled water in a pan and pour some black tea powder into it and simmer the water until tea mixed with water. After that, I put some lemon essence in the tea, stir it a while until mixed and then pour in the bowl using a strainer to make the tea that free from tea powder. For sweetener, I add honey and some white sugar into it. And to garnish it, I put a slice of lemon on the cup edge. After that, I pour the tea from bowl to cup and serve it to my wife. 
"Here wifey, have a taste"
Ming Er accepts the cup that I give to her, she sniffs it to smell the aroma before taking a sip from the cup.
"Um, the smell is fragrant and the taste is refreshing. Sweet and sour mixed perfectly in this tea"
After commenting on the tea, Ming Er takes another sip.
"Hubby, give me another cup for mom, she will like this tea too"
"Okay"
I pour the tea into another cup and Ming Er brings that cup for her mother that still resting in her room. While waiting for Ming Er return, I try another recipe for a dish that I will sell in the food truck. I remember Ming Er words for sell fried rice or noddle, she is right, that dish is well known and accepted by many people. So I try to make one noodle dish that easy to made and not too soupy, and that dish name is: 
Dan Dan Noodles, it's a dish that only takes about 35 minutes for preparation and cooking.
What needed to make Dan Dan Noodles for two people is
Ingredients
• 2 serving fresh egg noodles
• chopped scallion
• blanched vegetables
• Chicken stock or pork stock
Fried soy beans
• ½ cup soybeans
• cooking oil for frying
Pork topping
• 1 cup minced pork (with some fat)
• ½ tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. white pepper
• ½ tbsp. light soy sauce
• 2 tbsp. cooking oil, divided
• ½ tbsp. minced ginger
• ½ tbsp. minced garlic
• 1 tsp. dark soy sauce
• 1 cup ya-cai
• ½ tbsp. chili powder
Mixed Seasonings
• 1 tbsp. sesame paste
• 1 tbsp. light soy sauce
• 1 tsp. sesame oil
• 1 tbsp.chili oil
• 1 tsp. black vinegar
• a really small pinch of salt
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 1 tbsp. minced garlic
How to cook the Dan dan noddles:
Fry soy beans
Pre-soak dried soybeans until they are double in size. Transfer out and drain with kitchen towel.
Add 3 tablespoon cooking oil in wok and add soaked soybeans to fry until you hear the "Pa Pa" sound. Transfer the soybeans out and set aside to cool down
Make the pork topping
Mix the minced pork with a small pinch of salt, white pepper and ½ tablespoon of light soy sauce.
Heat up around 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in wok, fry garlic and ginger until aromatic and then fry minced pork until crisp. Then add 1 teaspoon of dark soy sauce for better coloring, Move the pork to the out round of the wok, add another 1 tablespoon of oil in the bottom add ya-cai, separate ya-cai quickly and mix them with the pork. Add around chili powder (optional) and mix well. Transfer out and we are done with the pork topping.
Cook noodles and serve
Mix all the seasonings for serving and divide into two portions, separately in two serving bowls. Pour around ½ cup of hot pork stock.
Cook noodles in boiling water according to the instructions on the package and blanch vegetables in the last minutes when the noodles are almost ready. Transfer the noodles to the serving bowl.
Top with pork topping and then pour around ½ cup hot pork stock or chicken stock along with the edges.
Add green beans and fried soybeans. Serve immediately while hot!

You Ben is a talented young cook in Shi Kingdom. But because of vicious intrigue within the palace, he lost his life in tragic death, followed by his family member.
When he’s opened his eyes, he’s already in someone else body. Someone with the same name as him, You Ben, a small restaurant owner in He Xing city, thousand years ahead from when he died.
Inherit the previous owner memory, You Ben found that the previous owner dies because drown in drinking habit because of his restaurant that once a popular restaurant, plummet in the bottom of food business by dirty tricks that made by his rival, which make him depressed.
Cherishing his second life, You Ben steeled his mind to rejuvenate the previous owner restaurant and bring his cooking skill to renowned in the world.

Genre : Romance with mature content.
Story wrote in the slow pace if you can't wait, sorry, this is my way of writing.

(YZU' Chairman begins to leave)

Aaradhana (In whispering voice)- Sir, Give me one chance. If it does not go well, I'll write my self resignation letter immediately.

Arjun- Ok. I don't have any option anyways. 

(Aaradhana calls someone in phone and ask them to enter)

(A waiter enters with Tender coconut ,Aam Rass,Lassi,ButterMilk,Nannari Sarbhat)

(Aaradhana to YZU Chairman)

Aaradhana - Sorry sir, We made you taste British food first because we want to make you understand that British foods are good in India too . As everyone knows, India is known for its spices .In addition to spices ,India is also known for its hospitality Sir. I hope you forgive us and accept our hospitality.

(YZU'Chairman gets impressed)

Aaradhana - Waiter, you keep the drinks in table and bring the starters  in 20 mins.
(Aaradhana starts serving the dish)

Aaradhana- Sir this Tender coconut is a welcoming dish in South India. Lassi is a welcoming drink in North India. And in few states Aam raas(Mango Pulp),Sarbhat are welcoming drinks.

 YUZ' Chairman-Ms. Aaradhana ,Can you tell me how to drink this tender coconut without straw.
Aaradhana - Sure sir. You can see there is a hole cut in the top. You should tilt that hole towards your mouth and drink it.
(As it his first time coconut water spills all over his coat.He stars at Aaradhana for a while.Arjun stars Aaradhana with anger. Suddenly YZU'Chairman begins to laugh)

YUZ' Chairman- I think its happening because of first time. But I really enjoyed this. (He then tasted lassi (Curd+ sugar) and other drinks.). You know what Ms .Aaradhana I didnt eat  during the travel, because I want to have Indian food. I want to taste all Indian foods, I know I am greedy but I want to taste it badly.
Aaradhana - Sure sir, It's difficult to make you taste all the Indian foods, But I'll make you taste all the foods that are famous in different states.
(Waiter comes with samosa, banana baji, cutlet, mushroom chilli,mutton kebab, chicken lollypop,meen polichadhu(fish fry famous in Kerala))
Before serving she opens a banana leaf and keeps it in front of YZU' Chairman .
YZU'CHAIRMAN - I know this . Ms.Aaradhana. Banana leaf is used as plate in South India.
Aaradhana - Yes sir, We Indians also prefer eating in hand rather than spoon. We believe that by eating in hands,we accept the food whole heartedly. And you know what sir,food taste good if we eat in hands 
(YZU'CHAIRMAN starts tasting all the starters with his hands)
(Arjun who was about to eat the food in plate with spoon ,asks the waiter to serve him in banana leaf and starts eating the food using his hands)
(After a while waiter brings idli,podi idli,masala dosa,puttu, chole bature,parota- salna,kothu parota,Naan, Chicken tikka masala,panner makhani)

YUZ' Chairman - Ms Aaradhana. I like this podi idli very much. Though it's spicy , my mouth is craving for the next bite . And this coconut chutney,red chilli chutney are so good with this idli. I like this dosa,chole bhature ,naan , chicken tikka masala,kothu parota everything.
(He tries to eat parota. Arjun , steps forward)
Arjun - Sorry for interrupting sir, We don't eat parota in this way 
(Arjun starts breaking his parota to small pieces,pours salna in it and starts eating.It looked ugly to YZU Chairman)

YZU' Chairman -Enough Arjun. Stop insulting me more.
Aaradhana - Please forgive us Sir,But it's the correct way of eating parota.I promise you Sir it'll taste more in that way.
(YZU'Chairman starts eating parota in the way Arjun did)
YZU' Chairman- It's true Ms Aaradhana. Eat ing this way is much more better than  eating parota by just dipping in salna. Ms Aaradhana tell me how to eat this puttu.
Aaradhana - Puttu is one of the common food in Kerala sir. Some people likes to eat it with banana and sugar .While some likes to eat with this Kadala curry(bengal gram curry).
(Waiter then brings boiled rice, Sambhar,pulikulambu(tamarind curry), hydreabad dum biriyani, chicken pulao, side   dish of mixed vegetable, Raw mango with chilli powder tossed,potato fry,egg kulambu, veg pulao,rasam,curd rice, lemon pickle,vadumaanga(va-du-maa-nga) pickle.

YUZ' Chairman- What are these Ms.Aaradhana? I cannot eat these many items.

Aaradhana - Sir all these things served will not cover 1/4th of Indian foods.There are more 5000 dishes in India.And each dish differ state by state. In some places of South India meal would be Sambhar,pulikolambu,Rasam and curd rice with atleast 3 vegetables.In some other places the meal would be daal gravy ( Sambhar daal in South India, Rajma daal in North India) Biriyani , vegetable,lassi, etcc....And in each place taste will differ.
YZU'CHAIRMAN : I like all  the dishes  Ms.Aaradhana.I want to eat dessert. People used to say desserts are so good in India.

Aaradhana - Sure sir
(Waiter brings hot gulab jamun, rasagulla,Mysore pak,kaju katli,thirunelveli halwa,soan papdi, basundhi , vermicelli payasam,jelabi,moti laddu,kesari)
Aaradhana - Sir these are few deserts in India.
YZU' CHAIRMAN - Few?? You are joking right?.
Aaradhana - No sir, These deserts are nothing.There are lot more dessert.We have nearly 100 deserts which is made out of only milk . There are different varieties of halwa. We have baadhusa,jaangrj and sweets made out of different vegetables and much more

YZU'CHAIRMAN : Is that so? I thought though I couldn't cover main dish and starter, I could have cover all the  desserts. But I got fooled this time too.

Arjun - Don't worry Sir, Whenever you visit India ,you will get to eat different varieties of food each time .

YZU'CHAIRMAN : I am looking forward to it . Ms. Aaradhana I am done, it's enough for this time.I'll have the rest next time.
Aaradhana (with smile )  - Sure Sir, But please let me give you the proper ending
YZU' CHAIRMAN: sure Ms Aaradhana
( Aaradhana signals one waiter to bring kulfi,beetel leaves or paan. And another waiter to bring lemon water)

Aaradhana keeps lemon water in table

YZU'Chairman : What is this Ms.Aaradhana,"Is this a kind of drink?)
Aaradhana - No Sir, we used to wash hands with these warm water. And we scrub our hands with this lemon slice (Followed in North India)
YZU'CHAIRMAN : Interesting Ms Aaradhana
.(pot kulfi and paan comes..in meanwhile)

Aaradhana - In  India every meal is said to be a completed meal only if it ends with eating paan . Some people use to spat out the pan after chewing.And some us to swallow it. This paan can be swallowed .And this is pot kulfi (kind of ice cream seved in mud pot)

YZU'CHAIRMAN : Interesting ,Interesting..Thank you Ms. Aaradhana and Arjun for your awesome Indian cuisine .When I come India again, you have to treat me with different varieties of food.
Arjun and Aaradhana together - Sure Sir
(They both eyed eachother)
YZU'CHAIRMAN : Where did you get this PA young man?.She impressed me a lot. Deal is on young man. You must thank Ms.Aaradhana
(Arjun gave a bright smile to Aaradhana)
(Arjun murmured who will know Indian cuisine well than my 'foody fatty'. )

Both my mother and brother hate me.Perhaps they don't consider me as a part of their family because I am the daughter of my father's second wife. My life is more worser than a prisoner.Not once my stepmom or stepbrother called me "aara". They treat me like a prisoner in home but in outside home they treat me like Princess . I don't want them to treat me like a princess .My wish is only that they consider me as a part of their family. ~~Aaradhana

"Yun, can you really make a Revival Medicine?"
"The recipe isn't complete. Since we gathered materials, I can experiment. Right."
"And what if mixing fails?"
"We'll go gather them again."
"There ain't time."


I invited Taku to Atelier's workshop and received Wisteria Peach Petals from him. As the item provider, Taku watched me from the side.
I haven't told Taku about it, but for mixing the Revival Medicine, there were other materials than Wisteria Peach Petals.
Herbs that are the base of every potion, the Spirit Grass that's used for MP Potions. Also, the Water of Life that's used in various ways in crafting.
After knowing the combination of the materials, there was a possibility of reproducing the recipe from that. That's why I didn't tell Taku any details and have proceeded with the preparations alone.
With this, no matter the procedure I'll be able to make the Revival Medicine. The work from now on is to explore it blindly.
"Well, I'll just try like usual."
"Sure, it's in your hands."
First, I mixed the same amount of Potion, MP Potion and Water of Life together. With that, I created a pale green liquid inside of which I mixed in the peach-coloured petals. The petals have dissolved in the light green liquid over time and in the end, the liquid changed its colour to pink.
Degraded Revival Medicine Consumable
Revival HP +1%
I heaved a sigh at the result. In order to determine what was wrong I considered what effect each material granted the potion and wrote a crafting procedure I thought of on a note.
The effect difference between the basic Potion's that was made with a skill and a high-quality Potion made manually.
The effect difference between Potion, High Potion and a Concentrated Potion.
The effect difference depending on the Potion and MP Potion ratio.
What happens when Water of Life is used on a Potion.
In case it was subjected to concentration, the difference depending on when was it done.
First, I changed ratio of each medicine to create a different mixture, on each try there was a difference in the shade of green.
I dropped a petal into a beaker with each mixture one by one and mixed it in, dissolving it.
Meanwhile, Taku looked around the Atelier interested, glaring at the tools he doesn't normally see.
Starting with concentrator and grinding machine, through multiple Synthesis Kit magic circles, the furnishings and to the Making Box. In the corner of the workshop part, were hanging herbs for drying and a portable furnace in the corner.
As I stared sideways towards Taku who acted like that, I summarized the results I got from each mixture in the notebook.
Depending on the mixture, some liquids have reacted by turning vividly pink immediately and there were ones that have turned pale over time as the petal dissolved. There were also ones that completely lost their colour.
The pale ones have shown themselves to be complete as Degraded Revival Medicine, the ones that turned vivid were complete Revival Medicine.
Judging by these results, thinking of the impact it has on the mixing
"For highly effective Revival Medicinethe high quality potions are not essential. Water of Life's usage is mandatory. If the potion already uses Water of Life, there is no need to add it during the mixture's production. For highly effective ratio I need three High
Potions to one MP Potion. The concentration is to be done after mixing the solution. ...something like that."
"Yun, you can tell that much?"
"It's the ratio I've gotten as a result but only in case the conditions are the same as with everything else. Still, most likely a more detailed ratio might be possible."
After saying so, I started making a mixture under the best conditions I knew with the remaining petals.
I carefully measured the quantity, since I was using the potions I have prepared beforehand there was no strange failures.
But, in this case what was quite painful, was making the concentrated potion. Or rather, making the concentrated mixture.
I put the mixture of the High Potions and MP Potions into the concentrator, concentrating it down ten times which increased the costs tenfold. Moreover, the mixture's name was Concentrated High Potion, it had no MP recovery effect and its HP recovery effect was inferior as compared to the one before concentration. It was a mere intermediate product in a complete recipe.
Then, I dropped a petal into that vivid dark green concentrated mixture. The petal melted the moment it touched the liquid and a pink colour spread throughout it. Then I slowly refilled the potion bottle, before showing it to Taku.
Revival Medicine Consumable
Revival HP +10%
"It's complete now. Next I'll use the remaining petals to make Revival Medicines."
"Ohh?!! Finally, a Revival Medicine! A complete Revival Medicine was made!"
"The ones I made earlier are mostly failures or Degraded Revival Medicine. I made one more, but it has quite low amount recovered."
Looking sideways as Taku rejoiced staring at the Revival Medicine, I prepared the rest of the medicine.
"From the ten petals used to search for the Revival Medicine recipe, two are complete for now. Four more have become Degraded Revival Medicine and the rest was failures."
"Thanks, Yun. With this my preparations for crafter's PVP event are complete. Come to think of it, we haven't talked about the payment, have we."
Eh? Didn't we? I recalled the conversation I had with Taku and while certainly I was asked to prepare Revival Medicine, we didn't talk about payment. Well, I was able to do some Mixing with expensive materials, so I got a big reward in the Sense experience. Moreover, getting multiple Mixing recipes for Revival Medicine was a reward by itself. That's why I didn't think of asking for anything else.
"I don't mind, the experience I got is good enough as payment..."
"That'd be working for free. While it might be a reason for a discount, it's not a reason not to get any payment. That's why"
While saying so, Taku passed about half of the Revival Medicine to me and forced 500kG on me by using the item trade function.
One high quality Revival Medicine, one normal Revival Medicine and four Degraded Revival Medicines.
"That's shrewd. You took the highly effective ones for yourself, leaving the failures and ones with weak effect to me. Do you really need six highly-effective Revival Medicines?"
"I'm in the vanguard so I need the ones with high recovery amount, otherwise I'd retire immediately after revival if I receive any damage."
In that respect, I'm a rearguard, an archer. It was convincing considering the fact I don't take much damage. Moreover, as my childhood friend Taku knew I wouldn't agree on taking any more.
"Speaking of which, it seems like there was a declaration of Guild Solicitation Discontinuation, aren't you going to go outside now?"
"Even if it stopped it doesn't mean I have to immediately go outside. I've got enough of what I need."
After finishing Taku's request, I took out tea cups and started preparing tea. We moved from the workshop part to the store part and started drinking tea, sitting face to face.
The uproar caused by the price crash of the Guild Emblem
As a result of the inexpensive Guild Emblems appearing on the market in large amounts, there was a flood of new guilds. The small guilds wanted to grow in power by doing aggressive guild solicitation.
Among them, there were guilds that behaved maliciously. Starting with me, a part of the players have performed a Disappearance, no longer appearing in the town and popular areas.
"Well, I'm glad the whole fuss is over."
"You're right. Atelier without Yun behind the counter feels lonely."
"As I thought, this place is calming me the most."
Magi-san was eager to finish it before the Crafting Guild-sponsored event begins, but it seemed to have ended sooner than expected.
Well, speaking of what was done, as a protest the crafters have ceased to sell anything to them. The fact I have banned maliciously-soliciting guilds from entering Atelier has sparked the other crafters to do the same.
A number of guilds was unable to secure weapon maintenance and consumables, dissolving naturally or have lowered their heads apologizing. Is what I heard.
Cloude spread information and had spread the fear of turning the crafters into enemies.
There were a few stronger guilds and guilds that have crafters remaining, but they aren't in the best state and no longer perform any solicitation.
It seemed like they also had players targeting the consumables in dungeon treasure chests.
In a time like this the resale guilds would be able to earn a lot, but like a ship sinking, they felt it wasn't enough and have come into an agreement with Cloude behind the scenes.
"Well, it seems like lots is going on that's unrelated to me, they're doing their best."
"Yun, you talk as if it was not your business... you're the one who pulled the trigger."
I know nothing. Sooner or later it would have become a problem anyway. I held out freshly prepared tea to Taku and drank my own from the cup.
"That's right! How about we go and eat something to celebrate the ending of your disappearance and completion of the Revival Medicine?"
"Then it's your treat, Taku. It'll be additional payment for the Revival Medicine."
"Roger that. So, where do we go?"
I've said that as a joke, but he easily agreed on it. What should I extort out of Taku who's pretty rich in the game... I pondered.
"How about we go to Cloude's Commonest Caf & Clothier? I want to eat some cake."
"Let's go right away!"
With that said, Taku drank all the prepared tea at once and stood up. There's no need to hurry so much, while thinking so I drank the tea to match Taku's pace and ended up burning my tongue.
I left the Atelier and spoke as I walked.
"You've gathered the Revival Medicine for PVP, right? Taku, you're going to win that?"'
I asked what I was curious about, Revival Medicine gave the user a big advantage. I wondered how far could he get if he used that. When I asked wondering about that, he shook his head slightly.
"I wonder about that. I might retire early."
"...then, isn't it meaningless for me to prepare the Revival Medicine?"
"It can't be helped, victory depends on the luck of the day. When I stand up, there's a possibility of receiving a barrage of hits. Well, it's just one of measures for survival."
That's really a blunt way to approach it, I thought, but it was true. Certainly, normal tournament would take too much time so they gave up and decided on a battle royale. In that case, everyone around would be enemies... I feel chills just by imagining it.
"Yun, what cake you're going to ask for in the caf?"
"Let's see. I've tried the chocolate-based ones before. I'll try cheese-based ones this time. Also, I'll pick some sweets for Zakuro and Ryui to eat after I go back."
"Heyy. Commonest Caf & Clothier's ptissier is someone who specializes in sweets and the food has stat-raising effect, the price is ten times higher than that of normal cooking. Moderate yourself a little."
"You were stingy with reward so you can pay this much."
When I stared intently at Taku who walked beside me. It can't be helped, he said and heaved a sigh.
That's when, a slight distance away"A date in a caf. Damn it!" "The hell ya flirt in the public, ya wanna make us cry tears of blood or something?!!" "Go croak." "I'm so angry and envious I feel like dying." "Hey, he said PVP earlier. I'll participate. As long as I can get a hit on him." "Good idea. We can get rid of the riajuu players at the same time, take initiative and crush them." "All right, that's decided. There's no time! Let's begin!"I've heard male voices say that.
I didn't hear it too well, but they seemed to enjoy themselves. I didn't think about the fact their gazes were directed towards us, the thoughts of the caf's menu have prevailed.
We have arrived at Cloude's store, the Commonest Caf & Clothier and peeked inside. The seats by the counter were all filled and the only ones open were those at the terrace.
"I'll go and reserve some seats for us outside."
"Then I'll go pick some cakes and tea. Taku, what you want to drink?"
"Same thing as you."
"Got it."
How about refreshing lemon tea today, I wondered. Since there was a lemon-flavoured cheese cake, I picked a lemon-based combination. At the same time, for Zakuro and Ryui I ordered some cream puffs for take-away.
Before taking the cake set for eating in the store, I took the cream puffs for take-away and then I carried the cake and tea on a tray towards Taku.
"Welcome back, but Yun... shouldn't a clerk carry it here?"
"Hm? It seemed busy so I carried it myself. This way's faster, right?"
The Commonest's clerk and waitress players hesitated a little, but since I was Cloude's acquaintance my suggestion was passed.
"Well then, let's eat. A lemon cake set. Here we g"
My bliss was only temporary, as if to break it something black has suddenly come jumping.
"W-what?!"
Five insect-type mobs broke through the wall of Lyly's Woodworking Store that was across the street.
Momentarily, the open terrace was surrounded by five black insect mobs.
There were some players trying to cut them with swords and block them with shields, but because of multiple parties fighting in joint struggle penalty, they couldn't quite defeat them.
At first, we have stood up while still clutching our forks and froze, but one of the mobs that wasn't defeated had come flying at us on the open terrace.
"Hey, you serious?!"
"Get back, Yun!"
Taku strongly pushed me away at the same time touching my chest, making me fall back. Hey, where are you touching.
"HaaaSonic Edge!"
And Taku who had pulled out two long swords, retracted them and then swung in order to take on the insect mob.
The two swords have shone in matching yellow light, creating a huge vacuum wave, smacking the flying mob directly.
The insect-type mob couldn't escape in mid-air and was subjected to large damage from the front, it hit the table and its body changed into particles of light, disappearing.
"Ah..."
In this situation where the insect mob was suddenly defeated, I fell on my butt and was looking upwards.
"You okay, Yun?"
I wanted to take Taku's outstretched hand, but realized I still had fork in my own. Feeling awkward I outstretched my left hand and was pulled up by Taku.
And what has come into my sight, was the miserable stateof my cake.
Seeing the crushed and scattered on the table cake and lemon tea, my spirit has plummeted.
"Ahh, it's gone to waste."
"...my cake."
Fortunately, the cream puffs in the inventory weren't damaged, but I was really looking forward to the cake.
At that time, a loud clattering footsteps have approached the caf from the other side of the road.
"What's this, what happened. It seems like part of the terrace is broken..."
"Kurocchi, sorry! An item went off! Did anyone take damage?!"
The woodworker Lyly had come flying from the Lyly's Woodworking Store on the other side of the street. He was holding knives in both his hands, his appearance suggested he was fighting a moment ago.
"...let's prioritize the damage first."
The owner of the caf and a tailor, Cloude had checked on the damage dealt by the black insect-type mobs.
"Ohh, this time it's something going berserk in quiet Lyly's store." "Speaking of which, there was a guy who tried to make bombs and his store had become a sea of fire." "Ahahaha, crafting sure is a risky job." "It's a battlefield different from ours." "No problem. We took down all that have come out."
The bystanders didn't seem to be particularly bothered by it. Speaking of damage, it was limited to part of the store's terrace and tables being destroyed. Lyly should be able to repair it as a woodcrafter.
However
"Aah, Yuncchi. Um, sorry."
"...haa, don't make such sorrowful face. Choose whatever cake you like. This time it's an event-related accident. Crafting guild's gonna pay for it."
"Come, order a new cake. Ahh, fine, eat as much cake as you like!"
Cloude and Lyly started to make a fuss around me, who was dispirited. Still, I've had a lingering attachment to the fallen cake.
"Uuu, it won't come back, my lemon cheese cake..."
"It's part of the payment for work you asked for, don't hold back."
Seeing me depressed, Taku called out to me. Then, he pulled me by hand, taking me in front of the store's showcase.
Unfortunately, lemon-flavoured cheese cake was sold out, so I chose kiwi and cream roll cake.
I combined it with sweet milk tea, I ate while sipping the tea for taste.
"...delicious."
It was delicious, but I still had tears in my eyes out of the lingering attachment to the dropped cake.
"That's right, Lyly. Explain, how did the accident occur?"
While I ate the cake in the middle of sadness, Lyly provided an explanation for the accident.
"Um, I was performing an experiment at my place before the event starts, by using the Insect Repelling Incense Yuncchi made. I failed to confirm the range and they escaped..."
"Haa, that sounds unlucky, but I get it. I'll be going back to the back of the store."
Understanding the situation, Cloude drank the coffee that was just served and stood up. Then, as if he recalled something, he called out.
"The preparations for the Crafting Guild-sponsored event are mostly complete. Look forward to it."
Seeing Cloude's wink as he was leaving made me half expectant and half anxious considering the accidental outburst earlier.
The event will be carried out during the two days of this weekend.
I don't know how do Taku and Myu with others plan to spend it, but I intend to spend it relaxedly.

Yun is a novice MMO player who equipped only unpopular skills labelled as garbage. However, soon after the official launch of the game, the NPC stopped to sell Recovery Potion. Everyone finally started to notice the importance of Support Magic and Items. And that spells trouble for Yun as well as all the support-based players. They received orders for recovery potion from endless flood of players en masse, some more aggressive players even go as far as forcing the support players to be their personal craftsman. In order to prevent this from going out of hands, all the support players grouped together to form a community to keep things in order.
Author	アロハ 座長

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