The Princess of Northern Land
Chapter 811: Connection (3)

Chapter 811: Chapter 811: Connection (3)

"Our shopkeeper is really a clever person," Princess Maya said, a rare compliment coming from her.

"The shopkeeper doesn’t have other hobbies; he just likes to ponder over new dishes. This ’Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix’ dish was inspired by Prince Alhatu’s guqin playing," the waiter said, his smile never fading. It was clear how much he admired his shopkeeper.

"In that case, your shopkeeper will have to share some money with Prince Alhatu," Lin Ziyin joked.

The waiter looked at her with surprise, not understanding why she would say such a thing.

"Why?" Princess Six was also curious, looking at Lin Ziyin.

"Waiter mentioned that the shopkeeper thought of these two dishes all thanks to Prince Alhatu; in other words, without Prince Alhatu, your shopkeeper might not have been able to create these dishes. So, as the beneficiary, shouldn’t he bleed a little?" Lin Ziyin explained slowly.

Maya looked down on Lin Ziyin to some extent—the noble consort of Ling always spoke of money, which was somewhat vulgar and rather petty. Nonetheless, Lin Ziyin was doing it for Alhatu’s sake, so Maya refrained from any sneers or sarcasm.

"Haha, well said, we should let Alhatu come and ask the shopkeeper for silver." Princess Six burst into laughter after hearing her explanation.

"This?" The waiter finally could not smile anymore, touching his head in worry. Oh no, it seemed he had misspoken. If the shopkeeper found out it was he who spilled the beans, would he be fired?

"Dear patrons, please spare me. If the shopkeeper finds out it was me who blabbed, I definitely won’t be able to continue working here," he pleaded pitifully. "Five days later, we still have to go to the estate for supplies. If Prince Alhatu gets wind of this, he will surely be displeased. If we lose Prince Alhatu’s patronage, our restaurant won’t be able to reopen."

"Alright, stop looking so down. We were just teasing you; Prince Alhatu’s position isn’t something we can get close to," Princess Six said with a smile.

"Miss Maya." Surprisingly, the waiter recognized Maya and knew her status.

"I am certainly not one of those people who are swayed by money over mere dishes. I don’t have the inclination to tattle," Maya said with a trace of pride.

Princess Six felt a slight displeasure upon hearing Maya’s implied message, fearing that Lin Ziyin would get upset.

Lin Ziyin, however, seemed not to notice, as she continued to earnestly taste the dishes on the table. "The gamey taste of the meat has been greatly reduced, though the flavor is still a bit too strong."

"Eat more, once you get used to it, you’ll start to like the flavor," Princess Six reassured her, relieved to see her magnanimity and unwillingness to make an issue of it with Maya, and thus engaged her in casual conversation.

The relationship among the three was the most unstable. Seeing the two getting along well and leaving her out, Maya felt an added resentment towards Lin Ziyin.

Despite some tension in the air, Princess Six and Lin Ziyin were quite satisfied with their meal.

After finishing their meal, Princess Six decided to take Lin Ziyin back to the Residence. "Let’s go out again tomorrow; we’re tired today, better to rest early."

"With just such a short distance to travel, the Consort of Ling is rather frail," Maya said, finding confidence upon seeing Lin Ziyin’s petite frame.

"Hehe, my constitution isn’t great, and I’m indeed a bit tired today," Lin Ziyin replied with a light laugh.

Princess Six didn’t invite Maya to Prince Alhatu’s Residence, because with the addition of Lin Ziyin and several maids, Maya wasn’t shameless enough to push her company on them. They all parted ways at the entrance of Kashen’s.