“To be fair, Liuli, the traditional cuisine of the Elves here is actually better than what’s made in the Elf territory. It’s been improved in format, so it suits ordinary humans and other races better.”
“True. I’ve always felt that traditional Elf cuisine is way too bland. I don’t really like it…”
Even though normally you shouldn’t criticize someone else’s traditional food, since Aili had already started it, following up with a complaint or two should be fine, right?
“After all, a lot of old fossils in the clan keep promoting ‘Nature Above.’ Any unnatural seasoning is considered blasphemy in their eyes. That’s why so many people dislike that kind of diet and end up leaving the Elf race.”
“Speaking of that, Lady Fei mentioned this to me too. She seems very interested in similar matters. She even came to ask for my help.”
“Really? How did you respond, Liuli?”
“I didn’t agree…”
Though Liuli wasn’t sure if sharing this with Aili was appropriate, since she had already accepted Aili’s confession, sharing this kind of information if possible seemed better.
“I don’t know if I should interfere in someone else’s internal affairs…”
“That woman is just that kind of person. She’s too aggressive. Or, to put it another way, she’s a complete ambitious person. She’ll do anything to climb up.”
“Aili, you don’t seem to like her very much?”
“It’s not about like or dislike. Her methods are often too hasty. Honestly, I don’t think her tactics will achieve anything in this situation. The exodus of teenage Elves can’t be solved by a simple policy. Her dreams are doomed to fail.”
“So, Aili, you think it’s an inevitable trend?”
“For long-lived species, staying in one place forever is impossible. Decades upon decades of lifespan force them to explore farther. As long as they’re willing to open their eyes and see, I don’t think many would still be willing to stay in their homeland.”
“So you think maintaining the status quo is enough?”
“Yes. After all, most of the Elf race’s power comes from the Tree of Life. The resonance with the Tree of Life forces Elves to eventually return to their roots.”
For some reason, Liuli found Aili’s words a bit romantic. Or, to put it another way, returning to one’s roots might be the most romantic thing in a person’s life.
“By the way, Liuli, are you busy lately?”
“Hmm. My birthday is coming up. Also, Serveyia told me there will be another diplomatic visit after my birthday.”
“Oh? Your birthday is coming up, Liuli? What day exactly?”
“One week from now. I thought my birthday was already common knowledge in Saint Laia. I didn’t expect you not to know, Aili.”
“It probably is common knowledge, but I’ve been busy with Elf clan affairs these past few days. That’s why I didn’t know. But it’s not too late. I’ll prepare a thoughtful gift for you, Liuli. So, please don’t be mad at me, okay?”
“I’m not mad. I’m just curious. Both Dora and Serveyia told me that the Princess’s birthday is a very important day, so I thought everyone would know.”
“It is indeed an important day. That’s why I need to apologize—not noticing such an important day at all.”
“I said I’m not mad…”
Liuli felt that if this continued, it would turn into an endless cycle of apologies.
Now that they had reached a more intimate relationship, there was no need to be so clear about everything.
Unnecessary apologies didn’t need to be repeated over and over.
“Is that so? Then I understand. But you just mentioned another diplomatic visit. Has the next destination been decided?”
“Yes. Serveyia said we’re going to the Blue Dragon Clan. She seems to have some business to take care of.”
“The Blue Dragons— Yiselinzhuo’s race, right? I remember she did take some time off to go home and deal with matters. It seems the results weren’t great.”
Aili said thoughtfully, “But I hope she can resolve her family’s internal affairs quickly. Without her help, having all the Student Council work fall on my shoulders is a bit troublesome.”
“Oh? So Yiselinzhuo is also a member of the Student Council?”
“Yes. Yiselinzhuo serves as the Secretary. She’s been a good assistant to me.”
“Secretary? What does a Secretary do?”
“I don’t know about other places, but at Saint Laia, the Secretary is mainly responsible for document recording and account management. It’s a position that isn’t difficult but has high requirements. Though Yiselinzhuo is indeed well-suited for the job. She’s the calm and elegant noble lady type. She usually handles all her problems herself. So the fact that she came to you for help this time proves the issue isn’t simple to solve. Or rather, it’s a problem only you can solve.”
“You say that too, Aili. So what exactly is the problem that only I can solve?”
“Plenty. Don’t forget, Liuli. As a Nine-tailed Celestial Fox and the Princess of Saint Laia, there are many situations where just your presence is enough to solve things.”
“So it won’t be anything too troublesome?”
“I don’t think so. But we might have to wait until Yiselinzhuo returns to know the specifics.”
“Alright…”
Liuli had hoped to learn what kind of person Yiselinzhuo was from Aili, or even find out what problem Yiselinzhuo needed her help with.
But at least she had some idea of Yiselinzhuo’s character now.
And there was another small issue: she was supposed to be on a date with Aili today.
How had a date turned into a serious political discussion?
“Liuli…”
“Hmm?”
Aili’s voice sounded strange. Liuli didn’t know why, but seeing Aili’s awkward demeanor, she felt something was about to happen.
“Can I kiss you?”
Liuli should have realized—after accepting Aili’s confession, something like this was bound to happen. A kiss was just a way for them to express intimacy.
“Yes…”
But as a matter of personality, Liuli wasn’t good at taking the initiative. She was more used to being guided.
Still, as a princess, she tried to maintain her composure and elegance.
So Liuli could only whisper “Yes.” Just saying those two words was already hard for her.
Fortunately, Aili heard. The two drew closer again. Aili looked at Liuli, making her couldn’t help but feel shy.
“Liuli, the way you blush is really beautiful.”
“Why say so much? If you’re not going to continue, I’ll leave.”
It seemed that after relaxing, Aili became a bit more natural.
“Alright. I didn’t expect our princess to be so impatient.”
As Aili slowly approached, Liuli’s heart beat faster and faster. When they were very close, she even closed her eyes nervously.
A moment later, a gentle kiss landed.
It wasn’t a long kiss—more like a tender and restrained expression of affection.
“Aili, what are you doing?”
“Just expressing my feelings.”
“It’s… it’s fine.”
Liuli thought about it and decided not to say anything more.
“In that case, shall we wrap it up here for today?”
“Huh?”
“There’s so much work lately. I made time to come today, so I can’t stay too long.”
“That’s okay. School affairs are more important.”
Though she felt a bit of an indescribable feeling inside, Liuli chose to understand.
Some things, perhaps, didn’t need to be pressed right now.
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