No matter how you put it, Fina’s confession really did help Liuli relax a lot.
If she could gain the approval of this man-hating Merfolk young lady, wouldn’t her path as a Princess become a bit safer?
During dinner, Fina introduced Liuli to the most authentic Merfolk cuisine.
Though it was all seafood, it was seafood Liuli had never tasted before.
How to describe it?
Rather than calling it delicious, it was more accurate to say it was fresh—fresh simply because she had never eaten such food.
“Liuli, is it not to your taste?”
“It’s not that I can’t eat it, just that I’ve never had so much seafood before.”
For a long time, Liuli’s dietary habits leaned more towards mountain delicacies rather than seafood.
Although having seafood once in a while was fine, to be honest, eating it constantly would definitely be a problem.
“Is that so? Experiencing the culinary habits of different races is also an indispensable part of a Princess’s life.”
“Does that mean even if you encounter food you don’t like, you have to force yourself to eat it?”
“Not necessarily. Generally, in formal settings, the food served considers both sides’ dietary preferences. As for unofficial gatherings, like meals with friends, sincerity matters more, so it doesn’t really matter.”
“But then again, it’s the modern era—each race’s distinctive cuisines have long since evolved, so they’re not as unique as they used to be.”
“Listening to you, Fina, does that mean the Merfolk’s cuisine used to be really strange?”
“To us, it wasn’t that odd—mainly just a focus on raw food. But for others, it might be completely different.”
“If it’s raw food, isn’t sashimi similar?”
“Sashimi is typically only made from certain special types of seafood, but Merfolk raw cuisine doesn’t care about the species—and there aren’t even any seasonings.”
“How should I put it… Fina, what you’re saying sounds so unbelievable that I can’t tell if it’s true or not.”
Sometimes, things that sound too absurd actually turn out to be true.
Thinking about it, making fire underwater is basically impossible, so what’s called ‘dietary habits’ might just be forced compromise.
“Of course it’s true. Even though I haven’t experienced it myself, it’s all recorded in historical documents of various races, so it’s definitely not something I made up.”
“That really does sound tough.”
Liuli didn’t really want to describe it so bluntly, but upon reflection, there wasn’t a better way.
“Exactly. That’s why everyone eats cooked food now. Only in very special occasions, like certain rituals, do people eat raw fish.”
“Since that’s the case, Fina, are you used to food from the land?”
Liuli remembered that the Saint Laia Academy wasn’t located near the sea.
Of course, with the abilities of these noble ladies, eating seafood wouldn’t be difficult, but since they were on the mainland, wouldn’t their tastes gradually shift as well?
“Actually, starting from our generation, we’ve begun to adapt to all kinds of food. But if I can choose, I still prefer seafood.”
After enjoying a pleasant dinner with Fina, Liuli and Yuli returned to Qingli Hall.
Opening the door, they saw Serveyia sitting leisurely on the sofa, sipping black tea.
For some reason, seeing Serveyia like this made Liuli feel guilty, like a husband coming home late to face a wife waiting for an explanation.
“Yuli, thank you for your hard work today. Go rest first.”
Alright.
After hearing Serveyia’s words, Liuli felt her heart freeze.
What did this mean? Dismissing everyone else to administer private punishment?
“Serveyia, um, you’re not angry, are you?”
To be honest, Liuli wasn’t sure what reason Serveyia would have to be upset.
After all, it was her request that Liuli went out, and she had even informed Serveyia about dining with Fina.
Under these circumstances, logically, Serveyia shouldn’t be angry.
“I’m not, little fox.”
“Then…”
Liuli’s gaze followed the direction Yuli had left, her meaning obvious.
If Serveyia wasn’t angry, why send Yuli away?
“Yuli worked overtime today, so letting her rest early is normal, isn’t it?”
After saying this, Serveyia’s expression softened a lot.
“Did you have fun shopping with Fina today?”
“…Yes.”
She had to admit, even though it was embarrassing at first, the outcome was undeniably positive.
She had even become friends with Fina, strengthening their relationship.
“I also got to see a different side of Fina.”
“So your relationship is so good that you’re exchanging gifts already?”
“Eh?”
“What’s with that silly look, little fox? Did you forget where the shopping card came from? I can see every expense on the bill here.”
“Uh…”
“I’m not blaming you. Gifts are indeed a good way to deepen bonds—I’m sure you’ve already experienced that, little fox.”
Yes.
In fact, this method worked so well it was almost ridiculous.
Liuli couldn’t help but wonder, if she hadn’t given that gift to Fina, would their relationship have progressed so quickly?
“The only thing I need to remind you, little fox, is that if you really want to give gifts, don’t be too biased.”
“But I prepared a gift for you too, Serveyia!”
Liuli hurriedly said.
She couldn’t help it—Serveyia’s words were laced with obvious jealousy.
“I bought you a gemstone, though it’s still being processed…”
“That’s not what I meant—though I’m truly happy you’re giving me a gift, little fox—I was referring to others. Fina isn’t the type to keep things secret, especially happy ones.”
“If you give her a gift today, by tomorrow everyone in a small circle will know. While everyone is understanding, deep down they might still feel uncomfortable.”
“…Alright.”
Liuli really hadn’t considered that.
To her, the others weren’t exactly friends, but thinking about it, she had even prepared a gift for Yuli.
Not giving them anything would feel wrong.
Liuli had been used to acting as she pleased, but now that she had to maintain relationships, there were many things she needed to pay attention to.
“It’s good you understand, little fox, but you don’t need to go out of your way. Just be mindful in the future when you meet them.”
“Okay, I will.”
“And once again, thank you for the gift you gave me.”