After lunch, Aurelian Dragon, accompanied by Obsidia Shade and Cynthia, two bodyguards who never left his side, left the Eastern Governor's Office and headed towards the Western Gate. He was going to find a deserter under his command, a deserter of very high status, at the location that a subordinate had told him that morning.
Both Obsidia Shade and Cynthia had changed into men's clothing. The petite Obsidia Shade was dressed as a pageboy for the Aurelian Dragon, while the voluptuous Cynthia looked like an exceptionally handsome attendant.
"Where is there a servant more attractive or popular with women than his master? Bringing Cynthia out this time was a huge mistake!"
The men, unable to bear the constant jeers and whispers directed at them, kept grumbling, which caused the two already eye-catching women beside them to giggle. The reason for the men's anger was simple: the flirtatious glances from the young girls were directed at the fake Cynthia beside him, while some men with homosexual tendencies were drooling over the handsome and dashing pageboy; no one paid any attention to him.
For this man, it was simply unbearable that beautiful young women wouldn't even glance at him.
Obsidia Shade approached her master and whispered, "My lord, it's all your fault for making us dress up like this. Look at the way people are looking at us, it's so boring!"
Before Aurelian Dragon could reply, Cynthia on the other side went even further, moving closer to him and making a provocative gesture of intimacy to those who were giving her the eye, completely forgetting that she was dressed as a man.
Seeing the regretful and puzzled looks in their eyes, Aurelian Dragon couldn't help but burst into laughter. He suddenly put his arm around one of them and swaggered through the market, leaving behind a trail of broken glasses.
When they reached the alley entrance, Aurelian Dragon released his arms from the two women. Obsidia Shade stood behind him, her pretty face flushed, trying to hide her shyness by adjusting her clothes. She was both delighted and afraid of her master's audacity, because she never knew what this man would do next. But it was precisely this that created a strange sense of excitement.
Cynthia, who had never understood the true meaning of relationships between men and women, was not uncomfortable at all. She still stood gracefully beside Aurelian Dragon. In her opinion, whatever the man beside her did was only right.
While embracing the two women, Aurelian Dragon truly appreciated Cynthia's fullness and softness, something he had never experienced with any other woman. He immediately recalled the flawless body Cynthia had displayed before him that day.
"When I get back, I'm going to find a chance to get my hands on Cynthia and see what the leader of the goddess warriors is like in bed."
Aurelian Dragon glanced at Cynthia's radiant face and secretly made his decision. The goddess warrior leader beside him was completely unaware of her master's lustful thoughts; she continued to dutifully follow behind Aurelian Dragon.
Is this the alley?
Aurelian Dragon, regaining his composure, gazed at the narrow road before him and muttered to himself. He glanced at the road sign again; indeed, this was "Wanghu Lane."
The alley was quiet and secluded, with lush green cypress trees planted on both sides. Following the bluestone-paved path, Aurelian Dragon and his companions walked all the way to the end of the alley.
Suddenly, the view opened up before me, revealing a small, exquisite shop with a signboard bearing three powerful characters: "Linhu Residence".
"Linhu Residence" is not large and appears somewhat old, but it is very clean, which shows that the owner of this place has a lot of cultural refinement.
Furthermore, "Lakeside Residence" faces the most famous "Jade Belt Lake" in the capital city of Esnia, so a winding corridor and elegant pavilion were built near the lake, with a chair. One can imagine that when night falls, you can invite a few close friends to slowly sip wine in the winding corridor and elegant pavilion outside the store, watching the moonlight like a jade plate and the shimmering reflection in the lake, surrounded by the silvery light of the sky. The mood is truly beautiful.
It was already past 3:45 PM, but all seven seats in the shop were still full. What Aurelian Dragon and his companions found strange was that no one in the shop spoke loudly; everyone was talking in hushed tones, as if afraid of ruining the atmosphere of the place.
Aurelian Dragon immediately recognized the person he was looking for. This was not because the person was particularly powerful, nor did he know the person beforehand. It was simply because the person's aura was so outstanding that he would be the center of attention in any situation.
Aurelian Dragon winked at Obsidia Shade and Cynthia, and the three of them walked into the refreshing "Lakeside Residence".
"Excuse me, gentlemen, our restaurant is full!"
A cute-looking waiter approached and apologized to the three guests in a gentle voice.
"This shop is staffed entirely by female waitresses!" The man, with his sharp eyes, had already taken in the entire scene in a single glance and couldn't help but feel curious.
The shop was elegantly decorated, with a distinctly feminine atmosphere, and two female waitresses were walking around. While female waitresses existed in hotels in the Fast Empire, it was extremely rare for all of them to be women.
"Could this be a brothel?" The well-informed man naturally assumed such a place. However, he quickly dismissed the idea, because judging from her tightly pressed eyebrows, prominent nose, and the way she walked, he knew that the woman before him was a virgin.
"We're here to see him!" Obsidia Shade pointed to the man sitting on the throne in the arcade.
The waitress glanced at the handsome man over there and gave him a bright smile.
"So you're friends of Lucian Swiftfire!"
Aurelian Dragon walked over to Lucian Swiftfire's table and sat down opposite him without any hesitation.
"Isn't it boring to sit and drink alone?"
Sitting next to Lucian Swiftfire, Aurelian Dragon realized just how handsome this guy was. With his sword-like eyebrows, bright eyes, red lips, and large ears, his face was as handsome as jade. He was someone who could rival Prince Elnario and Zhu Dejun. Moreover, Lucian Swiftfire exuded a faint scholarly air, which made his gentleness and strength blend together perfectly.
"May I ask who you are...?"
A hint of doubt flickered in Lucian Swiftfire's bright eyes. He seemed completely unfamiliar with the man before him, who, while not conventionally handsome, possessed a captivating charm. Yet, the man's tone sounded strangely familiar. Moreover, his sharp eyes immediately recognized the two women standing behind Aurelian Dragon. Though dressed as men, they were both exceptionally beautiful and remarkably skilled in martial arts. Who could be the man with such two attendants?
Aurelian Dragon casually picked up a wine glass, poured some wine to wash it, and then casually splashed the wine into the lake.
"Hey, hey, this wine is very precious!"
Lucian Swiftfire was too late to stop her and said with a heavy heart.
"Oh, really?" Aurelian Dragon nonchalantly poured himself a glass of wine. "What good wine could a little shop like this have?" With that, he picked up the glass and downed it in one gulp.
"Fine wine!!" As the wine entered his throat, a sweet and refreshing flavor arose spontaneously, fragrant and mellow. It was a wine that Aurelian Dragon had never tasted before, and he couldn't help but exclaim in praise.
Lucian Swiftfire shook his head, sighed, grabbed the flask, added some to his glass, and held onto it tightly, seemingly determined not to give Aurelian Dragon another chance.
"Who are you? I don't think I've ever seen you before," Lucian Swiftfire began to tell him to leave.
Aurelian Dragon licked her lips, seemingly savoring the wine she had just tasted, and stared at Lucian Swiftfire, saying, "You took sick leave, but came here to enjoy yourself. You're really something!"
Lucian Swiftfire paused, a look of surprise flashing in her eyes as she stared at Aurelian Dragon and said, "You are..."
Taking advantage of the moment, Aurelian Dragon snatched the wine jug from his hand, poured himself another cup, and then smiled, saying, "Now you know who I am, don't you?"
Lucian Swiftfire finally matched the rumored person with the person in front of him.
"You are the newly arrived Governor-General of the East?"
"Indeed, I am Aurelian Dragon!" Aurelian Dragon calmly picked up his wine glass, took a sip, let the fragrant liquid roll around in his mouth a few times before slowly swallowing, because this time he was going to savor this wine that he had never tasted before.
"You really know how to enjoy yourself! You even managed to find a place like this!"
Lucian Swiftfire couldn't figure out Aurelian Dragon's intentions. Was he here to question her?
He looked at Aurelian Dragon and asked in a deep voice, "May I ask what brings you here, sir?"
"Naturally, we've come to invite you, the patient, to take up a position in the Eastern Governor's Office!" Aurelian Dragon said with a smile.
Lucian Swiftfire turned his gaze to the lake and said softly, "Please forgive me, sir, I am truly ill. I only came here to clear my head."
"Is that so?" Aurelian Dragon finished his wine in one gulp, then looked at the empty glass and said, "No matter what you think, I really want to ask you to come back and help me manage Esnia."
"There are plenty of talented people out there, why would you need to look for me, sir?" Lucian Swiftfire said, looking at Aurelian Dragon. "I'm a dissolute man, aren't you afraid of getting into trouble?"
"Ha, I'm never afraid of trouble!"
Aurelian Dragon looked directly into Lucian Swiftfire's eyes and said sincerely, "Because I am also a dissolute man. Don't you know what they think of me? A lecherous rogue general! Come, be my lieutenant. We can show those guys what kind of things two dissolute men can do."
"How interesting, two dissolute men!" Lucian Swiftfire laughed, half-jokingly adding, "You know what? I don't like you. Because I'm jealous of you, that a man like you can win the favor of Miss Phoenix Vane!"
"Hahaha! That's hilarious!" Lucian Swiftfire laughed. "What makes you better than me? Are you more handsome? Richer? More skilled? Or better at poetry and song?"
For every condition he mentioned, Aurelian Dragon would simply smile and shake his head.
After Lucian Swiftfire finished speaking, Aurelian Dragon slowly added, "I pursue women with superior skills, not some bullshit conditions!"
Lucian Swiftfire stared at Aurelian Dragon for a long time, then exhaled and said, "You're even more surprising than the rumors suggest! But I'm starting to like you, actually." He gestured to a waitress in the distance, then lowered his voice and said, "Do you know why I like staying here?"
Aurelian Dragon laughed and said, "Of course it's because of the wine here. Now I like it here too."
Lucian Swiftfire shook her head, then turned to the waitress who approached her and gave her a smile that made her swoon. "Please bring us another jug of wine and a plate of pastries."
The waitress smiled and left. Lucian Swiftfire then turned to Aurelian Dragon and said, "Did you notice that there aren't any usual snacks to go with drinks on everyone's tables?"
After Lucian Swiftfire's reminder, Aurelian Dragon realized that it was indeed the case. Not only did his table lack the usual snacks to accompany the drinks, but the other tables also lacked the snacks commonly found in taverns. Instead, they only had small and exquisite pastries.
"Because the owner here only sells homemade snacks and wine," Lucian Swiftfire explained to Aurelian Dragon, noticing the confusion in his eyes, "and other guests are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks."
"What a unique shop owner!"
"Yes, the owner of this place is very special!" A strange look flashed in Lucian Swiftfire's eyes. "You can't find a seat here without a reservation!"
"Is it really that popular?" Aurelian Dragon asked, somewhat skeptical.
"Of course, because the pastries here are especially delicious!" Lucian Swiftfire picked up a piece of pastry and put it in his mouth, chewing slowly.
"Really?" Aurelian Dragon didn't hesitate to put the last piece of pastry into his mouth. The small pastry melted in his mouth, filling it with a delicate fragrance, sweet but not cloying, and its delicious taste amazed him.
"The owner of this place makes four baskets of pastries and two jars of homemade wine every day. Once they're sold out, the shop closes. You can sit here, but there's no one to entertain you, and no food or drinks will be served."
"What an interesting shop owner!" Aurelian Dragon remarked with a touch of wistfulness. Lucian Swiftfire had piqued his curiosity; what kind of person would come up with such a rule?
"Oh, she's here!" Lucian Swiftfire said happily.
Aurelian Dragon turned his head and saw a woman dressed as a waitress carrying a tray of food. Her two long braids swayed rhythmically as she walked, which was truly mesmerizing. However, upon seeing the woman's appearance, he couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed.
This was a rather ordinary and unremarkable face. According to Aurelian Dragon, her eyes were just eyes, her nose was just a nose, and there was nothing particularly outstanding about her. If she walked down the street, no one would give her a second glance; she would simply blend into the crowd. The only bright spot about this woman was the vitality and complexion that a young girl should have.
Could this waitress be the owner? What Aurelian Dragon found even stranger was that Lucian Swiftfire beside him was staring intently at this woman, as if she were the most beautiful woman in the world. What was going on?
"Young Master Lucian Swiftfire, here are your things!" The female shopkeeper put the items down and said with a smile.
Aurelian Dragon suddenly realized that this woman was exceptionally beautiful when she smiled. Perhaps it was because her appearance was so ordinary that the contrast was so striking, instantly captivating anyone who saw her smile. This man, accustomed to seeing beautiful women, was surprised to discover the power of a smile to such an extent.
The usually suave and charming Lucian Swiftfire, who had been so confident and eloquent in front of Aurelian Dragon, seemed to have suddenly lost his composure, and said to the shopkeeper with some difficulty, "Thank you, Miss Serena Vale!"
"Ah, I see!" Aurelian Dragon exclaimed in sudden realization, secretly amazed. He smiled at Serena Vale and said, "I never imagined that someone like Miss Serena Vale would be the owner of this shop!"
"Please forgive my poor eyesight, Serena Vale, but I don't think I've ever seen this gentleman before," Serena Vale said with a gentle smile. Even a man accustomed to stunning beauties couldn't help but feel a little moved, because this smile, though the most ordinary, was the most captivating. It didn't evoke any sense of awe or concern about whether they were a good match. Moreover, her demeanor was like that of someone speaking to a neighbor, making one feel incredibly relaxed and at ease.
"Yes, this is my first time here!" Aurelian Dragon answered honestly.
"I see, young master, you've misunderstood!"
Serena Vale explained with a smile, "This shop is owned by my father. He had to go out today, so I'm helping out temporarily."
At this moment, Lucian Swiftfire, who had regained his composure, said from the side, "Serena Vale, Xiaoyu said you are looking for a book, is that true?"
Serena Vale turned to look at another waitress before saying, "Xiaoyu, really, you're so talkative."
"So it's true!" Lucian Swiftfire said eagerly.
Serena Vale looked thoughtful, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "That's right, my father is also looking for this book, and this trip was also for the sake of this book."
"Oh, what important book is it?" Lucian Swiftfire quickly asked.
"Actually, it's nothing. You might even laugh if I told you," Serena Vale replied with a smile. "It's a lost cookbook. My father wanted to see it because someone said it had been found in Qingzhou City."
After saying this, Serena Vale glanced indifferently at Aurelian Dragon, who was staring at her with such blatant eyes. She sensed an unusual domineering aura emanating from the man before her, which frightened her. As someone of unremarkable appearance, she had never experienced such unbridled observation from a man before; his gaze seemed to pierce right through her, making Serena Vale feel, for a moment, as if she were standing naked before him.
A strange thought arose in Serena Vale's mind: the farther away from this man, the better. This thought surprised her; why would she have such feelings for a man she had just met?
Watching Serena Vale flee as if running away, Aurelian Dragon couldn't help but chuckle. This woman was really interesting; she actually managed to escape after being watched so closely.
Lucian Swiftfire stared infatuated at Serena Vale's retreating figure for a long while before saying to Aurelian Dragon, "The reason I've been staying here all this time is because of this young lady, Serena Vale!"
"What?" Aurelian Dragon feigned surprise, even though she already knew what was going on. "There are plenty of women like that. With Lucian Swiftfire's talent, it would be a piece of cake!"
Lucian Swiftfire shook his head with a wry smile and sighed, "She rejected me!"
"What?"
Aurelian Dragon was genuinely surprised. Serena Vale would reject a gentleman like Lucian Swiftfire? Logically, she should be throwing herself at him. It was strange that Serena Vale would push such a man away!
Lucian Swiftfire continued, "You know what? Serena Vale is the first woman since Miss Phoenix Vane to refuse my offer to marry her. Someone as talented and beautiful as me could be rejected by her!! Hehe, the more she rejects me, the more I want her, so I've been keeping her here."
But now, he felt a little sorry for this loser, so he said enthusiastically, "You can think of other ways, like trying to get through Serena Vale's father?"
Lucian Swiftfire glared at Aurelian Dragon and said unhappily, "Your Excellency is mistaken. I am respecting Miss Serena Vale's own choice. Such matters require her consent!"
The man, having been rebuffed, chuckled dryly. Suddenly remembering the two women standing behind him, and not wanting them to look down on him, he quickly nodded and said, "Exactly, exactly! One must always respect the woman one loves!"
Lucian Swiftfire perked up and said, "Does Your Excellency think so too?"
Aurelian Dragon nodded vigorously and said, "That's right, I hate those guys who don't respect women more than anything in my life. If I ever encounter them, I'll teach them a lesson they won't forget!"
Suddenly, Lucian Swiftfire seemed to have met a kindred spirit, and took Aurelian Dragon's hand, saying, "So you think the same way as me, sir! That's rare! I believe that women are born into this world and deserve to be loved and respected by men, so I despise those self-important guys who only know how to play with women."
Aurelian Dragon nodded repeatedly, saying, "Young Master Lucian Swiftfire is absolutely right. Women only become more beautiful and charming when they are respected and loved by men!"
Lucian Swiftfire exclaimed, "Well said! I am truly fortunate to have met a confidant like you, sir!" He paused, then added, "No wonder you have won Miss Phoenix Vane's favor; I truly admire your insight!" His tone had completely changed, unaware that their understanding of respect was vastly different. Aurelian Dragon respected and cherished the beautiful woman he loved, while Lucian Swiftfire extended this respect to a broader, more general sense.
The two men found themselves increasingly congenial, almost as if they had known each other for a long time. This amused and exasperated Obsidia Shade, who was standing behind Aurelian Dragon. She couldn't believe that two grown men would be discussing such matters. To be honest, Aurelian Dragon and Lucian Swiftfire's ideas were completely out of step with the prevailing social norms at the time; even as women themselves, they had never considered these issues.
Lucian Swiftfire poured Aurelian Dragon a glass of wine and said, "Lord Ye may find it strange that I would think of marrying Miss Serena Vale?"
Aurelian Dragon picked up her glass, took a sip, and said with a smile, "Not at all, every woman has her lovely qualities, it's just a matter of whether you've discovered them or not!"
Lucian Swiftfire sighed again, "Lord Ye is indeed extraordinary, to have uttered such insightful remarks that I have been enlightened!" Then he raised his wine glass and said, "Come, let me toast you, sir!"
After setting down his glass, Lucian Swiftfire said sincerely, "Lord Ye, don't let Serena Vale's plain appearance fool you. She has superb culinary skills, a kind heart, and a gentle nature—truly a model of womanhood!" He leaned closer and whispered, "Don't be fooled by the fact that we only offer these pastries; Serena Vale's side dishes are absolutely divine!"
Hearing this, the man, who had a great love for food, looked on with longing and said, "If that's really the case, when can I try Serena Vale's cooking?"
Lucian Swiftfire said with great pride, "Besides me, Miss Serena Vale has never done this for anyone else. I think I am the only one in the world who has ever tried it. Your chances are slim!"
Aurelian Dragon thought to himself, "What's so great about that? It's only once! I'll use some tricks to make Serena Vale cook for me every day, then you'll be thrilled!" Thinking this, his heart skipped a beat, and he exclaimed inwardly, "Goodness, if that's the case, wouldn't I be able to get Serena Vale? That kid's going to be furious!" Countless thoughts raced through his mind, but aloud he repeatedly expressed his envy, praising Lucian Swiftfire's abilities, which delighted Lucian Swiftfire.
After a pot of fine wine, the two became very good friends. Lucian Swiftfire agreed to serve as Aurelian Dragon's lieutenant, taking on his daily security duties.
After arguing for a long time, neither of them would give in, and Lucian Swiftfire couldn't help but say loudly, "If you're really that good, why don't you try to win over Serena Vale and let me see."
"What?" Aurelian Dragon's mouth opened wide enough to swallow two eggs.
"How was it?" Lucian Swiftfire, pleased with his performance, continued, "Do you dare to bet me that if you can win over Serena Vale within a month, I'll acknowledge you as my boss, and I'll follow your lead without question. If you can't, then you'll have to acknowledge me as your boss, hehe, and give me your position as governor of the East, how about it?"
"Hey, Lucian Swiftfire, are you out of your mind?" Aurelian Dragon yelled back without any politeness.
"It's alright." Lucian Swiftfire waved his hand magnanimously, glanced at Serena Vale who was busy in the shop, and said in a low voice, "Anyway, this is a fair competition. If you can win Serena Vale's heart, then I will wish her well, because you are also a man who knows how to cherish women. This is much better than Serena Vale falling into the hands of some other bastard. To be honest, if Serena Vale is won over by some clueless man, I will really be heartbroken."
Upon hearing this, Aurelian Dragon couldn't help but laugh and said, "You little rascal, you must be saying that because you don't have much hope, right?"
Lucian Swiftfire gave a wry smile and said, "Sir, you're really something. I've tried everything, but I just can't win over Miss Serena Vale's heart. But let me make it clear first, you can't use any forceful methods, or I'll turn on you!"
He had indeed seen no hope for himself, so he wanted to see what kind of man could win Serena Vale's heart. He also thought that if Serena Vale was really won over by Aurelian Dragon, he would naturally have a good chance to taste her exquisite cooking if he followed Aurelian Dragon. In this way, even if he couldn't have Serena Vale, if he could taste her cooking, he would have achieved most of his goal.
"So what if you turn your back on me? Do you think I'm afraid of you?" That's what he thought to himself, but then he realized that if he really used force, it would be too humiliating.
Aurelian Dragon glared at him and snapped, "Would I be such a shameless person?" Behind him, Obsidia Shade thought to herself, "I don't think so." She knew her master; the methods he used on her and Lynette Quill were a form of forced sexual intercourse, though they were now enjoying the pleasure he brought them.
At this moment, Aurelian Dragon, who was somewhat tempted, chuckled and tentatively said to Lucian Swiftfire, "Why don't you try to win her heart by catering to her preferences?"
Lucian Swiftfire laughed and said, "How could I not know these tricks? Let me tell you, I've already collected many of Serena Vale's favorite recipes and presented them to her, so now I can enjoy more treatment than others. You know, other people can't drink such good wine. The wine we are drinking now is the Sanqing wine that Serena Vale brewed herself."
"I see!" Aurelian Dragon immediately agreed to Lucian Swiftfire's offer. He figured if a woman had a passion, he could always find a way to win her over. Besides, even just to get free food and wine, he should put in the effort to win over Serena Vale. Plus, with the chance to subdue a master like Lucian Swiftfire, it was definitely a worthwhile deal.