As the sun dipped below the horizon, the scorching heat began to fade, and the cicadas that had been chirping all day gradually fell silent. Yet compared to the sleeping islands around the sea, the castle still felt stiflingly hot.
Drenched in sweat, Evelyn ascended to the second floor and pushed open the bedroom door, where a sudden chill enveloped her.
"Thank you for today's test," said Shujian, the eldest Witch in the Gongzhu Association, with a smile. "How was it? Any issues?" She was a mature and efficient woman with black hair. Despite their brief acquaintance of just one day, she had already sensed the care and concern from the other party.
"I... don't know," Evelyn replied with a hint of frustration. "Everyone else had used their abilities. When it was my turn, Your Highness only asked a few questions before dismissing me. Does that mean... he thinks I'm useless?" She handed the book and offered a glass of iced water. "There are no inherently useless abilities—only ones yet to be unlocked. That's what Your Highness Roland always says to us, so you needn' t worry about that." "But..." She took the glass, hesitating before continuing.
"Feeling sidelined for fear of being useless?" Shu Juan chuckled. "The old Gongzhu Guild might have been the culprit, but in Border Town, Your Highness never discriminated against any witch—this hummingbird can vouch for it." The girl, rummaging through her clothes in the cabinet, lifted her head. "That's pretty much it. Lately, we've had nothing to do—me, Muyue, Lily, and Miss Nanawa. Your Highness even encouraged us to play Quan Te cards to pass the time." "Pass the time?" Evelyn stared wide-eyed.
"Well, that's quite remarkable, isn't it? He says to work hard when busy and play happily when idle," the hummingbird paused. "But I think Your Highness still has a slight bias—he clearly favors Anna." "That was the first Witch he met, so naturally his feelings run deeper," the bookworm tapped her head. "Quickly tidy up your clothes, or the running water will run out." Then she turned to Evelyn. "Come with us too." "Where?" the latter asked, stunned.
"Taking a shower," the scholar smiled, "is the most delightful thing in midsummer." As Evelyn followed the two into the bathroom, she couldn't help but exclaim in surprise. It felt like stepping into a vast prairie, with a sea of clouds and mountains stretching before her. The sunset's afterglow streamed through the window, casting golden hues on the walls and painting the clouds with a golden glow.
"This is—" "A true masterpiece of Soroya," the scroll chuckled, "far from a conventional decorative painting—you'll see when you take off your shoes." Evlyn carefully slipped her wooden sandals into the shoe cabinet by the doorway. The moment she stepped barefoot onto the "prairie," she understood the meaning. The soft, velvety texture beneath her feet resembled lush green grass, its tips glistening with dewdrops as if fresh from a heavy rain.
Shu Juan removed her clothes and untied her ponytail, letting her jet-black hair cascade down. She approached the wall, twisted the knob, and the showerhead above her head suddenly sprayed dozens of water jets, enveloping her in a mist.
"How's it? Pretty convenient, right?" the hummingbird handed her a plump object. "This is Your Highness's invention-a bath product that feels absolutely amazing when used with your shower. Come on, let me show you how to use it."
When Evelyn returned to the room, her whole body felt a little lighter.
She had never experienced such a soothing bath. When soap lathered her body and was rinsed away with cold water, the sticky sensation vanished instantly, replaced by a refreshing smoothness. After changing into clean clothes, the stifling air felt unexpectedly cool. Lifting her arms, she could still catch the lingering scent of roses on her skin.
Is this the daily life of a Witch in the Witchcraft Society?
Evelyn still found it hard to believe. Born in the outer suburbs of the royal capital, she grew up running a tavern where most patrons were farmers. Yet their conversations inevitably revolved around the nobles of the inner city and their extravagant lifestyles—she'd heard tales of wine-filled gold-plated bathtubs and milk baths sprinkled with rose petals. But none of those tales could compare to her own experience today. At least, Evelyn didn't find bathing in wine or milk particularly pleasant.
Given that Castle's owner was a true Prince, it was only natural for him to value comfort and pleasure. But the fact that the witches were living a life on par with the royal nobility was utterly unimaginable to her. Before reaching the Sleeping Island, even maintaining a simple, peaceful existence had been a luxury.
"Haven't you had your fill?" Shuluan wiped her hair dry and braided it again. "It's almost time for dinner. Let's head to the main hall." In the first-floor reception room, a long wooden table was already laden with assorted dishes. Evelyn counted roughly—six bowls of meat alone, along with egg custard, vegetable soup, and roasted mushrooms. The feast was no less lavish than last night's welcome banquet.
When the other witches arrived, everyone began to eat. She noticed some people used wooden sticks instead of knives and forks to pick up food, and Your Highness did the same—he rarely even picked up a knife or fork, his wooden stick darting up and down with remarkable agility. The food in the serving bowl also lacked large chunks of meat or whole chickens and ducks—unlike the usual fare in taverns, the steak was cut into small pieces, the wild boar leg was boneless, and it was served straight to the mouth.
As the dinner drew to a close, Your Royal Highness suddenly clapped his hands. "I've recently developed two new inventions that I plan to market as products. While their effectiveness remains uncertain, I'd like you to test them first and share your thoughts." "What are they? Are they edible?" "Sure, I'll try!" "And my gourds!" The witches of the Guild erupted in cheers. Evelyn stared blankly at the scroll, which the Highness explained with a smile: "Your Highness often invents novel items like the soap you used earlier, perfumes, chopsticks, ice cream... Before mass production, he always lets us test them." "Cough, cough," Prince cleared his throat. "The first item is baijiu. Compared to common wheat or fruit wines, it has a richer flavor and is more intoxicating. Therefore, underage witches must not participate." "Your Highness, that's prejudice!" Lightning protested. "I can drink more than those adult sailors!" "That's not acceptable either." "Mmm..." The young girl pouted, while Roland remained unmoved. He ordered his attendants to serve the prepared baijiu and distribute it to adult witches.
Evelyn was served three crystal glasses of wine, each with a distinct hue: one clear as water, another milky white, and the last a radiant orange-yellow. Under the flickering candlelight, faint particles floated on the surface, resembling unfiltered fruit wine.
"These are baijiu blended with apple juice, milk, and pure baijiu," Roland explained. "You can add ice to taste—the more, the milder the flavor." He smiled at Evelyn and continued, "You've been to the tavern in the royal capital and know how to brew different types of liquor. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this new brew." Evelyn's heart skipped a beat. She lifted her cup of orange-colored liquor and took a sip. As Your Highness had said, the baijiu's flavor was far stronger than the malt liquor, even slightly harsh, with a hint of bitterness on her tongue. But the fresh scent of apples softened it, followed by the liquor's own rich aroma. The flavors layered in her mouth, and for the first time, she savored such exceptional wine.
The liquor blended with milk has a milder profile, with the bitterness almost completely eliminated. She could detect that, besides the milk, some honey or sugar was likely added, creating a unique flavor profile where the sweetness harmonizes with the wine's aroma.
By the time the final glass was served, Evelyn was already brimming with anticipation. She took a small sip, and the scalding sensation instantly rolled over her tongue and throat—as she had anticipated, free from any interference of other flavors, only the pure taste of wine remained. First came the fiery sensation, followed by a sweetness concealed beneath the bitterness.
"The three cups all have... an unforgettable taste," she said, setting down her cup and taking a deep breath. "Your Highness, some may find its intense aroma too strong, but I believe true connoisseurs would never resist such a rich and mellow flavor." "Is that so?" Roland chuckled. "Perfect. This isn't the strongest spirit yet—I can enhance its richness further. You'll taste it later." "Eh," she mused, though slightly puzzled. "Is he here to test his new wine?" "Yes, Your Highness," she replied. After the wine cups and plates were cleared, Your Royal Highness ordered the servants to place a stack of boxes on the long table.
"This is the second new item, and it's a little gift I plan to give you," he paused, "a special piece of clothing."