Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
In a huge cave, a tall tree stood over 100 meters high, its trunk so thick that it would take a dozen men with outstretched arms to reach around it. It branched at 50 meters high, with thousands of long, thin branches hanging down, just like a weeping willow. It almost filled up the whole cave.
Each branch had countless green heart-shaped leaves gleaming in the dark, full of life. The branches swayed slightly, illuminating the cave.
Fireflies were flying amid the branches, making the cave look like a dreamland.
Under the big tree, a girl in a white dress was looking up at a firefly on a leaf, her silver hair hanging loose over her shoulder. Her skin was as white as snow, her face was exquisite like a picture, and she had a golden moon between her eyebrows. Her pointy ears were very white and thin, almost translucent. She was frowning as if musing on something.
The branches parted automatically to give her space, seemingly to show their respect and love.
“Princess Irina,” a crisp voice called out from outside the cave. An elf girl in green ran into the cave. The branches seemed to be deliberately teasing her, touching her face and body. She ran over to Irina, panting heavily yet delighted.
“Bean Sprout, what brings you here?” Irina asked, her face still as she was staring at that firefly.
“Princess, you said you wouldn’t call me that again…” Firis made a sour face as she looked at Irina standing under the Tree of Life. Although the princess has given all of us odd nicknames, Bean Sprout is too ugly…
Irina turned to her and nodded as she stared at her chest. “Okay, Bean Sprout. Your breasts grew smaller again. They’ll become paltry plains at this rate.”
“I’m still young. They’ll grow big,” Firis said with confidence as she looked down at her breasts.
Irina shook her head. “No, they won’t. Mine haven’t changed after I passed 18,” she said, looking into her eyes.
Firis fought to keep the sadness out of her voice, but failed. “I haven’t lost faith in them…” she said, biting her lip.
Irina smiled. “I’m bored, so cry if you want to.”
Firis fell silent, giving a wry look. Princess is so annoying, but I can’t make myself angry at her. Then her face lit up. “Princess, I come bearing good news from Rodu.”
Irina raised her voice a little bit. “Tell me.” She lifted her beautiful eyebrows and looked at Firis.
Firis knew this look. It meant the princess was serious. She said quietly, “Snarr said in his secret report that he was fairly positive that your daughter and he are still alive. He had recreated what had happened that day using his ability. He said he will tell you more when he comes back.”
Irina nodded. Her face was a mask, still and betraying nothing, but her fist was clenched tight. Firis was biting her lips, and seemed hesitant. “Leave me if you have nothing else to say. I don’t feel like watching you cry right now,” the princess said as she waved Firis away.
“There is one other thing. Lady Helena recommended again yesterday that the queen found a new heir, and she suggested Lady Sally,” Firis said with a worried look.
Irina nodded. “That old witch has finally found a nice girl. Slug always followed me around when she was little.” Then her voice became chilly. “Helena seems to be in a rush to bite the dust. Apparently, she doesn’t know that if I wanted her dead, nobody could stop me.”
The branches started moving violently, making a whistling sound as if the tree had perceived the change in her mood.
Firis dared not say a word, her head bowed. The Tree of Life had been obeying only Irina since she was 18. She was invincible here.
Irina calmed herself down again. “Leave me,” she said softly.
“Yes, Princess,” Firis said, and walked quickly towards the entrance. The branches parted to let her pass. Then the stone door closed, and everything fell silent again.
Her voice broke the silence. “Amy, Mag, where are you?” All the branches reached upwards, and countless fireflies gathered together and circled around Irina like a ribbon. She stood alone under the tree, lonely.
…
Mag got up early the next day.
Amy and Ugly Duckling were still sleeping soundly. Mag gently kissed Amy on the forehead, and thought, She would be very happy if her mother could kiss her.
Mag stayed with her for a while before he went downstairs to prepare ingredients. Yabemiya came to work before six o’clock as yesterday.
“Good morning, Boss,” Yabemiya said to Mag with a smile. She had worked a long day yesterday and got up early, but didn’t look tired.
Mag nodded. “Good morning, Miya. You really don’t need to come here so early.” He glimpsed half a pancake in her hand.
“I’m used to waking up early, so I think I should come here and help you, but let me finish my breakfast first,” Yabemiya said shyly, and hurriedly stuffed the remaining pancake into her mouth. Some got stuck in her throat in her hurry to swallow it. She coughed, and her face turned red.
“Come in and drink some water,” Mag said quickly. He walked into the kitchen and poured a glass of water for Yabemiya, who was still coughing.
“Thank you,” Yabemiya took the water and drank some. Moments later, she sighed with relief, and felt a little embarrassed.
“Have a rest. I don’t need your help right now, but maybe you can help me taste the new dish later,” Mag said, smiling. Considering the salary and free lunch he offered her, he was a good boss. He was thinking about raising her salary and benefits next month, when he wasn’t in need of money.
After all, the girl worked very hard. His earnings had risen by 30% yesterday, and his workload had decreased a lot. He was very lucky. He judged that she worked harder than two waitresses combined.
“Okay, thank you.” Yabemiya wanted very much to help, but she bit back the words as she watched Mag’s back. She wasn’t very confident that she could help. Such divine food can only be made by boss.
New dish? What is it? She looked at Mag out of curiosity. Yangzhou fried rice and roujiamo are both very delicious. This new dish must be very good too. She became intrigued.
