The pathways of Palieu, the Flower Capital, were filled with the fresh fragrance of flowers and the scent of morning dew, mingling with the rich aroma of roasting coffee beans drifting from distant cafes.
As the two walked along, conversation ran dry once more.
"Meow, meow..."
Boss Cat looked up, studying Lanqi and Talia.
It seemed the two really weren't having a telepathic conversation this time—they simply had no idea what to talk about.
It remembered Lanqi teaching Loren last time: on a first date, if you aren't sure about the other person's hobbies and interests, it's best not to start a topic rashly, lest you back yourselves into a conversational dead end that leaves both parties awkward.
Even if you run out of things to say, never resort to low-effort questions like "What's your favorite color?" or "What's your favorite food?" Once answered, the topic is dead, and the awkwardness only worsens.
Yet at this moment...
Lanqi knew Talia's interests all too well.
And anything he could bring up would only revolve around food.
Thus, he seemed to have hit a dead end of his own, at a loss for how to start a conversation with her.
One could only say that Master Lan truly struggled to handle Tata.
Tata was unlike normal girls.
Along the streets of the old district they passed, the morning bustle was beginning. Some locals rushed off to work, while others lingered before roadside storefronts. Inside a small bakery, the baker was handing freshly baked croissants and soft baguettes to early-rising patrons; the piping-hot, golden pastries glistened, lightly dusted with fine granules of sugar.
The two strolled quietly along the Selena River. A gentle breeze brushed against their faces, creating soft ripples across the water's surface. Now and then, a white pigeon or two would flutter into the air, tracing graceful arcs across the sky before landing lightly upon the bridge railings, gazing serenely at the waking city.
"Lanqi, what's your favorite food?" Talia suddenly asked.
It seemed she, too, felt that staying silent for so long was putting a damper on things, hardly fitting Professor Bolao's description of a date that fosters synergy. Thus, she decided to take the initiative.
"...?"
Lanqi looked at Tata, his brain momentarily short-circuiting.
"Have we really never hung out like this before?" He furrowed his brows. He couldn't shake the overpowering sense of déjà vu. It felt as if he had already lived through this very day in a dream.
"Strictly speaking, yes," Talia said with certainty.
Previously, she and Lanqi had only ever shared meals, spent time together on business, or run into each other by chance. Agreeing to head out together first thing in the morning with no particular destination in mind was truly a first.
"How strange." Lanqi scratched his head.
"What, is being with me that boring?" Talia's tone carried its usual lack of inquisitive inflection.
"Not at all. It's just that I feel like I know you too well, so I'm trying to figure out what we should talk about." Lanqi voiced his honest thoughts plainly.
"What do you know?" Talia looked straight ahead down the road, speaking calmly without a ripple of emotion.
She disliked how Lanqi always acted as though he understood her completely.
"I know what you want to eat every morning, noon, afternoon, and night," he said.
"..."
The unvarnished answer annoyed Talia a little, yet she found herself unable to stay mad.
After all, she truly felt that having someone understand her to such an extent was plenty satisfying, and a hard-won friendship besides.
"How much longer until our destination?"
The unfamiliar yet beautiful scenery drifted slowly past Talia's eyes. She didn't know the way, but she was certain Lanqi had studied the map of Palieu carefully beforehand.
On either side of the street, the lush green leaves of the plane trees swayed gently in the breeze, whispering their timeless melody to every passerby.
"About half an hour or so? How does that sound?" Lanqi asked.
If Talia found it too long, they could always take public transit instead.
"It's fine," Talia replied.
During Miss Zhuzhu's date last time, her date had been very reliable in this regard, putting a woman at ease so she could follow along without having to worry about route planning at all.
It seemed Lanqi also possessed this rare virtue.
"By the way, how do you know the way?" Talia thought it was one thing in Ikelite, but finding the right route so quickly in a foreign land without even checking a map was another matter.
"Because I have this." Lanqi pulled a small booklet from his pocket: *A Map of the Flower Capital Even a Three-Year-Old Can Understand*. "As the saying goes, a fall into the pit, a gain in your wit. I've become quite good at reading maps on my own now."
Since it wasn't very far and the auction wouldn't start for a while, walking allowed them to take in the sights of Palieu and keep an eye out for decent dessert shops along the way.
Above all, neither was in any hurry; compared to a fast-paced life, they preferred letting things unfold naturally.
"Not bad. It seems there are some things I don't need to teach you after all," Talia commented.
She had no idea who had helped cultivate these fine habits in Lanqi, but as long as she reaped the benefits, that was good enough.
"I think Posen cuisine will satisfy you quite well," Lanqi mentioned.
Boss Cat had a revelation in his hands.
When faced with a conversation killer like "What's your favorite food?", all you had to do was pivot to a similar topic.
"Then introduce me to Posen cuisine," Talia said nonchalantly.
She decided to test how much homework he had done.
Although she and Lanqi weren't on a date for the reasons Miss Zhuzhu had been, and she wouldn't be mad even if he gave a perfunctory answer, she was curious about how much thought Lanqi had put into this.
"Then you've asked the right person. The cuisine of the Kingdom of Posen is famous for innovation. As the heart of Posen, Palieu, the Flower Capital, offers a rich variety of culinary experiences, from luxury restaurants to back-alley bistros and dessert shops," Lanqi began earnestly, explaining to Talia beside him. "Broadly speaking, Posen cooking emphasizes seasonal, high-quality ingredients, including fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, and seafood. This meticulous selection ensures both flavor and nutrition. From basic pan-frying, stir-frying, and roasting to more complex methods like braising, stewing, and poaching, every technique is designed to maximize the natural flavors of the ingredients."
He gestured as he spoke, looking as if he were giving Talia a lecture.
And Talia was listening with remarkable rapt attention, giving slight nods from time to time.
Boss Cat watched the two of them.
They went on chatting like this for over ten minutes.
Both remained thoroughly engaged.
One talked, one listened, their attention entirely fixed on each other, barely even watching where they were going.
"Tata, let me tell you, sauces and seasonings are indispensable to Posen cuisine. They add depth and complexity to dishes. Beyond the five mother sauces, there are countless variations, all striving for a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color once seasoned. Each region of Posen also boasts its own distinct culinary tradition, from the seafood of the north to the Mediterranean flavors of the south, and the rustic country dishes of the central regions. The culinary diversity reflects the nation's rich cultural and geographical heritage."
Famous Posen-style pastries, cheeses, and beverages were accompaniments not to be missed.
At this point, Lanqi finally wrapped up his overview, while Talia was already feeling a little hungry.
"Passing grade," Talia praised.
"...You rarely praise me," Lanqi said, looking slightly taken aback.
He hadn't expected Talia to toss out a compliment out of the blue.
"Hmph."
Talia didn't answer, letting out only a soft hum from the corner of her lips.
Although her face remained expressionless as ever, her mood seemed a bit better than usual.
"You two, meow! The moment you start chatting, you forget all about me!" Boss Cat complained, looking at them.
"Didn't you stop talking on your own?" Lanqi looked down at the loaf of black bread in his hands.
"..."
Boss Cat had no rebuttal.
The way the two had been completely absorbed in each other just now left no room for anyone else to chime in.
Perhaps succeeding in collaborative card making required maintaining that very kind of mutual absorption.
"Meow, meow, meow, at the Flower Capital auction house we're heading to, can we buy employment contracts for demon workers or something?" Boss Cat decided to switch to a topic it could join in on.
"Uh, you want a demon employee?" Lanqi asked, somewhat uncertainly.
"Mm-hmm, meow! After seeing Lisanci, I feel our restaurant could hire a demon chef to add some specialty dishes." Boss Cat nodded eagerly.
It had been terrified of demons before.
Only after interacting with Lisanci on the airship did it realize there were actually demons so gentle and friendly.
Now it was sorely tempted to recruit an employee skilled in demon cooking to bring back.
Most importantly, professional demon chefs from the Kingdom of Posen might be skilled at preparing attribute-boosting magical cuisine! It wanted to offer magical cuisine in its own shop too. By watching, learning, and asking questions from the sidelines from time to time, it might even become a little kitten proficient in magical cuisine!
Hiring one demon shouldn't be a problem; human employees still made up the vast majority in their restaurant, so they wouldn't be heavily investigated by the Hutton Security Bureau, the Food Business Hygiene Department, or the United Council of Kingdoms during this year's annual inspection.
"Lanqi, would there be any issues bringing a demon back?" Boss Cat asked, seeking Lanqi's advice with a hint of concern regarding legal risks.
Otherwise, if something went wrong and it got exposed, it would severely damage its reputation. It still wanted to live a long, peaceful life in the Hutton Kingdom.
"Go ahead, hire whoever you like, it's fine," Lanqi said, stroking it.
At this stage, hiring a hundred demons wouldn't make a difference.
"That's wonderful, meow!" Boss Cat rolled around with joy.
"Why are the Kingdom of Posen's August festivities linked to the recent surge in activity at the Petras Auction House?" Talia muttered in confusion as she walked beside them.
Last night at Countess Asturias's manor, she and Lanqi had heard Countess Rosalinda mention that August coincided with a peak period of trading volume at the Petras Auction House, so they might encounter pleasant surprises there, such as rare treasures on sale.
Aside from the Kingdom of Posen's cuisine, she hadn't paid much attention to anything else regarding the country before setting off.
"On one hand, it's Posen's national holiday, and the Platinum-rank card maker exam has drawn a massive crowd of card makers to spectate, driving up spending. On the other hand, it's the final transfer window for the Flower Capital Holy Grail Familiar Tournament. Contracts for promising rookies and covenants for renowned familiars are likely to be auctioned there," Lanqi explained.
As long as she didn't ask something that stuck in his throat like "Why are we in prison?", he would answer conscientiously.
There had originally been discussions this year about canceling the upcoming Flower Capital Holy Grail Familiar Tournament.
Since almost all participating demons held private covenants, which were more susceptible to curses than citizen safety covenants, analysis suggested a heightened risk of cursed demons going berserk on-site and causing safety hazards. The Palieu City Hall had prepared to shut it down.
However, the Senate's stance seemed to favor letting the tournament proceed.
If the mastermind behind the forbidden curse dared to make a move, the Posen authorities were determined to seize upon any leads.
"Great Wizard Palroni's curses have been breaking out frequently across the Kingdom of Posen lately. If the mastermind aims to sabotage relations between humans and demons within Posen, these events are the perfect stage," Talia said, folding her arms.
She felt as though a thread were connecting everything. Though there were no definitive clues yet, she could sense a causal link.
"I'll buy tickets so we can go watch," Lanqi said. Watching the tournament had already been part of his plan.
The history of the Flower Capital Holy Grail Tournament they were discussing could be traced back to the reign of King Lanyi XIV of Posen, spanning roughly three hundred years.
Originally, the tournament served as a means to resolve commercial disputes, avoiding open violent conflict and potential disruption to commerce.
Enterprises or merchants would hire champions to fight on their behalf in arena contests, settling disputes and competition this way; the winner of the match decided the outcome of the dispute.
Over time, this system evolved into a massive league involving not only commercial conflicts, but also struggles for power within the Kingdom of Posen.
"Works for me," Talia agreed, thoroughly enjoying the experience of having someone arrange everything for the trip.
This journey to the Kingdom of Posen felt partly like official business and partly like a vacation; though danger seemed to lurk beneath the surface, it was actually quite relaxing.
"Get me one too! Buy a ticket for me, meow!" Boss Cat chimed in, terrified of being left behind.
"I know, I know," Lanqi assured it.
The rules of the Flower Capital Holy Grail Familiar Tournament were straightforward: the primary objective was simply to determine a victor. While specific rules might vary by match, the core principles remained constant.
Participants had to represent an enterprise or individual, referred to as the "employer." Each employer could select one champion as their representative in the competition.
"The champions can be demons or humans, and sometimes rare races uncommon in Posen like fairies or beastmen. In recent years, though, demon champions have been the most prevalent. Famous contestants generally sign long-term contracts and fight continuously for their employers," Lanqi explained to Boss Cat and Talia, sharing what he knew about the tournament.
The bouts were essentially no-holds-barred, permitting any combat technique or strategy. The goal was to incapacitate the opponent until one side could no longer fight or formally surrendered. Later, with the introduction of artificial Shadow Worlds, casualties were completely eliminated.
Of course, some employers were merely wealthy without knowing how to train champions, so they hired coaches and training teams to cultivate the champions they owned.
Per agreement, the match outcomes directly influenced business interests, negotiation results, and even contractual ownership between employers.
Every August, a knockout tournament took place, broadcast across the eastern region to major powers like the Kingdom of Aloran and the Hutton Kingdom.
"Don't you go participating, meow! I'm afraid High Priest Loren would be reminded of that incident last year when the Ikelite City Hall publicly reprimanded you. And if Hubao saw you on screen, she wouldn't be able to sit still either," Boss Cat whispered into Lanqi's ear after hopping onto his shoulder.
It already recognized Lanqi as a legendary coach.
"Rest easy. The fierce competitive matches are over; now it's time for me to learn how to leisurely enjoy myself," Lanqi replied, patting the cat's head.
"..."
Talia also remembered that day vividly.
Terrified that someone might discover her connection to Lanqi, mistake her for a demon, and revoke her kingdom citizenship, she had slipped away early.
As it turned out, her decision was spot-on; the event ultimately devolved into a massive incident that hit the news.
She had no idea how Lanqi had turned five cheerful, sunny third-year students into an elite slaughter unit of the Demon King's Army.
Then again, the Poet of Great Love must have played a huge part in that.
Now that the Poet of Great Love was banned, Lanqi definitely couldn't pull any stunts.
For the moment, she chose to believe Lanqi's words.
"Word has it that Duke Mikhail once entered as an employer and won the championship, and after his victory, he granted the champion her freedom," Lanqi suddenly recalled, sharing the tidbit with Talia and Boss Cat.
Just as Countess Rosalinda had said, this country was filled with legendary tales left behind by Duke Mikhail. Not bringing Hyperion along was truly a bit of a shame.
Then again, even if Hyperion had come, she probably wouldn't feel much; she always thought her dad was rather mediocre.
"Why did he enter?"
Talia knew Hyperion's ducal household was in no way short of money.
The annual knockout tournament primarily served to raise the market value of the contestants. The championship prize of 3,000 pounds and a choice of Pink Sacred materials wasn't much to an employer, and it held even less appeal for Duke Mikhail.
Though honors, medals, and the like were also awarded, Hyperion had told her that the ducal manor had almost run out of space for such things. Hyperion's father had never cared about fame; otherwise, he wouldn't have married Ephatia.
"The reason Duke Mikhail gave in an interview was very simple: he just wanted to please Lady Ephatia. She really liked watching the matches," Lanqi replied, throwing up his hands.
"Oh."
In that case, Talia could understand.
Ephatia truly loved a spectacle and never minded when chaos broke out; as long as her own house didn't blow up, she could lie there without caring in the slightest.
"Was his champion a demon, then?" Talia asked further.
Hiring demons for this line of work seemed very popular in this country, which was why the competition had even come to be known as the Familiar Tournament.
"She was indeed a demon, apparently named Aetio. She wasn't highly regarded at the time, but Mikhail recognized her talent with his keen eye, teaching her many skills and insights that spurred her rapid growth into someone exceptionally formidable, ultimately fighting her way to the championship," Lanqi recounted the story he had read that morning in the tournament record book. "Mikhail's former champion partner is now said to be a powerful lord in the Posen Demon Realm. Having originally been enslaved as a convict, she regained her freedom over a decade ago and began a new life."
The Posen Demon Realm was currently divided among several demon lords who served as its highest decision-makers, dealing directly with the Senate of the Kingdom of Posen.
For instance, Executioner Nigel's former mentor was also a lord of the Posen Demon Realm.
"Wait, meow! What if she fell for Mikhail because of his kindness and their journey together, only to never be able to speak of it, while Mikhail's only reason for helping her was to please Ephatia? How would she feel then?" Boss Cat interrupted Lanqi to ask.
"Uh... probably not," Lanqi pondered, feeling that Boss Cat was far too romantic-minded. "That's way too twisted."
It shouldn't be the case.
Given Countess Rosalinda's description of Mikhail and Ephatia's daily life together, he couldn't imagine what kind of torment every single day would have been for that champion if she had harbored deep feelings for Mikhail.
Besides, it was impossible that there was yet another woman in Posen who wanted to be Hyperion's mother.
That demon named Aetio might check the boxes of "demon aura" and "aloof," but she lacked the most crucial trait: "an eight-hundred-year aged vintage."
Hyperion would reject her on the spot.
"..."
Talia stared at Lanqi, her thumb pressing down on the knuckle of her index finger, producing a soft pop.
There didn't seem to be any police nearby.
"Still, Lady Caliera is truly charismatic. Back in the Demon Realm, many great demons answered to her. Ordinary demons couldn't even compare," Lanqi suddenly mused aloud.
"..."
Hearing that Lanqi was talking about Caliera, Lord of the Fallen, Talia released her hand.
Besides, the subtext of Lanqi's words was clear—
If Caliera possessed charisma, how could she herself be any different?
"You two are whispering in private again, meow!"
Hearing Lanqi's seemingly disjointed comment and seeing the expressive micro-expressions passing between the two, Boss Cat knew it had been shut out once more!
Chapter 670