Late December.
In the early morning on the streets of Palieu, two couples strolled along the old-world lanes of Palieu's North Bank. Mikhail and Iphatia walked ahead, while Lanqi and Talia ambled behind, carrying the cat.
"Today is your first day arriving in Palieu, the City of Flowers in the Kingdom of Posen, and also the last day of December, meow."
"First thing in the morning, you and Tata are already all set for a date—"
On the streets of District 2 on the North Bank of the City of Flowers, Palieu, Boss Cat's announcement had barely reached the halfway mark when Lanqi and Talia clamped hands over its mouth at the exact same moment.
This familiar city of Palieu was divided by the Selena River into the North Bank and the South Bank.
The North Bank was traditionally regarded as the center of academia and the arts, while the South Bank was more commercialized, home to both the Flower Capital Royal Palace and the Senate. The district numbering between north and south was nearly symmetrical: the closer a district was to the riverbank, the smaller the number, and the farther toward the outskirts, the larger. The hotel where they had checked in upon arriving in the City of Flowers, situated in District 2, was practically right by the city center—an extraordinarily bustling locale.
"Meow, meow."
The little black cat shrank its head back, turning back into a quiet loaf of pure-black, sugar-free whole wheat bread in Lanqi's hands.
"Don't bully my little black loaf."
Iphatia snatched Boss Cat right out of Lanqi's hands, shielding it with her back before turning around to complain aggrievedly to her older brother and sister.
"We're not bullying him."
"He broadcasts this every single day."
Lanqi and Talia explained to Iphatia.
"Then let him finish! It's not like he said anything wrong," Iphatia countered.
"What do you mean 'not wrong'? He's crediting us with a date before anything's even happened!"
They walked at an unhurried pace, chatting as they strolled, as though the entire city were playing a leisurely tune just for them.
The sidewalk cafés gave off the aroma of coffee, unchanging no matter the season. In the brown-brick florists, morning dew glistened on the vibrant petals of lychee roses, chocolate chrysanthemums, and turquoise irises.
Lanqi was still wearing his warm gray overcoat today, only with an added scarf.
He and Talia casually browsed the morning bouquets along the street, seemingly finding it perfectly routine to be out together.
During their previous visit to the City of Flowers, in order to successfully craft Caliera's Shadow Loom into a card, they had followed Professor Polao's advice on improving synergy by trying to go on more dates, regardless of whether it would succeed.
As it turned out, it had indeed been somewhat useful.
Now that their collaborative card-making had reached full mastery, there was no need whatsoever for deliberate dates.
"We've only just arrived in the City of Flowers, and Boss Cat is already trying to cook up stories about us," Talia sighed, shaking her head.
As always, exceptionally beautiful without needing any makeup or styling, she wore a light white gown draped with an overcoat. Her long gray hair gently lifted from time to time in the morning breeze of the neighborhood, looking just as dignified as ever.
"It's fine, Sister! You're dressed so nicely, you can start a date anytime," Iphatia teased with a smile.
"I didn't dress up for any date," Talia retorted indignantly.
The two sisters chatted as they walked.
After days of travel, the group had arrived in Palieu, the City of Flowers, before dawn today.
Having rested thoroughly on the train, they had simply dropped off their luggage at their hotel upon arrival and stepped right out.
The accommodation they had chosen was the same as during Lanqi and Tata's previous trip to the Kingdom of Posen: an estate-style hotel located in Palieu's District 2, boasting a prime location within walking distance of Parkinson Palace and the Bridge of Arts.
"The hotel Rosalinda arranged for us back then really was fantastic. Looking back now, she's truly dependable," Lanqi said, glancing back at their lodgings for their two-day stay in Palieu.
One highlight of this hotel was that breakfast could be enjoyed in a cave-like cavern dining area, which they had partaken in right after arrival. In addition, the hotel offered 24-hour reception service, ensuring guests' comfort and convenience.
Being in the City of Flowers felt little different from returning home.
Overall, this Parkinson Palace Manor Hotel seamlessly blended traditional Posen living with modern comforts, making it an ideal choice for visitors to Palieu.
"Since Professor Polao recommended you and Tata come to the City of Flowers, Rosalinda naturally looked after you like junior disciples. With her warmhearted nature, she would definitely make sure everything was properly settled."
Mikhail felt quite fond thinking back on Rosalinda.
Whenever he used to come to Palieu, he would collaborate with Rosalinda, who had always handled affairs with absolute reliability.
It was just that he never understood why, whenever Rosalinda looked at him, she would inexplicably rush off to down a couple of swigs of liquor, her eyes brimming with tears, without uttering a single word.
Still, that fond penchant for alcohol didn't diminish his view of Rosalinda as an exceptionally good friend.
"Right, I heard that for the last Platinum-rank card maker exam, the Southern Continent Card Makers Association had you cover for me as proctor, little brother-in-law. How was it? Did a fellow named Logins give you a hard time?"
Mikhail inquired of Lanqi.
In his memory, back when he had first started proctoring exams, Logins, a Platinum-rank card maker from the Western Hub, had served as an inspector and had been an utter nuisance. It wasn't until Mikhail attained the eighth tier that Logins dared not provoke him anymore.
"Wait, Duke, there's really no need to be so courteous with me. You're a Magic Crystal-rank card maker, while I'm only Platinum rank. It was only because the Eastern Region was utterly out of candidates that I stood in for you. When it comes to card making, without Tata's help, I'd truly be at the very bottom of the Platinum rank. It was only natural for Logins to make things difficult for me."
Lanqi waved his hands repeatedly.
Mikhail's natural, unprompted way of treating him as a brother-in-law felt completely unnatural to Lanqi.
Mikhail, meanwhile, seemed thoroughly amused observing Lanqi's reaction, the corner of his lips occasionally twitching with an imperceptible curve—perhaps because Mikhail was naturally fond of smiling, or perhaps because he was trying his hardest not to laugh.
"Look, if Logins dares speak to you like that next time, I'll just address you as 'Brother-in-Law' right to his face to prove you're one of our House Aransal. Let's see if he dares get arrogant with you then," Mikhail planned with satisfaction.
"Please don't."
Just as Lanqi was about to object, he caught the icy glare Talia shot in his direction.
It seemed she would not permit him to deny the title of "Brother-in-Law."
"Then I'll just tell Logins that you're my son-in-law. He probably wouldn't dare mess with you then, either," Mikhail said with sudden enlightenment, looking expectantly for Lanqi's response.
"..."
Lanqi glanced at Mikhail, then shifted his gaze to observe Talia.
He felt as though Mikhail, in just a few casual words, had steered him straight to a dead end.
Boss Cat's mind raced at full speed; it suddenly dawned on the feline that Mikhail was toying with Lanqi like some wicked temptress.
Mikhail was giving implicit permission for Lanqi to marry Hyperion—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
If Lanqi accepted the son-in-law title right now, Talia would throw a fit; if he denied it, Mikhail, as Hyperion's parent, might not agree to Lanqi and Hyperion's marriage down the line.
Perhaps the Duke was testing this prospective son-in-law or brother-in-law, or perhaps teasing people was simply in his nature, or maybe he just enjoyed watching a good old field of carnage.
"Why can't he be both a son-in-law and a brother-in-law?"
Not understanding, Iphatia raised her hand to ask.
The other three and the cat all stared at her in utter silence.
"Talia, just call me 'Mom,' and from now on you and Hyperion can be sisters. That way everyone's happy," Iphatia proposed, turning to Talia and clearing her throat with the feigned air of an elder.
"Ipha, have you lost your mind?!"
Talia's brain froze for a second before she lunged to grab Iphatia and discipline her outrageously rebellious little sister.
"Wah! Sister, don't hit me!"
Iphatia bolted with the cat in her arms.
"Meooow! Iphatia, don't run so fast, meow!"
Boss Cat felt like it was strapped to a roller coaster as Iphatia dashed around the old quarters of the City of Flowers.
"Sigh."
Watching the demon princess sisters sprint farther and farther away, Lanqi could only feel that the demon race was truly beyond saving.
Whether they restored their kingdom or not hardly mattered anymore.
"At any rate, brother-in-law or son-in-law, we're all family. House Aransal is counting entirely on you, and our reunion today is all thanks to you. While strictly speaking you're the true powerhouse backing me now, if you'd like the ducal house to be your backing, I'd be more than happy to oblige."
Mikhail chuckled and continued walking forward.
The more he saw of Lanqi, the more he admired him; he simply couldn't resist teasing him every now and then.
Since their hotel wasn't very far from Nigel's office on the South Bank, Lanqi and Tata weren't in any particular rush to head over.
Originally, Nigel had intended to meet with Lanqi and Tata immediately, but knowing how swamped Nigel currently was with official duties, and that coming to see them would undoubtedly disrupt pressing work, they had rescheduled with him for a later hour.
Besides, Lanqi and Talia were on vacation now and would be lingering in the City of Flowers for a couple of days, so there was no rush.
After stepping out today, they had simply followed Mikhail and Iphatia, frequent visitors to the City of Flowers, strolling toward the North Bank's downtown district.
As a crossroads of diverse cultures, Palieu, the City of Flowers, offered traditional Posen art and gastronomy across its downtown quarters on both the north and south banks—endless wonders shaped by influences from the Posen Demon Realm and all corners of the world.
The city's theaters, art galleries, museums, and concert halls bore witness to this cultural fusion. Among the classic literary settings frequently seen in plays, many cafés and bookstores had once served as workspaces for renowned Posen writers and thinkers; during their previous trip to Palieu, Lanqi and Talia hadn't even managed to visit all of the most famous spots.
"Duke Mikhail, where do you two plan to head today?"
Lanqi strolled leisurely beside Mikhail in the rear.
The rambunctious sisters had already run out of sight.
Even so, they were bound to return in a little while.
"We're going to give Etio a surprise. She definitely doesn't expect both of us to be back," Mikhail told Lanqi.
Back on the train, Iphatia had already planned out their itinerary for revisiting the City of Flowers after so many years, and the first order of business was naturally heading to District 9 of the Posen Demon Realm to find Etio.
"You two really are like a teacher and an older sister to her. Whenever she chats with us, she can't go three sentences without mentioning you both."
Lanqi recalled Etio, who got along wonderfully with Rosalinda and Talia.
When he had visited Count Baptiste's estate back then, the three of them had been holding a girls' party.
"So do you and Talia really have no plans for how to spend today?"
Mikhail asked as they walked, the architectural scenery continually shifting around them.
Lanqi simply shook his head.
"Are you two seriously not going on a date?"
Iphatia popped up from behind without warning and slapped Lanqi and Mikhail on their backs, startling both of them into stumbling forward a step.
Looking back, they realized the sisters had run an entire lap around the block and somehow ended up behind them.
"No, we each have our own plans today," Lanqi and the newly returned Talia replied in unison with uncanny tacit understanding.
To claim they hadn't discussed how to spend today in the City of Flowers would be an outright lie.
They simply refused to tell Iphatia that they had already been on a date in the City of Flowers. Worse still, whenever they recalled the absurd spectacle of holding each other and feeding each other for an entire afternoon back then, they squirmed with intolerable embarrassment!
They had agreed to take that affair to their graves, so today, absolutely no one was to bring up anything related to dating.
"Meow, it's good to keep busy separately. Being busy is good."
Its little heart having just calmed down, Boss Cat hurriedly leaped from Iphatia's arms and returned to its perch atop Lanqi's head.
Good old vintage car Lanqi was still the one that gave it peace of mind.
"I'm going to visit Countess Rosalinda," Talia spoke up first, having longed to see her good friend.
As a fellow Platinum-rank card maker, Countess Rosalinda shared countless topics with her.
When they first arrived in Palieu, it was Countess Rosalinda who had hosted and looked after them.
The pastries at the Countess's manor were exceptionally delicious, too.
"I'll probably pay a visit to Count Baptiste's estate. We received quite a bit of care from their family when we were in Palieu before. I wonder if you and Duke Mikhail know of the Baptiste family, Iphatia?"
Lanqi voiced his own schedule as well, proving he wouldn't be spending the day with Talia.
"Count Baptiste, eh? I've met him a few times, but we aren't particularly close. Their family is very wealthy, mostly centered around finance, wine-making, and similar industries, so they had little overlap with my work affairs in the City of Flowers. The Count may have wanted to get acquainted with me in the past, but he didn't go out of his way to flatter or curry favor, so we didn't have much contact after that," Mikhail recalled.
"I see."
Lanqi remembered that back when Mikhail was active as a card maker in the Kingdom of Posen, Count Baptiste's eldest daughter, Christina, was just a little girl who hadn't displayed any noticeable talent yet.
It was only later, when Christina showed some magical talent and headed to the Aloran Royal Academy, that House Baptiste likely needed a high-tier card maker in their good graces.
"The City of Flowers is such a great place for dates, though," Iphatia muttered in disappointment.
She didn't care in the slightest about what Lanqi and Mikhail were discussing; she just wanted her sister to go on a date with Lanqi.
"There is no way we are going on a date in the City of Flowers," Lanqi and Talia reiterated in unison.
They could date on the ocean, they could date on a train, they could date aboard the Floating Castle sky yacht, they could date on a beach, they could date on the streets and in theaters—but they would never, ever date in the City of Flowers!
Merely catching sight of Palieu's iconic landmarks made the two of them recall the feline meowing, the embrace, and the spoon-feeding that lasted an entire afternoon during that farcical date on the day of the Fireworks Festival. Even now, the memory was mortifying enough to make them writhe in shame.
"Then that's truly a pity. I was going to recommend the Collonges Sun Bridge Inn Restaurant to you. It's a restaurant opened fifty years ago by the Kingdom of Posen's celebrated chef, Bro Pagus. Known as the Pope of Posen's culinary world, he was once awarded the Royal Order of the Golden Fork. That restaurant is a gastronomic benchmark for Palieu and the entire Kingdom of Posen. Best of all, its afternoon-tea-style courses are perfect for couples to savor slowly over an entire afternoon," Mikhail said, spreading his hands as he shared the recommendation he had originally planned.
If he had to recommend the ultimate dating spot for lunch, that would undoubtedly be his pick.
"I remember the last time we went was over a decade ago. Back then, the two of us held hands and fed each other, too!" Iphatia recalled at once, turning to Mikhail with shining eyes.
The restaurant sat along the banks of the Selena River, roughly four to five kilometers from District 2 on the North Bank where they were now. Its exterior was unpretentious, yet the interior decor was lavish in the extreme, exuding master-class taste at every turn.
"Th-Thank you for the recommendation, but we really aren't going today..."
Boss Cat was already so terrified that it dared not stay perched on Lanqi's head any longer.
Just listening to Mikhail and Iphatia, the two of them were already blushing crimson.
Chapter 867