Arknights, but the sickly pretty girl starts

"Where is Mr. Harold's territory? Barry County, right?" Noah said at this moment. "It's indeed rich in red wine. When we were in Casimir, we regarded the red wines produced in Barry and Doron counties as top-quality products, even auctioning them for millions. Ah, don't look at me, I didn't investigate you, I was just guessing—after all, there are only two places in Victoria that produce high-quality red wine, and I just chose one of them."

Noah did guess, but it was obvious that she guessed right.

"Miss Noah is indeed very clever. Indeed, my hometown is in Barry County, and the red wine from my hometown is considered a fine product in all of Terra. I also have two bottles of quite old wine in my collection. I originally planned to open them when my daughter got married, but now, on second thought, if I had them with me then, perhaps now would be the right time to open them." Viscount Harold was stunned at first, but then he immediately realized that the other party might really be guessing, and even if they had truly investigated, this level of probing was actually quite normal behavior. "Speaking of which, my daughter really admires Miss Noah. If possible, could you give me an autograph later?"

"Of course—" Noah nodded readily, "I like red wine, too. I hope the Viscount can do me a favor and buy a few bottles of red wine to give to my friends."

"Of course, of course." Viscount Harold was also smiling, and Noah exchanged glances with Enthiotis, who then took over Noah's conversation.

"Bari County, as far as I remember, it's not far from Doron County." Enchiodis naturally would not let the breakthrough created by Noah go to waste, and immediately began to build closer relations.

"Yes, Barry County and Toronto County have always taken care of each other in waterway planning, and there has been no change to this day." Harold nodded. When talking about hometown, people always talk more.

"In that case, Your Excellency the Viscount and I are destined to meet. I once stayed in Duolun County for a while." Ensiodis said with a smile, "Perhaps we have met at a banquet before."

"Yes, sir, Master Enthiotis, look, if you had known about this relationship earlier, why would you and I have been so hostile before?" Harold breathed a sigh of relief. Compared to communicating with Noah, he could still handle it when communicating with Enthiotis. After all, Enthiotis was a Shelag who was familiar with Victoria, and his conversation style was similar to that of Victorian nobles, so he could handle it more easily.

"Indeed." Enthiotis glanced in Noya's direction, and after Noya nodded, he continued, "If I had known Your Excellency was such an interesting person, I would have made your acquaintance sooner. I've met many princes and nobles who have come to Kjerag, but only Your Excellency has ever been homesick over wine—you must be a family-oriented man."

This was a blatant compliment. Enthyotis' words obviously made Harold happier, and the smile on his lips became more genuine.

"Hahaha, if my daughter heard this, she would burst out laughing," he said modestly, "In her eyes, I'm the most incompetent father in the world."

"Family members always have different views from others. As the saying goes, every family has its own problems. However, in my opinion, family harmony is the most important thing. Being surrounded by the people you love and the people you love is a precious time that cannot be replaced by anything else. I'm sure everyone here feels this way." At this time, Noah interrupted the topic, and his eyes fell on Enya, who had been silent.

Enya did not respond, but instead hit Noya with a somewhat annoyed look. Noya blinked and smiled meaningfully.

"I can't solve your longing for home, but I have a way to make you feel at home." Enthyotis certainly knew who Noah was referring to, but at this time it was better for him to pretend that he didn't understand anything and continued the conversation with Viscount Harold.

"Oh?"

"Your Excellency, Viscount, this is a token of our master's kindness." At this moment, Jiaofeng, who was standing by as a guard, placed a bottle of wine on the table. Harold immediately became interested. After looking at it carefully, he spoke uncertainly.

"Is this... [Snowland Spring]... [1072]?" As a wine lover, Viscount Harold immediately understood the value of this bottle of wine. "I heard that [Snowland Spring] not only has new products brewed since the 1990s, but also a collection of rare items from the 1970s. Is it real?"

"Kjerag's first winery was founded with my father's support. After his unexpected death, operations almost ceased. After the establishment of Kalan Trade, I restarted its operations. Due to outdated storage technology, a large portion of the wines from the 1970s are no longer drinkable today, but a number have been preserved intact." Ensiodis explained the origins of this wine. "They are numbered according to the 1970s and are now treasured in the underground cellar of Shivaash's home. The one you see before you is one of them."

"Hiss... Just that hint of aroma overflowing from the bottle is enough to drive Victoria's wine tasting masters crazy." Harold was intoxicated as soon as he sniffed the smell of the cork. Of course, it is impossible to blow into the bottle to taste such good wine. The tasting of red wine is a very complicated process. Only in this way can the fragrance of the red wine be fully released.

Harold used his thumb to support the bottom of the bottle and four fingers to support the bottle to prevent the warmth of his hands from affecting the wine. Since it had been taken out of the wine cellar, Ensiódis had of course been left for twenty-four hours. This kind of red wine needed to be decanted, which usually took thirty minutes. It should have been too late, but Noah took the initiative to help, accelerating the sedimentation of the cork residue in the wine. So it only took a few seconds for the red wine poured into the crystal vessel to be decanted.

Finally, pour the wine into a crystal goblet, only filling it about a quarter, then tilt it 45 degrees to observe the edge of the wine. This Snow Spring is the product of careful selection, showing a gorgeous pomegranate red. Gently shaking the glass, Harold put his nose close to the glass, took a breath, and let the aroma of the wine enter through his nasal cavity. This kind of red wine has a very rich and unique aroma. This is the first time he has drunk the 70 Snow Spring. He feels that the aroma is denser than that of ordinary Snow Spring - it may be related to the wooden barrels used for brewing.

Then he put down the glass and shook it on the table to allow the wine to fully come into contact with the air, stimulating the aroma and taste of the wine, and then smelled it again - this whole ritual was complicated, but it was also a symbol of Viscount Harold's attention to this bottle of wine. Finally, he tasted it lightly. First, he took a sip, not much, and the tip of his tongue felt the sweetness. Then the wine slid to the side of his tongue, and the acidity activated the taste buds like an electric current. Finally, he swallowed it... The aftertaste was long, and it didn't burn his throat.

"Perfect..." Harold rarely used the word, but now he couldn't help but sigh. "Mr. Enthiotis, your father—no, although I've never met him—he's truly a peerless winemaker. I never imagined Snow Spring could have such a mouthfeel and flavor. Excellent wine, excellent wine. After a bottle of this, not only do I feel right at home, I'd be happy to stay here for another three years."

"If you truly wish to do so, Kjerag welcomes you," Enthiotis replied with a polite smile. "And thank you for your praise of my father. He has always been a role model of mine, and it's an honor for him to have his work favored by a wine connoisseur like you. It's so hard to find a soulmate, I suppose."

"Hahaha, Master Enchiotis is too modest. The Snowland Spring you brewed is also a masterpiece!" Harold realized he had lost his manners and quickly explained, "It's just... Master Enchiotis isn't afraid that I'm a Victorian soldier?"

"If all Victorian soldiers were as reasonable as you, what would we be afraid of?" Enthyotis clasped his hands, while Noah and Enya looked at each other, realizing that they were about to get to the point, and then they put down their wine glasses.

The atmosphere changed, and Harold's smile became a little awkward.

"I'm afraid Master Enchiodis has some misunderstandings about me." He smiled and shook his head.

"Since there is a misunderstanding, it must be resolved. Why don't we talk slowly?" Enthyotis felt it was an opportunity, but Harold looked at Noah and Enya and spoke.

"With the two Saint Ladies present, we are communicating like this without paying attention to anyone else. Does that seem a bit disrespectful to you?"

"Lady Saint is very busy, I will just help with this little thing."

“…” Noah was speechless and sighed, but Enya had obviously clenched her fists.

"It's indeed as Lord Enthiotis said. It's fine for the two of you to talk first," Enya said with a smile. "After all, it will always require my approval in the end. Right, Lord Enthiotis?"

"......?" Harold blinked and looked at the two siblings who were suddenly on the verge of a fight with some confusion.

"..." Noah shrugged and ignored Harold's look. After all, he couldn't interrupt the quarrel between the brother and sister.

——May the best of luck to you, Lord Enthyotis.

Chapter 15: Enjoying delicious food is the right way to open up life

The relationship between the two siblings, Shiva and Ash, is not simply bad - Enya's feelings towards Enthiotis are quite complicated. She has both affection for her brother and hatred for him. This is no longer the kind of problem that can be solved by a quarrel. Of course, what she feels most towards Enthiotis is disappointment. This disappointment makes her always have a resistance to Enthiotis, and all this... Noah knows very well.

However - Noah didn't think it was a bad thing. In fact, there was a sentence that Noah thought was very right.

The opposite of love is indifference, not dislike. As long as Enya still wanted to argue with Enthiotis, it showed that they couldn't ignore each other at all, and they still cared about each other in their hearts. This was enough. For the two siblings' awkward relationship, this kind of "dislike for each other" was the best way to get along.

"Your Majesty is right." Enthiotis nodded, but the corners of his mouth inexplicably curled up. Noya sensed that Enthiotis's feelings... rather than annoyance at his sister's retort, they seemed more like pride, pride in his sister's ability to make her own decisions. "However, you are, after all, the spiritual leader of all the people of Kjerag. You must attend to the wishes of so many believers daily, while also spreading the faith of Yelagund. Now that Yelagund's reputation has spread throughout the nations of Terra, each nation has drawn attention to it. This is something that demands your attention even more... Why should you be so personally involved in so many mundane matters?"

"Lord Enthiotis, you're joking. The reason Yelagund is attracting more and more attention is precisely because we focus on the people's wishes and hope to provide the Kjerag people with a better life. If that's the case, then there's no need for worldly affairs." But Enya wouldn't buy it. Even if Yelagund was mentioned, the Saint Lady would still handle her work according to her own wishes. "Anything that's closely related to people's livelihood is my concern. Lord Enthiotis, don't you understand such a simple truth? Besides—I'm also imitating the working methods of a certain Honorary Saint: from the people, to the people. Nothing in this country is trivial."

"...Why are you still talking about me?" Noah pointed at himself, "I didn't say anything just now."

"I understand exactly that. A good friend of mine once reminded me that trying to control everything, whether it's family or national affairs, often backfires." Enthiotis ignored Noya's protests and continued. "You happened to mention the actions of that Honorary Saint. As a Saint, she was willing to be close to the people, uniting the people of Kjerag under the grace of Yelagund. This is certainly a good thing, but Honorary Saints have their own work and can't stay in Kjerag forever. You should also be aware of this. So, as a legitimate Saint, you should focus on rest. I noticed dark circles under your eyes a few days ago."

"A friend of mine also reminded me that even if I can't personally attend to every family or national affair, I must at least see it through and do it myself." Enya was undeterred. "Lord Enthiotis, are you concerned about family matters or national affairs?"

"...the friends these two are talking about?" Harold felt that he couldn't get a word in, so he looked at Noah, who also had a look of despair on his face, and asked.

"I said it wasn't actually me, do you believe me?" Noah did not say these words, but it did not seem to prevent the two siblings from using chicken feathers as a token of support and using themselves as an excuse to attack each other.

What state affairs, family affairs? Ultimately, if even one of these two people prioritized family matters over state affairs, their relationship wouldn't be so awkward...

Noah gave Harold a look, indicating that he should end the dispute between the two snow leopard siblings. Harold understood, coughed twice and cleared his throat.

"Ahem, Lord Enchiodis, although I really don't want to disturb the intimate communication between you and your sister, but I think, in the final analysis, the Saint is the host of this banquet, and the protagonist of tonight is only Lady Saint." Harold said. After all, this invitation was mainly for the Saint, and Enchiodis was the person who accompanied the Saint, not the host of the banquet.

"I have indeed overstepped my bounds." Enthiotis felt that enough was enough, so he bowed his head and apologized. "It is a good thing for Kjerag that the Saint is willing to work diligently on government affairs. Just please take care of yourself."

"That's right. There's nothing unspoken between siblings. Even the Saint must be thinking of her brother." Harold breathed a sigh of relief and wanted to say a few words to follow the mood. But those two words ruined everything.

"Mr. Harold, Enthiotis is only my subordinate here, not my brother. Personal matters are personal, and official matters are official. I should keep the public and private affairs separate. Am I right, Lord Enthiotis?"

"Your Excellency Saint, what you said is very true. I naturally understand this truth."

——What on earth are these two siblings acting out?

Harold's embarrassment was about to overflow. Looking at poor Harold, Noah finally spoke helplessly.

"Enya, Enthiotis, you two should pay attention to the atmosphere. Sir Harold is almost speechless because of you. After all, Sir Harold is the host who invited us, and we are the invited guests. We should follow the host's wishes." After Noya said this, Enya and Enthiotis finally quieted down. Indeed, Noya was probably the most convinced person among the two except Yelagund.

Not only was she deeply involved in the Snow Mountain Incident, she was also personally awarded the title of Honorary Saint. Judging from the titles alone - Noah and Enya are on equal footing.

Even Enchiodis had to bow his head and call her "Lady Saint".

As for Enya - she has always had a good impression of Noya, who was deeply involved in the Snow Mountain Incident. If it weren't for Noya, there might have been more sacrifices in the Snow Mountain Incident. She recognizes this favor.

Everything was quiet, and then Noah clapped his hands.

"Okay, now that the noisy part is over—how about asking the chef to serve the food? I'm starving."

It was almost noon, and Noah's stomach with excellent digestion ability had indeed cleared out most of the breakfast. Now she was really hungry. This was also one of the side effects of gray matter. Gray matter had a very high utilization rate of nutrients and could digest food very quickly. Therefore, Noah was forced to eat multiple meals. However, the stored energy was not wasted. These energy ashes were stored in cells and gray matter and released when needed. This allowed Noah to not eat for several months without becoming weak, and could also burst out a considerable amount of energy in a short period of time.

In short - eat more when you can, it will do you no harm.

Finally, the main topic began. As the chef brought dishes to the table one by one, the atmosphere became much softer under the accompaniment of delicious food.

That bottle of Snowland Spring from the 70s had been mostly consumed before anyone knew it. This wine was arguably the finest available in Kjerag. In 1072, when Enthiodis and Enya's father placed it in the cellar, they were thinking of the coming of spring in Kjerag. They had waited for over twenty years for this spring, yet it still hadn't arrived. Now, the opportunity presented itself. If this bottle of wine could represent a sign, then it would be a blessing.

Enthiotis hoped so, and Enya hoped so even more. Although the two of them always quarreled, their opinions on major issues concerning Kjerag were always surprisingly consistent.

"Please, both of you, enjoy your meal." At the banquet, Harold also displayed his usual composure and response. At this banquet, he also had some understanding of Noah's status in Kjerag.

While seemingly merely an honorary title, this Saint's influence must be considerable, especially given the way the two men stopped at Noya's persuasion—Noya even managed to influence the decisions of Kjerag's two true leaders. This wasn't simply explained by sheer conviction; perhaps Noya truly had a special connection with them.

Noah naturally had no idea what Harold was thinking. She only knew that Harold's visit probably had no ill intentions. However, what interested her more was not Harold, but Miss Yaer who had not appeared for a long time. A big part of the reason why she came to Shelag this time was to find Miss Yaer to teach her how to control the power of the Child of the Star, so as to avoid having to trouble Miss Theresa for help all the time. However, Miss Yaer seemed to be deliberately avoiding her and had no intention of meeting her at all.

This is strange. According to Miss Yaer's previous behavior, she shouldn't be hiding from me... Noah still thinks he has a good relationship with Miss Yaer.

"Could it be because your situation has changed?" Theresa speculated while manipulating Noya's body. "If your attitude is noticeably different from before, I think it's probably due to your identity. You've just inherited the power of the Star Child, a power that can create behemoths and grant them authority. Perhaps your immature attitude isn't a good thing for them... After all, while fertilizer can speed up crop growth, excessive amounts can also cause them to wither."

"Are you saying that the power of the Star Child is the reason why Miss Yaer is hiding from me?"

"It's not impossible. According to your memory, Miss Administrator only needs one word to kill a giant beast - didn't the super giant beasts Yin and Yang that appeared at the beginning die completely because of her words?" Theresa's words made Noah fall into deep thought. Indeed, for a giant beast like Miss Yaer, his unstable state was like a bomb that was about to explode at any time. It was too late to run away, let alone get rid of it.

"What should I do?" Noya was in a dilemma. She came here to learn how to control her power, but the person who could teach her didn't dare to approach her...

It’s just like the minimum requirement of this book is graduation, but if you want to graduate you can only play this book, entering an infinite vicious circle.

"Should we start with her memories?" Theresa noticed that Noa wasn't as clever as she'd imagined when it came to matters concerning her. It was as if her intelligence was solely for the benefit of others. The saying "the type who gives their all to others, but is very insensitive to themselves" probably refers to someone like Noa. So, she continued, "Miss Administrator left you her memories, surely not just to reveal her identity? Study those memories carefully, and perhaps you'll find a way to master her power."

"...Memory..." Noah pondered for a while, and Theresa was not in a hurry. While Noah was thinking, she was also feasting on her food. She had to say that Kjerag's special cheese hot pot was really delicious. The copper pot was bubbling on the candlestick, and the melted Kjerag cheese was glowing with a soft amber light. The bread cubes on the long-handled fork were dipped into the milky golden vortex, and were covered with silky cream when gently rotated. When pulled up, fine silver threads were pulled out.

Just seeing this picture is enough to make people happy physically and mentally. The crispy corners of the Gallic bread become soft in the hot cheese. When you bite it, the hot milky aroma bursts from between your teeth. The unique frankincense of Kjerag cheese lingers in your mouth, just like being in the spring breeze, warm and comfortable.

When the potato chunks, coated in thick cheese, slid into my mouth, I first tasted the velvety outer layer of cream, while the interior retained a crunchy, grainy texture. A sudden burst of sweetness suddenly clashed with the salty aroma. The flavor was dense, fragrant, and full of milk. Every piece was a supreme indulgence. And she was probably the only one at the table who could fully immerse herself in the taste of the food—Miss Theresa loved this kind of food!

But when she was eating the cheese hot pot with great happiness, she didn't notice that because of her relish, the three people who had other purposes in mind couldn't help swallowing their saliva. Although cheese hot pot was a type of food that the three of them were already accustomed to, seeing Noah eating it so happily made others curious.

Could it be that the cheese fondue this time was particularly delicious?

The sound of swallowing saliva sounded almost simultaneously, and made the three of them look at each other, and none of them could hold back.

"Ahem, let's eat first, and then we'll talk after dinner."

"Yes, yes, yes, let's eat first. The food the chef worked so hard to prepare will be bad if it gets cold."

"By Yelagund, we shouldn't waste food."

Of course, it wasn't just because the three of them were greedy, but based on the speed at which Miss Noah finished the food on the table, if the three of them continued to struggle for a while, they might really have to leave the meeting hungry.

After everyone started eating, a shadowy figure suddenly appeared in the kitchen. It was Miss Yaer. She could clearly sense what was happening inside. Seeing this rare opportunity, she immediately stopped the chef who was about to serve the next dish and mysteriously handed him a recipe. "Follow this recipe for the next dish. This is a favorite of the Saint Lady. Be sure to follow the recipe exactly."

As a specially invited chef, he naturally knew his limits. Since he had a recipe and the ingredients were also provided, it would just be more than one dish. Moreover, cooking for Her Majesty was a truly honorable job. If Her Majesty was happy, he could even write a line of Her Majesty's carefully selected words on the signboard.

"Don't worry, I will make it beautiful."

Chapter 16: Follow my lead

"Hey, you two are both young and promising. I admire you!" Harold naturally didn't know that his recipe had been changed, but he still tried his best to remain decent in front of the two Kjerag leaders.

Dignity... Alas, the dignity of the nobles is just a pretense. Harold has seen countless cash-strapped nobles making a big show of entertaining guests, even if these guests would not do anything for him or even look down on him. For the sake of so-called decency, they would sell their property and make the party perfect. Harold used to despise this bad habit, but now, he also understands that feeling to some extent.

In the final analysis, if you want others to take you seriously, you have to pay the corresponding price, like now - he is just trying to be rich.

Of course, neither Enya nor Enthiotis ignored Harold. Compared to the Victorian aristocracy, they actually cared less about ostentation and pomp. After all, Enya came from a humble background and kept things simple, with no habit of extravagance or waste. Enthiotis was even more so. Although he was a CEO with a fortune, he didn't have high material needs.

It can be said that these two people are not characters who will be moved by material things at all.

Therefore, everything Harold arranged was actually the path dependence left by his previous career in Victorian officialdom. If it was arranged more like a family dinner, it might be better for Enthiotis and Enya.

Of course, Miss Noah, who saw through all this, was just talking about it in her mind, while Theresa beside her exercised her full subjective initiative, eating while listening to Noah's clear analysis.

At this time, Harold finally got to the point -

"This time we are not only here to congratulate you, but also to discuss cooperation—" As soon as Harold finished speaking, Enthyodis's gaze fell on him, and Enya closed her eyes.

"Sir Harold is right. We need to cooperate. It's just that the ever-pious Sir Enthiotis has never been willing to cooperate. Just like the completion of the Yelagund statue this time, this event is of great significance to Kjerag. Moreover, we have friends from Victoria 'rushing to congratulate' this time. We can never be too cautious. But so far, I don't think I've heard anything about Sir Enthiotis's arrangements. Your decision is really well kept secret." However, his speech seemed to become a window for the Saint to attack her brother. As soon as Enya opened her mouth, she launched into a long string of speeches that made Harold sweat profusely.

"You're right. However, I don't think this is a small matter that requires Her Majesty's attention. After all, Her Majesty is well-versed in divine matters, and the ritual preparations have been meticulously and thoughtfully prepared. Kjerag is truly fortunate. As for other matters, rest assured that the Kalan Trade Association will share the burden with the Manzhu Court." Ensiodis chuckled. "Maintaining confidentiality is also our responsibility. Perfection is our duty."

"Hey, you two are both young and promising. I admire you!" Harold was already desperately trying to change the subject. "This time we are not only here to congratulate you, but also to discuss cooperation--"

"You remain so eloquent, evidently confident in your plans. Lord Enthiotis has been quite active lately. Even though I rarely leave the mountain, I always hear news of the Kalan trade. However, Lord Enthiotis, please do not forget that for millennia, generations of Kjerag have relied on hard work and pragmatism, not utilitarianism or recklessness, to build our homeland to this day."

"Shivaash will never forget Yelagund's admonitions to his people. But the Saint must also understand that while the people of Kjerag are hardworking and pragmatic, they also possess a spirit of adventure, eager to scale new heights. Perhaps we need a bit of that same spirit when it comes to external expansion."

"I hope your vigor won't lead you into danger."

"Haha, young people are always full of energy. However, Her Majesty is right, sometimes it's necessary to be steady." Harold followed Enya's lead, but he felt that his words never really reached the ears of the two. "I invited you two here because I wanted to..."

As expected, his words were immediately drowned out by the mutual attacks between the two. This was the first time Harold had seen such a discord between siblings, and it could even be said that the situation was tense.

"It is truly touching that Her Majesty the Saint cares so much about me. Please rest assured, I will take care of it and will not let you down. Everything concerning Kjerag will ultimately have to be determined by Yelagund. If my faith does not allow it, I will not be able to move forward, will I?" Enthiodis's counterattack was extremely sharp, even a bit sarcastic. Enya's anger level was close to breaking the limit. Noah, who was standing by, saw it clearly and could not help but wonder whether she should use her ability to appease the two. But her eyes rolled... The two of them were so tit-for-tat, and besides really venting their anger, they probably also had intentions against Harold.

——Ah, they even use quarrels to make use of them, these two are really...

After this sentence, both of them were silent for a long time. Enya's face looked very ugly. She stared at Enthyodis in front of her and spoke word by word.

"Your bad habits haven't changed at all."

"each other."

"Uh, you two, if you have anything to discuss, please discuss it properly. Don't damage the relationship." Harold wiped the sweat off his face and persuaded them carefully. "Well, why don't we talk about cooperation--"

This is the third time he has mentioned cooperation.

But it was obvious that these two people were avoiding this matter, or rather, they were covering up their intention to avoid it by quarreling. No matter how stupid Harold was, he should have come to his senses.

"Lord Enchiodis's mind is as stubborn as the purest Originium ice crystal."