Is this cheat code from Bika? Just do it!

"I've heard about it! I've heard about it! It seems to be a kind of performance called shadow puppetry. Just hearing the name sounds really novel, it must be very interesting!" His friend's eyes lit up, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly, revealing an expectant smile, as if he couldn't wait to see the charm of shadow puppetry.

"Huh? You've already gone to see it?" The young man's eyes widened as he stared intently at the other person, as if trying to find the answer in their face. His tone was full of surprise and curiosity.

"Of course, I was one of the first to see it! The scene was absolutely amazing, breathtaking! You know, our world was created by an ancestral god named Pangu. The story was so wonderful, it was like a magnificent scroll slowly unfolding before your eyes, every detail was captivating..." The person who had seen the shadow puppet show gestured wildly as he recounted the story, as if he were still immersed in that wondrous world of shadow puppets, unable to extricate himself.

Discussions like these, like snowflakes fluttering in winter, are light yet vibrant, spreading throughout every corner of Winter City, becoming a unique scene. Today is the second day after Link watched the shadow puppet show and made meticulous preparations. Link is a thoughtful and creative person; his love and dedication to shadow puppetry have driven him to continuously explore and move forward on this path. After watching the show, he repeatedly pondered and carefully revised some minor flaws in the performance. For example, the movements of the shadow puppets weren't fluid enough, making him feel they lacked a sense of graceful movement; the background music wasn't perfectly matched, failing to fully immerse the audience in that fantastical world. After careful adjustments and refinements, he finally opened the shadow puppet show shop with full confidence, looking forward to bringing the audience an unprecedented visual feast.

232. Open a shadow puppet show shop

This shadow puppet theater has a cleverly designed ticket pricing system, carefully categorizing tickets based on seating location. The first three rows are considered the prime viewing area, offering the clearest view of every delicate movement of the puppets and the most intense visual impact, making you feel as if you're truly immersed in that fantastical world. Tickets here cost two copper coins per seat—slightly more expensive, but definitely worth the price. The middle three rows offer a decent view, though not as spectacular as the first three, still allowing viewers to enjoy the puppet show effectively. At one copper coin per seat, they are more affordable, suitable for most viewers. The last three rows, while slightly less spacious, offer a less impressive viewing experience, but are even more affordable at five steel coins per seat. This is a good option for those who simply want to experience the atmosphere of a shadow puppet show.

On the opening morning, the sunlight had just shone on the lintel of the shadow puppet shop, casting a golden glow over this mysterious establishment. The entrance was instantly packed like a hornet's nest, a bustling and lively scene. Among the crowd were simply dressed, expectant ordinary people who peeked inside, whispering amongst themselves about whether the ticket price was reasonable, their hearts filled with both anticipation and hesitation; and also ostentatious, wealthy merchants who swaggered through the crowd, their eyes revealing a thirst for novelty and a possessiveness, as if they wanted to possess all the beauty in the world. Forty minutes of performance time seemed far too short for many who hadn't bought tickets. They stood anxiously at the entrance, their eyes fixed on the shop, hoping for a chance to go inside and witness the spectacle, as if missing this opportunity would mean missing out on the whole world.

Generally speaking, ordinary people mostly chose to buy seats in the last three rows. After all, their lives were not easy, and they had to carefully calculate every copper coin. They paid more attention to cost-effectiveness. As for the seats in the first and middle six rows, because they were relatively expensive, ordinary people were reluctant to spend the money. They preferred to spend their money on daily necessities. Therefore, these seats were basically occupied by wealthy merchants. The merchants sat in comfortable seats, crossed their legs, ate sunflower seeds, and waited with great interest for the performance to begin, their faces beaming with anticipation and excitement.

This shadow puppet show venue hosts ten performances a day, each lasting forty minutes. This schedule allows audiences ample time to enjoy the captivating performances without causing them excessive fatigue. During these forty minutes, the puppeteers behind the scenes are completely absorbed in manipulating the puppets. Their nimble fingers move with a magical grace, bringing lifelike characters to life on the white screen. Every movement and expression is incredibly vivid, leaving the audience in awe. Between every two performances, there is a twenty-minute intermission. During this time, the performers can sit down, catch their breath, drink water, and replenish their energy. Meanwhile, the staff quickly cleans the venue to prepare for the next performance, ensuring that each show is presented to the audience in peak condition. The specific schedule is four performances in the morning, four in the afternoon, and two in the evening. This timetable allows audiences to watch the performances at different times while ensuring that the performers have sufficient rest to maintain their best performance and deliver one spectacular show after another.

In Winterfell, five out of ten people now know about shadow puppetry. Like a rising star, it shines with a unique brilliance in the city's sky. Those who don't know are mostly busy working, struggling to make a living, and have no time for such novelties. However, at the current rate of spread, it's likely that in just two or three days, everyone in Winterfell will know about this magical shadow puppet shop, and the place will become even more bustling and lively.

Today, Solo arrived at the shadow puppet show shop with great anticipation. He queued for two whole hours, the cold wind turning his cheeks red and his feet numb, but his enthusiasm remained undiminished, as if the cold weather couldn't dampen his longing for the shadow puppet show. Finally, it was his turn to enter. He excitedly walked to the counter, carefully taking two copper coins from his pocket. The two coins gleamed faintly in his hand, as if carrying all his expectations. He carefully handed the coins to the staff, then, holding a slip of paper with the number five written on it, he walked into the hall full of hope, each step filled with curiosity and anticipation for the unknown.

As he walked towards the first row, he looked around curiously, everything in the hall fascinating him. Suddenly, his gaze fell on seat number six, where a familiar face sat. "Eh? Lord Tori, you're here to see the shadow puppet show too?" Solo's eyes widened, his face lighting up with surprise, and he exclaimed loudly, his voice filled with delight and astonishment.

Tori paused slightly when someone called his name, then slowly turned his head. Seeing it was Solo, he smiled gently and said softly, "It's Mr. Solo, you've come too. I heard this shadow puppet show is very good, so I came with my wife to see it." Tori's eyes were full of tenderness as he gently squeezed his wife's hand beside him, a gesture brimming with love and care. It turned out they had already seen the same shadow puppet show twice; they were now preparing to see it for the third time. And it was the same show again, yet the couple watched with great interest, as if each viewing brought new enjoyment, their faces beaming with happiness.

"Yes, I heard everyone talking about it so much, so I couldn't resist coming to see for myself." Solo smiled as he sat down, adjusting his posture to make himself more comfortable, and then quietly waited for the performance to begin, his heart filled with anticipation and excitement.

“Trust me, you won’t be disappointed,” Tori chuckled, his face radiating confidence, as if he had complete faith in the shadow puppet show. With that, he stood up and walked towards the counter outside. It turned out he was going to buy a ticket to see another performance; his love for shadow puppetry had reached the point of obsession.

Link's arrangement of the shadow puppet show was carefully considered. He decided to add a new storyline every seven days, while repeating the previous storylines during those seven days. This arrangement allowed the audience ample time to appreciate and savor the exciting plots, while also giving new viewers the opportunity to experience the charm of shadow puppetry. For example, the initial performance would be "The Stone Monkey Emerges from the Mountain," which would run for seven consecutive days, giving the audience sufficient time and opportunity to appreciate this captivating storyline and deeply experience its charm. After seven days, the new storyline "The Stone Monkey Becomes an Apprentice" would be added, and the number of performances for both stories would be determined by the number of tickets received each day. If "The Stone Monkey Emerges from the Mountain" received more tickets, it would be performed more often to meet audience demand; if "The Stone Monkey Becomes an Apprentice" was more popular, its performances would be increased to allow more viewers to enjoy it. This process would continue in the same manner, constantly bringing new surprises and moving experiences to the audience.

It's easy to imagine that performing a complete "Journey to the West" story entirely in shadow puppetry would take at least ten years—a massive and challenging undertaking. Thus, an ultra-long-running shadow puppet series of "Journey to the West" was born, shining like a dazzling pearl in the world of shadow puppetry. In the future, Link will undoubtedly add other stories; after all, as a time traveler, he doesn't only have "Journey to the West" to perform. Novels like "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" and "Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio" are readily available, like an inexhaustible treasure trove waiting for him to explore and present.

Of course, all of this requires Link to translate it into the otherworldly language and then adapt it, which is no easy task and requires a great deal of time and effort. Perfectly presenting the exciting plots and characters from the original work while also considering the culture and aesthetics of the otherworld makes the challenge immense. It will be a long wait before it finally hits the white screen, but Link believes that as long as he perseveres, he will definitely bring audiences a series of magnificent shadow puppet shows.

"Boom boom boom!" With a burst of rousing drumbeats, the shadow puppet show officially began. The drumbeats were like a magic key, unlocking the doors to the audience's hearts and immersing them in a fantastical world. The entire room fell silent instantly, as if under a spell. Everyone stared blankly at the white screen, eyes glued to the screen, as if afraid to miss a single exciting moment. At the same time, they listened intently to the story, deeply captivated by the dramatic plot, feeling as if they themselves were part of the story, experiencing the joys and sorrows of the protagonist.

Time ticked by, and the forty-minute performance quickly came to an end. The waiter gently pulled back the black cloth covering the window, revealing a stunned crowd, many of them reluctant to leave. They opened their mouths, wanting to shout for the performance to continue, but remembering the counter girl's kind words of caution—no loud noise—they all awkwardly shut their mouths, then reluctantly left the stage, each step filled with reluctance and longing.

Solo sat there, mesmerized, the performance still replaying in his mind. The lifelike shadow puppets and the captivating storyline flashed before his eyes like a movie, utterly mesmerizing him. His eyes shone with excitement, as if he had discovered a new continent. Suddenly, as if struck by a thought, he jumped up, ran to the counter, bought another ticket, and prepared to enjoy the show again. He wanted to immerse himself once more in that fantastical world and experience its unique charm.

Torrey left with his wife. Three shows in a row were enough for him; there were many others like him, the businessmen often watching two or three. As they walked out of the theater, they were still excitedly discussing the performance, their faces beaming with satisfaction, as if they had just experienced a wonderful journey.

In the evening, soft lamplight bathed the desk in the castle's study, creating a warm and tranquil atmosphere. Link sat at his desk, carefully reviewing the day's earnings report for the shadow puppet shop, a satisfied smile on his face. Earning one silver coin plus over three hundred copper coins a day was a very good result for a newly opened shadow puppet shop. The shop wasn't very large, limiting seating, which ensured a good viewing experience for everyone. A larger shop wouldn't be ideal, mainly because there was no amplification equipment, and with the white screen and projection, those sitting too far back wouldn't be able to see clearly. After all, this wasn't a stage play; the audience needed to clearly see every detail of the puppets to appreciate the unique charm of shadow puppetry.

He pondered whether he should open two more shadow puppet shows and publish more novels. If he had three, he could earn a gold coin a day—a considerable sum, enough for many things. However, after thinking it over, Link shook his head. This couldn't be rushed; he'd build more houses next year before making those arrangements. After all, everything needs to proceed step by step. Moreover, translating novels was a demanding task; he needed to find suitable candidates and ensure the quality of the translation. This couldn't be taken lightly, otherwise it would affect the overall effect of the shadow puppet shows.

"Lord Link? What's wrong?" Fiora asked softly. She saw Link suddenly shake his head and thought he was feeling unwell. Her eyes were full of concern as she gently walked to Link's side, as if afraid of disturbing his thoughts.

“It’s nothing.” Link shook his head, put down the report, and said softly, “Come with me to Eagle City the day after tomorrow.”

“Yes.” Fiora nodded seriously, her eyes revealing a firm determination. Even if she didn’t say it, she would have gone with him. She was willing to stay by Link’s side no matter what difficulties or challenges they encountered.

Henrietta was writing when she paused, her brown eyes sparkling. She secretly wanted to go too, but didn't say it. She knew Link had his own plans and didn't want to trouble him. She was always so understanding, silently supporting Link.

"Lord Link, what are you going to bring to the auction?" Henrietta had already thought of this question. She knew that the auction items were very important. The purpose of going to the auction was to earn gold coins, and if the items weren't outstanding, it would be difficult to earn a large sum. As for bringing those "divine artifacts" to auction, she probably wasn't that foolish. Those "divine artifacts" were incredibly precious and couldn't be taken out lightly. They were treasures that Link had worked hard to obtain and had special significance.

233. Internal Treasury

"Luca took the auction items to the inner vault this morning," Link said with a smile. He had returned to Earth last night and brought back the things he bought online. He had carefully selected some unique and valuable items on Earth, hoping to sell them for a good price at this otherworldly auction and raise more funds for the development of the shadow puppet shop.

"Can I see?" Henrietta asked, her brown eyes wide with anticipation, like a curious child eager to explore unknown objects.

“Of course.” Link chuckled and said, “Didn’t I give you a key to the inner vault a few days ago?”

Now, besides Link and Luca, Henrietta and Fiora are the only two people authorized to enter the Inner Vault. However, they will not go to the Inner Vault without Link's permission; they strictly adhere to the rules and respect Link's decisions.

"Uh... in the inner vault?" Henrietta said awkwardly. There were so many things in the inner vault, dozens of cabinets and shelves, that she really didn't know where to start looking. It was as if she were in a huge treasure vault, and she was a little at a loss.

"Wait, let me look." Link opened the drawer, took out the internal inventory list that Luka had given him at noon, and read it aloud, "It's in cabinet number seventy-seven."

“I’ll go get it,” Henrietta said earnestly, then hurried toward the inner vault, her steps filled with anticipation and curiosity.

"Fiora, go help her," Link said softly.

“Yes.” Fiora nodded and quickly followed. She was also curious about what Lord Link would bring to the auction, her heart filled with curiosity as if she were about to unveil a mystery. The two of them walked briskly toward the inner vault, speculating all the way about what magical items might be stored inside. Their voices echoed in the air, adding a unique touch to the quiet night.

Deep within the ancient and mysterious castle of Winterfell, steeped in history, lies a hot spring that resembles a dreamlike fairyland. The castle, like a silent guardian, has witnessed countless stories and changes, and that hot spring is a dazzling jewel hidden within its ancient shell.

The hot spring pool is tightly surrounded by lush, verdant trees, as if nature had specially woven a green barrier for it. Sunlight, like golden threads, filters through the fine gaps between the branches and leaves, casting dappled light and shadow on the surface of the hot spring and the stones beside the pool, creating a natural abstract painting.

Above the hot spring, a misty haze, like a soft, ethereal veil, gently floats and envelops the entire pool. Being there feels like stepping into a dreamlike world; everything seems unreal, yet one is completely captivated, unable to tear oneself away. Occasionally, clear, melodious voices, like silver bells, drift from the hazy mist. The voices are melodious and lively, like forest sprites whispering, adding a touch of vibrancy and life to the otherwise tranquil atmosphere, making the hot spring seem almost alive.

Lydia lay quietly in the warm waters of the hot spring. The warm water, like a mother's gentle hands, softly enveloped her body, giving her an unprecedented sense of relaxation. It was as if all her fatigue and worries were gradually fading away with the flowing water. She gently swayed her slender, long legs, the movement light and graceful, like a nimble fish playing in the water. Her toes would occasionally playfully float to the surface, splashing up tiny droplets that shimmered in the sunlight.

She frowned slightly, sighed softly, and said slowly, a hint of melancholy in her voice, "Ah! I'll be leaving Winterfell the day after tomorrow. Time really flies. It feels like I just arrived, and I haven't even had a chance to fully appreciate the beauty of this city, to enjoy the hot springs, the sunshine, and the laughter among my friends, and now I have to leave." A deep reluctance shone in her golden eyes, her gaze like a deep lake, containing a deep affection and reluctance to leave this city, as if telling countless unspoken words.

Sofia sat a short distance away, her eyes slightly closed, a look of contentment on her face, as if the whole world had shrunk to the warm hot spring and the tranquility of the moment. She gently stroked her skin, feeling the soothing warmth of the hot spring water; its delicate touch was like the finest silk, gliding lightly over her skin. She couldn't help but exclaim, "Mmm, it's really fast. Soaking in this hot spring is so comfortable; every inch of my skin feels nurtured by the warm water. All my fatigue has vanished in this moment, as if I've been reborn."

These past few days, the girls seem to have found a perfect way to relax, having already soaked in the hot springs three times. Each time they come here, they can temporarily forget the troubles of life; the trivial matters and pressures that usually bother them gradually dissipate in the warm spring water. They fully enjoy this moment of tranquility and joy, as if time itself stands still for them.

Luca stood by the hot spring, her long, glossy black hair cascading casually over her shoulders like a piece of black silk, shimmering captivatingly in the sunlight. She gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, her movements tender and elegant, like a graceful dancer combing her hair. She said softly, “From now on, you can come to Winterfell whenever you want. Winterfell will always welcome you; its doors are always open. Whether you want to soak in the hot springs and feel the warmth and comfort, or experience the unique local customs, taste authentic cuisine, and admire the beautiful scenery, come at all times. This is your second home.” Her voice was as warm as a spring breeze, possessing an irresistible charm that made one feel exceptionally comfortable, as if all worries vanished in that instant.

Fiona sat on the other side of the hot spring, her long, slender legs emerging from the water, appearing exceptionally white in the sunlight. She pressed her white breasts together, forming a graceful arc, the movement natural and casual. She was intently picking at the spaces between her toes, her brow slightly furrowed, as if completing a crucial task, completely absorbed and oblivious to the stares of those around her. Hearing Luca's words, she turned and said, "Yes, welcome back to Winter City. There are many fun places here, a bustling market filled with all sorts of novel and interesting trinkets; beautiful gardens with different flowers blooming in every season, their fragrance filling the air; and many interesting people, so warm and hospitable that you'll feel right at home, and I guarantee you won't want to leave." Her face radiated a warm smile, like the winter sun, conveying her sincerity and friendliness.

Dilva lay sprawled on a flat rock in the hot spring, splashing around happily. Her arms and legs moved rhythmically, like a professional swimmer practicing. Only her fair, pert buttocks were exposed above the water, resembling two small hills that swayed with her movements, making her look exceptionally playful and adorable, attracting friendly glances from those around her. She looked up and said, "Why don't we stay a few more days? Winter City is so much fun, and there are such comfortable hot springs. What's wrong with staying a few more days? Here, every day can be carefree, without worries or pressure. Isn't that wonderful?" Her voice carried a hint of coquettishness, like a child begging their parents to let them play a little longer, making it hard to refuse.

Just then, an accident occurred. "Splash!" A burst of water erupted, scattering in the air like exploding fireworks. Avili jumped up from the hot spring, covering her face, moving her mouth, her expression annoyed as she glared at Dilva. It turned out that Dilva had accidentally kicked her while paddling, and the force of the kick had startled Avili.

"Smack!" Avery slapped Dilva's shapely buttocks, the sound crisp and loud, echoing around the hot spring. Five red finger marks immediately appeared on the white mound of skin, like blooming red plum blossoms, particularly conspicuous. She said irritably, "Dilva, you kicked me! Can't you be more careful? It hurts so much! That kick of yours was really merciless!"

"Huh?" Dilva exclaimed, pouting, covering her round buttocks, and twisting her body as she shouted, "You bumped into my foot yourself, how can you blame me? I was paddling peacefully when you suddenly appeared, how can you blame me?" Her eyes held a hint of grievance, as if she were the victim, making her look both infuriating and amusing.

"What?" Avery was taken aback, then looked around and realized that she had swum over from the other side. She thought that she might have accidentally bumped into Dilva while diving, and couldn't help but smile awkwardly, scratching her head and saying, "Hehe, it seems I misunderstood you, sorry."

"Splash!" Awfully embarrassed, Ivy went back underwater, giving Dilva's large breasts a quick, handy touch before leaving. This infuriated Dilva even more. Her face flushed red, and she shouted, "Hey! Ivy, you wait! Once I learn to swim, I'll get my revenge! I'll let you experience what it's like to be ambushed!" Dilva splashed water as she shouted, spraying everyone around her and eliciting laughter that echoed through the hot spring.

Lydia wiped the water droplets from her face, her golden eyes sparkling, and said with emotion, "Everyone is so much fun. Being with you all fills every day with laughter, and life feels so much more vibrant. I almost don't want to leave." There was a hint of sadness in her voice, as if she truly didn't want to leave this joyful place, where everything felt incredibly warm and dear to her.

Sofia stiffened upon hearing Lydia's words, turning to look at the sadness on Lydia's face. She knew Lydia was speaking from the heart; the past few days had forged a deep bond between them. They had shared many wonderful moments, laughing and playing together—memories etched deeply into their hearts. She was also reluctant to leave, reluctant to part with her lovely friends, reluctant to leave this warm atmosphere.

Lydia seemed to notice Sophia's gaze, and she forced a smile, "It's a pity, I have to go, otherwise my family will be worried. I've been away for so many days, they must be worried about me. They must be looking forward to my return every day, wanting to know if I'm doing well." There was a hint of helplessness in her smile. Although she was extremely reluctant, she knew that she would eventually have to return to her original life, where her responsibilities and concerns lay.

Luca stretched and said leisurely, "This separation is only for a better reunion in the future. That's what Lord Link said, you know. Lord Link always says things that make a lot of sense, allowing us to face parting with more anticipation and less sadness. He's like a guiding light on our life's journey, leading us forward." Her eyes were filled with admiration for Link, an admiration as boundless as a surging river.

"A better reunion?" Lydia murmured, a sweet smile gradually spreading across her face. She seemed to see a future reunion, a reunion where they would have even more stories to share, more laughter and warmth. She looked forward to that day, to the wonderful moment of reuniting with her friends.

Luca said softly, "I'll take you shopping tomorrow. We should bring some things back to the capital. Winter City has many unique items, such as exquisite handicrafts, each piece embodying the hard work and wisdom of the artisans; and delicious local specialties with unique flavors that leave a lasting impression. Bringing them back for family and friends is a thoughtful gesture, allowing them to experience the charm of Winter City as well."

"Okay!" Lydia nodded in agreement, then suddenly remembered that she hadn't bought some gifts yet. These past few days, everyone had been busy playing games, cards, and soaking in the hot springs, and had forgotten about it. She felt a little guilty, realizing she hadn't been thoughtful enough to arrange this in advance. She secretly resolved to carefully select some gifts tomorrow to take back to her family and friends.

“Alright, I’ve soaked long enough. I still need to report to Lord Link about the fleet’s cargo.” Sophia stood up from the water, her curvaceous body exposed to the air, shimmering with a healthy glow in the sunlight. Her skin, like fine porcelain, radiated a captivating luster. She quickly dried herself off, preparing to complete her task, her earnest demeanor revealing her responsible attitude towards her work.

“I’ll go with you.” Luca stood up too. She didn’t want Sofia to face those things alone and wanted to offer her support and companionship. In this unfamiliar city, they relied on each other, supported one another, and faced life’s challenges together.

“I’ll go too.” Lydia raised her hand, covering her chest as she stood up. She was still a little shy; exposing her body in front of so many people made her feel embarrassed. She wrapped herself tightly in a towel, her eyes filled with a hint of shyness, looking like a frightened fawn, endearing and pitiful.

234. Inspection

"I want to soak in the hot springs again!" Dilva called out without turning her head. She was immersed in her own world, enjoying the pleasure the hot springs brought her, and didn't want to leave so soon. For her, the hot springs were her paradise; she wanted to relax completely here and forget all her troubles.

“I’ll soak a little longer,” Fiona replied, picking at her other toe with intense concentration, as if it were the most important thing in the world. She was completely absorbed in her own little world, oblivious to everything around her.

“Okay.” Luca nodded, glanced at Avery who had just come up catching her breath, and then dived back into the water. She called out to the other side of the hot spring, “Inessa, we’re leaving, do you want to come too?”

After a while, Inessa's indifferent reply came from the other side: "I'm not finished washing yet. I'll leave later." Her voice was calm and cold, as if she didn't care about anything around her, as if the lively scene had nothing to do with her. She was only immersed in her own world.

Luca nodded and called out, "Then don't soak for too long. Soaking for too long isn't good for your health. Hot springs are comfortable, but you should do it in moderation, otherwise it will put a burden on your body." Without waiting for Inessa's response, she took Lydia and Sophia to get dressed and led the two of them toward the study.

On the way, Lydia asked curiously, "Luca, why aren't Henrietta and Fiora here at the hot springs? Do they have something to do?" Her eyes were full of doubt, and she was very curious about the two of them, as if they were hiding some secret.

Luca chuckled, "Fiora has to protect Lord Link. She's his personal knight. Her duty is to safeguard Lord Link's safety, ensuring he's never harmed, no matter the time or place. That's why she can't relax in the hot springs like we can; she has to stay vigilant and protect Lord Link at all times." Her tone carried a hint of admiration for Fiora, as protecting Lord Link was no easy task, requiring a high degree of responsibility and exceptional ability.

“Henrietta is currently learning town management from Kim Mi-ting and is busy helping with government affairs. She'll go to the hot springs later. She's working very hard and wants to contribute to the development of Winter City. Every day, she learns various knowledge and skills from Kim Mi-ting, from document processing to policy formulation. She studies diligently and strives to improve herself. She hopes to become a capable person and contribute to the prosperity of Winter City,” Luca continued. She knew Henrietta was a very ambitious girl who was always working hard to improve herself, and everyone had seen her efforts and dedication.

As for Henrietta, she wouldn't say that the fox-eared girl didn't bathe with them because of her breasts. Luca thought to himself, a barely perceptible smile appearing on his face, a smile tinged with mischief and cunning.

“I see.” Lydia nodded, suddenly understanding. “It seems everyone has been very helpful to Lord Link. Everyone is playing their part in this city, making Winterfell better and better. Like a sophisticated machine, everyone is an indispensable part, working together to drive the city’s development.” Her eyes were full of appreciation for everyone, and she was proud to know such a group of outstanding people.

“We only helped with small things, and it was Link who helped us so much,” Luca said softly. She knew the girls were deeply grateful to Link. Link was like a lighthouse, guiding them and showing them the way forward when they were lost. He gave them help and support, allowing them to live peacefully in this unfamiliar city. It's just that none of them were good at expressing it; they all kept their gratitude deep in their hearts, repaying Link's kindness with their actions.

"Hmm!" Lydia nodded, somewhat bewildered. Although she didn't quite understand Luca's words, she could feel everyone's respect and gratitude towards Lord Link. That respect and gratitude came from the heart and couldn't be fully expressed in words.

"..." Sophia thought of the orcs living in Winterfell. In this city, orcs and humans could coexist peacefully—how incredible! It took immense willpower and courage to make such a decision. In many places, deep divisions and conflicts existed between orcs and humans, sometimes even leading to war. Winterfell, however, broke this norm, achieving harmonious coexistence between races. Sometimes she wondered if Link would be king of this country; would the lives of the common people be better, like those in Winterfell, where everyone laughed and talked, and no one went hungry? Everyone would have their own dreams and pursuits, finding their place in the city and living a happy and fulfilling life.

The three women, their heads wrapped in dry towels, walked towards the study, drying their hair as they went. Everything seemed perfectly natural, a far cry from the constraints and cumbersome routines of the capital. In the capital, after bathing, one had to dry their hair and style it before leaving the house; every step was governed by strict requirements and rules. Here, however, they could do whatever they wanted, without caring about others' opinions or views. This sense of freedom and relaxation made them feel incredibly comfortable.

Soon, the three arrived at the study. They knocked gently on the door and only entered after receiving permission.

"Giggle!" A cute little pet darted out from the corner, circling around their feet, its fluffy body rubbing against their legs, eliciting laughter from them. This little pet was like a little angel, adding a touch of liveliness and warmth to the otherwise serious study.

Luca glanced around but didn't see Fiora and Henrietta. She asked in surprise, "Huh? Lord Link, where are Fiora and Henrietta? Why aren't they here?" Her eyes were full of doubt, wondering where the two had gone, and she couldn't help but feel a little worried.

"They went to the inner treasury to retrieve items for the auction the day after tomorrow," Link chuckled, a confident smile spreading across his face, as if he were filled with anticipation for the auction. He knew this auction was a great opportunity to showcase Winter City's strength and unique characteristics, and to bring the city more revenue and development opportunities.

"We can see them now?" Luca's eyes lit up, her heart filled with curiosity. She wanted to know what treasures Lord Link would bring to the auction. Those treasures must be rare gems, possessing unique value and charm. She couldn't wait to see them for herself and what they looked like.

“Of course.” Link nodded. It would be perfect to have Sophia appraise them. Sophia had extensive experience in business, and her appraisal would certainly be accurate. By appraising these items, they could better formulate an auction strategy and ensure ideal results at the auction.

Lydia and Sophia had only learned about the Inner Treasury in the last couple of days. They'd heard it contained many treasures, some priceless, and that it wouldn't sell for a thousand gold coins. They couldn't even imagine what the Inner Treasury was like—could it be even more valuable than the Kingdom's treasury? But then they thought it unlikely. The golden scepter the King had forged a few years ago was only worth about a thousand gold coins; they couldn't fathom that the Inner Treasury might contain something worth a thousand gold coins. What secrets and surprises did it hold? Their hearts were filled with curiosity and anticipation, as if they were about to open a mysterious treasure box.

In the majestic and solemn castle of Winterfell, sunlight streamed through stained-glass windows, casting dreamlike rays that created dappled patterns of light and shadow. These shadows danced and shimmered on the smooth, mirror-like marble floor, like fairies flitting about.

Lord Link sat upright behind a large, exquisitely decorated desk. The desk, crafted from precious mahogany and intricately carved, showcased unparalleled craftsmanship in every detail. His brow was slightly furrowed, a deep frown that resembled a small hill, as if he were pondering something of paramount importance to the kingdom's fate. His eyes were deep and resolute, like the brightest stars in the night sky, revealing an innate leadership quality that seemed capable of commanding unwavering loyalty with a single glance.

At that moment, the study door was gently pushed open, and Sophia gracefully entered. She wore a light blue long dress, the hem swaying gently with her steps, like ripples on a lake. Her steps were light and elegant, each step like a beautiful dance. Her face held a hint of curiosity and anticipation, her bright eyes sparkling like jewels in the night sky. She bowed slightly, her movements as graceful as a butterfly in flight, and respectfully said, "Lord Link, the cargo has all been loaded onto the ship. Would you like to inspect it?" Her voice was clear and melodious, echoing in the study like silver bells, each note carrying a touch of playfulness and charm.

Sophia had her own agenda. She was still troubled by the Inner Treasury, which seemed like a mysterious treasure box, full of endless allure. The more she thought about it, the more curious she became. What exactly was the Inner Treasury? How many unknown treasures and secrets did it hold? She could almost see it filled with glittering gold coins, dazzling jewels, and priceless antiques. However, she also knew that the Kingdom's treasury wasn't a place anyone could just enter. Not even Lydia had ever been inside. After all, the Kingdom's treasury was the core of the kingdom's wealth and power, like an impregnable fortress, not something ordinary people like them could easily approach. They didn't even dare to imagine it too presumptuously, as if getting too close would be met with an intimidating, invisible aura.

Link snapped out of his reverie and nodded slightly, his eyes revealing a meticulous approach to matters, a gaze that seemed to measure the importance of every single thing. He said, "Okay, I'll go check on it tomorrow." He always felt comfortable handling transportation matters personally. He knew that transportation was like the lifeblood of the kingdom; if something went wrong, the entire kingdom could descend into chaos. Moreover, he had already planned to visit the shipyard tomorrow to check on its construction progress. After all, the shipyard's construction was crucial to Winterfell's future maritime trade and military defense capabilities—a matter of life and death for the kingdom, allowing no room for carelessness. Every wooden stake erected, every plank joined, could affect the future warships' sturdiness and speed.

Besides the shipyard, he was also preoccupied with the meat farm. He hadn't visited it since its construction. This farm wasn't just any ordinary farm; it was crucial to Winterfell's future large-scale meat supply, meaning whether meat prices could be lowered. For ordinary people, being able to eat meat every two or three days would be a huge improvement in their lives. Imagine a family sitting around a warm fireplace on a cold winter's day, eating steaming stew—what a warm and happy scene that would be! Currently, most of Winterfell's hunters had been conscripted into the army, and the meat sold in the markets mainly came from the soldiers' hunting. The army, in particular, was like a bottomless meat-eating machine, consuming a considerable amount of meat every day. They couldn't expect the soldiers to hunt every day; in a few years, the wild animals around Winterfell would be wiped out. Then, the people of Winterfell might only be able to stare at empty plates, reminiscing about the taste of meat they once ate.

In reality, relying solely on livestock farms to provide meat for the entire population of Winterfell would take several years, unless livestock were purchased from elsewhere. Link harbored a far grander plan: he intended to stockpile enough canned meat to feed ten thousand people, a year's worth. Canned meat was a strategic resource in this era, playing a crucial role in war or other emergencies. Imagine soldiers exhausted and starving during a fierce battle; opening a can of meat and enjoying a delicious bite would instantly restore their strength, allowing them to return to the fight. This canned meat was like a lifeline for the soldiers, the driving force that kept them going on the battlefield.

However, this enormous quantity can only be imported, meaning it must be purchased from elsewhere. Of course, this is next year's plan; the economy is a bit tight this year, and many things require careful planning. Link sat at his desk, his fingers lightly tapping the surface, the rhythmic tapping sound like the beating of his thoughts. He constantly considered the allocation of various resources and future development plans; every decision could potentially affect the future direction of the kingdom.

"Tap tap tap..." Just then, a series of crisp footsteps came from outside the study. The footsteps, like beautiful musical notes, interrupted Link's thoughts. He turned his head and saw Henrietta and Fiora each carrying a cardboard box, walking in with light steps.

235. Wine

Henrietta, dressed in a pink dress, was as beautiful and charming as a spring flower; Fiora, on the other hand, wore a sharp and smart outfit, looking dashing and heroic. They both wore confident smiles, their eyes revealing competence and intelligence, like two battle-hardened warriors.

Fiora and Henrietta both paused slightly upon seeing Lydia and Sofia, their expressions of surprise as if they had witnessed something new and exciting. Then, friendly smiles bloomed on their faces, and they nodded slightly in greeting. This unspoken understanding and politeness between them demonstrated the excellent interpersonal relationships and atmosphere within the castle, like a warm and loving family where everyone respected and cared for one another.

"Lord Link, the things have arrived," Henrietta said with a smile. Her voice was gentle and sweet, making people feel very comfortable, as if a spring breeze was brushing against their cheeks.

Fiora walked straight to Link's desk, her lithe figure like that of a nimble cheetah. She gently placed the cardboard box on it, then smoothly took the box from Henrietta's hands and placed it on top as well. Her movements were clean and efficient, without the slightest hesitation; every action was full of power and confidence.

“Open it,” Link said softly. His voice was deep and magnetic, giving people a sense of stability and reliability, like a majestic mountain that made people feel extremely at ease.

“I’ll open it,” Fiora replied. With a swift movement, a sharp military knife appeared in her hand. The knife gleamed coldly, as if proclaiming its sharpness and danger, like a venomous snake lurking in the darkness, ready to strike at any moment. She skillfully sliced ​​open the tape sealing the box, her movements fluid and seamless, like a master magician performing a captivating magic trick.

Luca, Lydia, and Sophia instinctively crowded around, their eyes fixed on the box, filled with curiosity, eager to see what auction items were inside. Their eyes shone with anticipation, like a group of children waiting to open a mysterious gift box. Before opening the box, they glanced at Link, and only after he nodded did they slowly open it, revealing its contents.

"Huh? What's this? It's all black!" Lydia exclaimed in surprise, her eyes wide open, her face full of doubt and astonishment, as if she had seen an alien creature.

“This is a wine bottle, wine,” Link said with a smile, taking a bottle of wine from the cardboard box. The bottle was jet black and shiny, shimmering with a mysterious light under the sunlight. This was one of the items he was taking to the auction, and he knew it would definitely cause quite a stir in this era. In this time, most people drank rough ale, while this wine was like a treasure from another world, sure to catch everyone's eye.

“Lord Link, may I take a look?” Sophia requested, her voice soft and humble. She possessed a discerning eye and was always filled with curiosity and a desire to explore these novel things, like a courageous explorer eager to discover the unknown world.

“Of course,” Link chuckled, handing over the wine. He actually had another plan in mind: he needed the other party to set a price before deciding whether to bring more items to the auction. After all, he didn't know much about the resources and treasures of this era; most of what he knew came from Henrietta and Fiora. However, the items he brought from Earth would definitely be considered treasures, just like the five glasses were initially mistaken for crystal goblets, attracting immense attention from the people of this era. Those glasses would be seen as priceless jewels, radiating a captivating light.

“Thank you,” Sofia said softly, respectfully accepting the wine with both hands. It felt slightly cool to the touch, and she gently stroked the bottle, finding it remarkably smooth and beautifully streamlined. She couldn't help but admire the bottle's exquisite design. The flowing lines were like a meticulously painted scroll, every detail perfectly executed.

Lydia, Luca, and the others curiously approached for a closer look. The wine bottle had a slender neck, its entire surface black, and when held up to the light, it resembled black crystal or black glass. This caused the women to gasp; they thought it was far more beautiful than any of the ceramic wine bottles. Compared to it, the ceramic bottles seemed like ugly ducklings meeting swans, appearing dull and lifeless.

"A liquor bottle?" Lydia exclaimed in astonishment. She blinked blankly and waved her hand, saying, "Lord Link, please don't joke around. How could such a beautiful black glass bottle possibly hold liquor?" In her mind, those awful ale didn't deserve to be in such an exquisite bottle; to put them in such a bottle would be an insult to it. She imagined those murky ale in this beautiful bottle, like a brilliant gem thrown into a muddy puddle.

"Huh?" Link chuckled, reaching into the cardboard box to grab another bottle of wine. He then opened a drawer and took out a multi-tool. The multi-tool twirled nimbly in his hand, like a mischievous little sprite dancing. Then he spiraled his way into the cork and forcefully pulled it out.

"Pop!" With a crisp sound, the wine bottle was opened, releasing a rich and unique aroma. The scent was a blend of fruity sweetness and wine's full-bodied richness, intoxicatingly enticing. This finally convinced Lydia that it truly was a wine bottle.

"This... Lord Link, this isn't actually ale?" Lydia asked, frowning slightly. If it was ale, she was quite disappointed. After all, she really couldn't stand the taste of ale; its pungent smell was like a sharp knife, pricking her taste buds.

“Of course not, it contains wine,” Link said, shaking his head. He then took a small box from the cardboard box, opened it gracefully, and took out a tall glass. The glass was crystal clear, shimmering mesmerizingly in the sunlight, like a holy grail from heaven.

"This..." Sophia covered her mouth, her blue eyes shining. The thin, crystal glass was incredibly captivating. She felt it was a work of art, almost too beautiful to use. Every line seemed like a masterpiece sculpted by nature, exuding a noble and elegant aura.

Link poured the wine into the glass, the red liquid swirling gently like crimson silk. The beautiful sight made the women widen their eyes; Henrietta, Luca, and Fiora were seeing wine for the first time. Their astonishment stemmed from the stunning bottle, which made them feel the wine was both mysterious and precious. The bottle was like a magical box, containing endless surprises.

"Lord Link, what are grapes?" Henrietta asked, blinking her eyes. This was the first time she had ever heard of such a wine. Her eyes were filled with curiosity and longing for the unknown, like a curious kitten wanting to explore every corner of the world.

“Grapes?” Link was speechless. He suddenly realized that he hadn’t seen grapes in this era yet. He pondered for a moment, then said, “They’re a fruit. We’ll know next year.” He had already envisioned a beautiful scene in his mind: under the warm sunshine of next year, grapevines would be laden with glistening grapes, like bunches of purple gems.

Link could only explain it this way. He had already made up his mind to bring some grapes from Earth next year, plant them, and then make his own wine. After all, drinking wine has many benefits, such as anti-aging and preventing cerebral thrombosis. For people of this era, it was definitely a rare health-preserving product. In that era of relatively poor medical conditions, wine was like a magical medicine that could bring people health and longevity.

“Oh!” Henrietta nodded, knowing it was fruit was enough. A satisfied smile spread across her face, as if she could already see next year's bountiful grape harvest. She could almost picture herself walking through the vineyard, picking those plump bunches of grapes with her own hands.