Teacher by day, Farmer by passion-Chapter 177: Deception [4]

Ace made a quiet mental note inside his very head. Emilia and Anna. Both of this names warranted further attention.

"I want a full report on the two of them,

Anna and Emilia.," he said, voice low but firm. "Backgrounds, cultivation records, family ties, academy performance, absolutel y everything."

Lotus nodded her head without hesitation. "Understood."

She didn't ponder on why, as an assistant, fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓

she felt she just need to watch what the master alchemist does and maybe she can learn a thing or two from him.

They continued walking in silence, the warmth of the sun at their backs, when they spot a figure appeared beneath the shade of a flowering tree.

It was a young woman, she stood with an elegant poise, her gown, a delicate blend of blues and gold.

Yet a long scar traced from her left brow to the edge of her cheek. Still a beauty nonetheless, she had the figure every women ever so dreamed off.

Pretty face, beautiful

smile, Ace thought. But you can't trust a pretty woman—especially not this fox.

Outwardly, however, he greeted her with warmth and ease.

"Princess Soho," he said with a slight bow, "always a pleasure."

"Master Zhi," she replied cheerfully, her tone light. "How have you been since we last met?"

"It's, Ace, your Highness.. Also, I've been busy surviving, as always, Your Highness." His steps remained calm, his distance deliberate.

She laughed softly. "Ah, haha is that so, my bad,

teacher Ace, and how are your two disciples? Shan Yifeng and Liu Mei?"

"I sent them out for training," he replied with a shrug. "They'll return once the bruises start to fade."

He couldn't really tell her he didn't know where they disappeared off to after all. Was he worried they got kidnapped? Maybe not.

Still he was certain the two were safe out there was because he trust the system interface that says, [Alive] when he opens their stats.

"Oh?" Her brows arched with playful curiosity. "So diligent. I must meet them again sometime."

Then, with a graceful flick of her wrist, she added, "Ah, right! I didn't come alone today—I brought someone with me."

Ace didn't speak, but his gaze lingered on her, alert beneath the calm exterior.

Lotus blinked in surprise at the reveal but quickly composed herself and offered a respectful bow. "Your Highness."

Princess Soho acknowledged her with a warm nod before turning back to Ace. "Are you done with your class for today?"

"I am," he replied. "Just about to return to my ward and rest."

"Perfect!" she said brightly. "Come with me then. I want to show you the plot of land I promised. I'm sure you haven't seen it yet. It's pretty close by."

Before Ace could respond, a young woman approached, her long braid swaying gently and her expression tinged with uncertainty.

Ace's grin widened. "Omelette girl."

Zhao Yun blinked. "Master Zhi?"

"It's Master Ace, actually," he corrected with a grin.

She looked momentarily confused but didn't press it. "Ah… sorry."

Still amused, Ace turned to Lotus. "You, assistant. Any more tasks for the day?"

Lotus straightened at once. "Ah—no, I mean—yes. Yes, I do!" she stammered, bowing quickly to both the princess and Zhao Yun.

Then, in a flurry of robes and mild panic, she retreated down the corridor.

Watching her go, Ace sighed internally, A shame. I could've used a beauty to keep me company while chatting with two foxes.

And then he looks at Zhao yun, well, she's fine, she practically suffered being a nanny for the two kids.

He turned to Soho and Zhao Yun. "Shall we?"

The trio strolled through the quiet stone corridor, sunlight slanting through arched windows and casting elongated shadows at their feet.

Princess Soho walked with her hands clasped behind her back, a spring in her step. Ace kept a casual, cautious pace beside her. Zhao Yun followed a few steps behind, quietly observing.

After a moment, Ace tilted his head. "So, Your Highness… what was the point of the academy inspection?"

Princess Soho laughed musically. "Oh, please. Don't play dumb. I arranged the whole thing just to see you, and yet you couldn't even spare a moment to say hello?"

Ace offered a polite smile, declining to offer excuses.

She smirked. "Also, what exactly did you do to poor Milson? Every time someone mentions your name, he flinches like a ghost is about to yank his soul out."

Ace blinked. "That… I genuinely don't know."

He turned to the other girl. "Zhao Yun. What brings you here?"

"Sect task," she answered plainly. "One of our elders is stationed here."

Ace raised an eyebrow. "Elder? Here?"

Zhao Yun, gave a helpless smile. "It's… complicated."

She then offering clarification. "This elder teaches here, but his true passion lies in food."

"Ah," Princess Soho interjected, grinning. "Just like my father!"

Ace and Zhao Yun turned to her, both with a blank expressions.

"…What?" Soho blinked. "I mean, he really likes food…"

The silence lingered.

"…Right. Go on," she murmured, adjusting her sleeves awkwardly.

Zhao Yun quickly took over. "It's fine. Where exactly are we going, Princess?"

"With great joy," Soho beamed, clapping her hands together, "to the promised land!"

"…That sounds suspiciously like a trap," Ace muttered.

"What was that?"

"Nothing, Your Highness. Lead the way."

Soho didn't pursue it any further but she still looked back from time to time,

maybe to catch Ace off-guard? But for what....

They soon arrived at a modest yet elegant building tucked just off the main road.

Its exterior was painted in rich ocean blues, with silver etchings that shimmered in the sunlight.

A golden plaque above the door displayed its name in graceful calligraphy: Blue Sea Restaurant.

Princess Soho gestured grandly, as if unveiling a rare treasure. "Welcome, Ladies and

gentlemen, to the finest restaurant in the entire capital. The Blue Sea Restaurant!"

Ace narrowed his eyes slightly as the name echoed in his mind.

Blue Sea Restaurant… Blue Sea…

Something about it stirred a faint memory, although he was sure it was of one not entirely really pleasant.