Not the Hero, Not the Villain — Just the One Who Wins

As the crowd buzzed and orders flowed, Queen Althea turned to Evelyn, a sly smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"Evelyn," she said smoothly, "why won’t you join me and Liora for a while? Maybe tell us a few tales about Ashen. You seem quite fond of him."

Evelyn chuckled. "Why not? Besides, I can’t leave without tasting what everyone’s raving about. And let’s not forget... I’ve secured a generous 90% discount from my favorite disciple. Would be a shame to waste it."

She shot me a look.

I folded my arms. "Fine. Ninety percent for one dish. That’s it."

She narrowed her eyes. "Are you seriously going to nickel and dime your master?"

"Headmistress, you know thirty percent of my profit goes straight to Academy development... which you oversee. Aren’t you already in profit?"

Evelyn blinked, then laughed. "Touché. Bring it on then."

I nodded. "One ramen for the Headmistress. As for the Queen and Princess, what will you have?"

Althea waved a graceful hand. "Bring every dish you have. I want to try it all."

"All of it?"

She nodded. Liora looked amused.