Book 19: Chapter 27
This seaside city didn’t leave the girls with a deep impression during their journey since all they remembered was the steam from gribble and the deliciousness of shells. The group proceeded with their original plan. Even though Nona still wanted to play, they had made contact for a horse carriage, which they used to head to the Imperial Capital the next day.
Oftentimes, cities weren’t built due to resources but merely for the reason that a city could be constructed if there were people. The small town outside of the Imperial City in the North was built based on the same concept. This prosperous area was turned into a city because of the docks. However, as few nobles visited, the majority of taverns there were catered to sailors and businessmen. To them, having a tavern to stay at was a blessing. Lots of people slept together with the horses in the stables, so what the tavern offered was simple.
Initially, Ying was slightly worried since the four girls were Princesses, who were used to life in the Imperial Palace. She thought it’d be impossible for them to rest there, but the four girls were mentally prepared long ago. The simple living conditions were something they were willing to bear with as part of adventuring. Moreover, it was rare for the four to be able to sleep together in one room.
Liu Yue stood inside the room and curiously scanned her surroundings. Vera looked at the water kettle that had lots of scratches and bumps. She wondered if there was tea nearby. Daisy and Nona looked at the glass pot on the table with red wine and began a debate. Daisy really wanted to try it, since her parents didn’t allow her to drink alcohol while she was in the Imperial Palace, yet they often drank. Nona was curious about the red liquid and wanted to try it, but she said they weren’t in the Imperial Palace; therefore, she insisted that it was bound to be different to what their parents drank. If something were to happen, they were done for. Consequently, they were in a stalemate.
“Frankly, the room is dilapidated. I imagine life tonight won’t be that interesting.”
“Even if it’s a little shabby, I’m sure it’s better than being on the ship, right? If nothing else, it’s not so boring, and it won’t be rocky. Most importantly, we’re all together,” rebuked Liu Yue.
Liu Yue then sat onto the bed. The bed wasn’t as comfortable as her bed on the ship, since it didn’t have a mattress. It was just straw and cotton shoved under a bed sheet. The pillow was made from the same material. It must’ve been left over material judging from the fact that none of the pillows were completely filled.
In the Imperial Palace, professionals made the beds. On top was a thick and soft material. When you lied down on it, you’d literally sink into it. The pillows were made from silk, so it remained cool in summer. Of course, those were things the three eldest sisters enjoyed because Liu Yue, who lived outside, only got to enjoy it during vacations. Troy planned to have a set made for her, but Ling Yue objected to it, citing that they couldn’t allow Liu Yue to develop pampered habits. Liu Yue often questioned if Ling Yue was her biological mother. She really wouldn’t have believed she was if it wasn’t for their tails being identical.
Vera gazed at the sky: “By the looks of it, we need to light a fire. The sun is coming down. The room will be cold.”