“Actually, Miss Tina, you don’t need to be so flustered. I really didn’t see anything.”
Like trying to save Tina’s pride, Princess Lia said this with a reassuring tone.
She could understand Tina’s actions—just now, it had all been out of necessity.
Although Tina didn’t think that way, she was so embarrassed she felt like her toes had formed an entire apartment.
“Speaking of which, it seems a soldier just tossed a note in. Could he be one of our people?” Tina cleared her throat lightly and, acting as if nothing had happened, walked over to the door to pick up the note.
It read: [Meet at the Elven Tavern tomorrow evening, urgent matters to discuss.]
“Your Highness, what do you think?”
“We can go. This person deliberately left a message, so he must know I’m in this room. But he didn’t report to the captain, which at least shows he means no harm to us.”
“Alright, then Your Highness should rest well first. I’ll prepare the itinerary for you.”
After Tina left the room and confirmed that the palace guards downstairs had all withdrawn, she reported the incident to the Earl of Aiverson.
The Earl was still uneasy about it. “Should I assign some guards? Just the two of you might not be safe.”
After all, in his impression, his daughter had never known any magic. Without wealth and power, she’d have been bullied badly out in the world.
But Tina knew she possessed the power of a witch, so even if it were an ambush, it wouldn’t be a serious threat.
“Besides, that kind of place… guards won’t be of any help, right?”
Those who understood the Elven Tavern knew exactly what that meant.
If you didn’t order a few drinks once inside, you’d be kicked out. But if you did, you’d be taken to a private room, making protection impossible.
“Alright then, I’ll station some men outside the tavern. If anything happens, you must get out immediately.”
After the conversation ended, Tina returned to her room.
Beside the bed was a dressing mirror. From the reflection, it was clear that the face was exquisitely delicate—the very face she had taken on when she transmigrated as a witch.
Her figure was exactly the same as well, with silky black hair flowing down to her shoulders, and beyond that, all the way to her feet.
She had thought that becoming an Elf might make her grow taller, but there was no change at all.
Thinking this, Tina clenched her teeth.
Why was Lia so wealthy? The Elf race was truly despicable!
No, when did she start caring about such things? Right now, helping Lia with the Restoration was far more important.
Of course, she needed to build some goodwill first, to prepare for the more difficult times ahead.
***
The next day arrived—the time to depart.
Tina prepared two masks to reduce the chance of being recognized.
“Let’s go, Princess.”
Following the pre-planned route for three or four miles, the carriage soon reached the border city-state.
The façade of the Elven Tavern was decorated with unique charm and atmosphere; even foreigners who had never been there before could recognize it at a glance and feel intrigued.
The Elven elder sisters inside must be amazing, right?
“Miss Tina, you seem really excited,” Lia said with a silly grin beside her.
“Huh? I’m just curious what kind of clue that person will provide, hmm.”
“Is that so? I thought you might be interested in… someone of the same gender.”
Lia had at least received royal education and didn’t quite understand two people of the same gender being together, but she respected it.
At least, she herself wouldn’t do that. If she were to look for a partner, it would be a prince from a storybook.
“Let’s hurry up. That person might have been waiting for us a long time.”
Lia stepped into the tavern first.
The moment she entered, a strong mix of alcohol, sweat, and some indescribable odor filled her nose, making her want to gag.
This place really wasn’t for her.
As she took in her surroundings, her body gradually adjusted to the environment.
On the first floor of the tavern were many scantily clad Elves, all holding wooden mugs and smiling as they greeted customers.
Some wore maid outfits, some wore… Succubus Disguise? Others were wearing nothing more than underwear.
“This is way too provocative,” Lia disapproved of such abandonment of decency to please others. She would never order any special services.
Speaking of which, where was the Miss Tina of the Aiverson Family?
They hadn’t seen her since entering.
“Boss, do you have any special services?” a familiar voice came from the front desk.
Lia looked over and saw the black-haired figure, practically bursting with excitement.
“Yes, Miss, we have the most basic companion services here, like those you see on the first floor. Besides that, for an extra fee, you can appoint a few exclusive maids to the second floor for a more intimate experience.”
“Of course, if those aren’t enough, we also have a super special service you’ll definitely be interested in—the Elves’ Dream Induction!”
“In the dream, you can do whatever you want to whomever, perfectly recreating the most realistic sensations. That person will only obey your commands. How about it? Sounds good, right? Want to try?”
The Elf at the front desk spoke in an incredibly gentle voice, making it hard to resist.
Tina felt a demon and an angel warring inside her heart.
The demon said, “Since we’re here, shouldn’t we at least try the companion service? Elven elder sisters unique to another world—something I could only ever dream of in my past life.”
The angel said, “No, you have to go for the premium service! That way, the elder sisters can earn more and escape their misery sooner!”
“?”
Right, right?
Yes, that’s right.
Tina swore to be a kind person; ordering the premium service wasn’t for selfish reasons, but to help warm those Elves who were forced into service.
“So, dear guest, your choice?”
Before she could answer, Tina suddenly felt a strong hand drag her away from the front desk.
Turning around, she saw Lia’s face full of exasperation.
“I’ve found that person already. Hurry up and come with me.”
“Ah, my premium service—”
Upstairs, at the very end of the corridor, the door was half-open.
Inside stood the soldier who had left the note earlier.
When he saw the two, the man stood and saluted respectfully. “Your Highness, we’ve finally been waiting for you.”
“Yes, it’s me. Is there something very important? Did you risk coming here just to find me?”
“It’s like this.” The man took out a black dagger from his pocket and placed it on the table.
“This is what I found two years ago during the palace chaos. Your Highness should understand what this means.
I later secretly had the dagger appraised and found it is a unique assassination weapon belonging to the Moonmist Sect.”
“Are you saying that Father’s death is related to this cult?” Lia toyed with the black dagger. Even after two years, the weapon still emitted a sinister aura.
“That’s right. I’ve always believed in Your Highness’s integrity. The real culprit must be someone else. And to prevent the assassination from failing, they conspired with many cult members hidden within the palace.” The man spoke with conviction.
“Then… how much do you know about this Moonmist Sect?”
This was the first time Lia had heard of such an organization.
“Well, I don’t know much. It’s probably a newly emerged cult.”
The man thought for a moment and added, “But the Underground Black Market might have the information you want. That place is full of complicated personnel and all kinds of rumors. It’s worth a try.”
“Good. Thank you for your effort. If the Restoration succeeds, I will credit you greatly.” Lia stood and bowed deeply to the brave soldier who risked his life to deliver the message.
“It’s getting late, Your Highness. I must leave first. I wish you success.”
With that, the man hurried away, leaving Tina and Lia alone.
“Moonmist… Miss Tina, how about accompanying me to the Underground Black Market tomorrow?”
“All right, Your Highness. Since there’s nothing urgent now, I’ll get busy.”
Lia: “?”
You really were just thinking about that service the entire time you were listening, weren’t you?