Chapter 58: Ordering Dishes
Jima suddenly remembered that, in a sense, she suffered from mild social anxiety, which she had never managed to overcome.
In her past life, she was a programmer, and interacting with colleagues was fine. Everyone was into technology, and they unintentionally looked down on those who were superficial.
But after arriving in this other world and mixing in the Demon Realm, there was no need for social skills. In the Demon Realm, you couldn’t get what you wanted with mere words; you had to use swords and blood.
George nodded, “It’s all up to you.”
His blue eyes sparkled with hopeful light, like a drowning person clutching a lifebuoy.
But I’m no lifebuoy; I’m also someone drowning in the ocean of social interactions.
Jima began to regret her decision; however, despite her thick skin, she didn’t want to contradict herself right after boasting, especially in front of her enemies.
She steeled herself and smiled, saying, “Just follow my lead later; I’ll observe the situation first.”
“Professional.”
Jima turned her head and looked at the banquet. She saw that the event was about to start, with people gathering in groups, chatting with one another. Occasionally, someone burst out in surprise, saying, “My old friend, you’re here too; it’s great to see you.”
“What a coincidence!”
“Let me introduce you; this is my dear…”
Similar “chance encounters” were playing out continuously.
It felt as if this ship were named the “Ship of Surprises and Coincidences.”
While Jima internally complained, she also observed closely.
She remembered that a social butterfly subordinate, who had been lurking in the human world, once told her that at a banquet, based on clothing, accessories, and conversation, one could deduce a person’s identity.
Jima planned to find guests related to mages. After all, those researching slave contracts should be mages, right?
Mages should wear robes, with a wand at their waist, a pointed hat on their head, and ideally, a broomstick on their back.
However, after scanning the crowd for a long time, besides George, who was wearing an embroidered golden robe, no one else was in robes. Let alone wands and pointed hats; there wasn’t even a broomstick.
Why abandon traditional attire? It was truly outrageous.
Jima felt a bit annoyed and decided that sooner or later, she would unify the continent and issue a decree. Everyone in public places would have to wear a tall hat that said “I am a warrior” or “I am a mage.”
To reduce the cost of information exchange.
“Jima, Jima,” George nudged her and asked in a low voice, “Have you found anything valuable?”
“Um…” Jima stroked her chin and nodded seriously.
In her eyes, it seemed that everyone was dressed similarly.
George gave her a thumbs-up.
This made Jima even more nervous. She began to regret her impulsive decision.
Clearly, George was using her hard-earned money; why should she feel touched? I’m so foolish to have fallen into the trap of a naïve bachelor and taken on this burdensome task.
But now that it had come to this, she could only bite the bullet.
Observing wasn’t without its rewards. Jima noticed several pairs of eyes scrutinizing her.
She felt that someone was stealing glances at her. Turning her head, she looked towards the gaze and locked eyes with a young man with green eyes, holding a golden wine cup, strolling along the carpet with his companions.
He had been caught staring, so he quickly turned his head and started chatting with his friends, appearing as if he had only glanced casually. However, the fingers gripping the golden wine cup revealed his anxious heart as they passed her table.
Using his peripheral vision, he stealthily glanced at Jima’s face, noticing George sitting beside her, then raised his voice:
“I’m about to come of age; my family should provide me, the firstborn, with a suitable ship. How much was your ship last time? Who designed it?”
“One thousand gold coins.”
As they spoke, their figures faded away at the entrance leading to the upper table.
Ah, the subtle hints from the young lad.
Jima ignored him and looked towards another pair of eyes.
The owner of this gaze was a well-dressed middle-aged man. It must be said that the soft fabric, beautifully patterned, accentuated his nearly round belly.
He did not shy away from Jima’s gaze and instead smiled at her.
Jima reacted nonchalantly and looked away. The portly middle-aged man continued to openly admire her beauty.
The only gain from this observation was Jima realizing the impact of her beauty.
Younger men were peeking at her. They avoided her eyes but could not help flaunting themselves, hoping to catch her attention.
Older men, on the other hand, were boldly “appreciating” her.
Jima estimated that if it weren’t for George’s “surprising leap,” someone would have approached her by now.
She realized she could potentially exploit the advantages of her allure as a succubus.
Servants came forward, serving juice and sweet wine. These were merely appetizers; it would still be some time before the actual meal began. Many people hadn’t taken their seats, which meant that socializing was still ongoing.
Jima stood up, stepping out with her damp little shoes. George stood up and followed her closely.
Jima cast her gaze toward the previously mentioned portly middle-aged man. His attention grew increasingly ardent as she approached.
“Good morning, sir; I am Jima,” Jima said generously, practicing the greeting she had memorized after observing for a long time.
The middle-aged man’s eyes sparkled with amusement as he glanced at George but did not respond.
“This is my master, a traveling knight from Bartó named George, who cannot speak much due to a curse.”
“Hello,” George said.
The middle-aged man nodded reluctantly and then smiled at Jima, saying, “Your beauty is as striking as your master’s entrance; may I have the honor of knowing your name?”
Yes, just like that.
Jima noticed the middle-aged man’s lustful gaze slowly expanding.
“My name is Jima; my ancestors have served your master’s family for generations.”
“Coming all the way to Shalin City from such a distance must be for something important,” the middle-aged man said with a smile. “I know a few friends in Shalin City and might be able to help.”
“Long story short, one of my master’s friends inadvertently fell into a ‘slave contract,'” Jima said with a pained expression. “This is the wicked plot of his enemy, forcing his friend to become a dog’s slave, unable to leave and spending all day with dogs. Sigh.”
The middle-aged man chuckled, “Contracts are not cheap; who is your friend? Are you trying to amuse me?”
“This is true.”
Jima opened her innocent golden eyes, evoking sympathy. She looked at George and said, “Master, we came to Shalin City to find a master familiar with slave contracts, right?”
George nodded awkwardly and said, “Yes.”
The middle-aged man felt that the world was indeed full of wonders. He clicked his tongue in amazement and said, “You are guests from afar; in a sense, I have an obligation to show you the hospitality of Shalin City.”
Jima smiled brightly and turned to George, saying, “Master, your friend is saved.”
George forced a friendly smile.
“But,” he said, “we’ve only known each other for less than ten minutes. Tomorrow, I happen to have a gathering with old friends; come join me. George, you’re a knight, right?”
George nodded, “Yes.”
“Perfect; some of my old friends enjoy hunting and have long wanted to witness the prowess of Bartó knights,” he continued, “And Miss Jima, dear, you’d best stay indoors under the blazing sun.”
“What about you?” George asked.
“Me? I’m a bit too old to enjoy horseback riding outside.”
“Alright, it’s settled—” Just as Jima was about to agree, George tugged at her hand and gave her a look.
The middle-aged man’s smile froze for a moment; raising his voice a bit, he half-warned, “Young man, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. No one other than me would generously give you a chance when seated at a lower table.”
“George!”
Jima whispered.
George stopped.
The middle-aged man quickly followed, but he maintained an effort to keep a smile on his face.
His gaze lingered on Jima’s soaked shoes and George’s moist cloak for a moment, saying, “My words might be harsh, but they are true; truth is often unpalatable.”
“You talk nonsense,” George replied coldly, “Let’s go.”
The middle-aged man was initially irritated, but George’s gaze had an oppressive quality that made him cool down. Recalling George’s previous leap of power, it didn’t seem impossible for the youthful spirit to kick himself into a grave.
Thinking this way, the warmth in his lower extremities quickly cooled down.
“Is a knight from Bartó this rude?”
The only response he received was the backs of George and Jima.
George didn’t even hear him.
After returning to their seats, Jima whispered, “George, this is the closest you’ve been to restoring your powers. I have ways to protect myself.”
“I don’t want to.”
His tone was proud to the point of arrogance. “I don’t want to see you selling your beauty for me. Let’s just treat this banquet as a meal.”
Jima then realized that this young man, who was dedicated to “slaying the Demon King,” must have a proud heart.
Why do I feel like I’m being shameless? Tsk.
Yet Jima displayed a sincere smile, picked up a glass of wine from the table, and toasted with George, saying, “Enjoy your meal.”
…
…
“Master, that’s the situation,” a golden-haired maid respectfully bowed in front of Lisi. “George and his maid hit a wall in front of Lord Fulis.”
“Is there anything else?”
“Aside from that, no one has approached them.”
“Good, everyone is quite sensible,” Lisi stated. “Deliver this letter to George.”
“Understood, Master.”
Saying that, Lisi addressed several beautiful noble ladies nearby, “He will definitely regret it.”
“Are you talking about that knight who can cut down bears with one sword? So arrogant and unreasonable?”
“Yes.”
“When he receives the letter, he’ll surely be in shock,” Lisi’s close friend laughed, “He might accidentally miss the princess of Shalin City.”
“And then ride in on horseback, kneel, and kiss your hand.”
“Impossible?” Lisi replied, but the smile on her face betrayed her. “He’ll definitely act stubborn on the surface, but it doesn’t matter; he will realize that those who like me are willing to queue from Shalin City to the deep water pool.”
