Chapter 29: Afternoon Tea Party

On the last bright and sunny afternoon of Planet Xifa.

The play trip to the Star of Feasts was coming to its end.

Just like the gentle breeze that slowly brushed across one’s cheek, travelers between new worlds never lingered too long at the beautiful sights of this street.

The white-haired, green-eyed girl hummed Luna-chan’s famous song, “Invincible Idol,” while mixing freshly frothed star milk with rich, aromatic coffee.

Xinghui watched with curiosity, as Lingling Lan’s hands worked skillfully, like she was crafting an exquisite work of art, or perhaps performing magic.

“You really live up to your name, Xingling. So skillful with your hands—it suits your nickname perfectly.”

“Hmph. I’m quite capable, don’t underestimate me.”

Lingling Lan wore a proud smile. She took a pristine white coffee cup and tray, placed them in front of Xinghui and Wilf, and then, like a fountain in the plaza, slowly poured the deep brown, fragrant coffee into the cup.

Just before it was full, Lingling Lan’s small hand wavered, startling Wilf, who was intently watching the coffee swirl in the cup.

“Sister Ling! I-It’s going to spill…”

“Who do you think I am? It won’t spill. This is called latte art. Doesn’t it look prettier now?”

“It really does! Xingling, you know so much!”

At that moment, Xinghui felt genuinely thrilled from the bottom of her heart, as if she had married a wise and capable wife.

Never thought the Outer God’s daughter could be such a talented cook. Compared to the hellish cafeteria meals at the Association, this was like a feast from the angels.

“It’s all taught by Namira-nee-sama… Actually, I’m still far behind her. Eh, wait, don’t rush to drink. Let it cool a bit; the flavor will become richer.”

Upon hearing this, both of them sat obediently at the table like children waiting for a meal, eyes fixed on the coffee exuding its tempting aroma.

“And the snacks will arrive soon! How can an afternoon tea be complete without cookies and desserts? Watch as I unveil the ultimate secret recipe taught by Namira-nee-sama—a real eye-opener for you!”

Having finished this boast, Lingling Lan ran straight into the café’s kitchen, busy at work preparing something.

Public coffee shops were everywhere on Planet Xifa.

Originally, the planet’s residents didn’t drink coffee, but ever since Kanalo Logistics introduced coffee beans, coffee culture rapidly spread throughout Xifa, becoming an indispensable part of residents’ afternoon tea.

Foam coffee… smelled really good…

Xinghui was practically drooling.

Despite claiming to be a future Sword Immortal, her reaction was like a village girl from the mountains, acting fascinated by foam coffee as if it were some alien artifact.

It was undeniably funny.

Lingling Lan was truly a considerate partner… Ah no, girlfriend.

From now on, there would always be delicious food at home.

No more instant noodles and cafeteria gruel… heh heh…

Although it would probably lead to weight gain, the Sword Immortal’s large exercise routine should easily keep her figure slender and proportioned, right?

Soon, crispy milk-flavored cookies and macarons were placed on the white canvas table along with two small cake-like desserts.

On top of each was a cream decoration resembling an eyeball.

“You can eat now!”

“Yay!!! Let’s dig in!”

Smooth, rich, perfectly balanced between milky sweetness and gentle bitterness, Xinghui looked as if she were tasting the world’s most exquisite dish.

Her expression was serene and satisfied. She closed her eyes and carefully savored the flavor, like an expert connoisseur.

She looked adorably silly.

In contrast to how she used to greedily shove food into her mouth, munching loudly with an oily face, this new appearance showed remarkable elegance.

Truly, Lingling Lan’s culinary skills were up to standard!

Wilf, in turn, daintily ate her cake in small bites.

Her cheeks moved gently, barely making a sound.

Such noble elegance.

Lingling Lan even wondered if Wilf was really the daughter of some fallen noble family.

“Xiaofu, you’re so graceful! You can eat something this delicious so calmly.”

Lingling Lan smiled warmly, her eyes full of affection.

“Uh, if I ate like Xinghui-neesan, I’d probably get my clothes all dirty… Then it’d be troublesome to wash.”

“Have you always done your own laundry, Xiaofu? I just throw mine into the washing machine.”

“My sister always taught me to be independent… So I usually wash my own clothes.”

The three fell silent for a moment.

“Ah… Actually, it’s fine to talk about it. I’m not as fragile as you might think. About family stuff…”

“My family is actually a hereditary noble house, granted by the Duchy of Clovia… It feels embarrassing to say, since we’ve long fallen into commoner status. But since I’m telling Sister Ling and Xinghui-neesan… I won’t hide it…”

“My father gave me the name Wilfzina de Clovia…”

“My sister said Wilf was shorter and sounded nicer… So I changed my name.”

Mentioning her past, Wilf seemed much less cheerful than before.

From her eyes, Lingling Lan sensed a trace of bitterness, a shattered innocence, and intense longing.

That emotion, to an Outer God’s kin, was a rare delicacy.

But Lingling Lan, guided by her conscience, wasn’t particularly interested.

“I see… I also think Wilf sounds nice. It feels cute and lively. It really suits you, Xiaofu.”

Having already heard about Wilf’s past from Xinghui, Lingling Lan naturally continued, “What are your hobbies, Xiaofu? Let me guess—You like planting flowers, right?”

“How did Sister Ling know? I do like growing flowers and vegetables.”

“I can smell the earthy scent from you.”

Lingling Lan casually stirred her coffee while munching on a cookie.

“Sister Ling is amazing… So good at cooking. If you opened a dessert shop, you’d definitely be famous online! You could make lots of shiny coins and do many things you want…”

“I don’t have such ambitions. Rather than that, I long for poetry and distant places—just like the wind never stops for scenery.”

Wilf was deeply envious.

“Sister Ling is like Sister Vilti, a fearless traveler!”

“Well… Not quite like Xiaofu’s sister the explorer. I just think there are still many unseen landscapes in this world. I should witness them with my own eyes before my time’s up. Speaking of which, would Xiaofu want to travel with us?”

“I-I need to look for my sister… So I won’t go…”

“She promised to come back for me. If she comes back and doesn’t find me… She’d be worried…”

“She’s my only family… Ever since King St. Delano’s troops raided my and my sister’s home, it’s been my sister taking care of me, teaching me to read, sewing my clothes, working in harsh industries for a few copper coins…”

“When I could finally take care of myself, my sister told me she was going on a faraway trip, to do big business, so I could live a better life like other kids…”

“But she never came back… So I joined the Ranger Association, wanting to find my sister myself…”

“Ah, sorry… Maybe this isn’t a good topic…”

Wilf’s blue hair near her eyes was damp with tears. She tightly pulled a strand of hair, trying her best to maintain a composed expression, stronger as her sister wished…