Chapter 288

Chapter 288: Shopping

A white-haired girl and a green-haired girl walked side by side down the street.

In the end, Mom chose Lvzi, since she was the first to suggest going shopping.

It had been Red Pupil who rescued her from that agonizing dilemma earlier.

No matter how she answered, she’d feared one of her daughters might feel hurt—how thoughtful of Little Pupil to intervene!

Thus, it felt natural to stroll through the market with Lvzi.

But speaking of which…

Lin Yu glanced at the small hand clutching her arm.

Even through direct contact, the girl could now remain conscious…

"It seems this daughter has never had alone time with her mother before," the green-haired girl tilted her head, beaming at Lin Yu.

The radiant smile momentarily captivated Lin Yu.

But when she felt clawed fingers tracing her waistline, accompanied by the green-haired girl’s increasingly ragged breathing, the white-haired girl swiftly regained her composure.

At this rate, the touch-hungry creature might collapse again.

"Behave."

Lin Yu slapped away the wandering hand.

Such an admirable daughter—why must she be such a pervert?

"Certain activities aren’t suitable for public spaces," the green-haired girl purred. "Let’s visit the inn."

"The inn?"

But we’re supposed to be shopping!

"It’s nearby! I booked a room in advance. Besides," she leaned closer, "night approaches. We shouldn’t waste time—"

"The sun’s still high!"

Anticipating Lvzi’s intentions, Lin Yu flicked the girl’s forehead before resuming their walk.

Snack vendors lined both sides of the bustling street.

"I’ll take two skewers of these."

"Miss Lvzi? You’re the Moat Blade’s Lvzi, aren’t you?"

"Correct."

"And… your companion?"

The vendor’s enthusiasm faltered as he noticed the masked white-haired girl. Though her features were hidden, an inexplicable allure held his gaze.

"She’s a cadre of the Ant Tribe—the Queen Ant’s daughter. My duty today is to escort her."

Lvzi said with a solemn expression.

"Is that so?"

The vendor finally regained his composure.

"She must be an important figure from the Ant Tribe, yes? Ah, right—didn’t you want skewers? Take these, all of them."

He bundled over a dozen steaming meat skewers in yellow parchment and passed them to Lvzi.

"I only require two."

"Consider them a gift. No payment needed."

The vendor chuckled.

"Just days past, some ruffians nearly overturned my stall. Were it not for the Ant Patrol arriving to discipline them, I’d have lost everything."

"What’s a handful of skewers? A humble vendor like me has little else to offer. I only hope the Ant Tribe won’t deem it unworthy."

"I see…"

Lvzi ceased her protests and accepted the skewers.

They departed the stall and continued onward.

"Seems the human race’s patrols had their own shortcomings. Hard to say whether from negligence or simply lesser efficiency than the Ants."

The green-haired girl spoke while retrieving a skewer from the parchment and raising it to Lin Yu’s lips.

"Taste it, Mother."

"…Very well."

Lin Yu bit into the skewer. The meat crackled golden at the edges, yielding to succulent tenderness within. Rich juices burst forth, flooding her palate with fragrant warmth that seemed to dance across her tongue.

"Well? Is it pleasing?"

"Quite."

The unexpected richness proved delightful, particularly against the winter’s chill—a small but profound comfort.

Little Liquor would likely adore this.

Later, she must bring the girl to sample it. Better yet, have her learn the vendor’s recipe! With Little Liquor’s "Culinary Talent" at work, these skewers could ascend to true magnificence.

"If it’s good, then I’ll—"

Lvzi nibbled precisely where Lin Yu had bitten.

"Mmmph! Exquisite! Another taste, Mother?"

She pressed the skewer to Lin Yu’s mouth anew.

The white-haired girl glanced at her, extending a hand to claim the skewer.

To no avail.

The green-haired maiden maintained her grip.

After a brief tug-of-war, Lin Yu relented.

"Surrender that one. Have you not ample others?"

The white-haired girl’s icy expression shifted slightly as she narrowed her eyes at her green-haired companion.

"But sharing a meal makes it tastier! Let’s eat together, okay? Please?"

"…"

She truly couldn’t handle this persistent creature.

And this sudden coquettishness… such underhanded tactics!

…

Though a dozen generous meat skewers would satisfy any ordinary appetite, they proved insufficient for Lin Yu and Lvzi of the ant tribe.

After devouring their feast, the pair found themselves before a newly established boutique in the inner district.

"They’ve just opened this dress shop. Shall we explore, Mother?"

"Hmm."

Lin Yu’s nod froze midway as suspicion dawned.

"But haven’t you been constantly occupied with Guard Knights duties at the lord’s estate? How would you know about emerging stores?"

"Ah, well…" Lvzi’s cheeks puffed like autumn persimmons. "Between occasional sparring sessions with that Laikalis fellow, my schedule flows emptier than a dry creek. Hence these urban explorations."

Her jade-green braids quivered with mock indignation. "Had Mother bothered to check my consciousness stream more often, such mysteries wouldn’t perplex you."

"Speaking of secrets—that human lord Simon’s been courting me relentlessly lately."

"What?!"

Arctic winds seemed to howl through the white-haired maiden’s suddenly glacial tone.

"Ehehe… Mother’s jealous~"

Emerald eyes sparkled with mischief as Lvzi hugged her companion’s arm, pressing soft curves against the slender limb.

"Fear not—the human couldn’t brush a single strand of my hair. Though if Mother wished…"

Her azure gaze turned liquid. "Everything’s permitted. Absolutely everything."

Lin Yu’s throat constricted.

"…We’ll discuss boundaries later. For now…" The older woman gestured toward the boutique’s entrance. "New establishments often carry novel designs. Let’s find something befitting you."

…

Within the lavender-scented shop, a young matron cradling an infant emerged from behind silk drapes. The store’s kaleidoscopic array of garments momentarily stole the visitors’ breath.

"Welcome, noble ladies. How might I assist?"

"We’ll browse first," Lin Yu replied, already examining an embroidered shawl.

The shopkeeper’s professional smile lasted precisely three minutes before her bundle began squalling. Glancing at her only customers, the flustered woman turned crimson and pivoted, lifting her blouse—

Hungry suckling sounds replaced infant cries.

"Mother…"

Lvzi’s whisper carried dangerous sweetness as her finger traced Lin Yu’s waist.

"I crave that treatment too."

One emerald-tipped nail pointed at the nursing woman while the other danced along her companion’s sash.