"Smells so good," Mina sniffed delicately, her eyes fixed on the roasted fish on the stove. She softly asked, "Nicole, can we eat now?"
"Almost," Nicole replied gently, reaching into a wooden box and sprinkling some seasoning onto the fish. A richer aroma spread into the air.
The scent made everyone instinctively lick their lips, swallowing their saliva. Camilla's stomach growled uncontrollably, and she stood there feeling a bit lost.
Or rather, quite embarrassed. She wanted to leave but didn't feel entirely willing to. She was curious about the magical fish-catching method the others were using.
If Riverden City had such a method, they would surely catch a lot of fish and survive the winter. But Camilla didn't know what she could offer in exchange. It seemed like her family didn't have anything particularly valuable.
"Alright, no need to fish anymore, everyone get ready to cook," Lucas called out to Chris and the others. "Come get the seasonings yourselves."
"Yes, sir."
Chris and his team joyfully reeled in their fishing lines. Some drew out their knives to gut the fish, others stoked the fire, and a few tried to sneakily learn Nicole's fish-roasting technique.
"Alright, it's ready to eat," Nicole placed the roasted fish on a plate and handed it to Lucas, along with a cup of hot tea.
"Nicole's fish-roasting skills are really improving," Lucas smiled, looking at the fish that was slightly charred and golden-brown. After taking a bite, he couldn't help but praise, "So fragrant, very delicious."
"Yes, I love the fish Nicole makes," Mina loudly complimented, her eyes glancing at the woman standing not far away.
"Enjoy, eat as much as you like. We have plenty more roasted fish," Nicole said softly.
"Thanks!" Mina eagerly took a big bite of the fish.
Nicole gave a quick glance at the woman standing awkwardly, then quietly spoke to Lucas, "Young master, should we invite her to join us?"
"Mm," Lucas nodded, finishing his food. It would be much easier to get information from her later.
"Noble lady over there, if you don't mind, you can come join us. We still have a lot of roasted fish," Nicole waved her hand, pointing to the pile of fish stacked nearby.
"This..." Camilla pursed her lips and shook her head. She struggled to resist the desire to eat, knowing that there was no such thing as free food. She was sure they had some hidden agenda.
"Don't you want to know the method for catching fish?" Lucas took a sip of tea and said casually, "If you're interested, why don't you come join us and have a chat?"
The method for catching fish? Of course, Camilla was curious. She thought about her father's white hair and wrinkled face. If such a fishing method existed, it would definitely help Riverden City survive the food crisis. In the end, Camilla took a step forward and walked toward Lucas.
Lucas's black eyes flashed with a smile as he gestured to the empty seat beside him. "Please, sit."
"Forgive me for the interruption," Camilla gave a noblewoman's curtsy and, without hesitating, sat upright beside Nicole.
"May I ask, what is your name, Miss?" Lucas asked calmly.
"Camilla," Camilla replied, her small hands tightly clasped together.
"Lucas," Lucas smiled slightly and introduced himself softly, "These two are Nicole and Mina."
"Here, please try my cooking," Nicole placed the roasted fish on a plate and handed it to Camilla, "I hope you like it."
"Thank you," Camilla quickly took the plate, looking at the clean white dishware and the shiny knife and fork. Her brown eyes narrowed slightly as she thought, the name "Lucas" sounded somewhat familiar.
"This..." Camilla froze after taking her first bite. Was this really fish? It tasted completely different from any fish she had cooked before.
"What's the matter? Is it not to Miss Camilla's taste?" Nicole asked gently.
"No, no," Camilla quickly shook her head, seriously replying, "This fish is very delicious, it's the best food I've ever eaten."
"That's good to hear. Eat more if you like, there's plenty more," Nicole softly encouraged, adding another piece of roasted fish to Camilla's plate.
"Thank you." Camilla hesitated slightly before continuing to eat, occasionally stealing glances at Lucas, Nicole, and Mina. These three didn't seem like ordinary people to her.
"..."
After they had finished eating, the four of them paused, quietly enjoying the sense of satisfaction that came with a full stomach. Camilla's brown eyes darted around as she pondered Lucas's intentions.
"Miss Camilla, you must be the daughter of the Lord of Riverden City," Lucas said with a smile at the corner of his mouth.
"Ah?" Camilla slightly opened her mouth, staring at Lucas in shock. Her eyes grew more wary, and she instinctively reached for the knight's longsword at her waist. Coldly, she asked, "Who are you? How do you know me?"
Mina's eyes narrowed slightly, and her hand gripped the knife. At the slightest hint of trouble from Camilla, the knife would slash across her throat.
"Your attire suggests you're not someone ordinary," Lucas said nonchalantly, leaving out a few other points—like her demeanor and behavior.
"Uh..." Camilla gave an awkward smile and quickly apologized, "I was being rash."
"I am Lucas, the Lord of Sedona City. I've come to discuss a potential cooperation with the Lord of Riverden City," Lucas said calmly.
"You... you are Lucas, the Lord of Sedona City?" Camilla suddenly stood up, her eyes wide in surprise as she looked at Lucas.
"Miss Camilla knows of me?" Lucas raised an eyebrow, her reaction surprising him.
"No, I don't know you. I've just heard of you," Camilla said, scratching her face in embarrassment. She glanced at the military knife in Mina's hand, which made her heart skip a beat.
Recently, Lucas's name had been spreading among nearby cities. Traveling merchants often boasted about the changes in Sedona City, praising Lucas's greatness to make their own goods seem more impressive.
Camilla had heard about him but hadn't really believed any of it. According to the merchants, Lucas seemed almost like a god—his every action was flawless, too perfect to be real.
"Oh?" Lucas nodded, understanding that his reputation spreading was natural, given the major changes in Sedona City.
Camilla looked at Lucas with curiosity. Aside from his good looks and superior clothing, there didn't seem to be anything particularly special about him. Oh, and he lived quite luxuriously, bringing along plates, stoves, and other such things when he went out.
"I'm curious, what kind of cooperation does Lord Lucas wish to discuss with my father?" Camilla asked, intrigued.
"Miss Camilla, are you familiar with the Sahara Grasslands?" Lucas asked in return, knowing that Riverden City would be a great supply point for forage.
"The Sahara Grasslands? I know a little about it." Camilla nodded. Her father had once sent people to the Sahara to purchase sheep and horses, though she recalled that the orcs there were quite fierce.
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