Chapter 22 - Dinner with Valeria

Uneasy, Fang entered the carriage along with the secretary. The interior was quite spacious and comfortable, resembling a small house. The Pegasus flapped its wings and took to the skies.

Although not very powerful, the Pegasus had innate wind magic that specialized in amplifying lift and stabilizing its flight. The beautiful wilderness below passed by quickly as the winged beast flew through the clouds, reaching a district tens of kilometers away from Minuet City.

“Please enter, Fang.” Rhodes gestured toward a building, shaped like the tower at the school but at least ten times taller. Flowers adorned the entrance, and the tall doors opened to reveal a red carpet with decorations spread throughout the hallway.

“Welcome, Fang.”

In the hallway, a slim figure appeared—it was Valeria, wearing her distinctive black dress and a mask shrouding her features. Fang still couldn’t understand why she wanted to meet him alone at her house, but judging by the apron Valeria was wearing, it must be harmless.

Wait, the head of commerce actually took the time to cook for him; he was speechless.

Her eyes smiled at him. “Fang, feel free to browse the place. Rhodes will show you around. I just need to finish a few dishes.” Valeria looked at Rhodes. “Help him look around.”

“Yes, Director!”

With exquisite paintings, perfect statues, and aged books, the tower would normally have been very attractive to Fang, but he wasn’t in a visiting mood.

Suspicion began to gather in his mind as he recalled the respectful, honoring attitude the head of commerce had displayed toward him. Seeking clues, he asked the secretary by his side, “Miss Rhodes, the reason why Valeria invited me wasn’t simply to have a meal, was it? There must be something else, right?”

“Well, I don’t know. The head will personally tell you.” It sounded professionally scripted, neither confirming nor denying Fang’s assumption. No further discussion happened.

For twenty minutes, Fang sat on pins and needles in the living room until a maid led him into the dining room.

The table was full of carefully styled food, suggesting that Valeria was an experienced cook. What stood out the most were the two sets of gleaming cutlery on the table, indicating that only Fang and Valeria were dining tonight. With the napkins and plates in place, Valeria questioned, “Fang, are you wondering why I’m wearing this mask? It is a bit rude, isn’t it?”

“No, no, no,” Fang said hurriedly, “I’m honored that the head of commerce invited me to dine.”

While that was what he said, he still had doubts in his mind.

It’s dining time, but surely Valeria doesn’t wear a mask while she’s eating, right?

“Well, the mask is there for a reason. I hope I don’t scare you, Fang.” Valeria raised her hands and lifted the gray mask.

Seeing the face beneath the mask, Fang couldn’t help but draw a stunned breath.

Her face looked quite young, with smoky eyes, delicate features, a long nose, and full lips—a lovely beauty. However, crossing her face were countless black lines, as if a spider had spun an intricate web. If Fang had seen her without the mask at the training grounds, he would have definitely turned around and dashed away.

Valeria sighed. “I’m sorry, it seems like you’re afraid.”

Realizing his face had reflexively frozen, he relaxed and hastily replied, “No, I was just a bit surprised. But your face…”

Valeria explained, “I was in an accident, and since then, I’ve worn a mask, only taking it off when absolutely necessary.”

Regretting his earlier worries, Fang softly said, “That’s too bad, Lady Valeria. I’m sorry; I shouldn’t have asked.”

“Don’t mind it. I’ve gotten used to it.” Valeria smiled. “I trust it won’t affect your appetite?”

“Of course not, Lady Valeria. You are very beautiful!” Fang truly meant it. While the black pattern across her face had altered her typical beauty, it held a strange attractiveness.

“Thank you, you’re very kind.” She picked up her knife. “Please, come and try my dishes. I hope they’ll be to your liking.”

“Okay!” Fang grabbed his fork and took a piece of the exquisitely prepared steak. He brought it to his mouth and chewed the tender, sweet meat. Words couldn’t describe it. The aroma, color, and taste blended together to create a crafted, unforgettable experience.

Simply, Fang praised, “It’s delicious!”

As an enthusiastic hostess, Valeria encouraged Fang. “Feel free to eat as much as you want!”

He sampled all the dishes, each surpassing his expectations; surprisingly, the head of commerce was an excellent chef.

Dazzled by the exotic flavors, Fang set aside his caution. However, he soon felt full. As some fruit salad remained on his plate, he remembered that this meeting shouldn’t have been only about a modest meal. Getting straight to the point, Fang turned to Valeria.

“Lady Valeria, I’m grateful for the meal, but please, I’d like to know why I was invited.”

Methodically, the maid and the secretary started to clear the table as Valeria put on her mask. “Yes, Fang, I invited you with a purpose in mind. If it’s not too much to ask, I would like your help.”

Fang asked, “What’s the matter?”

Valeria avoided the question and replied, “Before that, let us discuss the compensation. As long as you agree to help and attempt the task, I’ll provide you with these rewards.”

Bewildered, Fang stared at the lady in front of him. Regardless of the outcome, he would be compensated?

She continued, “Fang, as for what your reward will be… I’ll cover all costs related to your training, including the use of the energy tower, effective elixirs, private mentors, professional training, and fighting techniques. Anything you need to gain an acceptable level of strength.”