Chapter 37: Rejoice in Life’s Triumphs

In short, this meeting could be described as pleasant and friendly. The Marquis looked up at the sky and said, "Your Lordship..."

"Just call me by my name!"

"Alright." The Marquis nodded with a beaming smile. "Xu Feng, it's dinner time. After you!"

The two left the garden and entered the inner courtyard, arriving at a spacious room of over two hundred square meters, decorated with lavish comfort. As night had fallen, candles as thick as a child's arm were lit, the candlelight flickering on the delicate faces of the maidservants. Though only two people were dining, a row of maids stood by to serve. Xu Feng frowned inwardly—these aristocratic families truly lived in luxury.

But... he liked it. Xu Feng felt no need for false modesty. Since he had crossed over to Hailan Star, he should enjoy what was available. When life offers joy, take it; don't leave the golden cup empty under the moon.

The Marquis clapped his hands, and the maids began serving the meal. To ingratiate himself with the Archmage's disciple, Loshiki had spared no expense. The dishes on the table were not only prepared by renowned chefs from across the empire but also included famous specialties from elves, beast-folk, and even dwarves.

People are ruled by their passions and appetites, and the desire for fine food is a powerful one. Since arriving in the imperial capital, Xu Feng had been dining on rare delicacies daily, but the exquisite dishes before him still took his breath away. Naturally, he didn't hold back—he wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth.

And the Marquis's preparations didn't end there. He clapped his hands again, and a group of about a dozen young girls processed in, dancing gracefully.

These girls were all very young, mostly around seventeen or eighteen years old, and quite beautiful, especially the lead dancer, who was nothing short of a stunning beauty. Their outfits were clearly carefully designed—don't misunderstand, they weren't particularly revealing. To be precise, all the important parts were covered, but the fabric was a very thin silk, creating a hazy, elusive effect that added a touch of allure.

The girls danced gracefully, and the lead dancer sang as she moved, her voice as melodious as an oriole's song, paired with her beautiful face. It was no exaggeration to say she excelled in both appearance and talent.

After three rounds of drinks, the song ended, and the girls bowed and withdrew. However, the Marquis kept the most beautiful lead dancer and gestured for her to serve Xu Feng wine.

Her slender fingers were as delicate as orchid petals. The girl, with a hint of shyness, glided forward on light steps. She wore no shoes, and her fair, jade-like feet were as exquisite as carved jade.

"Her name is Xiuer. She was only thirteen when she first entered my mansion. Seeing how clever and quick-witted she was, I hired a master to teach her singing and dancing. This girl didn't disappoint me. Now, five years have passed, and Xiuer is eighteen, the prime of her youth. If you don't mind, Xu Feng, let her stay by your side as a maid to make your bed and attend you."

"Pfft—" Xu Feng spat out his wine on the spot, coughing repeatedly. Loshiki had just gifted him two shops, and now he was offering such a stunning beauty. Even if he was trying to win favor, wasn't this going a bit too far?

But, to be honest, he was somewhat tempted. After all, the girl before him was truly a breathtaking beauty. Unlike Nana's sensual allure, she resembled a woman from the southern water towns—graceful and delicate, exuding an air of elegance. Her black hair cascaded like a waterfall, smooth as silk.

A beauty like jade, but Xu Feng didn't let her charm cloud his judgment. He took a sip of wine and said, "I appreciate the Marquis's kindness, but such a generous gift is too much for me to accept."

In all seriousness, throughout history, many heroes had fallen to the honey trap. Who knew if this girl named Xiuer was a pawn Loshiki had placed by his side? Lust is a knife hanging over one's head; it's always better to be cautious.

The Marquis chuckled. "My Lord Viscount, you are too modest."

Seeing that Xu Feng could remain clear-headed in the face of such beauty, Loshiki held him in even higher regard. "As the saying goes, a beauty is meant for a hero. It would be her great honor to serve a young hero of your stature. Xiuer, are you willing?"

"This servant is willing."

The girl lowered her head, not daring to look at Xu Feng. Her beautiful eyes held a hint of eagerness and anxiety. Hailan Star was in the Middle Ages, where nobles held immense power. Here, it was perfectly normal for nobles to exchange servants and maids as gifts. When Xiuer was bought into the Marquis's mansion and the steward had her practice singing and dancing, she understood her fate. When she grew up, the Marquis would gift her to a powerful figure he wished to please or curry favor with.

It might be an old man or a cruel tyrant, but as a maid, Xiuer had no choice. Watching her sisters being sent away one by one, she lived in constant fear, not knowing what her future held. All she could do was pray silently.

Today, the Marquis gathered them and told them to prepare their most dazzling dance and sing their most beautiful songs, saying they were to entertain a very important guest. The Marquis had even hinted beforehand that this noble would become her master.

Xiuer was truly terrified. This was the moment that would determine her entire life. Fortunately, luck finally smiled upon her. By chance, she heard that the noble's name was Xu Feng.

Though she was rarely allowed to leave the mansion, she had heard the maids who went out for supplies mention Xu Feng's name. He was a young, handsome viscount, beloved by the common people. It was said he was extremely compassionate and had once saved a girl from being harassed by a ruffian.

Rumors said Xu Feng was a gentle and kind noble.

If only it were true. In this world of survival of the fittest, Xiuer had no way to decide her own fate. All she could do was pray for the Goddess of Luck to smile upon her.