Chapter 72: An Unusual Breakfast

A good night's sleep washed away the travel fatigue. Early the next morning, Xu Feng took Arola out into the city.

As the imperial capital, the prosperity of Alsace was undeniable. The sun had just risen, and thick mist still hung heavily everywhere, yet the streets were already teeming with people. Everyone had begun their day's work. Although the Young Princess was mischievous, she was actually a very filial girl. She knew her parents must be extremely worried since she disappeared, so she wanted to return home quickly.

Between the empire and the Orc Kingdom lay vast stretches of the Hengduan Mountains and endless wilderness, separated by thousands of miles. Traveling alone would be far too risky. The safest method was to find an orc merchant caravan and follow them back to her homeland.

Humans and orcs had a complex history of enmity, but the past twenty years had been relatively peaceful. Although there were occasional minor clashes, no major wars had truly broken out.

Instead, trade between the two sides flourished. On the busiest commercial street in Alsace City, there were numerous shops opened by orcs selling their clan's specialties.

Various rare gems, minerals, magical beast cores, pet eggs, and even restaurants run by skilled orc chefs offering local delicacies—all were very popular in Alsace.

It was still early, so there weren't many people shopping yet. Only the snack shops were bustling, with wafts of delicious aromas carried by the wind. Arola's face lit up with a smile: "Xu Feng, let's go in and have a bite."

"Didn't we just have breakfast?"

"This is our orc-style snack—it's delicious. Let's try some."

Since being captured by the Slave Merchant, the Young Princess had been away from home for almost a month. Now, smelling the familiar flavors of her homeland, she couldn't resist any longer.

"You..." Xu Feng shook his head with a smile. He couldn't refuse such a soft plea from a beauty. Holding Arola's hand, he walked into the shop.

"Young master, miss, what would you like?"

"One roasted tree bear leg, one basket of three-leaf beast buns, and two bowls of soy milk." The Young Princess was clearly in high spirits. She smiled at Xu Feng and said, "Although these snacks are ordinary, the preparation methods are unique to our orc clans. They're really delicious!"

"But can you eat all that?" Not to mention, orc portions were substantial. That tree bear leg weighed at least three pounds, and the basket of buns contained eight, each the size of a fist. He remembered she had already eaten quite a lot during breakfast at the mansion.

"Ah, relax! This little bit is nothing."

Despite her noble upbringing, the Young Princess ate with elegant grace, yet her speed was breathtaking. And her tiny waist, so slender it could be encircled with one hand—how could it hold so much?

"Arola, aren't you afraid of gaining weight eating like this?"

"Not at all!" The girl shook her head. "I don't know about other orcs, but we Snake Clan girls can eat as much as we want and still keep such a good figure."

...

Xu Feng was speechless. Thankfully, no human girls heard this, or they'd be green with envy. God was indeed fair—while granting humans intelligence and wisdom, He also gave elves unparalleled beauty and various unique talents to the orc clans. Everything in the world truly sought balance.

"Xu Feng, don't be shy. Have some too!"

"Alright!"

Although not hungry, seeing the Young Princess enjoy the food so much, Xu Feng picked up a slice of tree bear meat and put it in his mouth. Hmm, crispy on the outside, tender inside, and bursting with flavor—the roasting master truly had skill.

Although eager to return home, there was no need to rush. Arola slowly savored the snacks while Xu Feng occasionally teased her. How to put it... Since arriving in this different world, he had always been surrounded by beauties—the sexy Nana, the serene Sha Sha, and the utterly obedient Xiuer and Xiao Yun, who would give him anything he asked for. Although each was different, someone like Arola, a Little Pepper, was truly a first for him.

For some reason, Xu Feng always enjoyed seeing the Young Princess flustered and annoyed. A beauty's mild anger had its own unique charm!

But he knew his limits—after all, jokes shouldn't be taken too far.

Just as the young man was teasing, a group of soldiers suddenly barged into the shop. The leader was a knight, the medal on his chest indicating he had passed the low-tier lower-grade assessment, just one step away from possessing Battle Aura.

Xu Feng frowned. These soldiers were fierce and aggressive, clearly not here for breakfast. From their armor style and weapons, they belonged to the City Guard.

"Who's the owner here? Bring him out."

"Yes." The shop assistant had already sensed trouble and hid aside earlier. Now, hearing the lead knight's order, he hurried to notify the owner.

"Sir, what can I do for you?"

"Have you seen this person?"

The knight took out a portrait. Xu Feng glanced at it and immediately changed expression. The woman in the painting was about seventeen or eighteen, with a lovely figure, clear eyes, and delicate features—a stunning beauty. But the more he looked, the more familiar she seemed. Damn, wasn't that the Young Princess beside him?

The young man's mind raced. Nasim had said he wanted to present Arola to a powerful figure, only to have her intercepted midway. This large-scale search...

Although Nasim was the head of the slave merchant guild and a famous wealthy man in the empire, he was neither a noble nor held any official position. Of course, he couldn't have orchestrated something on this scale. So, the one mobilizing the City Guard was the powerful figure behind the scenes.

But in the imperial capital, those with such influence could be counted on one hand. To have the City Guard search everywhere for a lost beauty—damn, that was arrogant.

Afraid? Xu Feng certainly wasn't afraid. But as the saying goes, it's better to avoid trouble. The young man secretly felt fortunate that he had been foresighted and made the girl wear a veil when they went out.

"Look carefully. If you're hiding a suspect, you'll be punished as an accomplice."

"Really haven't seen her."

The shop owner shook his head. He was a wolf clansman—wolves were fierce by nature, but business required harmony to prosper. Moreover, running a shop in Alsace City meant the City Guard was absolutely not to be offended. Despite the other party's aggressiveness, he maintained a smile and slipped a money pouch into the lead knight's hand.

"Alright. If you spot this woman, you must report it to the City Guard." The knight weighed the pouch. "You lot, check if there are any suspicious people here."

"Yes!"

The soldiers responded in unison and began searching the customers. Extorting money was inevitable, and some even took liberties with female companions. Xu Feng shook his head. With such corrupt discipline, the City Guard was truly disgraceful.

In an instant, chaos erupted—shrieks and cries rose one after another. Yet, anger aside, no one dared to speak up. The City Guard was responsible for public security and wielded immense authority. Ordinary people couldn't afford to provoke them, and a roadside snack shop like this was unlikely to host any nobles.

In the blink of an eye, the search reached them. The soldier wore a lecherous grin, but upon meeting Xu Feng's icy gaze, he shuddered. Compared to ordinary folks, this young couple was dressed luxuriously and carried an extraordinary aura. Although the City Guard was corrupt, being in the imperial capital, they still had some discernment.

Votes for recommendations, please!

[bid=1140692,bnme=《Hundred Refinements Immortality》]