Teacher by day, Farmer by passion - Chapter 89

Chapter 89: Spirit grain (NEW!)
‘What kind of castle even floats?

In a world where none can fly,

Do they travel by boats?

Hmm… it’s worth a try.’

The fire crackled, sending flickering shadows across the wide-eyed children gathered around the storyteller. The old fool leaned in, eyes twinkling with mischief.

“Life is amazing!” he declared, his voice rising above the night’s hush. His audience held their breath, eager for what came next.

With a knowing smile, he continued, “Where I come from, people don’t walk—they fly! There are no immortals, yet they wield weapons powerful enough to strike down even the mightiest of them.”

A hush fell over the crowd. Disbelief flickered in their eyes until, finally, one curious listener dared to ask, “But, mister… how do you know all this?”

The old fool grinned, his gaze glinting with mystery. “Me? That’s simple.”

The old fool leaned back, letting his words settle. “Because I once lived there.”

For a moment, silence hung thick in the air. Someone shifted uncomfortably. A child clutched their mother’s sleeve.

Then—

“Liar! You’re lying!”

Voices rose in protest—some scoffing, others outright laughing. Yet the old fool merely chuckled, unfazed, as if he knew something they didn’t.

“And then…” Soho’s voice dropped into a dramatic hush. She held the book just a little higher, as if she were about to turn the page. Shan Yifeng and Liu Mei leaned in, eyes wide.

Then—snap!

“That’s all for today!” she announced cheerfully, shutting the book with a decisive clap.

Across from her, Shan Yifeng and Liu Mei, who had been hanging onto every word, snapped out of their daze.

“What? That’s it?” Shan Yifeng frowned, crossing his arms. “You can’t just stop there!”

Liu Mei pouted, her frustration clear. “Yeah! What happened next? Did he prove them wrong? Did he take them to his world?”

Princess Soho only laughed, shaking her head. “If you want to know the rest, you’ll have to come to the capital.”

Shan Yifeng and Liu Mei exchanged glances, clearly torn between annoyance and curiosity. It was as if she had dangled the sweetest fruit before them, only to snatch it away at the last moment.

“Princess, that’s not fair!” Liu Mei huffed.

“Yeah, don’t leave us hanging!” Shan Yifeng added.

Soho smirked. “Well, stories are best heard in the right place, don’t you think?”

Just as Liu Mei and Yifeng were about to protest once more, Ace spoke from the side, casually tossing a Spirit Apple in his hand.

“What’s that story about?”

Princess Soho glanced over, amusement flickering in her eyes. “Oh? Are you interested? Maybe I’ll tell it… if you take me in as a disciple.”

Ace didn’t even hesitate. “Oh, suddenly I don’t care anymore.”

He turned to the kids. “Come on, let’s go get dinner.”

Soho clicked her tongue, crossing her arms. “Tch, you’re no fun.” Still, she followed along.

In the kitchen, the rich aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air as Liu Hong and Ruby worked side by side.

Liu Hong moved with steady confidence, as if she had already made peace with what was weighing on her.

Ruby, however, wasn’t as composed. Her fingers fumbled on the rim of a bowl, nearly tipping it over.

She caught it just in time, but the slight clatter still echoed in the quiet kitchen. Her breath hitched. Liu Hong, noticing, sighed softly.

“Ruby, he’s your brother. He won’t harm you.”

Ruby flinched at the words. “I… I know,” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Liu Hong exchanged a glance with her, then gently suggested, “Why don’t you rest for a bit? Dinner’s just about ready.”

Ruby hesitated. “Aunt, I…” She opened her mouth as if to say something more but fell silent.

After a moment, she simply gave a small nod and walked over to the bench, curling up on it as if hoping to disappear.

Liu Hong watched her for a moment, her gaze unreadable, before turning back to the stove.

The kitchen remained warm, but a quiet heaviness lingered in the air.

______

Soon the children walked into the kitchen and took their seats as Ruby moved efficiently, setting out plates and dishes. Once everything was ready, they began their meal.

In the background, Shan Yifeng and Liu Mei eagerly asked for seconds, then thirds, their voices overlapping as they fought over the last piece of braised meat.

Meanwhile, Ace and Liu Hong sat slightly apart, their conversation carrying a quieter, more serious tone.

“Aunt Hong, I need you to handle something for me.”

Liu Hong set down her chopsticks, giving him her full attention. “What is it?”

Ace leaned back slightly. “I’ll be giving you Spirit Grains to plant in the fields. Distribute them however you see fit.”

Liu Hong’s brow furrowed in thought. “That’s quite a responsibility… You’re trusting me with this?”

Ace nodded. “You’ve always been good at managing people. I know you’ll make the right call.”

She considered his words for a moment before sighing. “Alright. I’ll take care of it.”

Their conversation continued, the air between them filled with unspoken understanding.

On the other side of the table, Princess Soho, who had been eating quietly, suddenly spoke up.

“Can I have some Spirit Grains too? I’d like to raise some myself.”

Ace glanced at her, arching a brow. “And what do I get in return?”

Soho smirked, tapping her chopsticks against the rim of her bowl. “I could owe you a favor.”

Ace scoffed. “A favor from a princess? Sounds nice in theory, but it’s about as useful as a promise in the wind.”

Soho rolled her eyes. “Fine. How about something more tangible?”

He leaned forward slightly, interested. “Go on.”

She paused for a moment before flashing a confident grin. “A plot of land. In the capital.”

Ace’s fingers drummed against the table. “That’s a generous offer.”

“And a fair trade,” Soho added. “You’re giving out Spirit Grains. I just want a chance to grow some myself.”

Ace tapped his fingers against the table, considering. A plot of land in the capital… Not a bad offer. He met Soho’s gaze as he extended a hand. “Deal.”