The Yellow-Haired Villain in Soaring Phoenix’s Novels Also Desires Happiness

Chapter 46, Communication

“Which one should I choose?”

An stood by the shore, holding a different kind of fish in each hand, looking quite troubled.

The fish in his left hand had dense scales, a dull gray color, and an unremarkable appearance, but it struggled with remarkable strength.

The fish in his right hand, though it looked rather foolish, shimmered with iridescent colors on its scales, beautiful enough to take one’s breath away.

—

“After all, I really have no idea what kind of fish the young master ate last year.”

An let out a gentle sigh.

When it comes to fish that even the young master would praise, it must be from the time the duke’s family came to Lake Beipol for sightseeing and boating last year. The fish was so delicious that even the well-traveled old master couldn’t stop raving about it.

It’s only natural that the young master would remember it fondly, but that fish was caught by the boatman, and even the grand meal was entirely arranged by him, so An had no idea what kind of fish it was.

“To make such a basic mistake, as the young master’s personal maid, I truly have lost my composure.”

Determined, An resolved that upon returning to the duke’s residence, she would thoroughly learn about all the freshwater fish species in Lake Beipol.

The strange library in the residence, which had all sorts of books, should have relevant literature.

“If we were to eat, the fish in the left hand would be much tastier.”

A voice sounded from behind An.

“Though the fish in the right hand looks appealing, it has a very strong fishy smell.”

“I see.”

An casually returned the fish in her right hand to the lake, then turned around to look at the girl who had come back:

“Is everything alright with your companions?”

“They… have already gone back.”

“Then aren’t you leaving?”

“I…”

Ailuka forced a faint smile, tinged with loneliness: “I have a companion who is seriously injured and needs treatment, but I’ve exhausted my magic. Following along would only be a burden due to my physical condition, so it’s better to stay here and wait until my magic recovers a bit.

I’m sorry, but I can’t bring my companion to thank you for now.”

“Don’t worry about it. I told you, I don’t need those things.”

An said:

“More importantly, you seem to know a lot about this kind of fish?”

“Yes.”

Ailuka nodded: “Actually, my village is just across the lake. Every autumn, I would come with my family to catch this kind of fish. Although it only becomes plump in autumn, that’s precisely why it’s so favored by those noble gentlemen, always fetching a good price.”

“Is that so? It seems I didn’t catch the wrong one.”

An mused, pinching her chin, then suddenly remembered something and looked at Ailuka, asking earnestly:

“May I ask you about the cooking methods for this fish?”

“Eh, of course.”

“Great.”

After receiving a positive response, An casually knocked the fish unconscious and tossed it aside, then pulled out a small notebook she carried with her, inquiring:

“What cooking methods are generally the most delicious?”

“Hmm… Generally, it’s either charcoal-grilled or steamed. After all, the characteristic of this fish is its delicious taste and firm texture, so it’s better to choose a cooking method that won’t destroy its original flavor.”

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“Do we need to add any seasonings?”

“Salt should be enough, after all, we want to taste the original flavor.”

“Spices…”

“…”

……

……

The two engaged in conversation for a long time, with An inquiring about everything from cooking methods to seasoning timing, even asking which temperature would be the best for cooking.

It wasn’t until she had densely filled two whole pages in her notebook that she finally closed it with satisfaction and bowed to Ailuka in gratitude:

“Thank you for your guidance, it was a great help.”

“Eh, eh, no need to thank me.”

Ailuka hurriedly dodged An’s deep bow, scratching her cheek as she said:

“I just did a trivial thing; compared to being saved by you, it really doesn’t count for much.”

“No, for me, this is a significant help.”

On An’s dignified and cool face, a rare hint of a gentle smile appeared.

Seeing that smile, Ailuka momentarily lost her focus.

“Miss An does this… because she has someone she likes, right?”

“Hmm?”

“Ah, I’m sorry for bringing this up suddenly; after all, it’s Miss An’s personal matter…”

“It’s alright, it’s not something that needs to be hidden.”

An touched her slightly flushed cheeks with both hands, a happy smile gracing her lips:

“After all, I am indeed doing this to prepare a fish feast for my beloved.”

“So it’s true… That’s wonderful.”

Ailuka said with a hint of envy:

“To be able to offer your heartfelt intentions to the one you love, your beloved must be very happy.”

“Hmm, he is very happy.”

An squinted her eyes, “Once he fully understands my deep love for him.”

“Eh?”

“It’s nothing, please don’t mind.”

An withdrew her hands, habitually folding them in front of her abdomen.

That elegant appearance made Eluka feel a pang of envy.

If only I could also carry myself with such grace, Rod would surely look my way.

“Um… Miss An.”

“Yes?”

“I have a worry that I would like to share with you.”

Eluka clutched the hem of her skirt, nervously asking.

“Of course.”

An replied, “As a thank you for teaching me how to cook, go ahead and ask.”

“Actually… I have a friend, a friend, you know, a very good friend.”

“Mm, I understand, a friend, right? And then?”

“Then, she has someone she likes, someone she’s liked for a very long time.

But she doesn’t know if the person she likes feels the same, because that person is particularly dense and is very kind to everyone.”

“A fireplace type of man? The kind that shines and warms up for everyone?”

“I… my friend, she was planning to confess her feelings, but at that moment, another woman suddenly appeared.”

“A love triangle?”

“… Yes, so recently my friend has been wavering because she clearly likes that person, who seems to be nicer to the new woman.”

So, she’s been wondering if it would be better to give up now?”

Eluka lowered her head, staring at the surface of the lake, where the waves still rolled, obscuring her reflection.

Unconsciously, her fingers had turned a bit white from gripping tightly.

“After all, they are mutually affectionate; isn’t it not good for someone like me to interfere as the third party?”

“I see, I understand your worries now.”

An nodded and said:

“Then I’ll ask you directly.”

“Eh? Miss An?”

Eluka exclaimed in surprise.

Because An suddenly cupped Eluka’s cheeks, forcing her to meet her gaze.

“May I ask, how much do you like that man?”

“Eh, eh, he’s just a friend, just a friend…”

Her evasive words grew weaker, as through An’s eyes, Eluka realized that even her ability to lie was so pitiful.

“I really like him. I’ve liked him for several years since I was little,” Eluka confessed honestly.

“Would you sacrifice your life for him?”

“Of course.”

Ailuka answered without hesitation.

After all, she had done such a thing before.

“Would you disregard ethics for him?” An continued to ask.

“Yes.”

“Would you trample on the law for him?”

“Hmm.”

If she could even sacrifice her life, then what were ethics and laws but trivial matters?