Chapter 357: The Count's Burning Gaze

Come to think of it, this should be Ji Ming's first official attendance at a noble banquet.

At the Sunlight City event, he indeed devoured both drinks and food, and he certainly ate a hefty serving from old Suo La.

But even among insects and beasts there are hierarchies; this bunch of monkey‑crowned fellows didn't even get the buffet, the tasty dishes were emptied by who‑knows‑who, and it took ages to restock, so they just made do.

As for this time at Jueqiao Pass, it was indeed far more professional and formal, with several stations where one could pick up food, and waiters serving throughout.

But Ji Ming hadn't even finished the polite formalities when a series of mishaps struck; the chef is only human, and by the time they were resolved the seat had long been cleared.

He could only return to the guesthouse alone and rummage bread from his pack, a sad echo of once accompanying a superior to a fancy restaurant, only to come home drunk and eat instant noodles.

Thus, under the simple belief that "no matter how hard, you must not starve your belly," he was still quite eager for the delicacies he might eat tonight.

—Finally it's my turn to lead; everyone, raise your cups! First fill our bellies, then we eat!

The Feng Shadow family's chef did not disappoint; although the portions remained pitiful as usual, under the overhaul of a certain senior savior the number of dishes was multiplied and the proportion of meat dishes greatly increased.

Having seen Ai Li Nuo so traumatized that she only dared to nibble her own rations, and now eyeing the food before her yet still unwilling to eat, Ji Ming thoughtfully fetched a family‑size bottle of Rejuvenation Fourth Generation.

"How can a guest only eat the host's dishes? Perfect, this is my proud creation as a pharmacist, now in its fourth generation."

A proper noble must learn to manage a personal brand; signature items must be repeatedly highlighted—Elli taught him that—so what follows is a practiced advertising spiel.

"This thing is especially good for the body; when injured you can take it as medicine, its texture is silky, sweet but not cloying, and as a daily beverage it pairs well with meals—both elders and children love it."

Having said that, as the bottle cap was twisted off, Ji Ming scooped a bit with a clean spoon, waved it over a decorative candlestick, and instantly a sweet fragrance filled the air, displacing all other aromas at the table.

Adults might be able to endure a bite or two with self‑control, but most children can't refuse it, so Ji Ming planned to use the Count's young master as a hook, and then…

???

Could it be that this kid is one of the legendary few?

While everyone at the table had already turned their gaze toward him, the Count's youngest son continued to leisurely eat the small roast on his plate, unhurried like an NPC in a game.

Only when his mother beside him frowned slightly and nudged him with her elbow did he blink up, reflexively offering a polite smile to the air.

Seeing the atmosphere grow increasingly awkward, Ji Ming hastily created a segue for everyone to step down.

"Ha ha, the young master certainly seems well‑brought‑up; ordinary kids can't sit still in such settings, no wonder the Feng Shadow clan has endured for centuries—this alone shows it."

Everyone quickly followed the segue down.

"Yes, yes, yes…"

Even the Divine Chosen proactively produced his miraculous elixir, and the Count gestured, having the maid swap this round's wine for Rejuvenation Fourth Generation.

Coincidentally, the rejuvenation liquid is a dim, clear red, so even when swapped in the goblet it looks seamless, and when swirled it even creates a wall‑hanging effect.

To reward Ji Ming's high EQ, the Count swirled the potion, praised it as if truly drinking wine, sampled it, then raised his glass.

"I never expected such a feast tonight; let us toast to our joyous gathering!"

One sip of the rejuvenation liquid and the awkwardness evaporated, and while Ji Ming smiled and set his cup down, he subtly resumed his observation.

Although the Archbishop is inherently odd, he is an oddity blessed by the Holy Light deity, essentially a banner of the Old Holy Mountain.

Thus the effect of the rejuvenation liquid mirrors that of Ai Li Nuo beside her: a slight flush, radiant glow, as if she wanted to snatch the bottle from the maid's hand.

The Countess and the young master reacted normally, drinking with a slightly stiff posture, then smiling and nodding at Ji Ming; the boy courteously thanked them.

But the Count himself acted oddly this time; after a mouthful of the potion he grimaced, covering his mouth, fiddling for a moment before regaining composure.

"Ahem, sorry, I haven't had something this sweet in ages—just my personal taste…"

Everyone: "Understood, understood."

With Rejuvenation Fourth Generation bolstering her, Elli, believing she now has a toxin‑immunity buff, relaxed a bit and finally ate a proper meal after many days.

Thus the meal was quite hearty; the wine might not finish, but the plates certainly emptied.

The banquet progressed, the dishes becoming ever richer in the amicable atmosphere, truly a host‑guest delight.

Only one thing.

This is Te Ni Si, Archbishop of the Holy Light Church, the ascetic succubus leader, a brilliant Two‑Foot‑Cloth designer, and a top‑rated MILF.

This is Ai Li Nuo, a princess with a bright future, daughter of the Changge family, a destined royal; though her physique and emotional intelligence are both lacking, her soft rice is certainly fragrant.

This is the Countess, nothing much to say, a background character; it's enough to know she's the Count's wife and they have a son.

Everyone likes attractive things and enjoys mingling with capable people; this is human nature and the premise for the next argument.

Therefore, Count Changge, a nobleman with normal taste and a large family to support, might keep an eye on any of the three above, which Ji Ming can understand.

So then…

You, byd, why are you staring at me as persistently as your wife!?

Indeed, the Count and his wife were chatting lively with Te Ni Si and Ai Li Nuo, master‑disciple pair, yet their glances kept drifting toward Ji Ming.

And it's one thing they discuss other topics, but the hardest to conceal is that the main subject now is reminiscing about the Count and his wife's romantic past.

Ji Ming could only endure the increasingly odd atmosphere, continuing to clear the meat before him while silently eavesdropping.

For nobles, marriage is less about finding a good match for oneself and more about securing a "good match" for the family.

Thus, barring mishaps, as the old lord's designated heir, Lan Ge should marry a daughter of a fellow Count—or perhaps even a Marquis family—to cement the clan's standing in the kingdom's south.

Lan Ge: I refuse!

Indeed, Lan Ge, who has always been quite "by the book," secretly fell for a girl of unknown origin, surely a commoner.

He kept stalling until the staunchly opposed elder died, then broke off the fiancée arranged by the family and resolutely married his current wife.

To common folk this is a tale of deep love and loyalty; to nobles… none of my business, but I hope heirs repeat such folly (hands clasped).

Although Lan Ge's devotion caused the Feng Shadow clan to lose many pre‑negotiated benefits and deals, it was his choice, so the guests can only offer blessings.

"Thank you, perhaps because I've heard so many opposing voices, hearing this…"

Alright, I also … (long trailing ellipsis)

Ji Ming recalled the antique vases and various oil paintings he had seen along the way, confirming that the Feng Shadow Count's household likely wasn't short of money, and crossed off the option of feeling sorry for his own gluttony.

So what exactly is wrong with this Count?

I know high charm is my fate, but could the kingdom's customs truly be so twisted that nobles, after indulging in affluent life, are eager to start frivolous antics?

Looks like we need to lock the doors and windows tonight, and from now on we absolutely cannot meet the count in private, otherwise it'll really be dangerous.

……

That's not right either; if we really do that, wouldn't it conflict with the setting of Radiant Light's last deeply affectionate person?

This isn't a late-night family melodrama TV show, so it shouldn't suddenly pop out a twin split personality or anything like that.

Although Tenisi and Ailinuo haven't noticed yet, when another piece of ribs disappeared just like that, Ji Ming already felt his doubts piling up like a mountain.

Things have come to this; the only way to resolve it is to take the initiative.

"Cough, sorry, I have some private matters; please allow me to step away temporarily."

Exactly, it's another urine escape!

Under the waiter's guidance, Ji Ming quickly found the nearby restroom, and after politely showing his gratitude with a smile, he slipped out the window and landed silently in the bushes below.

Being able to do all this is certainly not because he's familiar with playing Assassin's Creed, but because he has already mastered the use of the black crown.

To use it to activate the second form, you need to wear it on your head, that's correct, but there's no clear rule specifying which head, so a finger works too.

As long as you keep the black crown in your pocket, you can trigger the Eye Magus Alchemist form by touch anytime, anywhere—it's even more exhilarating than the transformations in a tokusatsu drama.

Relying on the cover of spirit magic, Ji Ming swiftly sneaked through the night, swaggering past the patrolling guards, and arrived at a small courtyard behind the manor.

Climbing over the wall into it, Ji Ming couldn't help but shiver, for the smell here was intimately familiar to him—it was Ke Li Si Ting's scent.

——or rather, a strong horse smell.

This is the count's stables, not just his property; their mounts and carriages are also parked here.

However, Ji Ming's reason for quietly coming here is naturally not them, but the middle-aged man sitting not far away, who is currently washing the horses.

Hearing a soft cough behind his back, the man shuddered violently, then slowly turned around, and suddenly grabbed the pitchfork beside him and rose quickly, questioning.

"Yo... who are you!!"

Ji Ming naturally couldn't show his true face, so he disguised himself as a classic black-clad figure midway and threw a card from his pocket.

"One of our own."

Normally a stablehand's vigilance would prevent him from accepting such a thing, but after sensing the familiar aura he hastily reached out.

Things can deceive, but this special aura cannot! He immediately held the card and knelt in salute.

"Greetings, sir; I am a Leaf-class envoy, code name Attached Earth Vegetable!"

Since Ji Ming has already reverse-infiltrated the regional organization's head of the Poison Snake, obtaining a weighty ID card is just a piece of cake.

As the gatekeeper of the southern hills of the kingdom, it's only natural for the Green Cloth Organization to have spies in Fengying's old nest.

According to the four-tier classification of Flower Tree Leaf Grass, it's surprising that the resident assigned here is actually a second-class envoy, indicating that Fengying's status in the Deep Forest's eyes is indeed not low.

As for why Uncle Fugedi Cai doesn't have the same spiritual beauty in his every move as the Poison Snake's big sister...

Not everyone can have Ji Ming's stacked high-level professional buffs from the Supreme Will Eye Demon Bloodline Angel Magic; deep brainwashing and such are quite difficult.

For this kind of consumable among consumables, giving a slight suicide suggestion is already not bad; anyway, even if sold, this bit of intel isn't worth much.

As a special envoy of the Poison Snake, Ji Ming naturally inquired of Fugedi Cai about the situation of the Fengying family.

The stablehand naturally held nothing back, and enthusiastically handed over the terrain map he had spent years drafting, as well as the recently obtained patrol schedule, to Ji Ming.

"Good, good, good, the organization won't forget your efforts!"

Ji Ming took back the card, praised him profusely as if inspecting a real leader, and left the stables with the desired information.

Haha, I see……

As the saying goes, the mantis stalks the cicada, with the oriole behind; who would have thought that this cicada could secretly become the oriole's adoptive father, circling around to watch the mantis do its thing?

After thinking things through, Ji Ming quickly returned to the restroom, tidied his attire, preparing to wait until after the meeting to play with the mantis, but upon opening the door he immediately saw the leaf covering the mantis.

"Oh dear, Mr. Count, how did you end up here? Do you also need to relieve yourself?"

Upon hearing this, the count's face twitched slightly, his beard wriggling, and he first revealed a standard noble smile.

"Haha, Lord Divine Chosen, you're joking; I merely heard you have wide-ranging interests, and there's just one thing I'd like to ask you."

"Then please speak."

"Um……"

Being choked by Ji Ming's sudden remark, Count Fengying appeared even more hesitant, freezing for a few seconds before making a gesture of invitation.

"Well, actually things are rather complicated; let's not talk here, please. I've prepared coffee in my office; let's go there and chat slowly."

No, I just secretly swore not to meet you in private, and you're pulling this on me?

Ji Ming could only hurriedly point to where he came from.

"Count, when leaving, my master specifically instructed that if there's anything, I should consult more with the archbishop; otherwise we can wait until after the dispersal..."

"It's already dispersed."

"Ah?"

Today is May 20, 11 p. m.; holding fast as a writer's assistant, pure-hearted and few desires, clocking in!