Chương 222: Chapter 205. Honest Communication

John Ericsson's Point Of View" What is this? It's great!" Lucas was smiling happily as he dug into his 3rd serving of ice cream. Since he arrived here before dinner and had nowhere to sleep, Anna and I decided to invite him into the mansion until we could find a house for him. With that, we had 4 people sleeping over as guests. In total, there were 10 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms ready to be used now that the place had been fully cleaned and outfitted by our Staff.

I was shocked since I thought there were less when I first came here, but when Janet, Ashley, Brenda, Catherine and Ellie wound up finding extra rooms that were hidden by copious amounts of useless junk. Well, useless is selling them a bit short, but seeing as I had no real use for statues made of gold or silver, I had them melted down and made into coins and threw them into the Treasury that was still empty. Of course, I checked with Warrick to make sure that I wasn't breaking a law by doing that.

With his okay for it, I went ahead and had the Blacksmiths fire up their forges." How did you even find out that this could work!?"" I know, right!? It's so astonishing!"" The first time I tried it, I couldn't believe that someone made something like this!"" Yeah, Matthew has definitely made something special." To Lucas's amazement, Princess Alice of all people was the first one to agree with him. She's had ice cream every day since coming to Paradise, I'd dare say it's her favorite food at this point.

Charlotte was next, while she does enjoy the ice cream, she's also a big fan of melted cheese on different foods. Then Delcan simply stated the truth of the matter. I mean, if I didn't believe that ice cream could make an impact here, now I knew for certain. And to think... I definitely didn't just do it so I could have some comfort food... Definitely not... Why are Sarah and Anna looking at me like that?" Hey, how do you make this stuff?"" Huh? Ah, right, I didn't tell you what it was made from.

It's a milk product."" M-Milk?"

"..." Poke... Lucas looked down at the bowl and his face went from happy and joyful to scared and anxious. I thought about letting him sit like that for a moment, but Anna jabbed my side, and I began to calm Lucas down." Relax, I've found a method to eliminate those pesky side effects that usually would plague people. You should be perfectly fine to enjoy the products. Though, there is still a condition some people have where they'll have a few issues still, but we're working on a specific product for them.""

Oh, well, that's good at least."" Why not just wait for that version then? So, you don't have to worry about those people with that condition?"" Because I wanted ice cream as soon as possible." Princess Alice had another question for me. Over these 2 months, I feel like she's asked at least 3 questions a day about my reasons for making milk products and why I've done it the way I did. But to be honest, everything kind of fell into place when I smelled those plants after defeating the Wyvern.

I was off to the races after that. Knowing that, I just answered the best I could to her questions. Weirdly enough, she never asked about any of the recipes for the milk products that I'd be selling. I'd assume that asking that is a no-no in the Business World, but I could swear that she's been holding herself back from asking. Well, it's not like I would answer anyways, I guess?" So, wait, was that weird sauce you had on the steak for dinner, something made from milk too?"" Yes, it was a pepper cream sauce.

My Head Chef, Jim made it, he also develops recipes for the milk products based on my own input and his own instincts as a Chef. Based on all of the empty plates, I'd say he's doing a great job, wouldn't you?" I couldn't help but sneak in some praise for Jim, I mean, the work he's been putting in at the lab, while still cooking here in the mansion, as well as spending as much time with his family as possible is awe inspiring to say the least. This book's true home is on another platform.

Check it out there for the real experience." I can't believe you made something so savory and sweet from the same food... This is truly amazing. I wish we had this stuff in Midori Village."" Honestly, I can't wait for Liz to visit, last time I brought her some sweets I had left over from Blackstone, but this time, we have a whole collection of desserts for her to try." Lucas was amazed at the food and Anna was looking forward to doting on Liz. Granted, I was happy to have Liz around too.

I wanted to have her opinion on some cream flavored candies and candy bars that Jim and I have been working on." Yeah, Liz will go crazy over this stuff, she isn't going to want to leave. Heck, I barely want to leave! Maybe I'll just move here permanently?"" Selina wouldn't be a fan of that, now would she, Lucas?"

"!" Lucas seemed to recall something. Like a great evil creeping up on his back. I kind of want to meet this Selina now. She seems like she'd be a fun person to talk to. Lucas seemed to get his wits about him and began to speak to try and defend himself." I mean... I guess she could just move with me... If she wanted to..."" Interesting, I'll write her and ask."" Anna!" The siblings seemed to be enjoying their company together. I watched Anna as she was in a more relaxed state than usual.

The only time she shows this side of herself is either when she, Sarah and I are alone or when she's sparring. Maybe having her family around will do her some good? poke... poke... I felt a thumping on the other side of my torso, Sarah was smiling and began to speak." I think it was a good idea to let him stay for a month, it'll give Anna a chance to feel less homesick before he leaves. I mean the letters help, but I suspect she can't wait for her family to visit in full.""

Yeah, she's a lot more relaxed now, I think it's a good thing. It'll be great when we go and visit your parents as well, Sarah."" Yeah, we should really fit that into our schedule before we leave for our advertisement."" Sure, just remember to call it a "birthday party" when you tell others. Last thing we need is someone misunderstanding and thinking we're "rude" or something." Sarah winked at me, and the night passed. I had entered the bath finally after all of the girls and Delcan had bathed.

Delcan asked to bathe with me, but I chose not to, seeing as he was Royalty and all of that nonsense. I had finished washing myself before sitting into the bath. It seems that in Gaia, the bath culture is a lot like Eastern Countries, where the bath is more for relaxation than actually cleaning yourself. I don't mind it, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't just want to use a shower... Is what I would say before I realized how rough and tough this world is.

My body has been so beaten and bruised from a variety of things that soaking in a hot bath might just be the only way I can stay standing." Well, now we're alone, mind having a conversation with me?"" WOAH!" A voice came from next to me. It was Lucas." What the hell man!?" He looked at me like he didn't understand why I yelled." You scared me."" Ah! Sorry. I'm actually more used to being in this state than not having the Skill on."" What? Is it something that hides your presence?""

Yeah, it's called "Hide" It's a must have for Scouts or..."" Spies?"" Yeah, like Spies. I'm glad we can be honest about this." Lucas smiled at me. His smile is like Anna's in a way, goes to show they're related." Well, I'm not so sure we can be honest. For instance, what's the real reason you're here?"" Oh, you mean my Dad? Yeah, he wanted me to spy on you." I nodded to his words... I didn't think it would be this easy." But, just from today, I can tell, you're not abusing my Sister in anyway.

She's almost too happy honestly. However, I will report to my Dad if you even do wrong by her."" Have fun watching, cause that's never going to happen, I Love Anna after all."" I'm glad you're confident in that. But besides that, I want to know what you expect of me. I'll be honest and tell you, my Dad had me trained as a Spy. And I also have it as my 2nd Job. That along with my eyes make me pretty good at it. So, what is it you see me doing?"" You're being surprisingly forthcoming.

I guess I should do the same, your father doesn't want you leaving the Country under any circumstances. I'm fine with that, since I want you to use your abilities to gain intel on other Demon Nobles."" Yeah, sounds like Dad. Anything to keep us here. Well, I don't mind. What kind of info are you looking for?"" General moves regarding us and Paradise. Other than that, weaknesses in their families or shortages in food or weaponry. keep an eye out for talented individuals on your travels.

Those that can excel in Business or Production Skills like Smithing or Farming are what I'm looking for mostly. If you can, I'd love some Educators. Send them all back here when you can. I'll be giving you funds, not only to live on and procure tools, but also to be able to afford to send them here. Your first target for intel gathering is Trapda."" Aren't you going to Zana soon?" I gave Lucas a glare." What? I'm a Spy, I snoop." I sighed at his words."

Well, yes, it is the place I'm going, but I already have a feeling I'll be making an enemy when I go there. I want information on the other places, I want to see if I can make allies of them."" Why have me wait a month first then?"" Because right now they probably want to eliminate me. But after the party in Zana, I think people will change their minds."" What makes you so sure?"" You've already tried it. Wasn't the ice cream good?"" I see... Yeah, a place like Trapda would be a good first mark, wouldn't it?""

I think we're going to get along well, Lucas. You catch on fast. I can see why Selina likes you so much."

"!" Now he was panicking. Karma is funny like that. The bath finished with a few more words between us. I slept well that night and greeted the morning with Sarah and Anna both waking up with me.