Ren was waiting in the Elven Palace for Princess Elena when someone brought him some tea and a biscuit.

Ren gave his thanks, but the servant Elf only nodded her head and left without a word. He didn't mind it. He was glad that the Princess was home, at least.

Often time, NPCs have a . . . schedule like they were real people, and most often than not, they were hard to find when the players needed them the most.

While waiting for the Princess, Ren took a sip of the tea and snacks.

[ACQUIRED! Silver Needle White Tea Recipe!]

[ACQUIRED! Almond Macaroons Recipe!]

Ren was amazed at the tea and the refreshing flavor, but he was even more amazed when his MP up by a lot. And when he meant a lot, it added +1000 points.

As for a snack of the elves, the almond macaroons. These delicate, sweet treats were made with almond flour and egg whites and were filled with a rich and creamy buttercream. They were the perfect accompaniment to a cup of Silver Needle tea, and their elegant and refined appearance was sure to make any tea party feel luxurious.

And these Macaroons up Ren's HP by a thousand too.

Whoa . . .

Though Ren knew that the effect would only last an hour, he was still surprised, and he thought . . . he really needed to make it.

Ren read the description. The tea was made from the young buds of the tea plant, which were carefully hand-picked and sun-dried. The resulting tea had a delicate and complex flavor profile, with notes of honey, melon, and a slight floral aroma.

Silver Needle tea was also known for its health benefits, as it with high in antioxidants and could boost the immune system.

The key ingredients were, of course, the Silver Needle Bud and some herbs and fruits. As for the Macaroons, the ingredient was pretty simple. Ren could buy it in any general store.

The tea was fairly easy to make without even needing tools. However, he had to wait for the buds to dry. And that took like a week in-game time.

While the Almond Macaroons, the ingredients were generally accessible, but he needed some baking tools to do it.

It didn't matter. Ren was more interested in this Silver Needle Tea. That boost of +1000 MP was a great deal. He was sure that the players would clamor over it like the Pelka Meat.

Ren only came here to talk with the Princess about Space Magic, but who knew that he would get another good surprise?

As far as the ingredients go, Ren all have it thanks to him foraging nonstop, except for the Silver Needle Bud.

Hmm . . . maybe it's a special flower that the elves grew?

"Why are you looking at the tea like that? Don't you like it?"

Ren raised his eyes from the tea and found Princess Elena standing in front of him.

Ren blinked. At first, he couldn't identify the Princess because she was wearing a gown right now. Last time she was in her warrior's garbs. And now . . .

The Elven Princess appeared as if she had stepped out of a fairy tale, wearing a magnificent gown that glimmered and sparkled in the light. The dress was made of a flowing, iridescent fabric that shifted between shades of pale blue and silver, resembling moonlight on water. The skirt billows out around her in a graceful sweep, with layers of delicate tulle and chiffon adding to its ethereal beauty.

The bodice of the gown was form-fitting, with a sweetheart neckline that accentuated the Princess's slender figure. It was adorned with intricate beading and delicate embroidery, adding a touch of elegance to the ensemble. The sleeves were sheer and delicate, with a slight flare at the wrist that gave the gown a subtle sense of movement.

Princess Elena's platinum blonde hair was pulled back in an elegant updo with delicate braids and twists that added a touch of whimsy. Her emerald eyes sparkle with intelligence and depth, framed by long, silvery lashes that seemed to flutter at the slightest movement. Her skin was flawless, with a delicate flush of pink in her cheeks that highlighted her natural beauty.

Around her neck, the Princess wore a delicate necklace of silver and emerald, which sparkles and catches the light with every movement. Her ears were adorned with intricate silver earrings that glowed in the light, adding to the overall sense of otherworldliness and magic that surrounded her.

And at that moment, Ren thought of how much the Princess outfit would cost. He bet he could auction it in the millions.

Princess Elena frowned when Ren stared at her like she was a piece of thing he was contemplating whether to keep or dispose.

"What?"

"Ah. Sorry. It's just unusual to see you in a dress."

Princess Elena's frown was replaced by a chuckle. She sat opposite to Ren and said, "I had a meeting with . . ."

She paused, recalling their names, and when she couldn't, she shrugged and continued, ". . . those nobles about potential marriage. We need strong ties now that a war between the dark elves seems inevitable."

She then changed the topic. "Anyway. Why do you want to see me? Are we finally going to enter the Fey Realm?"

Ren shook his head. "Later. Don't worry. I'll inform you about it."

"You better. If I know that you crossed the Fey Realm without me, I'll chase you to the end of ARCADIA," she threatened and then sweetly smiled. "And you wouldn't like what I will do to you once I caught you."

Ren's fine hair tingled, and he quickly changed the topic. "By the way, this tea is delicious. Did you grow the ingredients?"

"Glad you like it. The Silver Needle Tea is a staple delicacy here in the Palace. And yes, you can only find Silver Needle bud in the castle. You won't find it anywhere else."

As I thought. Ren mused to himself.

"Are you interested in the silver needle bud?"

Ren nodded.

Princess Elena smiled and slightly leaned in Ren's direction. "Tell you what. If we successfully uncover the truth about what happened to Queen Aurora's body, then I'll give you unlimited access to our private garden. How about that?"

". . ." Ren put down his tea and looked at the Princess seriously in the eyes. "I hope you're prepared. We'll be leaving tomorrow."

A/N

I'll be taking a break tomorrow, and onwards to recharge. Feeling burn out lately.

Updates will resume in April 1st.

CHEERS!