Hidden genius: Black belly snake

Chapter 13: The friendly consort

The day was still young and Tang Yue decided to visit the city's alchemy association today itself.

Why postpone something for tomorrow that you can accomplish today? A workaholic like her lived by this principle.

Having been crippled since a young age, working hard was something that was etched onto Tang Yue's very bones.

She quickly called out to Lotte and instructed him to bring her around the alchemy association centers in the northern elven territory, at least the ones that were located near the palace.

"Your highness, we have several alchemy association shops around the city. It is one of our main occupational lifelines."

"But as his majesty's consort, you should be able to access the royal alchemy association and learn from the masters there. They are the best of the best."

Tang Yue nodded at the suggestion and considered that to be her best option as well.

The duo quickly departed and walked over to the market district outside of the palace quarters.

As they walked past various buildings and shops, Lotte elaborately explained each and every landmark, such as the weapons market, mission board, herb traders, auction house, and so on.

And Tang Yue intently nodded, gaping in awe at the sheer abundance of resources in the Elven Empire.

She particularly paid attention to the mission boards. Finishing the missions and bounties listed here seemed to be very lucrative.

And Tang Yue's royal pockets were currently dismally empty!

As the duo continued walking, they were completely drowned in the busy market quarters.

Trotting sounds of carriage bound bristle wolves echoed loudly from all directions.

Various elves were running around in the hustling and bustling market busily themselves with multiple jobs.

What surprised Tang Yue the most was that she could even see other races such as orcs and dwarfs walking about, peacefully mingling with the elves.

"Don't worry, your highness. They won't attack us. They are mainly here to trade."

"The crown prince managed to sign peace treaties with some of their tribes, thus opening up new trade routes and knowledge exchange." Lotte excitedly informed her.

Tang Yue nodded, slightly adjusting the impression she had about the crown prince.

She had previously assumed that the man plundered and murdered wherever he went, but looked like even the densest of rocks still had a bit of wetness left in them.

Progress could also be brought about by peaceful means, but it contained its own fair share of risks.

It was ultimately up to the ruler to choose the best option.

Tang Yue and Lotte finally reached one of the branches of the royal alchemy association.

The veiled attire and the royal symbol on her robe, that had evoked respectful glances thus far on their trip, weirdly elicited a disgruntled look for the first time.

The old man sitting leisurely at the entrance of the building looked at Tang Yue up and down mockingly.

"What an interesting day this has turned out to be! Ha Ha. What brings one of our esteemed royal consorts to a humble place like the alchemy association?"

The old man laughed obscenely by slapping his thigh, not even bothering to hide his blatant disrespect and unbridled arrogance.

Tang Yue's face instantly stiffened. Her cold eyes darkened but relaxed immediately. What sort of insults was she not used to?! This was nothing new to her.

Lotte felt bad for the princess, but this was way over his paygrade. He immediately bowed humbly and tried to ease the situation.

"Good day Master. Her highness intends to visit the alchemy association."

The old man's eyes shone with a weird glint as he sarcastically chuckled.

"Royal consorts should busy themselves with the affairs of the palace. I don't think your princess has any business being here."

Tang Yue clenched her fists. The venomous words did not get to her but she was worried that this arrogant bastard wouldn't let her in.

Just as she was wondering what to do, a gentle melodious voice interrupted the awkward atmosphere.

"Since when did old master get to decide who to let inside and not let inside the association gates?"

The old elf's gaze slightly shifted.

"This humble servant doesn't dare to presume anything as atrocious as that, your highness." The old elf chuckled.

This time around, even though he held the same amount of contempt and disrespect, he still held it in check.

Sixth royal consort Adriana casually walked over to Tang Yue and smiled at her.

"You should be the new arrival?" She jovially laughed and extended her hands.

"I am Adriana, the third princess of Southern Elven empire."

Adriana was one of the few royal consorts who actually managed to cultivate to a decent level and even dabbled in alchemy.

Ignoring the displeased old man, she quickly brought Tang Yue inside the association.

On seeing yet another beauty acting so warmly towards her, Tang Yue couldn't help but question her motives.

However, she was quickly won over.

Because the next instant, Adriana leaned towards her and whispered, "If this is your ploy to get closer to the crown prince, you better give up now. He rarely comes here."

Tang Yue looked confused but quickly understood what she had meant.

She gently smiled and replied, "Ha Ha. No sister, nothing like that. I just wanted to relieve my boredom by learning about some herbs and medicine."

Compared to the fake polite and nice woman, Tang Yue preferred people like her, who were more open, brutally honest, and direct to the point.

Royal consort Adriana looked at her with a quizzical expression but then broke into a peal of laughter.

The mesmerizing woman looked delicate and childlike as she amusedly patted Tang Yue.

"Good luck, junior sister. You can always look for me if you have any doubts."

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