chapter 40

A line of people entered the Mansion one after another.

From the outside, nothing seemed unusual, but once inside, the scene was completely different from the gloomy atmosphere outside. The place was brightly lit with candles, decorated in a luxurious and dazzling Baroque style.

To the left of the entrance was the main hall. The Lady was sitting on the sofa, holding a steaming cup of tea. Her movements were elegant, and every gesture exuded an extraordinary air of nobility.

“Madam, everyone has been brought here,” George walked over and bowed his head respectfully.

Upon hearing this, the Lady put down her cup and casually glanced at them, then slowly stood up and walked over.

A strong floral fragrance emanated from her, almost to the point of being overwhelming.

It seemed to be the same scent they had smelled outside the Manor, only much more intense on the Lady herself.

“Welcome, everyone, to my Manor.”

The Lady wore an elaborate and ornate Lolita dress, with heavy, exaggerated makeup. Her foundation was applied especially thick, making her face unnaturally white. When she spoke, powder visibly fell from her face, and her exaggerated fan-shaped eyelashes fluttered like tiny fans.

“I’m sure you all know the reason I invited you here. It’s because of my Young Daughter. She is frail and cannot go out to play. Alone in the Manor, she is far too lonely and wishes for a companion.” The Lady’s critical gaze swept over them one by one. “Each of you was carefully selected by me. I am certain you will not disappoint.”

“Only the most outstanding people are worthy of my daughter.”

“Yes, Madam, that is exactly why we have come. We are sure not to disappoint you,” Fu Zhixing placed his hand over his chest and bowed to her.

The Lady glanced at him and spoke approvingly, “You are very polite. I like polite people.” Then her tone shifted, “But in the Manor, politeness alone is far from enough.”

Everyone fell silent, waiting for her to continue.

“You have all come a long way and must be tired. George, take them to dine,” the Lady instructed George, who stood nearby.

“It is already late. After such a long journey by Carriage, you must be starving. Please follow me; the Manor has already prepared a sumptuous meal for you to enjoy.”

George came over and led them to the Dining Room.

In the center of the Dining Room stood a long table, large enough to seat them all. It was covered with a dazzling array of delicious food, emitting an enticing aroma.

The Lady took her seat at the head of the table.

No one moved. At a time like this, no one wanted to be the first to act. Even the overly lively girl from earlier behaved herself after entering the Mansion, not saying a word more than necessary.

No one here was a fool.

“Please, everyone, take your seats in order of arrival,” George said.

Only then did everyone sit down according to the order in which they had entered the Instance.

Tu Nan noticed a slip of paper pressed under her plate. Without drawing attention, she quietly pulled it out.

[Dining Room Dining Rules:

Rule One: Breakfast is served from 6:00 to 8:00 each day; lunch from 11:00 to 13:00; dinner from 17:00 to 19:00. Please do not linger in the Dining Room at other times.

Rule Two: Wasting food is shameful.

Rule Three: When the host is present, whispering and loud noises are forbidden.

Rule Four: The food prepared by the Manor’s chef is perfectly safe. Please enjoy it without worry.]

She discreetly handed the slip of paper to Fu Zhixing.
The others at the table also noticed her actions, their faces showing anxious expressions.

Before the Rule was revealed, no one dared to make a move.

Fortunately, Fu Zhixing finished reading and passed the Rule to the others. He was expressionless, not even shifting his body as he handed over the slip of paper. The others were no fools; seeing his demeanor, none spoke, patiently waiting for the next person to finish reading the Rule.

Everyone’s task in this Instance was the same-there was no need to compete. For Players, helping each other was the way to survive.

The act of passing the slip was not exactly covert, but the Rule only forbade whispering, not passing notes.

The lady sat in the host’s seat and smiled, “Let’s begin the meal, everyone.”

Yet still, no one moved.

Rule Four stated that the food prepared by the Manor’s chef was absolutely safe to eat. However… what if the food before them wasn’t made by the Manor’s chef?

No one dared to take the risk.

“These dishes smell absolutely delicious,” Tu Nan praised, “The chef of the Manor truly has extraordinary skills.”

The others glanced at her gratefully.

The lady gave her a half-smiling look, speaking slowly, “The Manor’s chef is indeed skilled, but not all the food here is his handiwork. He’s been ill recently and lacking in strength, so others have prepared some dishes under his guidance. Still, I’m sure the taste won’t be lacking. Everyone should try them and guess… which dishes were made by the chef, and which by others.”

Who would dare risk their life to taste-test?

“George,” the lady called to the butler, “Go and bring the chef here. Let him see how the guests evaluate his skills.”

Everyone’s faces turned grim.

Instances rarely presented a difficult problem right at the start, but this one was clearly much harder than any before.

The chef soon arrived at the Kitchen.

The Manor’s chef, Simon, was a middle-aged man, his face slightly pale, but his self-confidence was unmistakable. Such a person was surely very confident in his craft.

If they offended this chef, who knew what suffering awaited them in the days to come.

Tampering with food was the easiest trick.

“Madam, is there a problem with dinner?” Simon asked in a low voice.

“There’s no problem with dinner; the food looks very appetizing,” the lady replied leisurely. “Simon, as you can see, there are many guests in the Manor. I’d like you to hear their opinions. If they have any suggestions, you can improve.”

Simon raised his head, his sharp gaze sweeping over them, and snorted coldly, “Does just anyone have the right to judge my skills?”

The lady gently covered her smile with a feathered fan. Her eyes were a rare shade of gray, and when her gaze fell on someone, it sent a chill down their spine.

Her eyes shifted, landing on Tu Nan, who had just spoken.

“This is Miss Lita, a princess of the kingdom. I’m sure she can appreciate the subtleties of your craft.”

Tu Nan: …

How could she not know she was a princess? The initial information clearly stated she was an orphan.

It seemed Lita had lied to enter the Manor.

But this lie was a bit too bold.

“Is that so?” Simon looked at Tu Nan. “A princess does indeed have the right to judge my skills. However…” his voice was tinged with suspicion, “Are you truly a princess?”