Chapter 34

"you must have some good reason to have us walk across the capital city for this specific restaurant." she studied the menu closely. "it's not on the main street and the area is practically desolate."

"I found it by accident." Andrew set down his menu. "it's affordable to most commoners and the food is both delicious and fulfilling. Though I heard it's going to shut down soon. What a pity. "

"that's no surprise." she looked around at the half full tables. " it's location is the problem."

Amourora only ordered a sample of each dish, and tasted it before excusing herself to use the restroom, but as soon as she slipped away, she asked to speak to the restaurant owner. The staff led her to a private room where a middle-aged man sat after a long negotiation with them and some bribery and threats.

"you are not an easy man to see, sir." Amourora said as she sat down.

"and what would a pretty little girl want in seeing me?" he dived straight into the subject without beating around the bush.

"as we are being straight forward, I will be very honest." she stirred her tea after adding sugar. "if I am not wrong, your restaurant has been suffering great losses recently, correct? You have been losing your customers to your rival, 'The Taste of Spring'. "

The restaurant she had been to earlier was a bit more expensive but still affordable, it's food was good, and it's located in a widely-known area, but what it's customers liked most about it were its entertainers.

"...correct." he felt intimidated by this little girl who seemed to be around six or seven years old. How did she know he was losing his business?

" I can see why. " she pulled out the box full of gold and silver coins out of her bag and exposed it to the man in front of her. "well, I am here to release you of your worries and offer to take a load of stress off your shoulders."

"little g—miss, you do not belong here." he closed the small silver box with minimal designs at the edges. "you can buy any restaurant you like, but I am afraid this one is not for sale."

"mister..."

"Clifford. Leo Clifford." he answered. "miss, I do not mean any offense, but I had built this restaurant by my own two hands and do not wish to sell it no matter the price."

He was quick-witted and immediately knew she was a noble by her confident walk and graceful movements... and the money, ordinary girls don't walk around with hundreds of tales in their pockets. Ordinary children will be at least be a little shy in the presence of a stranger, and wouldn't know what to do with gold even is if it was offered to them.

" I understand your passion for this restaurant, sir." she casually sipped the tea offered to her, although her palms were sweating from nervousness. "I can see it in the selective details and Meticulously chosen staff members. It's the location and recipes that are the problem, I've been to both restaurants. "

She had been better at hiding her anxiety in front of Anthony as he was a little naive and new to the business world, Mr. Clifford, however, was not.

" Mr. Clifford, I am planning to invest in your restaurant, 'river of the valley', and bring forward some innovative ideas to make it flourish and prosper." she spoke politely. "just like you, I do not wish to see such a special place falling apart."

He didn't reply but studied her face to see if her words were meant as a threat. A part of him didn't want to agree with her, and another part unconsciously believed her as he could see she is a special child with an extraordinary temperament.

" take all the time you need, there's no rush." she reassured. "send your response to Bonnie's Bakery whenever you're ready."

She stood up, curtsied and walked to the door.

"miss! " Mr. Clifford stopped her. "I do not know your name."

She turned around and rolled her eyes playfully." isn't that the point? "

" then, "he stood up and bowed." allow me to see you out. "

He opened the door but she stopped him." it's alright. "

He didn't insist on it as he understood she wanted to stay low key, and him walking her out would bring her unnecessary attention." I will reconsider your offer."

"I was hoping you would." she waved before walking away.

Whew! That was nerve-wracking!

"you took a long time." her uncle stated after she sat down.

She only nodded, refusing to enclose any other information. After lunch they both agreed to call it a day and head back to the palace. Their plans were running smoothly, until two guards blocked their path to the white Lilac chambers, a tall lean man appeared behind them.

"well, well, well. Look who finally decided to show up!" he wasn't the least bit pleased.