Of course, the pastries were exquisite and beautiful. If Gaines considered them worth serving, they surely tasted enticing as well. The rich aroma of tea drifted faintly on the sea breeze, and Ye Chuqi's reflection showed in the clear liquid.
"But look, I'm either wandering through the Lost Forest or drifting across the Misty Sea. Later, I'll be serving on the Beast Abyss Frontline, too." Ye Chuqi lifted her cup and carefully sniffed the tea. It smelled lovely, but smelling it was all she enjoyed. Given the choice, she would have preferred Aged Fine Wine set before her.
The smile on Gaines's face remained unchanged. "Of course I know your ambitions lie elsewhere, Miss Ye. But whatever you wish to accomplish, there will inevitably be many minor matters that need someone to follow up on, handle, and organize." His gaze drifted behind Ye Chuqi. Although there was nothing there, he felt certain the female Shadow Guard hidden out of sight would understand his meaning. "At present, there doesn't seem to be anyone at your side who specializes in such things."
Ye Chuqi set down her teacup and casually picked up a piece of fruit to examine. It wasn't actually true that she lacked someone capable of handling these matters. San San, who had always stayed by her side, was clever, quick-witted, meticulous, and sensitive—and understood her better than anyone. If San San's identity hadn't been so complicated, San San would have been the ideal choice.
Gaines was hinting at something, and Ye Chuqi understood. He really did have some ability, deducing quite a bit from nothing more than the clues his investigation had uncovered. He had worked out what she wanted to do, and that she lacked the people to accomplish it—at least when investigating the noble blood vial and