Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Of course, Caspian had no idea that Ava was interested in him. If he had been that astute and clever, he would have held a position far beyond that of a mere junior official in the Ministry of Infrastructure.

When he returned home, everyone was waiting for him to eat. He handed the ravioli to a servant, instructing them to boil it quickly so everyone could enjoy some.

"I was wondering why you were so late. Was it because you went to buy some ravioli? Look at you-you've got your wife on your mind and have forgotten all about your mom. You left her hungry and waiting for you," Zoey teased.

Caspian quickly apologized, but feeling a bit defensive, he explained, "I could have been home earlier, but Harold was so slow. Plus, Ms. Weaver cut in line. She claimed she was starving and asked me to let her and her servant go first. That's why I was delayed." "Ms. Weaver?" Zoey repeated curiously, raising an eyebrow.

She knew her brother-in-law well-he usually didn't associate with women. Who was this lady and why was she suddenly in the picture?

She pressed for more details, asking, "Who is she?"

"The one who runs a coffee shop. She delivered coffee when Lord Snyder was hosting a banquet, and he introduced us. I had Charles buy coffee beans from her before. It's the one I brought home a few days ago." Luna chimed in, "The coffee's not bad. I've tried it. But it is a bit pricey."

Being the daughter of a merchant, Luna was quite sensitive to the value of goods, though she didn't notice much else.

Zoey asked for the name of Ava's shop and jotted it down, then said, "Alright, let's eat. Mother must be starving."

Given Viola's situation, Evelyn had been ill recently and was just starting to recover. Her appetite was still delicate, but ravioli was perfect for her now. Once it was served, she managed to eat most of her bowl.

really delicious. If there are any leftovers, don't

won't taste as good tomorrow, Mother. Let the servants have whatever you can't finish," Luna suggested. "I'll wake up early tomorrow and make you

"Alright."

distracted as she set down her cutlery and wiped her mouth with a handkerchief. A servant came by with water for her to wash her

I'll head

"Take care, Mom."

"Walk slowly, Grandma."

lately. Once she was supported out the door, the rest settled back down to eat. Zoey glanced at Caspian but didn't say anything and resumed her meal. After finishing dinner and returning to her room, Zoey summoned the steward, Bernard, to inquire about Ava's family's coffee shop,

Coffee, but I'm not aware of who the owner is. All I know is that there's a new young manager now, said to be the

mused, "Strange. You only know about the owner's daughter but not

the owner either. His name was Adam, and he was just managing the shop for the owner. He's not around

who the owner is?"

be able to uncover anything. The owner has never shown themselves at the coffee house.

this

had repeatedly been issued to prohibit nobles and officials of the fourth rank and above from engaging in business. At that time, the court had been purged, allowing only the ownership of properties for rental purposes, but prohibiting

powerful and united. However, even then, it wasn't something done openly If any of them wanted