Kays Translations

Chapter 94: The Secret Weapon to Becoming Stronger!

“Quick, Yale’s back!”

“Finally! Took him long enough—we’ve been waiting forever!”

“I can’t wait another second to taste that pearl milk tea!”

A hooded student rushed forward, hands already reaching for one of the drinks. But before his fingers could close around the cup, the young man called Yale stepped back, his gaze cold and sharp.

“Back off!” he snapped, his tone dripping with authority. “Have you all forgotten who paid for these drinks? If anyone’s drinking first, it’s the boss.”

The rest of the hooded students froze, realizing their mistake. They scrambled to the sides, forming a path and lowering their heads in deference.

From the shadow of a nearby tree, Merlin watched the scene unfold, utterly bewildered. The whole thing looked less like a group of students sharing drinks and more like a secretive cult gathering under the cover of night. What’s with these people? he thought, incredulous. It’s just pearl milk tea and lemonade, not some forbidden alchemical potion. Anyone passing by would think they were holding a ceremony to summon the sugar gods.

One by one, the students lowered their hoods. Golden hair shimmered beneath the dappled sunlight. Pointed, crystal-like ears twitched ever so slightly, betraying their excitement. In their eyes flickered a mix of anticipation and embarrassment—as if ashamed to be caught indulging in something so… human.

Elves?!

Merlin’s eyes widened in disbelief. And among them—of course—stood an all-too-familiar face: Isabelle Kaelos, the so-called “boss” of the group. The one who had orchestrated this secret milk tea rendezvous was none other than her loyal lackey, Yale. No wonder Merlin had felt that sense of déjà vu.

Interesting, Merlin mused, a mischievous smirk tugging at his lips. So these proud elves are that desperate to taste my pearl milk tea? If only they’d said so earlier—I would’ve made them the deluxe version myself! Extra-large cups, double black sugar pearls! Drink till you’re satisfied—and, well, digest till you regret it.

He noticed, with some amusement, that every cup they’d bought was the most expensive on the menu: Honey Pearl Milk Tea Plus, with extra pearls and an oversized cup that cost ten gold coins apiece. Even the lemonade and ice cream were of the highest, most decadent tier.

Merlin couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly. Ever since they got that hundred thousand gold from me, they’ve been spending like newly crowned nobles. Truly, nothing screams ‘nouveau riche’ louder than luxury milk tea.

“I—I’m sorry, boss! We forgot,” the elf who had first reached for the cup stammered, bowing deeply. His face flushed with embarrassment, though his eyes glimmered with unhidden longing.

“That’s right, boss, you go first!” another chimed in hastily, eager to please.

Isabelle Kaelos smiled faintly, satisfaction swelling in his chest. This—this was what it felt like to be admired, to be obeyed.

He stepped forward with practiced grace, his movements elegant and deliberate, until he stood before the table of drinks. His slender fingers lifted one of the cups, and through the translucent wall of glass, the dark pearls rolled and gleamed like onyx stones dancing in golden cream.

“Well then,” he drawled playfully, a trace of smugness in his voice, “since you’re all being so polite, I suppose I’ll take the first sip.”

He slid the straw in, took a slow, measured pull—

—and froze.

The sweet fragrance of milk mingled with the chewiness of the pearls, bursting with flavor on his tongue. His eyes fluttered shut in bliss. For a heartbeat, the world seemed to melt away, leaving only him and that divine, sugary taste.

“How is it, boss?” someone whispered eagerly.

Kaelos opened his eyes, lips curving into a smile that seemed to radiate divine approval. “Hmm… not bad. Worth every coin.”

A collective sigh of admiration rippled through the group.

“As expected of the boss! Always knows quality when he tastes it!” Yale exclaimed, his face practically glowing.

Kaelos flicked his hand in a casual gesture of command. “Alright, Yale, distribute them. Let everyone try the milk tea.”

“Yes, boss!”

Soon, the quiet grove was filled with the sounds of straws slurping and pearls being cheerfully chewed.

“This is incredible!” one elven girl cried out, shaking her cup as if the bouncing pearls were dancing with her joy. “I never imagined human drinks could taste like this—it’s a miracle in a cup!”

“Exactly!” another boy agreed, eyes bright with delight. “I thought these things were beneath us, but this flavor… it’s divine! Especially the ice cream—it’s like tasting a dream made of sugar.”

“We’ve always thought of ourselves as a noble race,” murmured another elf, tracing his finger thoughtfully along the melting ice cream’s edge. “And yet… here we are, completely entranced by human sweets.”

He sighed softly. “But I must admit—it feels wonderful.”

Kaelos chuckled, his tone taking on that familiar hint of arrogance. “There’s more to it than taste, my friends. This pearl milk tea isn’t just a drink—it’s beneficial for elves. I’ve heard it can purify the body, expel toxins, and even enhance one’s sensitivity to magic. It’s practically made for our pure and noble kind.”

Excited murmurs spread among them. Their bright eyes gleamed, full of hope and curiosity. For beings who prided themselves on their perfect lineage and innate magic, the idea of improving themselves further was almost irresistible.

“So… what you’re saying, Kaelos,” a young elf girl asked, eyes shining, “is that drinking pearl milk tea can help us stay pure? Does that mean… we can have a cup before praying to the Moon Goddess?”

“Exactly.” Kaelos nodded, expression solemn yet radiant. “We’re not just indulging our taste buds—we’re refining ourselves. As elves, we must seize every opportunity to strengthen our essence.”

“That’s amazing! Then I’ll drink one every day!” another exclaimed enthusiastically.

“Of course you will,” Kaelos declared grandly. “After all, we only buy the best—premium milk tea with pearls filled to the brim! Common humans could never afford such luxury, but for us, it’s nothing. Let the humans know: elves are not only beautiful but powerful. Pearl milk tea—our secret to greatness!”

At that, Merlin couldn’t hold it in any longer. He burst out laughing, clutching his stomach, tears welling at the corners of his eyes.

These fools had no idea. The pearls in that “miracle drink”? They were made from cassava starch—poisonous cassava, to be precise. Eat too much, and they’d be flying straight to the heavens… quite literally.

Praying to the Moon Goddess after a full cup of extra pearls, huh? he thought wickedly. Let’s hope their pious little behinds can handle the divine punishment that follows.

“Who’s there?!” Kaelos spun around, his voice sharp and wary, eyes scanning the trees.

Merlin stepped out from behind the trunk, a slow grin curling his lips. His gaze swept over the assembled elves—not with fear, but with the glint of a predator spotting treasure.

“Relax, Kaelos,” he said smoothly, eyes gleaming with amusement. “It’s just me.”

The sunlight caught his smirk as he regarded the gathered elves—so radiant, so delicate, and to him, so… profitable.

He looked at them not as people, but as walking, glittering piles of gold coins—shining, naïve, and oh-so ripe for the taking.

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