Chapter 368: First Time

"Minister Carl, slow down! The best dishes are still coming..." Said Ambrose as he served at Carl’s side.

He was carefully following Simon’s orders before his departure. Goldwynd’s Restaurant used to be fairly well-known in Brambleford, but now it was booming.

The big difference came after the government purchased the restaurant and spent a fortune to renovate it.

Ambrose had witnessed all the changes personally.

Besides remodeling the place as Prince Simon ordered, the most important upgrade was that the chefs learned many new recipes from the royal kitchen.

That was what turned Goldwynd’s Restaurant from an average place into a must-visit spot for merchants from other regions.

Carl was making funny faces from the spiciness. He had always loved spicy food, which in the Eldorian Empire usually meant adding dogwood berries. But even that had lost its kick over time, until today. Now he understood what real spicy meant.

Wiping his mouth, Carl grinned. "This chili pepper is seriously spicy! After eating this spicy chicken, how can I ever enjoy other meals again?" Seeing his reaction, Ambrose felt proud.

Two years ago, visiting merchants often looked down on Brambleford. But now their opinions had changed completely. ℯℯ𝑙.

"Minister Carl, that’s easy... Just stay in Brambleford a few more days." Ambrose joked with a smile.

Carl shook his head. "I’d love to live in Brambleford, but I’ve got orders from the Emperor. I don’t have a choice. Such a pity."

While they were chatting, two more dishes arrived: spicy bread and braised carp, both cooked with chili peppers.

Carl’s eyes lit up, and he immediately grabbed his cutlery again.

Dinner lasted about half an hour. Carl was so full he could barely move.

He couldn’t finish all twelve dishes, but they were too delicious to leave untouched, so he ate a lot from each one.

By now, it was completely dark outside. Red lanterns began glowing throughout the restaurant.

Because there was no electricity, the restaurant’s nighttime look would have suffered. That’s why Simon ordered them to hang up extra lanterns.

Now, even at night, the whole place stayed brightly lit.

Once the waiter cleared the dishes, Ambrose said. "Minister Carl, it’s getting late. Let me show you how to use the bath. After that, I’ll leave you to rest."

Carl nodded. He had been looking forward to it.

Ambrose took him to the bathroom and explained how to use all the equipment. Then he left the guest room.

Now alone, Carl smiled playfully like a child. He turned on the faucet at the sink, and water flowed out.

"This place is even more comfortable than the castle! Heh, I really need to find more reasons to come to Brambleford." He muttered as he admired the running water, then turned off the tap.

Next, he turned the knob on the bathtub. Hot water poured out immediately.

He looked through the window at a water tower next to a cold water tank. On top of the tower was a large iron furnace. Below it, two men were stoking the fire. The hot water flowed directly from that furnace.

"Finally, a hot bath." He said in bliss, eyes squinting with satisfaction.

Meanwhile, at Simon’s Castle, Simon was also enjoying a hot bath.

Even while he had been away, construction in the castle hadn’t stopped.

Now there were two water towers inside the royal estate: one for cold water and one for hot. These towers supplied all the daily water needs.

The hot water tower had a large upright boiler. The top held water, while the bottom burned coal, just like the ones in modern public bathhouses.

Steam filled the bath. Ysabeau and Joan, wrapped in towels, gently scrubbed Simon’s back.

Their faces were flushed from the heat, looking especially charming.

As she scrubbed his back, Ysabeau said. "My Lord, now that Minister Carl is here, I suppose we’re heading to Eldora soon?"

"Of course. His Highness is getting married this time. Elin is truly lucky! After conquering Snake Pass, His Highness is destined to shine even brighter." Joan said, pouting playfully.

Simon lounged lazily in the tub; this was his most relaxing time of day.

Joan was scrubbing his arms while Ysabeau stood behind him, massaging his shoulders. As her body swayed slightly, something soft gently brushed against his head.

At that moment, he finally understood why power was so addictive.

When you stand at the top, the world spins in your palm. ’To hold the power of the empire while lying in a beauty’s lap,’ what a life of elegance and charm.

While the girls were chatting, Simon suddenly pulled Joan into the tub with him.

With a surprised cry, Joan’s towel slipped off completely. Her fair skin was now in his arms. Simon playfully lifted her chin and said. "How bold, daring to gossip about the princess! I should punish you."

Joan blushed like a red apple. Their bodies touched, and her heart pounded uncontrollably.

Even though he tilted her chin up, she didn’t dare meet his eyes.

Simon laughed heartily. ’This is my second life; I’ll live it exactly how I want.’

Seeing Joan so shy, he certainly wasn’t going to act reserved.

Ysabeau, much more confident, said softly. "This servant is willing to accept punishment."

Smiling, she stepped in front of Simon and untied her towel. With a seductive look, she said. "My Lord, the royal wedding is near. The Empress sent a message that it’s time for you to learn about intimacy. Why don’t you let us serve you tonight?"

Joan also understood this custom. In the Eldorian Empire, men and women were usually taught about such things before marriage. Families often prepared the bride and groom for intimacy in advance.

Apparently, Lady Isolde still saw Simon as an innocent boy. That’s why Simon had once asked her for Ysabeau and Joan during his previous life.

Though he was a bit surprised Ysabeau brought it up herself, no man could refuse such an offer.

Looking at their smooth, creamy skin, Simon smiled.

He reminded himself once again: ’I’m no longer the Simon from the modern world; I am the twelfth prince of the Eldorian Empire.’

Warm steam filled the room. But what was even warmer was the fire in his heart.