Fantasy Family Simulator (FFS)

Regarding the secret ingredient needed for the Neon Vortex, Rhett had actually learned about it from the bartender. It was aloe vera. However, the aloe vera in this world was much more viscous than that on Earth. After drying, aloe powder became a natural thickening agent. Adding just a bit could significantly enhance the viscosity of the juice and fruit particles, making them easier to combine in the drink. As a result, a gentle shake would easily create a vibrant and colorful vortex.

Watching the bartender's fingers deftly twirl the shaker, creating a mesmerizing display, Rhett noticed that some mature women at the bar seemed to be eyeing Rum, the bartender. He smiled and said, "Rum, it seems the Nightingale Tavern is getting too small. As more people move to the town, it might not be able to meet the demand. If you need, you can talk to Kudin about expanding the tavern's space. Of course, he's busy building Thorn Village right now, but once that's done, he'll have more time."

Rum, who was expertly mixing the Neon Vortex, nodded as he replied, "Lord Rhett, I was thinking the same. I've already set aside some funds and plan to visit East Eagle Logging Camp in a couple of months to discuss expanding the tavern."

A few minutes later, as Rum's movements slowed, he carefully placed two small ice cubes into the glass, signaling that the Neon Vortex was ready. With one hand behind his back and the other holding the glass with its polished facets, he presented it to Rhett with a slight bow and said, "Lord Rhett, your Neon Vortex. Please enjoy."

"Thank you," Rhett replied.

"You're too kind, my lord," Rum said with a smile.

Rhett admired the enchanting colors in the glass, his mood brightening as he gazed at it for more than half a minute.

Suddenly, he sensed a faint fluctuation of battle aura behind him, which he easily detected. It was about the level of a first-rank knight, positioned roughly fifty meters from the tavern. Rhett guessed who it was, and a smile tugged at his lips as he began to gently swirl the drink.

The liquids inside the glass—red, blue, green, purple, clear, orange, and yellow—began to rotate slowly, wrapped in a slightly viscous solution. The Neon Vortex gradually formed, with a narrow funnel at the bottom and an open whirlpool at the top, exuding a dreamlike color.

Before drinking, Rhett held the glass under his nose, taking in the mixed scent of strong alcohol and fruit, which invigorated his senses.

At that moment, a voice suddenly came from behind, "What a unique fruit wine, truly refreshing!"

Already aware of the visitor, Rhett took a leisurely sip of the Neon Vortex before turning around to take a look at the newcomer. Dressed in a cloak and wearing a blue hood—typical attire for traveling adventurers and bards—he also wore a pair of well-worn black leather shoes. On his back, he carried an orange backpack, and at his waist was a small satchel, while in one hand, he held a harp.

This attire unmistakably identified him as the bard mentioned in the simulation.

As Rhett studied him, the bard's eyes were focused on the Neon Vortex, filled with surprise.

"Excuse me, is there more of this drink? Could I have a glass as well?" the bard asked Rum as he stepped forward.

"Of course, it's five gold coins per glass. Would you like one?" Rum responded.

"That expensive?" The bard was taken aback. He could afford it, but he hadn't expected such a price for a simple drink in a small-town tavern. After a moment's hesitation, he said, "Alright, it would be a shame to miss out on such a unique drink."

Rum flashed a smile, showing his white teeth. "Sir, please wait a moment."

The bard nodded, placing his backpack on the chair to his left, resting his harp on top of it, and then sitting down.

It wasn't long before a voice from beside him asked, "Judging by your attire, you must be a bard?"

The bard quickly responded, "As you can see, with this harp by my side, I am indeed a bard—Javier."

After introducing himself, he plucked a few strings on his harp, emitting a clear tone.

Meanwhile, his mind raced. As soon as he entered the tavern, he sensed that this man was no ordinary person. He hadn't even noticed anyone at the bar until he stepped inside, indicating that the person's strength far exceeded his own. With a respectful smile, Javier said, "Based on my observation, your noble demeanor and fine attire suggest that you must be a noble of this place."

He stood up and gently placed a hand on his chest.

"Haha, your observation is quite accurate. I am the lord of this land—Rhett Green," Rhett replied, raising his glass for another sip. The first taste brought the coolness of mint and the tang of orange.

Javier's eyes widened in shock, and he took a sharp breath. As a bard, his passions lay in playing music, telling stories, and collecting local legends wherever he traveled. Naturally, he kept up with news. He had heard of recent events in the southwestern frontier, including the lord of Hawk Town becoming a third-rank mage, being promoted to viscount, and eliminating an evil alchemy headquarters—stories that had been popular in recent months.

His respect grew as he said with a smile, "I never expected to meet such a prominent figure upon arriving in Hawk Town. It is an honor. I have heard of your heroic deeds; everyone praises you. Please, allow me to play a tune in your honor."

With a look of interest, Rhett placed his glass on the bar and clapped his hands, saying, "I'm looking forward to your music. If your harp playing is as good as it sounds, I'll cover your drink."

As he spoke, he pointed to the glass in Rum's hand.

Javier's face lit up with joy, and he quickly focused on his harp. Placing the instrument against his chest, the curved neck close to his neck, he held it steady with his right hand and began plucking the strings with his left.

The harp had a wide range of tones, and Javier began with a low melody, using four fingers of his left hand. Gradually, the tempo increased, adding subtle fluctuations to the sound. The harp's unique softness resonated throughout the tavern, and Javier, fully immersed in the music, closed his eyes, letting the melody flow through the room. As the performance progressed, the pitch rose higher and higher until Javier switched to his right hand, pulling the strings to produce the harp's high notes. The sound waves burst forth like a gushing spring, driving the piece to a climax!

A moment later, the tempo slowed, as if the spring's water, having reached its peak, began to recede and fall.

With a final, resonant note—"Boing"—Javier slowly opened his eyes and bowed slightly.

"My performance is over. Thank you for listening."

The tavern erupted in applause. The townsfolk, unaccustomed to such refined music, were amazed by the performance, having only ever hummed simple folk songs.

"That was a wonderful piece. The transitions between high and low notes were incredibly smooth, with no abruptness, and the overall sound was very tranquil. Even the high notes didn't feel intense or jarring," Rhett praised.

Javier's eyes lit up with excitement. "Lord Rhett, you have excellent taste! This piece is called The Spring Beneath the Moonlight. As you said, its tone is peaceful and gentle. I've rarely encountered a listener who could appreciate it so precisely."

"Haha," Rhett chuckled softly, turning to Rum. "Make sure to cover this man's bill for me."

"Understood!"

Rhett took another sip of the Neon Vortex, tasting the blend of orange juice and green apple juice, with a slightly stronger alcohol flavor this time.

"You mentioned earlier that you travel the world. Have you heard any stories about deep-sea merfolk or other oceanic mysteries?" Rhett asked, changing the subject. "Living deep inland, I've always been fascinated by the vast blue ocean."

Javier sat down again, thinking for a moment before slowly replying, "My knowledge of the sea is limited to a few folk tales, none of which mention merfolk. The closest thing might be a mermaid love story I once heard..."

"Oh? Do tell," Rhett's interest was piqued.

"Legend has it that a young man from a remote mountain village once found a small mermaid in an underground cave stream..." Javier began.

As the story unfolded, Rhett's initial curiosity faded into disappointment. By the end, he regretted even listening. He really should have trusted the simulation, which indicated that no useful information about deep-sea merfolk would be found here. However, upon hearing the title, he couldn't help but hope for some hidden clues or similarities to the mermaid tales from his previous life.

To his dismay, the story turned out to be a tedious, long-winded tale about a village farmer who brought the mermaid home and lived a peaceful, happy life in seclusion with her. It was a dull story with no twists, excitement, or intrigue, more like an old woman's endless rambling.

Rhett sighed inwardly but still asked, "No other leads?"

"I'm sorry, Lord Rhett. My knowledge of the ocean is quite limited," Javier shrugged, then added, "However, I do have a friend who is quite knowledgeable about the sea. He lives by the coast and likes to paint on the beach during the day. I later learned that, in addition to being a talented painter, he has an extensive understanding of various oceanic legends, as he once told me that his ancestors studied them."

Rhett's interest was piqued again, and he tapped the bar lightly with his fingers. "In that case, I'd like to ask for your help. Please invite your friend to my territory. I'd like to consult him on some matters. Here are ten gold coins as payment for delivering the message. Once the task is complete, both you and your friend will receive an additional one hundred gold coins each. What do you think?" Rhett took out ten gold coins and placed them on the bar.

"I'd be honored to assist you!" Javier, who had traveled far and wide, wasn't shy about accepting such a good offer. Grabbing the coins, he stuffed them into his satchel and bowed slightly. "Thank you for your generosity. I will do my utmost to fulfill your request!"

A moment later, Rum served Javier his Neon Vortex, along with some complimentary snacks. Unlike Rhett's drink, Javier's Neon Vortex had yellow and red layers at the top. A gentle swirl created a vortex different from Rhett's.

As the fruity drink flowed down his throat, Javier closed his eyes, savoring the flavor. After finishing his drink, he set the glass down, slung his backpack over his shoulders, and bowed to Rhett with his harp in hand. "The Neon Vortex was delicious, and Hawk Town is beautiful. Esteemed Lord, I must take my leave now. I expect to return in six or seven months with my friend as promised. Please be patient until then."

"Safe travels!" Rhett waved him off.

Watching Javier's departing figure, Rhett finished the rest of his drink in one gulp, smacking his lips before telling Rum, "One more Neon Vortex, please."

"Right away, my lord!"

Four days later, Ryle and Makov returned to the territory. Upon hearing the news, Rhett dragged them straight to the training ground without giving them time to rest.

Under the blazing midday sun, the atmosphere in the training ground was tense and somber.

Today, Rhett wore a slightly fitted robe—simple yet practical, reminiscent of his battlefield attire. Before him stood Tuck, Ryle, Taylors, Makov, Tadel, Kurs, and Sheelin, all lined up with serious expressions, listening intently to Rhett's speech.

Rhett addressed them, "This is the southwestern frontier, where the orcs have always sought to invade our homeland. In the near future, there's a high likelihood that Hawk Town will face its greatest challenge yet. To prepare for the possible war, we must be proactive and make ready! You are the elite, and if I return to the battlefield, you will accompany me as my trusted companions."

The air was still for a moment.

Then Makov chuckled, "I've never fought an orc in my life, but it seems my wish will soon come true."

"Exactly, Kurs! Haven't you always wanted to see a Night Cat person up close? Maybe if we win, you can capture a few female orcs and make one your wife," Tadel joked, trying to lighten the mood despite the heavy atmosphere, though the strength of the orcs was undeniable.

"Get lost! When did I ever say that?" Kurs retorted, his face darkening.

"Didn't you say that last time we were drinking? Or did you forget?"

"..."

As the mood lightened, Rhett chuckled. "That's more like it. When facing the orcs, we should mentally stand above them while taking their threat seriously. Don't be afraid—stand strong! In the coming months, I'll be leading you through training exercises in terrain similar to the Canyon Frontline. We'll prepare for the battles ahead!"