Chapter 43 (1/2)

Chapter 43: Chapter 43

“I’m honored to greet the Crown Prince, the Little Sun of the empire!”

Ordering them to raise their heads with a cold voice, he jumped off the horse. The royal guards also got off the horses one by one, and I followed suit.

“As I heard that you skipped lunch, I ordered my kitchen staff to prepare dinner a bit early. Would you like it right away? ”

“Well, let me first beat the dust off.”

“I see. I’ll escort you to the guest room first. ”

The quick-witted butler came quickly and bowed to him. I looked at him disappearing, escorted by the old butler.

‘Oops!’ I couldn’t afford to idle away here. Parting with Carsein who seemed to be displeased for some reason, I headed to the kitchen. I could have asked him why, but I was too busy to do it now.

“Chef?”

“Oh, welcome, lady!”

“I know you’re busy, but I stopped by to see how you preparations are going. Are the preparations for dinner going well?”

“Well, we are preparing dinner for three, namely you, the crown prince and Carsein Lars, plus a couple of more servings. Do you think it’s enough?”

“Oh, that sounds good. You can prepare dinner for three of us.”

As most of the attendants who followed the crown emperor were royal guards, they were not eligible to attend the dinner. The deputy of his entourage could attend, but he was very busy arranging the royal guards’ seats. So, only the emperor, Carsein and I would have dinner together.

“Got it, my lady. The menu is the same for all three, but let me bring some other dishes, wines and desserts as you directed.”

“Good. You keep in mind the precautions well? ”

“Of course. I’ve prepared grilled mushrooms instead of fish for the emperor. I made the mushrooms less salty. As for wine, I’ve prepared the Belotic red wine made in 900 by the imperial calendar and the white wine of Freia in 928 by the imperial calendar. You also instructed me to prepare fresh lemon tart that is not sweet. Correct?”

“That’s right. It may not be easy, but since he is picky, please pay a little more attention. Make every effort to make the best food for the crown prince, but at the same time make sure you prepare good food for Carsein Lars, too. I trust your excellent skills, chef.”

“Thank you, lady. I won’t let you down. ”

I patted the middle-aged chef’s shoulder lightly as he replied loudly and left the kitchen.

I looked for Carsein to talk about something for a moment, but he was already entering the dining room with the blue-haired young man.

‘I think I have to ask him the reason later.’

I sat on the crown prince’s right side in the upper seat, facing Carsein. In silence, we began to eat. Just like those who mastered perfect table manners, we were busy enjoying the food with nimble hands.

After having appetizer and clear soup, the maids silently put down the plates. They served mushrooms instead of fish for the prince, and grilled fish for me and Carsein, based on our favorite taste. Looking down at the dishes in front of him, the prince paused for a moment.

“What’s wrong, Your Majesty? Is there anything missing?”

“… No, nothing, so you don’t have to worry about it. ”

“Okay. How about you, Carsein? Do you like it?”

“Well, I like it. Thanks.”

Carsein, who was inadvertently talking down to me, looked embarrassed at the moment.

Looking at him nonchalantly, the prince picked up the fork silently. A serving servant came over and poured a drink into each glass. He served white wine for the prince and Carsein, and simple fruit drinks for me.

After enjoying a sour sorbet, the prince again looked at me with a mysterious expression.

‘What else did I do wrong?’

When I asked why, he replied again, “Nothing special.” Somehow, I felt heavy.