Chapter 24

Preface... What exactly am I supposed to write here?

The author, who struggles more with this than the main text...

“Huff... huff...”

“...Ed... Aren’t you out of shape?”

“...Y-You... are the one... who’s weird!”

Lina had just arrived at the palace, and Prince Edigedilus came over looking rather displeased.

...Breathing heavily...

Lina, who had the idea to make bread yeast, dashed to the palace as if to say, "A stitch in time saves nine."

Prince Edigedilus, who had to chase after Lina who suddenly started running, hurriedly followed.

Even though Lina had become a bit chubby, he thought he could catch up to her, but he couldn’t at all.

...What the heck is going on!

Prince Edigedilus was secretly shouting in anger.

◇◇◇

【The Palace】... This palace, known as the Main Palace, is officially called the "Silver Sea Palace."

And, located to the left of this palace, the annex where Lina is staying is called the "Azure Moon Palace," mainly used for guests.

Basically, each building has a name with a color.

After that, it might be "Moon," "Sky," or the name of an animal.

When it’s troublesome, they just use the color to communicate.

Incidentally, I thought the king’s residence would be "Jet Black," but it was "Gold"...

...I’m sorry... King Felix.

I was just imagining based on appearances.

◇◇◇

“...Is this the kitchen?”

The wooden double doors were intricately carved, and the doors alone looked expensive.

There was a glass window at about head height, allowing a view inside.

Lina, being short, had to stretch a bit to see through it.

Inside, the chefs were bustling about, likely preparing lunch.

“...You, that looks suspicious... Just go in already.”

Prince Edigedilus, who was watching Lina stretch to look through the window, sounded exasperated.

“...They look busy, though?”

“...Your consideration, I think, would be better suited to me, the prince.”

He looked even more exasperated at Lina, who showed no "reserve" or "consideration" at all.

“...Should I show some consideration? ...Prince Edigedilus?”

“...First, learn my name, will you...”

“...I’m counting on you!!!”

Lina opened the door with a loud voice.

...Huh? ...This feels like breaking into a dojo...

“You... What kind of greeting is that?”

Prince Edigedilus, who was starting to play the role of the straight man, said tiredly.

“...!!?”

“...!! ...Your Highness!!”

The chef, who was initially startled by the door being opened abruptly and Lina, then noticed Prince Edigedilus standing beside her and started to fumble.

“...It’s fine as it is...”

Prince Edigedilus stopped the chef who was about to bow, considering the use of fire in the kitchen.

“...Your Highness... What brings you to such a place...? Could it be... something about breakfast!?”

The head chef, who had bowed deeply in respect, said tremulously.

The fact that the prince had come here in person must mean something was up.

“There’s no problem with breakfast... I’m here for this woman.”

...This woman? ...Did he just call me "this woman"?

...Come on! It’s definitely King Felix’s influence!!

“...I am the woman whom His Highness just introduced. Please remember me...”

“““...Huh?...”””

The people in the kitchen were taken aback. Prince Edigedilus’s "this woman" was not meant in that way.

Yet, Lina deliberately took it that way and even bowed in greeting. It was pure sarcasm.

“...You really have a great personality...”

Prince Edigedilus was both exasperated and surprised.

He hadn’t expected her to take his casual words that way.

Moreover, even though she was still a child, she was addressing him, a prince, in such a manner.

No citizen would ever treat him like that.

Normally, it would be considered disrespectful, but Prince Edigedilus was starting to find Lina’s lack of deference to his status somewhat enjoyable.