Chapter 31

"Alright, that's it—perfect!"

She added the white sauce and lightly seasoned it with salt to complete the dish. She didn't add the pepper, imagining it was probably a high-quality ingredient.

After all, the people eating it are commoners... they don't need it, right?

"......Is it... done?"

As Rina was dishing some out onto a small plate for a taste test, Chef Rick asked. He seemed to be imagining that it would be delicious, just like the chicken consommé he had tasted earlier, and his eyes were full of anticipation.

Hmm? What is it...?

It looks like the way a dog looks up with those puppy eyes when it's mealtime.

Monica's eyes were gleaming, more like a hyena than a dog.

Scary...

"Um... once I adjust the seasoning, it's... done?"

Despite the unsettling gaze, Rina tasted it.

Yeah, perfect!!

It tastes great even without the pepper.

Personally, I'd like to add some meat, but it can't be helped.

"Which one does Ed prefer?"

Rina chose Prince Edigedilus to be the taste tester.

Normally, it would be unthinkable to let him eat without first testing for poison, but since she had seen it being made right in front of her, and she had tasted it herself first, it should be fine.

"Is it okay?"

Perhaps out of consideration for the surroundings, or because the atmosphere was so intense, Rina asked for his permission. He seemed to be unnerved by the gaze.

"Of course it's okay... Is the salt enough?"

Rina pushed the plate towards Prince Edigedilus, thinking, "Why is the prince being so polite!" She wanted him to dig in with enthusiasm!

And the chefs shouldn't look so envious and resentful!

"Wow! This is incredibly delicious!!"

Prince Edigedilus exclaimed in surprise and delight at the cream stew he had never tasted before. He seemed so excited that he was almost jumping.

Seeing the prince's happy expression, Rina couldn't help but smile.

*Swallow*

At that moment, the sound of someone swallowing hard could be heard from somewhere, but she decided to ignore it. She felt that if she looked, she would lose.

"Which one does Ed prefer?"

She asked again, thinking his expression suggested this one.

"This one!!"

Ahaha... I knew it. He looks so cute, like a puppy.

If he weren't a prince, I'd ruffle his hair...

"Then, I'll serve this one to Ed."

As Rina was about to prepare a soup plate, she froze.

Huh!?

For some reason, the chefs had lined up behind Prince Edigedilus, each holding a soup plate as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

No way!!

Are you all going to eat it?!

And I have to serve it to you?!

What! If I mess up the distribution... it might run out before it gets to the back of the line.

Scary. What will happen if there's not enough?

"......"

Prince Edigedilus also seemed to notice the line and was clearly taken aback.

Of course he's taken aback. And it's scary.

Prince Edigedilus turned his face forward, pretending not to notice.

"......Sigh......"

A heavy sigh escaped her. There was no way out now.

Rina felt her face twitch as she reluctantly took on the role of server.