Chapter 33

As I write this, my stomach growls.

I wonder if I should have cream stew for dinner.

"…So this is why Rina always looked a bit uncomfortable…"

Lana, the head maid, muttered.

She seemed to be comparing it to the usual water-like soup.

"Compared to this, our soup is… just water…"

Rick, the head chef, slumped his shoulders. The difference was fundamental, and it was undoubtedly a shock.

"…Yeah… I guess so…"

The subordinate chefs also sighed, each clearly shocked.

"Well, to me, the 'magic' is more of a shock… Isn’t it just a difference in culture?"

Lina had not invented anything herself. While she had adapted the methods to her own style, everything was based on what she had seen or heard.

"Is that so? I don’t think so…"

Despite his lack of energy, Rick made Lina laugh.

"Over there, 'magic' is more developed, while here, 'cooking' is more advanced. That’s the difference."

"…"

"Even this, I didn’t invent or come up with. Just think of it as coming from a world where 'cooking' is specialized."

It hurts to see him so shocked. It’s fine if it’s just delicious.

"That’s right! You… if you don’t know, you can learn. Right?"

Lana slapped her husband Rick’s slumped shoulders.

"That’s right… That’s right! If I learn… if I ask for guidance!! Rina, please, I beg of you!!"

Encouraged by his wife’s words, Rick bowed. They have a good relationship.

"No, no, no!? Please raise your head. I’ll teach you as much as you want!!"

There’s no reason for the head chef Rick to bow to her. In fact, she wants to teach him as much as possible and hopes he will cook it. Honestly, it’s a hassle to do it every day.

Cooking is best done when you feel like it and with what you feel like.

"Thank you!!"

This time, everyone bowed.

"Then, I also ask for your help."

Following their lead, Lina also bowed.

More likely, she might end up doing as she pleases and causing trouble.

"Hey, Rina."

"What is it, Ed?"

Huh? This is the first time he’s called me by my name. Usually, it’s "Hey" or "You"… Are you my husband or something?

"I want to let my brothers try this… Can you make it?"

"Brothers" obviously refers to the cream stew. He’s a good kid, thinking of his brothers. But,

"…We don’t have the ingredients?"

If my intuition is correct, the chicken bones we had earlier were just leftovers. The rest were probably thrown away.

They might even be in the garbage disposal box… in the slime’s stomach…?

"Hey!"

Prince Egil Edilus asked Rick and the others.

"I am very sorry. The chicken bones we had earlier were the last…"

"Besides, preparing the chicken bones and everything else… we don’t have the time, do we?"

Lina picked up on Rick’s apologetic words.

"What!!… Really?"

Prince Egil Edilus slumped his shoulders.

"Everyone was so focused on eating… No one even thought about the 'King' or the 'Prime Minister'…"

Lina laughed awkwardly. Everyone here had swarmed her like crazy. They ate as if they hadn’t seen food in a long time.

"………………"

Everyone except Lina averted their eyes and fell silent.

They might have been the ones who should have been served first. It’s not good to have completely forgotten.

"…Rina… Can’t you do something?"

"Can’t do anything~"

After all, there are no chicken bones here.

"…………"

Prince Egil Edilus quickly became dejected. Honestly, it’s pitiful and unbearable.

"Even if I can’t make cream stew, can I make something else?"

I’m a bit scared to see if it will suit that pitch-black king’s taste.

"…! Really!?"

"Really… very serious… but I can’t make anything great."

Lina started rummaging through the refrigerator.

"Thank you!!"

Prince Egil Edilus turned to Lina with a smile so bright it was blinding.

…………Kyun.

What is that~!?

Seriously, my heart skipped a beat!!

That’s an incredibly powerful smile!!

I feel like saying, "I’ll do anything for you, big sister!" but that’s unnecessary.

What the heck! He’s definitely Prince Schuel’s brother! His smile is amazing!

I’m not into young boys, but I feel like I’m opening a door I shouldn’t.

Lina hurriedly closed the door she shouldn’t have opened.

Speaking of cream stew, it’s all about chicken!!

Wait, are there beef lovers out there?