Chapter 39

"Good... morning..."

Unable to bear the silence, the person in front of the ice goddess—no, the ice beauty—spoke up.

"Even though it's almost evening... have maggots started to grow in your head?"

In response to this out-of-place greeting, she remained completely unmoved, her expression even colder and more indifferent. It was impossible to tell if she was angry or mocking.

"..."

Everyone seemed too afraid to say anything, their faces drained of color.

I mean, 'good morning' is questionable, but the response about maggots is pretty intense. Food made by someone with maggots in their head... I don't think so.

Lina felt a chill for a different reason amidst this freezing atmosphere.

"Your Majesty's mealtime is almost here, so...?"

The ice beauty, upon noticing the French toast Lina had made, spoke even more coldly. Given the sweet aroma, it was inevitable that she would notice it sooner or later.

"Schuyler hasn't been eating at all, so Lina made it for him."

Prince Egidius stepped forward, taking a protective stance.

"Huh? Ed is protecting me."

And this unusual atmosphere.

Is this person dangerous?

"A 'girl' from another world... what did you...?"

She didn't finish her sentence, but her eyes, cold as absolute zero, said it all. This person is the type to quickly and decisively eliminate any potential threats.

"...What did I...?"

As Prince Egidius was about to speak, Lina stepped forward, half a step ahead of him.

"I am Lina Nozomu, a 'girl' from another world. I heard that Prince Schuyler hasn't been eating much, so I made some sweets from my world, 'pudding' and 'French toast.' May I ask who you are...?"

Being protected isn't what I want... Lina answered the ice-cold gaze herself. If everyone protected her, she would be underestimated by this person, and that wouldn't do.

"I am Iber, the head butler and manager of the King's meals... I have no family name."

"I am deeply grateful for your formal greeting."

Not saying 'looking forward to working with you' might mean he doesn't want to. And he said he has no family name. It's rare for a commoner to be around the king. He could be an extremely capable man who rose to this position at a young age. Or he might have abandoned his family name. If it's the latter, I don't want to get involved.

"Regarding the 'pudding' I made for Prince Schuyler, if you would like, please try one."

Lina offered the perfectly chilled pudding to Iber. Of course, she wiped the water droplets from the dish with a cloth. The chef standing nearby, without a word, swiftly handed her a small spoon, even presenting it with both hands.

Someone might say, "It will be one less!" But everyone, who had been making a fuss, fell silent, their cold sweat barely visible. This quick response showed that even Lina, who understood nothing, could tell that this person was not to be crossed.

"..."

As everyone held their breath, Iber, without a flicker of expression, scooped a piece of the freshly made pudding with the spoon and took a bite.

"..."

For just a moment, a mere 0.1 second, but Lina didn't miss the slight waver in his eyes.

Iber, maintaining his cold and merciless expression as if nothing had happened, slowly swallowed the pudding. Then, instead of scooping another piece, he gently put the spoon back into the magic bag at his waist.

Yes! Lina, though maintaining a blank face, did a mental fist pump.

Because, this type of person would definitely reject it if it was bad. The fact that he didn't... means he must have found it worth eating.

"...Did it not suit your taste?"

She knew it sounded forced, but she couldn't help but ask, trying to keep her expression neutral despite the corners of her mouth wanting to curl up.

"No... but I am keeping His Majesty waiting."

"Of course."

Lina inwardly chuckled. In other words, he wanted to enjoy it later, without all this attention.

Yes! It feels good for some reason.

One day, I'll make this person smile with food... Lina resolved.