Chapter 62

"Hey, if you want more, just ask your big brother."

With only three pieces of karaage (fried chicken), Rina fled from the others and returned to the cafeteria.

"Whaaat!!"

As the crowd booed, Prince Egiedilus followed her.

"Mr. Iber, Mr. Taro, would you like one each?"

To the two who were peering in, Rina offered a small plate with the karaage, naturally handing them small forks as well.

"R-really, is that okay?"

Taro asked hesitantly, wondering if it was proper to eat before the king.

"Poison test?"

Rina said with a mischievous smile. Although the two princes had already eaten, she deliberately said it, perhaps with a hint of bribery.

"Even after the two princes have already tasted it?"

Despite being exasperated by Rina's actions, Iber was defeated by the allure of the karaage he had never seen before. He took the fork and pierced the karaage.

"Aaah~"

From somewhere, a dejected voice was heard. Perhaps they had hoped that if Iber didn't eat it, it might end up in their mouths.

"Then, I'll have it."

"Aaah~"

When Taro also pierced it, a similar sense of tragedy hung in the air.

"......!!"

The moment the karaage entered their mouths, even the icy Iber's eyes widened slightly.

Yes!!

Rina secretly made a fist pump.

It seems they prefer this over pudding.

"Delicious...!! This is... karaage."

Taro exclaimed in amazement at the incredible taste. He seemed to be savoring the aftertaste.

"Your Majesty? ... The poison test is complete... please?"

She offered the last plate of karaage.

"Two of your brothers were part of the poison test, weren't they?"

While exasperated, he found Rina's actions amusing.

"It must be a misunderstanding."

She laughed hollowly. It was clear to everyone, even if they didn't say it, that it was a lie.

"When will the cat come back...?"

King Felix laughed and used the fork to pierce the karaage and put it in his mouth.

"......"

With a satisfying crunch, King Felix ate the karaage.

"How is it?"

"......nnn"

"Huh?"

"Not enough."

"......I see?"

After all, it was intentional. She deliberately made it scarce, like bait... Cough.

She was trying to encourage them to participate in making ice cream.

"...You... what really happened to the cat?"

He asked with interest.

"Unfortunately... it seems a new owner was found."

"Ha ha... I see, you must have been quite uncomfortable with it."

King Felix said, trying to suppress his laughter.

...Huh? What does that mean?

"...If you want more karaage, here, please!!"

Rina nonchalantly offered the karaage to King Felix, as if nothing had happened.

"...You... you're something else."

Prince Egiedilus was exasperated by this action. Not only did Rina not give up after being rejected by the king, but she also made a second attempt, which was somewhat admirable.

"Sure!!"

When she tried to hand it over again, he just smiled and showed no intention of taking it.

...Damn.

The karaage didn't work as bait...

"......"

"......"

In the presence of everyone, a silent battle of wills was taking place.

"......"

How long do I have to keep this up?

Mostly, it's because of that idiot prime minister, so why don't you do something about it yourself instead of just watching?

As Rina grew increasingly irritated with King Felix and Prince Schuel, she snapped. She didn't lose it... she deliberately did it.

"Come on, just make it already!! To be honest, during this busy lunchtime, you guys are a real nuisance!! Rick and the others are too scared to do their jobs, and you're going to be in the way when everyone comes to eat lunch!!"

...Rinaaa!!?

At that moment, everyone's hearts were united.

She was too blunt... everyone thought.

Beyond being disrespectful, they felt a sense of awe towards Rina.

Rick and the others were not just pale; their souls seemed to have left their bodies.

"...Rina... you... you're really something."

Even he had never spoken so bluntly to his brothers, and here was a mere commoner speaking so freely to him. It was truly impressive.

...Oh no?

Did I go too far...?