Chapter 43

Lucian brought in a pot of ripe, bright red strawberries.

Even after seeing the strawberries, which resembled the poisonous plant known as the "Monster's Gem," King Glenreath on the throne remained calm.

"This plant is not the 'Monster's Gem,' I understand. But why did you bring such a confusing plant before me?"

"Because it is confusing, Your Majesty. I am currently growing several of these plants in the annex."

"……I see. You were afraid of misunderstandings and slander, were you?"

The king's azure eyes, tinged with green, were fixed on the strawberries.

It seemed he understood the situation.

It was a relief that the matter was resolved quickly.

I know that the servants in the annex are aware that I am growing strawberries.

But if someone else, for example, someone who harbors ill will towards me as the queen, found out?

There was a possibility that they might misunderstand and spread rumors, saying, "That queen is growing the Monster's Gem in the annex."

In my previous life on Earth, there were stories of people being visited by the police for growing plants that resembled marijuana in their home gardens.

Even if it's just a formality, as the queen, I believe it's better to be overly cautious.

Reflecting on the incident with the chiffon cake, one of the reasons was my carelessness while secluding myself in the annex.

I should have explained the strawberries, which are easily misunderstood, to the king, the top of this country.

"This plant, I call it 'strawberry.' Although the fruit's shape resembles the Monster's Gem, it is not poisonous. It is sweet and delicious, so I have been cultivating it in the annex and studying it as a food source."

"……Have you been unusually cheerful lately because of this?"

"Your Majesty? Did you say something?"

The king, who had muttered under his breath, crossed his long legs as if to cover up.

"No, it's nothing. Is there anything else you want to tell me or ask for?"

"Your Majesty, if you would like, could we have tea together from now on?"

"Tea?"

"Yes. I have a dessert I would like to offer."

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In a room with a dining table, a few rooms away from the audience chamber.

The walls of this room, which also serves as a reception room, are adorned with tapestries bearing the emblem of the Volvwart royal family.

Sitting across from the king, under the watchful eyes of the silver-threaded wolves, I waited for the tea to be served. Gilbert, who was standing behind me, removed the cover from the tray he was holding.

"Your Majesty, please excuse me. These are new confections made with strawberries grown by Lady Letitia in the annex."

On the tray were strawberries with their stems removed for easy eating, strawberry jam in a glass jar, a slightly red strawberry chiffon cake, and a shortcake decorated with cream. The king seemed to narrow his eyes as he looked at the shiny red strawberries on the cake.

"Looking at them up close, they do indeed resemble the Monster's Gem."

"Yes, but they are certainly not poisonous."

I smiled reassuringly and gently picked up a large strawberry with its stem removed.

Careful not to spill the juice, I placed it in my mouth and swallowed.

"As you can see, eating them causes no harm."

Enjoying the sweet and tangy flavor, I demonstrated that they were not poisonous.

Explaining the difference between the strawberries and the "Monster's Gem" in words would be much less effective than this.

"This jam is made by cooking strawberries, and crushed strawberries are mixed into the chiffon cake batter. The jam keeps well, so please enjoy it when you feel like it."

"Ah, I will do that. Is it alright to eat the cake here and now?"

"……Yes, it would be an honor if Your Majesty would enjoy it."

Nodding, I was honestly surprised by the turn of events.

Originally, I only intended to eat the strawberries in front of the king to demonstrate that they were not poisonous.

The chiffon cake I had previously given to the king only received a formal response.

So, I thought the king didn't have a good impression of the chiffon cake or me.

I expected that the strawberry chiffon cake I offered today would only receive a formal thank you, and the king's attendants would eat it later, so this was somewhat unexpected.

The king picked up a silver fork and brought a bite-sized piece of the chiffon cake to his mouth.

Will he enjoy it? Will he like the taste?

I watched the king eat, feeling nervous inside.

It had been over a month since we were married, but this was the first time we were dining together.

Seeing the king eat a cake in front of me gave me a sense of reassurance.

King Glenreath, with his icy beauty, rarely showed any emotion.

But seeing him eat and drink just like any other person made me realize that he was human, just like me.

Finding this amusing, I decided to make a joke.

"I feel reassured. Your Majesty is human, after all."

"……What?!"

The king suddenly choked.

Had a piece of cake stuck in his throat?

"Your Majesty, are you alright? Would you like some tea?"

"……What are you saying all of a sudden? That I am human is obvious. Did you think I was a wolf or something?"

"No, I didn't think that. It's just that Your Majesty always looks so dignified, so seeing you eat like any other person was refreshing……"

"……I see."

"Confusing," the king muttered, sounding a bit flustered.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty. It was a poorly understood joke."

"……Well, it's fine. I'll forgive you for the sake of this strawberry chiffon."

"!! You liked it?"

"Yes, it was delicious."

The corners of the king's eyes seemed to soften slightly as he spoke.

His usually cold azure eyes seemed to have a hint of warmth, like a winter sunbeam.

It was a subtle change that I might have missed if I hadn't been paying attention.

But seeing the king's smile for the first time made it very memorable.