Chapter 57

As she narrowed her eyes at the ultra-soft, fluffy tail caressing her skin, she finished petting the two-tailed fox.

After replenishing the fluffiness, it was time for socializing.

While exchanging words with Lady Eriena, she proceeded deeper into Lady Kate's palace.

Lady Eriena, with her silver hair and fox ears, was a beauty that embodied the name of the Snow Fox Clan.

Her figure, accentuated with feminine curves, was adorned with ethnic clothing and jewels, exuding a lustrous charm.

She wore a gentle smile, and her red lips were alluring.

The northern part of this country was known for its deep snow and a strong tendency to be exclusive towards outsiders.

However, Lady Eriena did not seem to have such a difficult disposition and appeared to be quite skilled in conversation.

While her friendly attitude made it easy to interact with her, there was also a sense that if one wasn't careful, she might take complete control of the conversation and lead it in any direction she pleased.

"I am Letitia. Thank you very much for inviting me today."

In the dining room, she greeted Lady Kate, who was waiting there.

This was the first time they were meeting face to face.

Lady Kate was a beautiful girl with slightly upturned eyes, and her golden-brown hair and cat ears were well-groomed.

"Welcome. Thank you for coming from afar."

At first glance, it seemed like a warm welcome, but there was a hint of thorns in her tone.

The phrase "from afar" seemed to imply not the distance from my palace, but rather, "you have come from a distant foreign land to marry here."

"Oh my, Lady Kate, your fur is standing on end. What's the matter?"

"Please don't say such things. You're still grinning as usual, aren't you?"

When Lady Eriena teased her, Lady Kate immediately countered.

Indeed, she looked like a cat with its fur standing on end.

These two had invited me jointly today, but they didn't seem to get along well.

I had heard that Lady Kate had a strong personality, so this was perhaps natural.

Given that the position of the next queen was a single seat, they were likely wary of each other as rivals.

Moreover, I was curious about why Lady Kate's tail was not visible, even though her cat ears were twitching.

For beastfolk, tails were as important as hands and feet to humans, and it was common to have holes in their clothes to let them out.

Lady Kate seemed to have a hook-shaped tail, which was relatively short and probably hidden behind her back.

In contrast to Lady Eriena, who had a lush, swaying tail, this was quite different.

To prevent an argument from breaking out between them, I decided to change the topic.

"Lady Kate, is that the rock salt from the eastern region displayed over there?"

In the center of the table, a large crystal was seated.

It was as big as my head, and its surface reflected light beautifully.

"Yes, that's right. I'm impressed that you, a foreigner, recognized it."

"The rock salt from the eastern region is known for its high quality and quantity. I've heard that when polished, it can look like crystal."

Rock salt from the eastern region was once called "white gold" and was a famous product of the area.

Praising her homeland's product, Lady Kate proudly puffed out her chest.

She seemed to be quite expressive, just as Lady Natalie had mentioned.

Though she was initially somewhat prickly, she might not be a bad person.

"Hehe, for a human, you're quite knowledgeable. Don't you think it's foolish that humans today have forgotten the benefits of salt and are obsessed with spices?"

"I like both salt and spices."

"I, for one, prefer salty flavors."

"………Lady Eriena, I didn't ask for your opinion."

Lady Kate seemed dissatisfied with both my response and Lady Eriena's interruption.

Salt and spices.

Both were essential seasonings in cooking, but in this country, they meant more than that.

Lady Kate's homeland in the eastern region was a major producer of the well-known rock salt.

On the other hand, the western region, where Lady Natalie was from, had many good ports and was now the main route for spices from foreign lands.

The nobles from Lady Natalie's homeland used a lot of spices, partly to annoy the beastfolk and partly because of the spices brought from their homeland's ports.

Perhaps, as with Lady Kate, people had a special affection for products from their own homeland.

When Lady Kate asked, "Which do you prefer, salt or spices?" it wasn't just a simple question.

The eastern region, known for its rock salt, and the western region, which valued spices, were likely the two areas she was referring to.

She seemed to want to know which side I intended to support.

Both salt and spices are delicious.

As I thought this, the dishes were brought in.

As expected, most of the dishes were seasoned with salt.

The pickled cabbage, which had a tangy flavor, was made using a method similar to sauerkraut on Earth.

It was sour but did not use vinegar.

It was a fermented food made by mixing cut cabbage with salt.

The refreshing tang paired well with the sausages infused with herbs, making it easy to eat a lot.

The combination of the bouncy sausages and the crunchy cabbage was enjoyable.

It should be easy to preserve, so I decided to try making it at my palace.

I had heard that even noble beastfolk did not use excessive spices, and indeed, this was true.

While the dishes were somewhat salty, I personally preferred this seasoning over the one used by Lady Natalie.

"Lady Kate, thank you for the delicious meal."

"I'm honored that you enjoyed it. It's my masterpiece, made with the finest rock salt from my homeland."

Lady Kate was in high spirits, but her eyes were serious.

"Letitia, tell me. Do you intend to support me as the next queen?"

"Of course, I do. Is there something that concerns you?"

"………You're being too roundabout."

Lady Kate fixed her gaze on me.

"Letitia, please answer me. Do you intend to support me as the next queen?"