Chapter 80

The dress prepared for changing was a navy blue one-piece. It had a round collar, a ribbon to tie, and a skirt that narrowed at the waist and reached the ankles. I had been worried that it might be a frilly, childish dress, but my concern was unfounded. It was a design that was elegant and refined.

I would be having my meal with Leiselle.

The marquis had thoughtfully considered that it might be awkward if I ate with him.

"Thank you, I was worried... No, I had intended to greet you properly."

"That's fine. My mother is away on charity work in the countryside, and my father is a difficult person, so I sometimes eat separately when I'm tired."

"I see."

Even his real daughter avoids the marquis. He must be a bit pitiful.

"I'll go and greet him later."

"I'm sorry. Thank you."

Amelia said she was full from the fruit she had just eaten, so only we would be eating.

In the spacious dining room, Amelia was curled up on a giant cushion.

I wondered where they could buy a cushion big enough for a griffin to sit on. It was a bit curious.

While I was distracted by the mysteries of the marquis's household, the servants set the dishes on the table.

They prepared everything at once: appetizers, a basket of bread, soup, main courses of meat and fish, and a platter of cheese. Normally, each dish would be served one by one, but they must have prepared everything at once, following the style of a town dining room. Honestly, being served while eating is uncomfortable, so I was grateful.

We offered a prayer to God and began our meal.

The appetizer was a mixture of chicken pâté and cheese on crackers. The light meat and rich cheese paired perfectly with the crispy crackers.

The soup was made by blending potatoes with the milk of a triangular cow. It had a smooth texture and a refined taste.

The bread had roasted nuts mixed in, giving it a crunchy texture that was enjoyable.

The meat was a wine-braised cheek of a triangular cow. The knife slid in effortlessly without much force. I cut it into bite-sized pieces to eat.

"So tender!!"

I shouted in shock. The meat was so tender it fell apart at the slightest bite. Despite being a hearty piece of meat, it was so soft and delicate. I was moved.

If the marquis had been here, I would have shouted, "I want to be a part of this family!!" It was a close call.

Before the fish dish, a sorbet made from forest apples was served. It was to cleanse the palate of the rich sauce. It was cold, sweet, and refreshing.

The fish was breaded and lightly fried.

The inside was still raw...

"Leiselle, this isn't cooked, is it?"

"It's fine. It's fresh fish. This is how it's prepared."

"I see."

I was surprised to learn about this cooking method. I had doubted it might be fishy, but Leiselle was eating it with relish.

If it's delicious... Yes, it must be delicious...

I mustered the courage to take a bite.

"---Mmm!?"

The crispy, fragrant breading was accompanied by a rich aroma of herbs. Then, the tender red meat melted in my mouth. There was no fishiness at all. It was rich and the sweet and savory sauce enhanced the flavor. I was amazed.

"Mel, how is it?"

"Delicious~"

In the presence of such exquisite cuisine, my vocabulary was almost useless.

While I was lightly picking at the cheese, the dessert was served.

I thought I was already full, but what appeared was a small cake topped with winter strawberries.

Why do the fruits shine like jewels?

Forgetting my fullness, I speared the cake with my fork and ate it.

First, I felt the strong tartness of the strawberries. But it was quickly enveloped by the gentle sweetness of the cream, making it just right. Then, the fluffy, smooth texture of the cake. I had never eaten such an elegant cake. My tongue was melting.

I realized again. Leiselle must have grown up so beautifully because she ate such delicious food every day.

I'm probably too late. It's a shame.

After the meal, I went to greet the marquis with Leiselle.

We headed to his private room. When we entered---

"Wow, you're the pancake girl!"

For some reason, Album was in a birdcage hanging from the ceiling. Maybe he was being disciplined. Well, it doesn't matter.

The marquis was sitting on a chaise lounge with his arms crossed, a deep frown on his forehead.

"Um, good evening."

"What about the griffin?"

He asked about the幻兽 first before returning the greeting. Truly, he is unwavering.

Amelia had said, "I don't want to see that mean old man," so she was staying in Leiselle's room. I thought I shouldn't tell him that, but---

"Amelia doesn't want to see her father."

"!?"

Leiselle, you said it.

The marquis's eyes widened, and his shoulders seemed to tremble slightly. How pitiful.

I should tell him to forgive her eventually.

For now, I straightened up and thanked him.

"Marquis, thank you for warmly welcoming us despite our sudden arrival."

"It's no trouble. We have plenty of rooms."

After that, the room fell silent.

I wish the atmosphere was more relaxed so I could speak more easily.

His frown was deep, and his arms were crossed as if he was refusing to accept anyone. Sigh, it's very awkward.

While I was thinking about what to do, Album in the birdcage said something outrageous.

"Master, your face is scary~"

"What did you say!?"

The marquis reacted immediately, standing up and approaching Album.

"No, no, don't come here~ It's scary, scary!!"

"Shut up!"

The marquis roughly grabbed the birdcage hanging from the ceiling and left the room.

"Diagonally, diagonally, hold the cage~ Marquis, you're holding Album-chan too roughly!!"

Album's screams echoed down the hallway.

"Mel, let's go back to our room."

"Sure."

I would be staying in Leiselle's room for the night. Apparently, Amelia wanted to sleep with me.

We arrived at the bedroom.

The bed, which was said to be large enough for a griffin, was big enough for five adults to lie down comfortably.

To prevent Amelia from catching the sheets with her claws, I put gloves on her hands and feet.

"Quack, quack~"

Amelia climbed onto the bed, delighted by its fluffiness.

She wasn't jumping but was pressing her feet to feel the texture.

"Quack, quack~?"

She was asking Leiselle if the bed was so fluffy and if it was okay to sleep there.

"---!"

Leiselle covered her mouth, blushing.

Well, a playful griffin on the bed is cute.

"O-of course, Amelia. You can sleep here every day if you want!!"

She said it with a heavy breath, but I told Amelia it was okay to sleep there.

We changed into our nightgowns and went to bed.

"Amelia is so warm."

"Quack~"

"I used to keep her warm on cold days."

We slept with Amelia in the middle.

We had been sleeping on a mat on the floor because she had grown too big to fit on the bed. So, it had been a while since we slept side by side.

I buried my face in the feathers on Amelia's chest and fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning, a letter arrived from Zara.

We were going to the Evahart Earl's house the next day.

"Then, Mel, what do you want to do today?"

"Well, I want to go shopping in town."

"If you want to buy from merchants, you can just call them to the house."

"No..."

What kind of talk is that, like if you don't have bread, you can eat cake?

"If you don't have bread, what does that mean?"

"I think it's from a fairy tale called 'The Queen of a Foreign Land.' The queen tells the poor people who can't afford bread to eat cake instead."

"That's a cruel story."

"Well, it's just a story."

There's no way I could buy anything from merchants who come to the marquis's house.

I have to go to town and choose something within my budget.

"Alright. I'll go with you."

"Thank you so much."

"So, what are you going to buy?"

"Earrings."

I had been worried about Zara's lonely ears all along.