Chapter 18

Two hours after starting to cook with Mariabel, I was sitting at a table with three others in the dining room, feeling nervous.

On the table were the soup that Mariabel made and the dishes I prepared while looking at the duchess's recipes.

Despite being bewildered by the unfamiliar names of the dishes and the ultra-high-end ingredients I had never handled before, I managed to get them into some shape, but...

When I calmed down, I realized that Lord Zain and Lord Boris were from the upper nobility and had only eaten professional cuisine their entire lives. It would be a miracle if they found the food made by a poor person from another world palatable, and I started to feel anxious.

"Wow, this is amazing. You two made all of this?"

"I didn't do much... almost everything was made by Miss Grace. It was like magic...!"

"Come on, you're exaggerating. Besides, Mariabel, you were surprisingly skilled for a first-timer, which really surprised me."

I was relieved to see that there were no health issues during the cooking process. Mariabel, who was praised by me and Lord Boris, smiled shyly, and her cuteness seemed to purify my heart.

"...Amazing."

Lord Zain also gazed at the dishes on the table and murmured. As we started to eat, both of them said it was delicious, and I felt relieved.

Indeed, I realized that making a meal for someone and hearing them say it's delicious is the happiest thing in the world.

"Are you feeling unwell?"

"No, I'm fine. Thank you."

"I'm glad."

On the other hand, Mariabel had a slightly tense expression, but she picked up the spoon with her trembling hand.

For a few minutes, she stared at the plate without moving. To avoid putting pressure on her, I started to eat as well.

Although I had given her some guidance, the soup that Mariabel made alone was surprisingly delicious for a first-timer.

Lord Zain, sitting across from me, brought a spoonful of soup to his mouth and smiled.

"It's delicious. It tastes just like Mother's."

"..."

At those words, Mariabel's expression changed to one of near tears. She seemed to make a decision and scooped a little soup, bringing it to her mouth.

After hesitating for a few more seconds, she put the spoon in her mouth and swallowed.

"...It's warm and delicious."

With a voice that seemed about to fade away, Mariabel's eyes began to shed tears.

Lord Zain quietly bowed his head and whispered, "I see," and "Thank you," then gently patted Mariabel's back.

"Really, it's good..."

Seeing this, my vision also blurred.

She must have been terribly scared. Moved by Mariabel's appearance, I wiped away the tears from the corners of my eyes and smiled.

"Next time, let's try making something different. Mariabel, you did a great job. You can make anything."

Tears streaming down her face, she smiled and said, "Yes...! Thank you..."

I couldn't help but pray that her future would be filled with many happy and joyful moments.

◇◇◇

After lunch, we talked in the parlor, but before long, Mariabel fell asleep on the sofa.

"She must be tired from all the excitement. She said she couldn't sleep last night because she was looking forward to seeing you."

"That's so cute."

After eating a few spoonfuls of soup, she really did her best. Her adorable sleeping face made me smile.

Lord Zain and Lord Boris finished their meals and thanked me for the delicious food, which made me feel very happy.

Since the main character, Mariabel, had fallen asleep, I decided not to stay too long and left.

"Then, I'll take my leave now."

"Yes, I'll see you to the gate."

"See you, Miss Grace. Take care of Zain."

"Yes! See you."

Waving goodbye to Lord Boris, I walked to the main gate with Lord Zain. He seemed to be adjusting his pace to match mine more than he did during our date.

"Really, I always feel saved by you."

"No, I didn't do anything. Mariabel worked hard."

"...I always felt I had no right to say anything, and I couldn't do anything. When I saw Mariabel eating the food, it felt like I could breathe again for the first time in a long time."

Lord Zain's unusually hoarse and weak voice made my heart tighten. He must have felt guilty all this time, even though it wasn't his fault.

Wanting to support him in some way, I unconsciously took Lord Zain's hand and held it tightly.

"It will be fine, absolutely fine. Mariabel also said she wants to cook and eat with us again."

"...Yes. Thank you."

"If you don't mind, I can come over again."

Smiling a little awkwardly, Lord Zain said, "Thank you very much," again.

As we continued walking, I noticed I was still holding his hand and tried to let go, but he held it back firmly, which didn't happen.

Reflecting on it, it was the first time I had held hands with a man, and my heart started beating faster.

We quickly reached the gate, and I took a small package from my bag.

"Lord Zain, here, if you don't mind..."

"What is this?"

"It's a dessert I made. I was worried Mariabel might feel bad, so I couldn't give it to you before."

Lord Zain was a bit surprised but soon accepted it with a thank you.

After a moment of contemplation, Lord Zain spoke again.

"I want to properly thank you. What would you like?"

"No, just being my boyfriend is enough, so please don't worry about it."

"That's clearly not enough."

"It really is."

While I was happy, I didn't want to make it seem like I was doing it for a favor, so I quickly denied it.

"...Understood. Then, as your boyfriend, I want to do everything I can for you."

"Ah? Thank you."

Lord Zain said this with a serious expression.

I wasn't sure what "doing everything I can as your boyfriend" entailed, but he seemed to be a very principled person.

Still, not wanting him to feel too pressured, I thanked him again and was about to get into the carriage when I heard my name called from behind.

"Grace."

Turning around, I met his softly narrowed honey-colored eyes.

Seeing this expression for the first time, I was taken aback, but after a few seconds, I noticed something odd.

"See you soon. I'll contact you soon."

Perhaps this was all part of "doing everything I can as your boyfriend."

– And from that day on, I was swept up in Lord Zain's serious acting as my boyfriend.