Chapter 66

I caught a cold and it got worse.

Since I fell ill on my first day of work, I've been dragging my poor condition along.

Ah, my throat hurts.

I don't even want to go to the cafeteria for breakfast. I don't want to move, it's cold, and I feel so sluggish.

Just when I'm in this state, visitors come. The door is knocked on with a lively rhythm.

Dragging my heavy body, I opened the door.

"Oh, Eliza!"

My voice was hoarse, but I couldn't help but be surprised. There stood Eliza, looking a bit embarrassed.

"Didn't you have breakfast yet? I brought it for you!"

She thrust a basket, presumably containing breakfast, at me with enthusiasm.

A handkerchief was placed over it, but it couldn't mask the scent that was stimulating my hungry senses. It contained tomato-based dishes. They were light and perfect for the morning.

I was genuinely grateful.

"Thank you. I was just getting hungry. This really helps."

"Hmph, you're so weak. It's pitiful."

I wanted to ask if she disliked pitiful men, but my worsening condition made me decide to return to bed honestly.

"Would you like to come in?"

"…Well, I suppose I will!"

I don't know why her tone was so assertive, but I decided to let her in.

She looked around, probably curious about the forge.

It's understandable. Anyone would be curious. It's pitch black, and girls usually don't like it.

But you'll get used to it soon, so please bear with it for a little while.

I didn't have the energy to make tea, so I just told her to make herself comfortable.

I got into bed, dragged the table closer, and placed the breakfast on it to eat.

I don't have good manners, but in this situation, it can't be helped. I'm really suffering.

Pulling the blanket over me, I checked the contents of the basket.

Bread, soup, stir-fried chicken, and salad.

Thank you, the balance is great and wonderful.

"Has Eliza eaten already?"

"Yes, I had it in the cafeteria. Oh, that tomato soup is really delicious!"

"Is that so?"

"…Yes, it is!"

Perhaps she was embarrassed by her enthusiasm, Eliza turned away.

As she said, the soup was indeed very delicious.

"It's warming me up. I wanted some vegetables, so today's menu is perfect."

"Yes, it is. But last night's dinner was even better. It was all potatoes…"

Eliza said that and smiled, pretending it didn't happen.

No, I heard it. I heard about the potatoes.

I don't know about last night's dinner, but there were a lot of potatoes.

And I already know that Eliza loves potatoes.

I reached for the salad and confirmed that it contained potatoes. It was a potato salad.

"Would you like a bite?"

"…No, thank you."

She hesitated! She hesitated!

She had already eaten, but just seeing the potatoes made her hesitate!

She's a potato fanatic! A potato fetishist!

Is her weight okay? She's so thin, it should be fine!

"Oh, chew well, please."

Eliza called out to me as I ate the potatoes carelessly.

Chewing well is good, so I took the opportunity to chew thoroughly and swallow.

Yeah, potatoes are this delicious. I never realized it before.

"Potatoes are quite sweet, you know."

"Yes! When you chew potatoes well, their natural sweetness comes out!"

After saying that, Eliza smiled, perhaps realizing her character was slipping.

Even though she said it, she was trying to cover it up.

No, that smile, which seemed to control 100% of her facial muscles, was clearly trying to erase what just happened. By force.

I should avoid talking about potatoes in front of her. I have a feeling it might backfire someday.

I ate the bread and the main dish, the chicken. My appetite seemed to be returning.

Eating in front of someone is a strange feeling, but I focused and could even taste the subtle flavors. It might be a sign that I'm getting better.

When I tried to clean up after finishing, Eliza stopped me.

"I'll do it. I came not only to bring breakfast but also to take care of you."

Eliza started cleaning up as she said.

It's a luxury to burden such a noble person with chores.

I started to think that getting a cold occasionally isn't so bad.

Knock knock.

The door rang with a lively sound for the second time today.

"Coming!"

Eliza headed to the door with a high-pitched voice and a light step.

Mrs.!

That "coming" just now was a wife's "coming"!

Is that okay!? Eliza!

"I'm opening it now."

The door opened and then closed immediately.

Why!?

She definitely didn't handle the visitor! Why did she close it so suddenly?

What happened? Who was there?

I can't sleep because I'm so curious!

"Hey, Eliza. Why did you come back? It seemed like someone came."

"Huh? Did they?"

It's obvious. She's putting her finger to her lips and tilting her head, but I've never seen her do that before. It's definitely an unnatural, acted gesture.

The door was knocked on again.

It seemed like someone was still there.

I could feel a slight irritation from Eliza.

Still, she reluctantly headed to the door that was knocked on again.

"Oh, what is it?"

"Well, I heard Kururi wasn't feeling well, so I brought breakfast… Was I too late?"

"Yes, it's too late. Oh, ho, ho, Kururi is already full!"

"Oh, that's good. Can I come in? I want to check on Kururi."

"No, you can't!"

Why!?

From the voice, the visitor was definitely Iris.

I could tell she was confused by Eliza's hostile attitude.

I felt sorry for Iris, so I got up from my heavy body again and intervened.

"Thanks for coming, Iris. Come in, both of you. It's warm inside."

So, the two who brought breakfast were together.

Since my body was still in bed, I decided to let them relax.

There's tea and snacks, so feel free to help yourselves.

"Hmm, I just ate breakfast, so I don't need anything. Rather, does Kururi need anything? I can prepare it."

"No, Kururi doesn't need anything."

For some reason, Eliza answered. She might have the ability to read my mind, but the other possibility is much higher.

"It's a waste to leave this leftover breakfast. Let's eat it. I might get fat if I eat this much."

Iris, who values food, smiled wryly but still ate it. She's truly a model of the common people.

Eliza, watching Iris eat, didn't face her but only glanced sideways.

It's obvious.

When Iris's hand reached for the salad, Eliza reacted.

"Huh? Eliza, do you want the salad?"

"W-Why would a noble person like me react to food?"

"That's true. When someone I like is eating their favorite food nearby, I react immediately. I guess nobles don't have such greedy tendencies."

Iris laughed shyly.

Stop it! Eliza is the same! She's reacting a lot to the potatoes!

"Oh, this potato is delicious! The ones used today are really good."

Iris praised the potatoes, which I also found delicious.

So, the ones used today were just good.

"Yes, the potatoes today are quite good."

I thought Eliza would maintain her composure, but she reacted to Iris's words.

It seemed like the potatoes were building a bridge between the two.

"That's true. I like potatoes. Actually, I like vegetables in general."

"Yes, they are delicious!"

She's trying to stay calm, but her happiness is showing in her tone.

The potato talk is starting to take off. I hope it doesn't go too far.

"Actually, I've wanted to talk to Eliza more. Hey, Eliza, I'm a commoner, but would you like to be friends?"

"No, I refuse! But… I can talk a little."

"Oh, that's great! I'm so happy. Hey, can I call you El?"

"No! …Well, for now, yes."

Eliza's cheeks were slightly red. Was she happy!?

Was she happy to be called El!?

Oh, come to think of it, El is kind of cute. No, it's quite cute!

"Hey, El."

I tried to join in with my hoarse voice.

I got a strong slap.

Ouch, it really hurts. My forehead was hot just now, but now my cheeks are burning.

Failed to join in.

"Hey, Eliza. Do you like potatoes?"

"Yes, I like vegetables in general."

Oh, she's being vague. Even though she loves potatoes.

"Hey, would you like to come to my field? I have some large, well-packed potatoes that are almost ready to harvest. I wanted to show them off to someone."

"…Let's go!"

The two left my room together, looking friendly.

It's an unusual hobby for girls, but it's good that they're getting along.

Hey? What about my care!?

Cough! Hey, it seems to be getting worse!?

Hey!!

Right after that, the door knocked.

Thank goodness, it seems they remembered me and came back.

I was so happy, I jumped out of bed to greet them.

"Welcome b—"

There stood Rail, holding a basket that smelled of tomato soup.

"Hey, I brought breakfast."

"I don't need it!"

I closed the door forcefully.