Chapter 76

Today, I came to the castle to deliver goods, as we discussed during the ball. When Lady Dorothy heard this, she asked if I could stop by on my way back, so I decided to do so. Originally, I had planned to deliver the goods at 9:30, and I had told Lady Dorothy that I would come in the morning, but I didn't expect it to be past 11:30.

I sent the driver back with the cart to the mansion. I instructed Filia to wait in the waiting room of the Brützels border baron's family. Since I can't walk around the castle with Filia, she reluctantly followed my instructions, though she wasn't entirely convinced.

"Milady Dorothy, I apologize for being late."

"Lord Christophe, you are a busy man, please don't worry about it."

Lady Dorothy seemed to be waiting for me in the courtyard, drinking tea, which made me feel apologetic. Even when she is just sitting there, Lady Dorothy is as beautiful as a doll, but her posture while drinking tea is so graceful and dignified that it truly befits a royal. Moreover, this courtyard is so beautifully landscaped that it hardly seems like it's inside the castle. Lady Dorothy, sitting in a white chair at a round white table by a small pond, is so beautiful it could be a painting. She's different from me, a fake noble.

However, the image of Lady Dorothy at school and Lady Dorothy at the castle is different. The school's Lady Dorothy, with her aloof atmosphere, and the castle's Lady Dorothy, with her graceful and dignified manners, this contrast is quite appealing.

When Lady Dorothy gestured for me to sit, her attendant maid served me tea. Come to think of it, I hadn't had anything to drink since breakfast, so my throat was parched. Phew, I feel like I'm coming back to life. And this tea is really delicious. Moreover, it's a taste I've never had before. It's so delicious that it wouldn't be surprising if it were served at the mansion, but I don't remember ever having it.

"This tea is delicious. ... Is it a blend of several leaves?"

"You have a good eye. These tea leaves are a special blend for the royal family."

So it's a special blend for the royal family. No wonder I've never had it before. But it's truly delicious, as befits the royal family!

"There are also some pastries."

At Lady Dorothy's invitation, I looked at the pastries on the table.

"Thank you."

These pastries are covered in a white coating like snow, with a light yellow base and a beautiful contrast of red and white, similar to a shortcake in Japan. I cut a triangular piece of shortcake with a fork and brought it to my mouth. While I prefer a bit less sweetness, it's still a very delicious shortcake.

Enjoying the conversation with Lady Dorothy, I finished the cake and the delicious tea.

"I understand that this cake is very popular in the town below, Lord Christophe, have you seen it before?"

Of course, I know about shortcakes. Originally, there were no cakes like those in Japan in this world, so I distributed the recipe for free to promote granulated sugar. It seems Lady Dorothy doesn't know that I was the one who spread the recipe.

"It's delicious."

I won't say that I prefer a bit less sweetness here. It would be disrespectful to criticize something served by the royal family.

"It doesn't seem to suit your taste."

"That's not true."

"Lord Christophe, when you are troubled, you get a slight wrinkle between your eyebrows. That habit hasn't changed since the old days."

Oh, I have that habit... And habits persist even without memory. However, Lady Dorothy has a good memory to remember such things.

"A bit less sweetness would make it even more delicious."

Since she can tell that I don't think it's absolutely delicious, it's better to be honest.

"I will make it that way next time."

"Next time? You're making it?"

"Yes, I made this cake. Next time, I will make it so that Lord Christophe says it's delicious."

Ha ha ha, it's hard to imagine a princess making cakes. You shouldn't take the jobs of maids and cooks.

"Founder Akira was very skilled at cooking and making pastries. Therefore, the royal family learns a few cooking skills as part of their early education. We don't cook regularly, though."

Lady Dorothy explained as if responding to my inner thoughts. Does she have ESP and can hear my thoughts? Oh, she's just observing my habits.

"Being able to cook, Lady Dorothy, you will surely make a good wife."

"Eh!?"

Hmm, did I say something wrong?

"W-well, will I make a good wife?"

Her face turned red, and she fidgeted. Could she... need to use the restroom?

"I've overstayed my welcome. I should take my leave now."

"Eh, ah, ... yes."

I shouldn't make a lady hold her bladder. I'm a considerate gentleman!