Chapter 5

Before I knew it, a week had already passed since I was imprisoned in this tower.

From the letter that exuded the aura of the hidden queen Aura, it seems this body is Lady Violet’s.

I had predicted as much and, swallowing my tears, I told the knight once that “our bodies might have been switched.”

Whether it was fortunate or not, I was not believed.

He sighed coldly, saying, “Is that so,” and his gaze was one of disappointment, making me feel a mix of happiness and sadness, though the happiness was more dominant.

I don’t know if this will last forever or if I’ll return in three months.

However, I can enjoy delicious meals at the same time every day, and I can’t help but wish that these happy days will continue forever, even though it might be inappropriate.

◇◇

“Good morning! I’m so happy to see you!”

Today, I greet the knight, who looks at me with a suspicious gaze, with a smile. The meal he holds is the same feast as always.

But today’s soup is a thick, yellow broth I’ve never seen before.

Bathed in the pure morning sunlight, the steam from the soup rises dreamily. I can’t wait to taste it and am already excited.

To such a me, the knight’s exasperated voice comes down.

“You’re happy to see the food, not me.”

“N-no, that’s not true... Ah, no, you’re right. A, admiring this fluffy bread is more enjoyable than looking at your face!”

“Stop that. You’re trying to cover up being caught off guard and then acting like a pure girl who suddenly decides to act like a villain.”

I feel a bit sad that my effort to stop the strange act was noticed.

After the knight’s sharp words, an unfamiliar voice, “Wow,” echoed, and a man with a face as beautiful as a woman’s peeked out from behind the knight. He also seems to be a knight.

“What’s going on here?”

Shaking his lustrous black hair, he asked. His gaze was directed at the planters filled with herbs and flowers scattered throughout the room.

The other day, when I was asked what I wanted, I requested essential herbs and tools for making medicine, thinking there was nothing to lose.

Of course, anything potentially harmful was rejected by the suspicious knight, but safe herbs and flowers were allowed, and I was provided with many of them.

What a blessing. I can focus on making medicine all day in a warm room without being tormented by hunger.

I almost want to thank Lady Violet, but I remind myself that it’s inappropriate given the victim.

“E, eh, what is this creepy plant... plant?”

The new knight, who is looking at it with a shocked expression, is referring to a plant shaped like human lips. It’s a rare type of carnivorous plant that moves in a wavy manner.

“That’s a Lipun, a carnivorous plant. The lip-like part is the flower, and when the leaves are boiled, it makes a good medicine for external injuries.”

“Huh? A carnivorous plant? Is it safe?”

“Ah, are you worried about the lack of insects for it to eat? Don’t worry! Carnivorous plants can get enough nutrients from water and sunlight. They are thought to have evolved to eat insects because they were outcompeted by other plants and forced out of nutrient-rich soil. With proper soil and water, they can grow just fine! I also find the theory that plants evolved to avoid being eaten by insects very interesting...”

The new knight, listening to my explanation, gives a warm smile and turns to the knight.

“What’s really going on here?”

“I don’t know.”

“Claude, you always boast about knowing everything about the Elford Duke’s daughter.”

“That’s not true!”

From their conversation, I learned that the knight’s name is Claude.

It’s a wonderful name. As I think this, the new knight smiles at me and apologizes for not greeting me earlier.

“I am Neil Harvey, the deputy leader of the Prince’s direct first knight regiment.”

“Neil-sama! Nice to meet you. Please take care of me.”

“Likewise. If you don’t mind, would you like to join us for a meal as a sign of getting to know each other?”

Claude looks bitter, but his silence suggests he’s already agreed.

Neil has a calm smile, but his eyes are filled with curiosity and caution.

I think he wants to probe me, and my mind goes blank at this unexpected invitation.

“Eh... join, for a meal...?”

As I widen my eyes, Neil narrows his, saying, “If you don’t like it...”

“N-no, no, no! Not at all! I’ll join!”

◇

It’s been twelve years since I’ve had a meal with someone.

I stop the two of them from preparing and quickly set the table with the food and cutlery brought by a frightened maid.

“...The Elford Duke’s daughter is setting the table...?”

“What is she planning...?”

As they whisper in shock, I stand up straight.

“This room is now my private room. That means I’m the hostess, so I must entertain my guests. ...Ah! I’ll also decorate with flowers!”

“First, let go of that carnivorous plant.”

We sit down while having such a conversation.

Before the meal, the three of us pray to God.

I take a spoonful of the soup, and a smooth, gentle flavor spreads in my mouth. It’s too delicious. Is it really okay to eat such delicious food in a prison? The world seems wrong.

Neil is a great conversationalist, and I can’t help but laugh a few times.

Each time, Claude looks at me with a suspicious gaze, as if examining whether a piece of meat is really rotten, but it’s just too funny.

As the meal nears its end and the conversation calms down, I can’t help but giggle.

“...Having a meal with someone like this... it’s really, really enjoyable.”

There were servants who would give me food and be kind to me, hiding it from my stepmother and Julia, but none of them would eat with me. I think they would have declined if invited, fearing the consequences.

So, having a meal and laughing with someone without any worries is really rare. My heart feels warmer than my full stomach.

“Thank you for having a meal with me.”

When I thank them, both of them have an indescribable look on their faces.