Chapter 35

In the morning, after finishing my preparations as agreed with Lady Primera, I was immediately told that I could take the afternoon off.

Sure enough, she had that mischievous look on her face, so she must be up to something, but I’m sure it will be adorable! She mentioned that she would be having a tea party with His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, and the Marquis, but it’s on my mind. I wonder if she’ll tell me about it later… While I was thinking about that, I decided to surprise Lady Primera!

"So, Messabon, are you ready?"

"Well, to be honest, I know I don’t need to be in the kitchen unless Lady Primera specifically requests it, but… are you really going out without a guard, Lady-in-Chief?"

"Of course not. I’ve already consulted with Lady Primera and arranged for a guard. I think they’re coming soon…"

"I have arrived."

"Wh-what, it’s Regina…"

"What’s the matter, Messabon? Are you saying you can’t work if I’m here?"

"N-no, that’s not it, Lady Yuria, what do you mean by—"

"Well, it’s work, but I thought it might be nice for us to spend some time together, even if it’s not a romantic date."

She smiled gently, and Messabon’s tough face instantly turned bright red.

This guy, despite his appearance, is a complete novice. Yes, Guard Knight Regina is actually in a romantic relationship with Messabon! However, both of them are very proud and passionate about their work, so they rarely get time off together. When we try to arrange it for them, they are too considerate and refuse. That’s why all of us who work in the Princess’s Palace feel a bit sorry for them.

So, I decided to give them this shopping and investigation trip as a gift! After all, it’s work! That’s the plan.

I’ll be joining them this time, but I want to eventually entrust them with finding ingredients for jam and other rare items.

Of course, Lady Primera has already approved this.

Captain Anna Lunya of the female guard knights also understands, and this is only for the duration of our stay at the summer retreat. Once we return to the palace, they will go back to their usual unpredictable schedules, but I think it’s nice for them to have a half-day like this once in a while. Of course, some might say it’s too sweet, and it might not be appropriate to consider such circumstances, but I think it’s only human to want to do something nice for someone who works so hard.

This is a special case, and I hope Messabon and Regina understand that.

Of course, I’ll also be relying on them for the work.

By the way, we are currently adjusting our schedules to fit in a day off during our stay at the summer retreat.

I don’t have a lover, so I don’t know, but thinking about games I used to play and my fantasies, I believe it’s common for people to want to spend time together. Of course, not everyone feels this way, but at least these two would want to spend time together if they could, given their deep understanding of each other’s work.

"Regina is my guard, and of course, Messabon is also understood to be my guard, right?"

"O-oh… right…"

"Messabon, Lady Yuria is your superior!"

"Shut up, I’m allowed to talk like this!"

"Lady Yuria! This man will only get more presumptuous if you spoil him!"

"Alright, enough bickering. What we’re looking for in the Marquis’s territory is honey."

"Honey?"

"The flavor and aroma of honey vary depending on the flowers, as you know."

Messabon and Regina nodded simultaneously. They get along well.

So, my first goal is honey.

For the rose jam, I want honey made from roses. Ideally, I’d like several types. I know it’s a bit demanding, but this is a luxury item from a place famous for roses, and it will naturally be expensive. That’s why it’s best to find it locally.

To collect monofloral honey, a certain amount of the specific flower must be in bloom. A considerable amount is needed for commercial sale, so it’s likely that local residents consume it.

Roses are often harvested as buds for oil extraction, but perhaps in this region, they might be different.

Messabon raised his hand.

"What is it, Messabon?"

"What do you plan to do this time, Lady Yuria?"

"…Oh, I got ahead of myself. This time, I plan to make rose jam and obtain edible roses from this Marquis’s territory to make jelly. Eventually, I want to create a two-layer cake with jelly and bavarois using those edible roses."

"I remember the jelly you made the other day. You can customize the taste and shape however you like. What’s bavarois?"

"It’s a dessert made by mixing egg yolks, sugar, and milk, and using agar. It has a soft, creamy texture different from jelly. We’ll make it later. I asked you to bring some ingredients, right?"

"Right, I won’t forget. Should I send Dan to buy some sugar and other things? We can’t just take ingredients from the Marquis’s kitchen. The cooks will be happy to share, but it’s better to learn more recipes and techniques first."

I nodded at Messabon’s words. Some chefs consider recipes their personal treasures, and it’s understandable to keep certain flavors secret. However, Messabon is not that type. He believes in sharing and improving together to create better dishes, and I agree with this approach.

The thought of bavarois and jelly spreading in this world makes me excited!!

I’d love to have gelatin as well, but I’m not sure if they can remove the animal odor. There are people who might be able to do it, but I don’t want to overwork them, so I’ll hold off on that for now.

For now, I think it would be good for Messabon to teach the house chefs how to pipe whipped cream.

However, upon reflection, the real challenge is "cooling." I use my magic to chill and set jellies, but magic isn’t all-powerful. While strong mages can adjust easily, fine-tuning is actually quite difficult.

…In other words, the irony is that my mediocre magical power is perfect for making desserts.

It’s fine, though. I find it very useful!!

So, how much they can achieve after learning from me depends on their creativity and skills. I look forward to the chefs’ efforts. If they keep improving, more delicious desserts will be created, and I’ll be happy.

"Let’s give Dan some money. Make sure he gets a receipt, as usual, addressed to the Princess’s Palace."

"Right, thanks! Dan!! Come here for a moment!!"

Messabon called out loudly, and Dan, his apprentice, rolled in from somewhere. He’s a boy Messabon found and is now starting with peeling potatoes. He doesn’t complain, isn’t afraid of Messabon, and works diligently, making him a very promising young man.

Messabon instructed Dan on what to buy and reminded him to get a receipt as usual. When I handed him a leather bag with money, he took it with a serious expression.

"…Every time, Dan. The money in your wallet may seem like a fortune to you, but it’s not enough to risk your life. Please shop with peace of mind. I’m counting on you."

"Y-yes!!"

…Is he going to be okay? That boy.

Well, we should go too!

Of course, our main goal is honey, but I’m also supporting Messabon’s love life!