Chapter 19

Yesterday, after that, Kiri and Jin were arguing about something, and I ended up falling asleep. It seems Kiri carried me to bed.

The sunlight streaming in through the window is quite bright. I must have overslept.

The fluffy futon, the scent of the sun, and the luxurious room make me think this is probably one of the rooms in the lord's mansion. I felt lonely being alone in the large room. Until yesterday, we had all been sleeping tightly packed in a small carriage.

I got out of the big bed and got ready. Today, I changed into a simple light blue dress. In this world, women can only wear skirts, which is a hassle. Maybe I should try making some skorts.

I was hungry, so I thought about eating some preserved food stored with storage magic, but then I thought I might get a meal, so I decided to go outside the room. Hmm, no one is around. What should I do?

Oh, I remember, I have the ear cuff. I connect with Kiri.

"Kiri, where are you?"

"Shina-sama, are you awake? I'll come right away!"

A few minutes later, Kiri rushed in with a tray of delicious-looking food! Yay, as expected of Kiri. He knows exactly how hungry I am. I'm glad I didn't have to eat the preserved food.

Fluffy white bread, egg dishes, salad, and fruit.

The bread is sweet and delicious! The egg dish is an omelet. The fruit was fresh and delicious. But the salad... you're supposed to eat it with salt. When I asked Kiri, he said that's normal. Yeah, I want some dressing.

"Shina-sama, these vegetables are very nutritious, but their nutritional value decreases when cooked. Please think of them as medicine and eat them."

Kiri has a "You can do it!" face.

The salad is treated like medicine. When I tasted it, it had a slight bitterness. It's a taste children dislike. I'm okay with it, though.

I took out vinegar, sugar, and then *dramatic reveal* a soy sauce substitute and an olive oil substitute from my storage magic. I made these two in the Glass Forest, but this is my first time using them! Yay, I'm excited.

When I was in the Glass Forest and thought I wanted soy sauce, the appraisal magic said, "Hmm, there's something similar! Crush these plants and these plants, filter them, and boil them together!" So I collected them. When I boiled them in the amounts specified, I got soy sauce! It had a slight herbal scent, but it was definitely soy sauce!

The olive oil substitute is made from the seeds of a large tree in the Glass Forest. It was easier to extract oil than from real olives. Maybe it had more oil content. It has a clean, mild flavor.

I mixed these together and seasoned them with salt. Yes, it's delicious. With this, even the bitter salad is edible!

I poured the dressing on the salad and asked the appraisal magic for its opinion. [Salad with soy sauce dressing, very delicious. Nutritional value increased by 15%]. The nutritional value even increased? This is a win-win situation!

Kiri, who was very interested in the dressing, tasted the salad with me. The moment he put it in his mouth, his eyes widened, and he had a melting expression.

"Mmmmm~"

Kiri made a sexy sound and pressed his cheeks. Don't show that face to Barry! He might attack you. Well, Kiri would probably fight back...

It seems Kiri accepted the soy sauce. Grilled dishes, sukiyaki, bulgogi sauce, sashimi, etc... Soy sauce broadens the range of meals. I want to make various dishes and have him taste them.

"Excuse me for a moment!"

Kiri left the room and came back with a large plate piled high with salad.

I was speechless, and he said, "Now I can eat a lot!" with a good smile. There's plenty of dressing left, so help yourself. I can't have seconds, though. Don't secretly add more, Kiri.

"Kiri, this seasoning is called soy sauce. It goes well with red flame beef. I'll make a sauce today, so taste it, okay?"

Kiri nodded enthusiastically while stuffing his mouth with salad. Oh, I've created another victim of the magic of soy sauce. Soy sauce is sinful.

After breakfast, Jin said the others were waiting, so I hurriedly left the room. I thought, "I took my time eating. You should have told me earlier," but Jin said it was fine to wait until I finished. Still, waiting for two royals is nerve-wracking.

In the room Kiri led me to, there were Jin, Prince Alan, Barry, and Alan's attendant, Jean. There was also a round, kind-looking man who was wiping his sweat and smiling softly. He looked cute.

"Holy maiden, it's an honor to meet you. I am Dars Kylart, the lord of this town."

The round man bowed deeply. He's the lord! I thought he was cute.

"Nice to meet you! I'm not a holy maiden, but I'm Shina."

I bowed deeply. It's a Japanese thing.

"S-Sorry, Holy maiden—no, Shina-sama. Yesterday, our town, our town...! Thanks to Shina-sama and everyone, despite the terrible attack, we managed to protect our town without losing a single life! How can I thank you? Not a single resident was lost! Everyone is safe!"

Tears streamed down the lord's face. He's a good person, a really good person...

"Lord Kylart, how many times are you going to repeat that? Stop crying already."

Prince Alan looked exasperated. It seems the lord has been crying and thanking everyone since yesterday. He must have been so happy that Kylart was saved.

"It's not just you all! The townspeople also did their best, and I feel so blessed as a lord!"

"Alright, alright. I understand your feelings. Now that Shina has woken up, let's move on to the specifics."

If left alone, the lord would probably keep crying. I agree with Prince Alan's suggestion.

"Good morning, Shina. Did you sleep well? I'm disappointed we couldn't sleep together last night."

Jin's smile had a perverted undertone. Prince Alan looked horrified. I understand his feelings. I sat in the chair next to Jin but wanted to keep some distance.

"First, as the second prince of Marita Kingdom, I want to thank Shina-sama and Kiri-sama for saving Kylart. I am truly grateful."

Prince Alan bowed. The royals of Marita Kingdom bow without hesitation when apologizing or thanking, which makes me nervous. It's rare for a royal, isn't it?

"I feel bad asking for more from Shina-sama, who has already done so much, but I have a request."

"What is it?"

"One is the monster-repelling incense. I believe Jin has explained it, but we want to purchase it officially as the Marita Kingdom. Of course, we will pay Shina-sama properly. This is a promise from the Marita Kingdom. If we can place this incense in each city of Marita, how many people can live safely?"

Lord Kylart nodded vigorously. Tears were streaming down his face again. I hope he doesn't get dehydrated from crying so much.

"I've entrusted that to Barry and Grandpa... Zain. Please handle it as you see fit."

They said they would give you the money for the recipe.

"Understood. I'll leave this to Jin."

"Got it."

Jin nodded confidently. He's handsome when he's serious, but it's a shame.

"Also, about the magical tools you developed."

"Magical tools?"

What is he talking about?

"The ear cuff, bracelet, and the sword Kiri has."

"Oh~"

I glanced at Kiri, who was hiding his sword and shaking his head. ...I won't take it away, Kiri, it's okay.

"Since my soldiers and the Kylart garrison have seen these magical tools, it will be difficult to keep them hidden in the future."

Kiri's sword and bracelet glow brightly when in use. The magical circuits engraved on the blade and bracelet are infused with magic, making them incredibly beautiful. It enhances Kiri's coolness.

But they are indeed noticeable. Of course, everyone would realize they are magical tools. I shouldn't have been thinking about making a fan sign for Kiri. Silly me.