Chapter 47

"Welcome! Please come in!"

Guided by the smiling female staff, we took our seats. The ice cream, a cold dessert famous in the capital, was something I had never tried before, and my anticipation was building.

I usually didn't like sweet things, but thanks to Linsha, who always managed to find delicious baked goods, my resistance to sweets had gradually diminished. So, I was sure I would enjoy today.

"Hmm. There are indeed many varieties, just as you said. It's understandable to be indecisive."

"The most popular flavor seems to be vanilla. The second is chocolate. There are also seasonal fruits like peaches, pears, and grapes. Wow, they even have cactus!"

I had heard there were many varieties, but I was surprised by the sheer abundance.

(Which one should I choose? More importantly, which one will Prince Eric choose?)

I watched the prince staring intently at the menu, thinking about irrelevant things.

When I thought about it, I didn't know much about Prince Eric.

His preferences in food and music, his hobbies—these human aspects were something I had hardly asked about until today.

That's why I was curious about which flavor he would choose.

"Hmm, there are too many choices. I can't decide. Reia, can you just pick something for me?"

"No way!"

"Huh?"

My response seemed unexpected, and Prince Eric looked up from the menu.

(Oh no. I reacted strangely to an unexpected question.)

What should I do? The prince looked puzzled.

But this was a rare opportunity to learn more about the prince. Deciding on an ice cream flavor could be an interesting conversation.

"Prince, how can you be indecisive about something as simple as this? You might face more difficult choices in the future."

"…Isn't that a bit exaggerated?"

(I guess that was a bit much. I thought I could push it through with enthusiasm, but oh well.)

"But you're right. …I've decided. I'll have vanilla ice cream."

I had almost given up on learning about the prince's preferences, but he listened to my odd persuasion.

Good. Now I know one thing about the prince.

"It's the most popular, so it should be the best. It's the most reasonable choice."

"……"

(That's right, he's like that.)

But if that's what the prince is like, then it's fitting.

A fair and just person like him would choose the most popular option.

Whether that's the right choice or not, I'll take it as a new piece of information about the prince.

"I'll have grape. I like fruits."

"Understood. …Can I place the order now?"

"Yes, please go ahead."

A male staff member was nearby, and Prince Eric was about to place the order.

The staff were well-trained and had a pleasant demeanor. The popularity of this shop seemed to be more than just a novelty.

"…I want my ice cream served in a special container. Can you taste-test it for me?"

"Wh-What, taste-test?"

The staff member and I said the same thing at the same time.

This was my mistake. Why didn't I place the order?

(That's right! The prince always has someone taste-test his food.)

I should do the taste-test. Johan did it the last time we went to a restaurant.

How could I be a bodyguard without paying attention to such details? How should I explain this to the staff?

Should I tell them he's the crown prince? Or…

"Understood. I'll take a bite when I bring it to you."

"Thank you. I appreciate it."

"Huh?"

This was the most surprising thing today.

I didn't expect the staff to agree to such an unreasonable request.

(I'm almost moved by the level of service.)

After the recent tense battles, being greeted with such a bright smile was incredibly soothing.

We waited for the ice cream to be ready in a very pleasant mood.

"Here you are. This is the grape ice cream, and this is the vanilla ice cream."

Steam rose in a white mist. The grape ice cream shone like amethyst, and the vanilla was as smooth as snow.

The cold, sweet treat on the plate was a fantastical sight I had never seen before.

"Let me taste-test it, then."

"Ah, thank you for the trouble."

Prince Eric watched the staff taste-test the ice cream, then looked at the slightly bitten ice cream with satisfaction.

Well, for the prince, the taste-test is more important than the appearance, so it's understandable.

Anyway, this is a rare treat. I should enjoy it quickly.

"Here we go."

"…Oh, it's delicious! It's smooth and melts in your mouth. The coldness is a new sensation, different from ice."

"…Indeed, it's delicious. The owner has done a wonderful job. This flavor will make many people happy."

The body, which had been groaning in the heat, forgot all its suffering with just one bite.

This cold, sweet treat was so appealing and had a healing power that even my healing magic couldn't match.

I was moved by the ice cream's ability to provide mental recovery.

"Hey, Reia. I'm thinking something rather shameless."

"…Prince, so am I."

Without saying more, we exchanged a look and reached for each other's ice cream with our spoons.

Ah, the sweet, creamy aroma of vanilla and the rich flavor of milk. It was also exquisite.

I had been wary that it might be too sweet, but my concerns were unfounded. No wonder it's the most popular.

We enjoyed the ice cream until the last bite…

"Kyaa!"

"…!?"

That is, until a loud scream came from the seat behind us.

The brief peace ended in that instant.

Check out the official website of Overlap for more!

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http://blog.over-lap.co.jp/site_higekinoheroine/