Thank you so much Not a Coffee Lover for the Kofi. ❤️⭐
★★★★★★★★★★
On the morning of the 9th, I woke up early to prepare a roasted chicken with the help of the cook, Rosa.
I had already seasoned the chicken with salt, pepper, and spices, stuffed it with breadcrumbs and vegetables mixed with olive oil, generously coated the surface with butter, and placed it in the oven.
Now, all that was left was to wait for it to finish cooking.
‘Wow, the smell is amazing.’
I could practically hear my stomach growling in anticipation.
Since it would seem too much like coddling if I only prepared something for Clyde, I had prepared three chickens in total: one for myself, one for Aslan, and one to share with Tess and the other servants.
Once they were all cooked, it seemed like I could leave around eleven o’clock.
We can eat together and then serve the pumpkin pie as dessert. That should work perfectly.
Originally, I had planned to prepare a cake since it was a birthday party, but since Clyde liked this food and I was confident in making it, I decided to substitute it for peanut pumpkin pie.
I inserted candles into the pie I had made as a test, and it didn’t look too out of place.
‘Singing a birthday song… giving the prepared gifts… that should make Clyde satisfied, right?’
The only regret was that we couldn’t celebrate it on his actual birthday.
‘Well, there’s nothing we can do about that, so let’s look forward to that next year…’
A little later, I thought it was done, so I looked into the oven. The chicken was nicely browned and well-cooked.
Wearing thick oven gloves, I took out the roasted chicken.
“Wow, it turned out really well. It seems like you have a natural talent for cooking, Miss.”
Rosa praised me with enthusiasm. Even though I knew she was saying it to be nice, I didn’t feel bad about it. I shrugged and giggled.
That’s when it happened.
“Oh, Miss!”
Tess came rushing into the kitchen, looking flustered.
“What’s the matter, Tess? Did you come in after smelling the aroma? Look, isn’t it incredibly delicious? Don’t worry, I’ve prepared something for Tess too.”
“N-No, it’s not that. Now isn’t the right time for this.”
“Huh? Why do you say that?”
It was when I tilted my head in confusion that Raphir revealed himself in the kitchen.
For a moment, it felt unreal. I squinted and stared at Raphir.
I stood still, wearing oven gloves, holding a plate with roasted chicken, my hair divided into two braids, and even wearing an apron.
“……Haha.”
Upon seeing me, Raphir burst into laughter. He was chuckling and couldn’t stop laughing for a while.
“Um… Your Highness the Crown Prince?”
Still not grasping the situation, I asked in daze.
Meanwhile, Rosa, who had a similar expression to mine, hurriedly kneeled down. Tess had already been on the ground for some time.
Raphir wiped away tears that had gathered on his golden eyelashes, matching the color of his hair.
“Ah, I’ve truly seen something wonderful. Traveling down that long and winding road was worth it.”
“…Why is Your Highness the Crown Prince here? Weren’t you supposed to arrive on the 11th…”
“When we were almost in Andela, I felt impatient at the thought of seeing you soon. So, I hurried the procession a bit, and we arrived early. I would have regretted it if I hadn’t. Seeing you in this adorable state makes it all worthwhile.”
“…….”
Only now did I realize how I must look right now. I quickly placed the plate down beside me and removed my gloves and apron.
“Your Highness the Crown Prince, it’s an honor to meet you.”
I lifted the hem of my skirt and bowed. Raphir let out another short laugh.
“How have you been, Eila?”
Raphir spoke in a gentle tone. His crescent-shaped, well-sculpted eyes were incredibly elegant.
“…Yes, thanks for Your Highness’ concern…”
At that moment, Aslan entered the kitchen late.
“Your Highness the Crown Prince.”
Aslan lowered his head. Raphir nodded in response to his greeting.
“It’s been a while, Aslan.”
Behind Aslan was a figure I never imagined being here beyond Raphir. It was my second older brother, Nita.
“Your Highness the Crown Prince. This is troubling. Moving alone without even a proper escort…!”
“Brother Nita.”
I blinked in surprise.
“Eila.”
The corners of Nita’s mouth twitched upward. Judging from his expression, he seemed to be barely restraining the urge to hug me in front of Raphir.
“What happened? How come even Nita, my older brother, is in Andela?”
“He came as Your Highness the Crown Prince’s chief knight. Were you surprised?”
I turned to Aslan.
“He wanted to surprise you, so he told me to keep it a secret. Your older brother threatened me so much.”
“…….”
I narrowed my eyes and glanced at Nita. Whether I said anything or not, he just kept grinning.
Then Raphir cleared his throat softly.
“Seems like the adorable youngest daughter of the Duke of Rojasis was personally preparing breakfast. If it’s not too much trouble, may I join you? I’ve been drooling just looking at it.”
“Oh….”
I suddenly remembered what I had forgotten..
‘…I have to go see Clyde. What should I do?’
Since it was the Crown Prince’s proposal, it wasn’t easy to refuse it outright. Especially when he came all the way here just to see me.
I thought quickly.
My promise to Clyde was for lunch, and I had prepared three chickens. If I divided the chickens between the three of them, it would somehow work out.
The portion might be a bit small for the three men, but surely Rosa would supplement the food that was lacking.
‘As the Crown Prince said, I’ll have breakfast now, and then go see Clyde without it being too late.’
I had already told Aslan in advance that it was Sapphire’s birthday today and that I was planning to have a birthday party for her.
Even if Raphir tries to hold on to me after the meal, Aslan would likely help me out.
“I understand. Then I’ll prepare the meal right away… Brother Aslan, will you escort His Highness the Crown Prince to the reception room? I’ll be there shortly.”
In response to my whispered words, Aslan nodded.
“Of course. Guiding His Highness the Crown Prince to the reception room could be somewhat embarrassing, given its modest setting.”
“Not at all. It’s a very cozy and nice house.”
Raphir smiled warmly and followed behind Aslan. Nita did the same. However, in the midst of it, Nita didn’t forget to wink at me.
I sighed in relief at the suddenly empty kitchen.
“Hurry up and get the meal ready, Rosa.”
“Yes, Miss. But to prepare a meal suitable for His Highness the Crown Prince right away…”
“The menu we originally planned is sufficient. With Rosa’s skills, His Highness the Crown Prince will undoubtedly be satisfied, so don’t worry.”
“Ah, yes. I understand, Miss.”
Rosa firmly stretched her arms with a determined expression. I put the two prepared chickens in the oven.
* * * * * * * * *
“This is amazing. Is this really something Eila made? Among all the chicken dishes I’ve eaten from birth until now, this is the best.”
“…You’re being too kind, Your Highness.”
“No, not at all. I swear in Palma’s name that what I have just said is the unmistakable truth.”
Raphir said solemnly, even lifting one hand as if to emphasize.
“That’s right. It’s really delicious, Eila. I always thought you only baked pies, but it turns out you have talent for other dishes too.”
Aslan shrugged off Nita’s comment.
“To say the least, it’s not an appropriate hobby for a Lady of Rojasis to have.”
“I consider it a very good hobby. Any man who marries Eila will be able to taste this dish at any time. To be able to eat your wife’s home-cooked meals is not something that can be taken for granted.”
“…….”
Raphir’s words caused Nita and Aslan to exchange glances.
Both my older brothers knew that Raphir had proposed to me.
Unlike Aslan, who had his usual poker face, Nita was completely unable to control his expression.
“What is it? Sir Nita, is the food not to your liking?”
“No, your Highness.”
“Maybe after ending a long journey, the food doesn’t quite appeal to you. You don’t have to force yourself to eat it all. I’ll enjoy the rest with a joyful heart.”
“…….”
Seeing the smile playing around Raphir’s lips, it was clear that he was teasing Nita knowingly. It was a smile similar to the one he had when he teased me.
I anxiously kept checking the time. I was worried that if I continued like this, I might end up being late, and that was my only concern.
“Your plate has hardly emptied since earlier, Eila. Could it be that it’s you who isn’t feeling well?”
“Ah, no, Your Highness. I just naturally eat less for breakfast.”
“Well, that’s a relief then.”
‘I should start getting ready to leave soon…’
I subtly gestured to Aslan. If he was as perceptive as I believed he was, he would understand what I meant right away.
But Aslan seemed as if he hadn’t caught my signal, keeping his gaze fixed on his own plate.
‘…What’s going on? Did he really not notice?’
I looked at Aslan and blinked one eye quickly, as if urging him to understand. However, Aslan continued to feign ignorance.
“What’s wrong, Eila?”
At Raphir’s question, I clapped my hands suddenly.
“What? Oh, no. It feels like something got into my eye…”
“That’s odd. We weren’t sharing any particularly touching stories just now.”
Aslan said quietly. Raphir and Nita looked at each other with puzzled expressions.
‘…He knows what’s going on and he’s doing it on purpose.’
Is this some kind of revenge for going to see Clyde every chance I get?
𝑺𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝑲𝒐-𝒇𝒊
