Chapter 53 It’s Not Ugly
After a mid-morning tour of two nurseries, the group followed Windler to the dining hall.
“This way,” he said, “I’ll take you to a place I’ve already booked.”
He led the way to a top-notch restaurant nearby.
“I chose the closest one from the list of top restaurants because we have to think about traveling time. I also ordered the food in advance when I made the reservation. Because we don’t have a lot of time today.”
Windler explains in a businesslike tone as we walk into the restaurant. The implication was that this was a busy lunch, and the menu choices were not to be vomit-inducing.
Judith’s mouth dropped open as she took in the high ceiling chandeliers and the opulent yet understated décor. Even though she was the director of the Matap Institute, she was not a noble, so she was not used to such a luxurious restaurant.
“Wow, I’ve never seen such a luxurious restaurant before! Is this all included in the travel expenses?”
“Of course.”
Windler nodded quickly at Judith’s question, who was careful to get the details right.
A polite waiter escorted them to a private room. True to Windler’s word, the table was already set. The table was laid out with a variety of delicious-looking foods.
Once Judith’s jaw dropped, she couldn’t shut it.
“I’ve never had such an appetite in my life!” she said.
“Take your time,” said Killion, “we’ve booked this table so that we can eat well despite our busy schedule.”
Killion spoke softly to Veronia and Judith. He has such a nice, low, bass voice, Judith thought.
“It’s a feast for the eyes, ears, and mouth, today!”
Ho-ho-ho, Judith laughed happily and picked up her fork and knife and began to attack the food in front of her, her hands roaming across the table.
Just then, Veronia placed a plate of yellowish sauce next to the duck and said.
“The duck tastes better if you dip it in this sauce.”
Judith immediately did as Veronia suggested. Her eyes widened and shone brightly as she chewed the duck intently.
“Oh, really! Moisture and more tender. Delicious!”
“Isn’t it?”
“But Nia, how do you know that? I’m fascinated by everything around me, and your calm demeanour is amazing! It’s like you’ve been to a fancy restaurant like this and eaten a lot of food like this.”
Veronia was taken aback by the sudden, pointed question. She was no stranger to the Empire’s fine food, having been fed sumptuous meals at every meal, even if her time in the palace had been short, only three months.
Of course, it was a secret she couldn’t reveal now.
She said in an apologetic tone.
“Oh, no, that’s not possible, I was just eating in utter amazement.”
“I’m sure you are, Nia, because this is the first time you’ve ever had food of this caliber.”
“Of course.”
Judith smiled, her doubts put to rest once and for all.
“You’re lucky you’re working in my lab, because you get to eat food like this, so you can never quit, okay?”
“…?”
Judith’s question made Veronia blush, so she avoided answering immediately. Meanwhile, Killion’s heart fluttered at Judith’s question, and before he could gather his thoughts, the words came out.
“What do you mean, ‘quit’?”
For a moment, Killion and Veronia’s gazes locked. A deep crease formed between Killion’s narrowed brows, as if he were angry. Embarrassed, Veronia looked away first, and Judith hastened to intervene.
“That’s what I said,” she said, “just out of old age. Nia is a very capable employee… Don’t worry too much, Your Excellency.”
Judith’s shoulders twitched as if she’d made a mistake.
He was right to be surprised, he thought, that she’d casually mentioned the departure of the person who’d provided the original idea for the project at a time when they were just starting a new business.
‘There’s that mouth again!’
Judith bit her lip as Killion glared at her. Windler chimed in.
“It’s not every day you find someone who can come up with something as groundbreaking as a moving staircase or a fire extinguisher, Warden, and you shouldn’t lose sight of Nia.”
“Ohh, of course, how could I?”
Ha, ha, ha… Windler and Judith laughed heartily, as if that were enough to break the awkward atmosphere.
Having finally calmed down, Killion was forced to admit his mistake. He lost his composure and blurted out that she was leaving the Institute, not that she was quitting.
Killion quickly composed herself and spoke in a calm voice.
“I had high hopes for the fire suppressor installation business, but I rep just threw a fit when you said she might quit. I apologize.”
“No, Your Excellency, my poor mouth was at fault, and of course you had every right to take it that way, especially since His Majesty the Emperor is also interested in the business, and I will be careful with my words in the future.”
Judith’s shoulders sagged as if in deep reflection.
The group turned their attention back to the meal. Judith, who had been dead to the world, perked up as soon as the food was in her mouth and smiled broadly.
The clinking of cutlery on the table rang out peacefully. Windler asked with pure suspicion.
“Doesn’t Nia feel uncomfortable wearing her hood all the time? Surely she can take it off for a meal.”
Veronia was understandably taken aback by the question, but she answered calmly. It’s a question she’s heard so many times that it’s easy to respond to.
“It’s a little frustrating, but I feel more comfortable covering it up than showing it, because it’s ugly.”
“Oh… I see.”
Most people reacted the same way Windler did when she brought up her scar. They don’t want to add to the pain, so they quickly change the subject.
It was then.
“It’s not ugly.”
Killion, who had been quiet, suddenly spoke up. All eyes immediately turned to him. Veronia’s gaze followed suit. As their gazes clashed in the air, Killion snapped out of it.
‘Ugh, I’ve done it again…!’
Killion gritted his teeth in frustration. He felt sorry for himself, his mind racing and making mistake after mistake.
But it couldn’t be helped. He couldn’t let Veronia call herself ‘ugly’.
“…it’s not ugly at all, so don’t call yourself ugly.”
“…Yes.”
Killion locked eyes with her and spoke in a firm tone, causing Veronia’s face to flush red. She wasn’t the only one blushing.
Judith, Windler, and Windler’s assistant, who had been eating in silence, all blushed. Judith spoke up, her voice booming.
“How romantic His Excellency is! He’s so sweet, and I don’t understand why he’s still unmarried when he’s so romantic. Ah! Is he unmarried because he’s romantic? Or are you single because you’re romantic? Either way, you’re so awesome!”
Ho, ho, ho, Judith chirped in excitement. Veronia realized that she had to stop her now. She knew she had to stop Judith now, or she might blurt out something.
But Veronia was too late.
Suddenly, Judith’s face wiped the smile off her face, and a serious thought seemed to enter her mind.
“Oh, dear,” she said, “I’m afraid I got carried away again, and I forgot that your Excellency was the Princess fiancé, and I’m sorry. You must be heartbroken, Your Excellency.”
The room fell silent as if water had been thrown over it at the word ‘Princess’ that had come out of Judith’s mouth. Veronia bowed her head deeply, and Killion averted his gaze, watching her carefully.
Their gazes bounced between the woman who was hiding her identity and the man who had to hide that he knew her identity. After taking a shallow breath, Killion could barely move his lips.
“I don’t think we need to rehash old ground here …, but I appreciate your concern.”
With that, the awkwardness was broken, and the long meal was soon over.
***
After the meal, they visited the three remaining orphanages. They were located in the outskirts of the capital, so the journey was quite long.
It was late afternoon when they finally arrived at the last one. The sun was about to set.
“Come on, come on, let’s hurry if we want to leave before dark.”
Windler’s pace quickened as he led the way. The group followed the welcoming headmaster around the building.
For an orphanage on the outskirts of the capital, the grounds were very large. The buildings were large and there was a large yard for the children to play in. It was more like a field than a yard.
“The children here are blessed,” She said, “with so much space to run around.”
“I know.”
When Veronica and Judith had finished their fieldwork, they walked out of the building and smiled as they saw the children playing in the field.
After the morning’s visit to the daycare center, where the children had bumped into shelves while running in the narrow corridors, they were relieved to see that the children here could run around without worrying about getting hit.
“Wow, look, there’s a lake, and the kids are swimming and playing. It must be heaven for kids who like to play outside, heaven!”
Judith pointed and there was indeed a large lake. The kids were playing footsie and swimming, giggling and having fun.
“But isn’t it dangerous for children to play without supervision?”
Veronia asked worriedly.
