Chapter 254

Brothers Working Full Throttle
When I returned to the mansion to make my report, I found my brothers already there.

Wait—wasn’t their return supposed to be tomorrow?

“Weren’t you all coming back tomorrow?” I asked.

“We heard things were getting hectic, so we came early to help,” my eldest brother said.

Looking behind him, I saw Princess Rinaluna, Young Lady Diana, Chris’s classmates, and even Raphael—all gathered together.

“We’d like to observe the preparations tomorrow,” Princess Rinaluna said. “Since we’ll have to report to the royal castle later, I want to understand how everything is organized. I know it’s troublesome for you when you’re busy, but please forgive us.”

With Her Highness saying that much, there was no way I could refuse.

“I understand. But I’m afraid I won’t be able to guide you around the venue myself.”

“That’s fine,” she said with a gentle smile. “And don’t worry, I won’t call out to any of the participants.”

“I appreciate your consideration. The participants have already started setting up at the venue instead of going to their lodgings.”

“They’ve already begun? I suppose the reaction in Eminira was that strong?”

“Yes. Many of the townspeople who visited as tourists ended up helping their acquaintances—two out of the three days, in fact. I’m sorry, but after consulting with Father, I’ll need to head straight to the venue. You can get the details from my brothers later.”

We then went together to report to Father.

As my brothers listened to the report, their eyes widened at how far beyond expectations the turnout had been.

“Hardt, tell me what you need me to do,” Chris said.

“I’d like you to lead the pre-opening inspection tour and spend one day in my place at the main office. There might be disputes over bulk purchases or issues with buying materials.”

“Hardt,” Gerald added, “how about I take charge at the open market headquarters? Then you can stay stationed at the main square.”

“That would really help, Brother Gerald.”

“Fine by me,” Brother Chris said. “But what will you be doing then?”

“I’ll be judging the food, crafts, and souvenirs. I haven’t gotten to any of that yet.”

“… You’re that busy?”

“The participants and their helpers were completely exhausted after the Eminira exhibition. The hot springs in the New Town helped them recover, at least. Also, please take care of tallying the popularity votes from Eminira and the capital.”

“Got it,” Chris said. “I’ll have our friends help too.”

“The pre-ordered meals will be ready for pickup tomorrow morning, so everyone should be able to start eating from lunch onward.”

“I’ll tell them. Everyone’s been really curious about those meals.”

“I sent quite a lot to you already, didn’t I?”

“We finished them all at the mansion,” Gerald said. “Chris and I only managed to eat about a third each. Afterward, our classmates complained they wanted to try some—it was chaos.”

“These are all nobles, aren’t they? And yet they’re that interested in commoners’ cooking?”

“The food got quite the reputation in the capital,” Chris said. “People were saying there wasn’t a single miss among the dishes.”

“How did that even get around…?”

“Probably some merchants who bought the food brought it back to the capital.”

“Wait—so the sudden increase in pre-orders…”

“Yes,” Chris nodded. “Requests from His Majesty and the Chancellor. They said they had to taste everything themselves before considering holding an exhibition in the capital.”

“Just to be clear, imitation of any new dishes won’t be permitted.”

“I already made that part of the agreement,” he said firmly.

Brother Chris… you really said that to His Majesty and the Chancellor?
That must’ve been tougher than dealing with Father himself.

When I left Father’s study, planning to return to the venue, I was ambushed by Princess Rinaluna, Young Lady Diana, Bridget, and Dianne.

“I know you’re busy, but I have to ask something,” Bridget said—and she had Rosetta with her.

“Rosetta is one of the exhibition supervisors,” I said. “She’s busy. Can’t this wait until it’s over?”

“It’ll be quick! You’re heading back to the venue anyway, right? Then it’s fine,” Bridget insisted.

Still as pushy as ever.

“What is it?”

“This outfit! I heard you designed it,” she said, pointing at the dress she wore.

“I only provided the concept. The shop owner we work with refined it into something truly elegant. If you want the details, you should talk to the owner—Mother can introduce you.”

I wrapped things up quickly and excused myself, saying I needed to get to the venue.

In the carriage, I apologized to Rosetta.
Getting surrounded by high-ranking nobles like that must’ve been impossible to deal with.

“It’s all right,” she said faintly. “They stopped me just as I was heading back to the carriage.”
Her face had gone from pale to completely white.

… I really am sorry.

When I got back to the main square, I checked the situation—everything was running smoothly with no major issues.

Then I went over to the open market and ran into Carlos and Shelly.
They looked like they’d been caught red-handed.

Wait, are they participating?

I don’t remember seeing their workshop name on the participant list.

It’d be awkward to approach them directly now.
I’ll just ask after the exhibition’s over.

Still… I can’t help wondering what they’ve entered.

What do you think about this chapter?