What are you even thinking!?
A proposal... What are you thinking, Prince Kaldor!?
There's no way anyone would propose to someone like me, who looks like a little kid!
… Oh, wait, this world actually makes that possible.
Even in my previous life, there were cases where marriage partners were decided from birth...
Arranged marriages felt like something out of a story, far removed from me, but here it's completely normal. It’s just that my family happens to be unusual.
If Otousama hadn't opposed His Majesty, a future where I was engaged to Crown Prince Raymond and married into the royal family could have been a reality.
No way. That’s impossible.
Me, as the Crown Princess? Never happening.
For that, I can only thank Otousama.
Otousama managed it because he's an old friend of the King and could get away with such defiance.
Before my past life's memories returned, I was sick of being a recluse and used to dream of social life...
Now, with those memories faded and distant, I think socializing is such a hassle, and I’d avoid it as much as I can.
I know I can’t entirely avoid it and that I’ll need to step up when the time comes. I’ll do the minimum.
If I hadn’t been stuck in the territory because of my magic overflow causing rampages, I might’ve been working hard as a Crown Princess candidate.
But if my memories of my previous life had returned during that, I’d have been thrown into chaos. So, honestly, I’m grateful for my sheltered life.
After my past memories came back and the magic overflow symptoms were resolved, there were apparently more proposals for engagement.
But Otousama stubbornly rejected them.
Even when I entered the academy, Kurogane and the others stepped in to shut them down.
So now, things are relatively peaceful.
Perhaps the royal family still wants to claim me as a Sacred Beast contractor, but knowing that Leon-sama and Kurogane could easily topple nations if provoked, they’re wisely staying quiet.
If I wanted to marry Crown Prince Raymond, the engagement could be arranged instantly.
But someone like me as his fiancée? That’s unfair to him.
Please, pick another candidate.
For example, Alicia-sama.
She’s way more suited to the role than someone like me, who’s terrible at socializing.
As for Prince Kaldor's proposal, it’s probably just because I have useful knowledge about food for Samonar. He just wants to take me back with him, right?
Yeah, that’s gotta be it.
Wow, though. A proposal? Even in my previous life, as a hopelessly single woman, I never experienced that...
While I was lost in thought, reeling from the shock, the conversation moved forward without me.
"... Prince Kaldor, I would ask you not to jest excessively."
"Jest? How offensive. Is it not natural to wish to welcome the savior of Samonar into my country?"
Otousama was trying to force a polite smile despite the vein bulging on his temple, while Prince Kaldor shrugged, saying incomprehensible things.
"The savior of Samonar? What are you talking about?"
Crown Prince Raymond intervened, clearly unable to let that slide.
"Miss Cristea has done for our country’s Idika what your nation’s Lars represents. She elevated it from livestock feed to a viable food source... no, to something far more valuable. She is nothing less than a savior of the kingdom."
What nonsense is Prince Kaldor talking about with such a straight face? And Tika-san is nodding in agreement behind him.
"... Miss Cristea, you’ve won over another foreign prince's stomach?"
"Excuse me?"
"No, it’s nothing. Idika... if I recall, it’s a grain similar to Lars. So you made it as palatable as Lars?"
"Yes. While the texture is different, we’ve determined through experimentation that it can be quite delicious depending on the preparation."
"I see..."
Huh? What’s this?
Not just Crown Prince Raymond, but even Otousama and Oniisama are giving me that "Oh, you’ve done it again" look.
But this is a good thing, right?
Figuring out how to make something delicious is beneficial, isn’t it?
The title "savior of the kingdom" is definitely over-the-top, but it just means they’re happy.
Being able to eat delicious food is important, you know?
It boosts morale, too.
If Samonar’s people are motivated and harvest more Idika and spices, and they sell them to Doristan at reasonable prices, my morale would go up too. It’s a win-win, right?
I hope for that outcome, not a "savior" title or a proposal, thank you.
When I explained all this to everyone, they all gave me these incredibly pitying looks. I don’t get it.
"Ahem. While we allowed Prince Kaldor to stay here due to the sudden nature of his visit, now that Crown Prince Raymond is here, we shall have you move to the palace."
"... If possible, I’d prefer to remain here until the day of the audience."
Otousama, regaining his composure, informed Prince Kaldor of this, but he immediately expressed his wish to stay.
But you’re a state guest! Please move to the palace!
"... Miss Cristea will be returning to the academy tomorrow, so she can no longer assist in creating new Idika recipes."
"... I see. Then there’s no choice; I’ll relocate tomorrow."
The abrupt change of attitude was so jarring that I couldn’t help but mentally faceplant.
"... Very well. Crown Prince Raymond, my apologies for the trouble, but would you inform His Majesty that I shall personally escort him to the palace tomorrow?"
"Ah, yes, understood."
From behind Otousama, there was an ominous aura so intense you could almost hear it crackling like sound effects. Surely just my imagination... I hope.
Oblivious or not, we were soon notified that lunch was ready, leading to a tasting session of Idika dishes with Crown Prince Raymond also joining in.
What do you think about this chapter?
