What a hassle…
After the gluttonous group had their fill during a tasting-lunch combination and indulged in numerous servings, the discussion shifted to a separate room to iron out the finer details of future transactions.
Being a child, I was naturally excluded from these political talks and dismissed from duty.
This was likely to avoid any careless remarks, but honestly, I was relieved.
Parting ways with everyone, I headed straight to the kitchen.
There, I expressed my gratitude to the Head Chef and kitchen staff and asked the Head Chef to prepare lunch for Tika-san, who had reluctantly tagged along with tears in his eyes to guard Prince Kaldor.
Of course, I made sure not to forget the curry fried rice topped with a soft-boiled egg.
Aftercare is essential, you know. Hehe.
… The wrath of a hungry stomach is no joke!
Finally back in my room, I settled down as Miria brewed tea for me, enjoying a rare moment of relaxation.
“Cristea-sama, thank you for your hard work today.”
“Thanks, Miria. Ahh… I’m so tired…”
Cradling the teacup in both hands, I slumped lazily against the backrest of the sofa.
Normally, Miria would scold me with a “Cristea-sama, that’s improper!” and a stern “No!” but today, she seemed willing to overlook it. I worked hard, after all.
“Cristea, good job. Those guys were really shameless.”
“Indeed. Enduring the repeated insolence of that Kaldor fellow was quite the challenge. Had you not instructed us beforehand, I would have silenced him with a single bite.”
“Right?”
… Mashiro and Kurogane are commending me while saying some rather dangerous things.
I’m glad I warned them in advance.
“Come on now, you can’t say that. Prince Kaldor is an important figure from another country. I explained that, as citizens of Doristan, we must be hospitable, didn’t I?”
As I spoke, I took out their favorite dorayaki from my inventory to reward the two for holding back.
They must not have eaten enough because their hands shot out immediately.
This time, the trial dishes weren’t ones I made myself, so they didn’t eat as much as usual.
It seems like they only feel compelled to eat if I’m involved in the recipe.
“But still, that young fool tried to propose to you amidst the chaos.”
“Exactly! Hey, Cristea, let’s just kick them out, okay?”
“There you go again… Sure, I was surprised by the attempted proposal, but he must’ve just been carried away by the excitement over his country’s food situation improving. Once he calms down, there’s no way he’d seriously propose to a child like me.”
“… You’re far too unaware of your own worth.”
“That’s right. You need to be more cautious.”
Oh, come on, you two.
You don’t need to praise me so much just because you’re contracted beasts.
“… Well, it’s very like you, Cristea-sama, but I must say I agree with them. You should stop undervaluing yourself and consider raising your self-assessment.”
“Whaaat?”
Even Miria had something to say.
But, until recently, people used to mock me as the “Repulsive food-eating lady,” and I know I’m a bit eccentric for a noble daughter.
So when people talk about my worth, it just doesn’t click.
Sure, I’m a Duke’s daughter, and my magic reserves were once volatile enough to spiral out of control.
And yes, I’m a Sacred Beast contractor.
Objectively, I know I’m a prime catch.
But still… it’s *me* we’re talking about.
I’m just a former otaku in my thirties.
Even though I look like a kid now, the idea of someone young liking *me* makes me feel guilty.
I know I’m overthinking things. It’s not like I was single in my past life for nothing.
With memories of my previous life blending with this one, there’s a part of me that accepts the duty of marrying as a noble, but another part thinks, wouldn’t it be nice to just develop new recipes, live off the royalties, and enjoy a quiet single life?
Even if it’s technically not “single” life, since I have Kurogane, Mashiro, and Kaguya.
It’d still be lively and fun.
I could even ask Otousama for a plot of land in the territory, settle down with the Sacred Beasts, and live peacefully.
Oh, that sounds great.
I’ve read light novels with that kind of vibe.
“… Cristea-sama? Is something the matter?”
“Huh? Oh, no, it’s nothing.”
“It didn’t look like nothing…”
“Well, um…”
Avoiding mention of my previous life, I explained my dream of a peaceful, solitary future.
“Hm, that’s an excellent idea.”
“Yeah, perfect! Forget school, and let’s start working on this plan right away!”
While Kurogane and Mashiro excitedly supported the idea, Miria looked at me, clearly perplexed.
Well, of course.
“Cristea-sama. I understand the concept of a solitary life from your explanation, but I don’t see why you need to embrace it…”
Huh? Really?
“Your father dotes on you endlessly, Cristea-sama. I doubt he’d ever let you live alone.”
“Well, that’s true.”
Even if he says I don’t need to marry now, I bet as I grow older, he’ll start asking, “Don’t you have anyone in mind?” or “Why not try a matchmaking meeting?” That was my experience in my previous life.
“And more importantly, there’s Norman-sama. There’s no way you could ever be alone.”
“Eh? Oniisama…? Oh.”
That’s right. I never really addressed Oniisama’s proposal.
“Norman-sama also adores you, and your father would likely prefer you to marry him if it meant keeping you close. That way, you wouldn’t have to leave the Ellisfeed Dukedom.”
True, marrying Oniisama would be ideal for Father, as it keeps his beloved daughter close.
“The only reason they haven’t pushed the matter is out of respect for your feelings. But if you have no intentions of accepting, you should decide soon. Norman-sama needs to find a fiancée for the sake of succession…”
“Wait…”
I only recently learned that Oniisama is actually my cousin.
It’s not fair to expect me to decide so soon.
Refusing could strain our relationship, but imagining him with a fiancée is also… painful.
Huh?
“Hey! We finally got Cristea to choose life with us, so don’t ruin it!”
“Yeah! Cristea doesn’t need anyone else. We’ll protect her forever!”
“Oh my!”
As Kurogane and Mashiro flanked me protectively, Miria watched on, clearly troubled.
What do you think about this chapter?
