Repulsive food-eating young lady, that’s me!
Since I ate too much at lunch, I decided to have a light meal in my room for dinner. I instructed the head chef to serve curry udon to Prince Kaldor and the others.
Though we've already had curry rice and curry fried rice, with curry flavors continuing, Prince Kaldor kept clamoring for "curry, curry," so I asked Head Chef to add a twist by using pho noodles for the curry udon.
For myself, I requested regular udon broth topped with sweet and savory simmered beef tendons and a soft-boiled egg.
Ah, perhaps because of all the spicy flavors lately, the gentle taste of broth infused with the flavor of bonito shavings truly hit the spot...
As I slurped the noodles, I reflected on the list of spices the Head Chef handed me earlier, showing the varieties we could trade for in the future.
… Nearly every kind of spice and herb was available, with an offer to prioritize our house above any other noble family. Is that really okay?
Prince Kaldor even said, “We can prioritize you more than the royal family if you wish.” Was he serious?
Crown Prince Raymond, who was present, approved, saying, "That seems fine." Were they in their right minds?
Surely, this would be a case for the king to scold them.
I hope Otousama, His Majesty, and Prince Kaldor will discuss this properly and sort it out.
Honestly, though, having access to these spices—even without prioritization—would be a huge help, especially for creating new bacon flavors and other smoked products.
With an increase in oak wood supply and a rise in bacon production in our domain, I had been thinking it might be a good time to introduce spices that complement bacon and other meat dishes.
One challenge when camping is food preparation.
Even something as simple as grilling with salt can be tricky, as it requires just the right amount to enhance the ingredients’ natural flavors—something that clumsy cooks often struggle with.
Mariel-chan, who is terrible at cooking, is a prime example.
Even if spices become more affordable and widely available, it’s questionable whether such people could use them skillfully.
That’s why I thought about selling herb salts and spice blends that could elevate the flavor of dishes with just a sprinkle.
So, advantageous spice trade terms are a dream come true.
However, isn’t it problematic for the Ellisfeed Household, already close to the royal family, to surpass them in spice trade dominance?
Even I understand that much.
You can’t just celebrate everything without thinking about the consequences.
Though Otousama is indulgent with his daughter (despite his frequent scolding), I trust he will navigate this political power balance skillfully… right, Otousama?!
For now, I’ll draft a list of spices and herbs I’d like regularly, along with ones that would be nice to have occasionally, and pass it on to Otousama.
What? Political power balance? Didn’t I say I understood it?
Oh, don’t be silly!
I’m merely drafting this letter thinking about how wonderful it would be for Otousama to enjoy delicious meals if we had access to these spices! O-ho-ho-ho (villainous laughter).
I’m only suggesting it would be nice to acquire *just a little extra*, you see? That’s all. Ufufu.
Later, when Miria saw me compiling the list with an innocent expression, she chuckled awkwardly and said, "Cristea-sama, it seemed like you were plotting something."
Huh? Was my innocent face not convincing enough?
I’ve come to realize I’m not suited for poker faces or subtle schemes.
Being a repulsive food-eaintg young lady doesn’t make me fit to be a villainess.
At most, I could manage to be an inept villainess.
The next morning.
When I went to the dining hall early before returning to the academy, I found Oniisama and Crown Prince Raymond there.
Wait, the prince stayed over?
"Good morning, Oniisama, Crown Prince Raymond."
"Good morning, Tea."
Despite staying up late discussing matters with Otousama and the others, Oniisama smiled gracefully without showing any signs of fatigue.
"Ah, g-good morning! It’s a fine morning, Miss Cristea!"
Crown Prince Raymond seemed so energetic for the morning.
But... fine weather? Was it?
"...? It’s cloudy this morning, though."
"Ah!? Oh, I mean, it’s neither too hot nor too cold—a great morning!"
What an odd prince.
"... That may be so. By the way, did you not return to the palace, Your Highness?"
"Eh? Oh, right. I stayed late, so the Duke suggested I stay overnight. I’ll be escorting Prince Kaldor to the palace shortly."
Ah, I see. It would indeed be a hassle to return late at night and come back early in the morning.
As expected of Otousana, he was considerate of Crown Prince Raymond’s burden.
"I understand. I’ll be returning to the academy, so please give my regards to Prince Kaldor."
"Eh? You’re already leaving? I see..."
Did Crown Prince Raymond want to return to the academy too?
Perhaps he’s tired of all the hosting duties despite his youth.
Sorry, but I’m heading out first.
"Tea, I’ll accompany Crown Prince Raymond to escort Prince Kaldor to the palace and then return to the academy. Let’s chat at the salon tomorrow."
"Understood. I’ll prepare for the tea party."
"I’m looking forward to it."
After a simple breakfast of French toast, salad, and soup, I quickly greeted Otousama and Okaasama, who arrived at the dining hall, and left for the academy.
I was curious about the discussion last night, but lingering too long might lead to another encounter with Prince Kaldor, and I’d rather avoid such trouble.
What do you think about this chapter?
