Naruhito (50)
Everyone sat down and put their hands together, saying "Itadakimasu." I mimicked them, pressing my elbows and hands together. It's a greeting, not just feeding time or refueling—this is a meal.
I brought the chawanmushi closer. It looked like pudding, but without the black stuff. It was delicious. Really delicious. Maybe yellow things are tasty!
"As usual, you only eat one thing at a time."
Rikimaru, who was sitting on my left as if it were natural, put some porridge in my mouth. Nyoo.
"Rikimaru, why are you here?"
"Huh? I've been working hard today. Helping to chase away some lady who barged in, cleaning up afterward—it was a lot. I think I've earned my dinner."
"Eat and then leave immediately. Also, move away from Naruhito."
Hiiro and Rikimaru talked across me. Eating with so many people is fun. And the chawanmushi is delicious.
"Are you serious? Naruhito's discharge is thanks to me. I deserve a reward."
I don't need the porridge. He put it in my mouth again. Seriously? I'm eating chawanmushi.
Hiiro clicked his tongue.
"… What do you want?"
"I want to live here. Starting in April, I'll be working at the palace, so it'll be convenient. And I can play with Naruhito on my days off."
"Rejected."
"Come on~ I've done enough to deserve it."
"Rejected."
"I can play with Rikimaru soon?"
"Naruhito! Ask His Highness to let me live here so we can play together."
"Okay."
When I looked at Hiiro, he turned away. Huh?
"Naruhito, try the fish too."
Rikimaru scooped a small piece of the fish with a spoon and put it in my mouth. I've never seen food like this before. It's soft and delicious. I tried my best to chew. When the soft part was gone, the remaining fish was still tender but hard to swallow.
"Mm. Nnngh."
Hiiro hurriedly gave me some water, but I still couldn't swallow it. He told me to spit it out and took it from my mouth.
I started coughing a bit, and Hirosue rushed over.
"What got stuck?"
"Fish.”
Rikimaru answered.
"I thought so. That was quick. Sorry."
It was delicious. Don't look so sad, Hirosue.
"Chawanmushi is delicious."
When I showed him the empty dish, he smiled happily. I smiled too, feeling glad.
What do you think about this chapter?
