Hirosue (4)
Finally, Naruhito returned. I had been waiting for him, concerned about his absence during snack time. If he hadn’t eaten, he might have a reduced meal today, and if he had, I needed to check what he ate to make sure his stomach wouldn’t suffer. I also had to check if he’d be able to manage dinner.
Lord Murashige had gone to fetch some mixed juice, so he should have had that. I don’t trust the food from the palace kitchens.
"Welcome back, Naruboy."
I immediately caught him and dragged him into the kitchen. We still had time before dinner preparation, so I sat him down and gave him a glass of cold water. Naruhito, who had walked back, gulped it down.
"Wait, you’re alone? Where’s His Highness?"
It was strange for him to return alone, since he’d left with a group. When I asked, he started giggling.
"Oh, you know, Prince Akemi got mad because Father was resting too much. He came to fetch him and found us eating ice cream, and then got mad again."
Hehehe, he laughed. I didn’t quite understand what he was saying, but he seemed healthy and in a good mood.
"And then, he said, 'This is punishment!' and took Hiiro with him. So—"
"Wait a minute."
"N?"
"What did you eat?"
"Ice cream."
"Ice cream… you say?"
“Yeah. You know, it was so yummy and tasty, with such a sweet flavor.”
Wait, ice cream? Could it be that legendary dessert I once heard about at the Nijou residence? The one that only appears at the palace banquets?
I don’t know much about its recipe or even what it looks like, but they say it’s impossible to take it out of the castle and that those who have tasted it only describe it as delicious.
"W-what color was the ice cream?"
I asked, my voice trembling.
"It was white with just a hint of yellow."
"So you could eat it... was it soft? Like... like p-pudding?"
"It’s harder than pudding, but when you put it in your mouth, it melts. It’s really cold, but it melts away."
"M-melts? Even though it’s harder than pudding? How cold is it?"
"As cold as ice."
"…!!"
Ice cream must be an ice-cold dessert! That’s why it can’t be taken outside. If someone tried to sneak it out, it would melt! Incredible! So, it’s frozen and then melts in your mouth. I see!
"A-and the taste, was it sweet? Did you like it?"
"I loved it. It’s my favorite."
Naruhito said dreamily. If Naruhito liked it, it must not be overly sweet, maybe just the right amount. And since it’s cold, it probably doesn’t taste too rich.
Ah, I want to try making it.
As I imagined ice cream in my mind and pondered how to create it, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I was so deep in thought that I jumped.
"Mr. Hiro, if you don’t start making dinner soon, you won’t make it in time."
Murakano had brought me back from my ice cream dreams. Thank goodness.
What do you think about this chapter?
