Chapter 77

Chapter 77

Translator: Yonnee

—

The broth was now boiling. It’s my first time making broth with only vegetables in it. Is it going to be okay? It’s a bit unfortunate that I can’t borrow the power of the great and mighty MSG.

When I tasted it, it was kinda bland, so I added a little more salt. Then, I took out the bitter vegetables from the pot one after another.

Fortunately, contrary to what I was worried about, the white color of the soup came out nicely. Now, it’s time for me to rip the noodles and put them in.

I looked at the dough I prepared earlier, conflicted.

There’s a bit too much.

It’s going to be frustrating hand-ripping this all by myself…

While lost in thought, I saw Schubert playing with Blanc.

Should I ask? Should I not? But he’s in the perfect physical condition to be ordered around.

As expected, it’s human nature to make use of good manpower. I mean, it’s also true that I got tired from preparing the other ingredients earlier.

“Baron!”

“What is it?”

“Would you like to join me in preparing His Highness’ meal?”

Flinching, Schubert looked away, as if he was thinking of a good excuse. Coughing dryly, Schubert answered a moment later.

“Knights do not cook.”

“But if you help me, then His Highness will be able to eat the Baron’s dish.”

“……”

“Wouldn’t you like to see His Highness smiling with satisfaction after taking a bite…?”

After hearing what I said, Schubert mumbled the same words and came forward slowly, as if entranced.

And, not long after—

“Wow, Baron! You can become a chef!”

“Nothing’s difficult for me!”

Beside me, Schubert stood with a proud expression on his face as he worked hard on ripping the sujebi. His hands were really no joke. I really do think that he’d be a pretty good chef if he learned how to cook.

The dough of these hand-torn noodles needed to be thin as it was going to be added to the soup later, so it’s definitely not going to be quick to get through this lump of dough.

I felt this while talking to Schubert, but he really was more naïve than I thought.

He’s the kind of person who’s the same inside and out, like a young boy who’s still innocent when it came to the real world.

I felt comfortable enough when interacting with him because he’s different from other people who would say one thing outwardly, but their thoughts were different, or the other kind of people who spoke so convolutedly that you’d have to dissect their words.

Even if this guy didn’t like me much, I still felt like this towards him.

Still, I’m a little curious what kind of story there was between this boy and Albert.

“May I ask you a question, Baron?”

“What is it?”

“Why do you respect His Highness so much?”

As he was in the middle of washing the flour of the sujebi from his hands, Schubert’s expression became serious.

“Because he saved my life.”

“…Oh.”

Albert saved his life. Then it was certainly a good reason to revere and serve the prince.

I waited for him to elaborate on the story, but Schubert didn’t say anything more, and I don’t want to force it out of him either. Unfortunately, this was a story for another day.

Thanks to Schubert, I quickly finished tearing the noodles right away. By the time the sujebi was cooked a little, I poured the seafood into the pot.

The shrimp began to glow red one after another. The plump octopus and squid also floated along the broth with the sujebi. I picked up the ladle and tasted the still-boiling soup.

“Mm.”

I was worried that it might taste bland or not that delicious because it’s just vegetable broth, but it seemed like my worries were unnecessary.

“It’s finally done.”

I’ve finished cooking my, Albert’s and Blanc’s meal.

I took out a tray and some bowls, then transferred the sujebi and seafood evenly. Next to me, Schubert’s eyes were wide open as he observed my actions. I gave him a little nudge.

“You’ve personally seen me cook the dish, so I hope that the misunderstanding about me poisoning His Highness has been resolved. Is there anything else you’d like to check?”

“……”

Schubert shook his head. I called the attendant and asked for some utensils.

“Thank you for taking care of Blanc, Baron. It’s because of you that I was able to finish cooking the meal successfully.”

I looked towards half-asleep Blanc, who was in Schubert’s arms, beckoning to the baby dragon. Blanc rose from the baron’s arms and jumped into my arms, his little wings fluttering.

Schubert had a crestfallen expression as he outstretched his arms towards Blanc.

“You’re doooone…?”

“Yeah. Let’s go bring the food to His Highness and eat together.”

He made me leave his room a while ago, so he might already be asleep by now. Still, I placed Albert’s portion on the tray.

“Okaaaay…”

Blanc nuzzled into my arms, and at this, I patted his back.

At one corner of my vision, I saw Schubert pause where he was. I glanced at him.

“May I ask you to come with us, Baron? I still don’t know my way around the castle… It’ll trouble His Highness if I’m too slow.”

I could have just asked for directions, and it wasn’t necessary for me to mention that I’d ‘trouble’ Albert, but I needed an excuse. And this kind of excuse worked exceptionally well when it came to Schubert.

Now standing in front of Albert’s room, I knocked on the door.

“Who is it?”

It was Liam’s voice. Seems like he’s still inside. Good, the prince might not be sleeping yet.

“I’m here to serve His Highness’ meal.”

“Rosé, come in.”

After that, I heard Albert’s voice. Taking the tray from the attendant’s hands behind me, I went inside, towing along the hesitant Schubert. Blanc was resting atop my head.

“I thought Your Highness was sleeping already,” I said.

“I feel like I’ll be sick the moment I lie down, so I’m trying to maximize my time as much as I can.”

Albert smiled back at me. Seeing him like this, it was hard to imagine that he was sick. The same was true when observing his actions.

Maybe he’s acting tough in front of Liam.

I walked towards the sofa where Albert was sitting, then placed his bowl of sujebi on the table in front of him.

“I’m surprised that you haven’t turned in yet, Rosé. You seemed very tired.”

“I’m hungry, too. I was able to cook this meal thanks to His Grace allowing me to use the kitchen and the ingredients there.”

“Why does the color of the food look too light?”

“It’s food made just for you, Prince!”

People are going to think I can only cook red food! Liam and Schubert are going to misunderstand for sure. I smiled right back at him.