Ah... This is Called Chicken
The imperial palace of the Krantz Empire, wafting with the savory scent of fertilizer. In that place, the restaurant was the only spot maintaining clean air. Retired Emperor Valerian, Crown Princess Eleonora, and Duke Adrian had gathered, eyes glued to the gallery.
Valerian wore a satisfied smile, confirming that his ploy to hide Jin Rain's location had worked. But Duke Adrian, sitting beside him, did not look pleased.
"Retired Emperor, the experiment hasn't even begun yet. I simply wonder why Your Majesty announced it to the people."
Duke Adrian, who had truly sprinted back. For someone who'd run at full speed all day, he looked remarkably fine.
"Hoho, I pondered it deeply myself. But this was a decision after much deliberation, so no need to worry."
"If Your Majesty says so, I shall obey."
"Indeed, Duke. Though not without risks, given the abilities he demonstrated, its efficacy is certain."
Duke Adrian frowned, stroking his chin. He was still fretting over even the slightest possibility.
"Hoho, I know what worries you. But didn't I mention a gift to open together? Seeing it will change your mind."
"Pardon? Was that gift from the one who improved Your Majesty's condition?"
"Yes. Normally, I'd give you something I'd prepared for your expedition labors... but nothing better than this."
With that, the emperor signaled Clara, waiting nearby. She bowed briefly in affirmation, then pulled something from a box and set it on the table.
"So this is it. Her Highness said you'd awaited me eagerly, so I was curious myself."
"It's my first time eating it too. When I first saw it... I was eating food for the sick."
Five small paper boxes filling the table, preserved with magic. Duke Adrian, seeing paper like this for the first time, reached out to feel its texture.
"Truly excellent paper. A shame to use for food containers."
"Hoho, I thought so too. Yet that young man pulled out endless supplies. Once the empire's food situation improves, sourcing paper will be easier."
"Indeed... You truly met a noble benefactor. My deepest gratitude, Retired Emperor."
Always short on parchment and paper—how many issues had been delayed? Duke Adrian began outlining plans in his mind for the tasks now possible.
"Grandfather? I get your joy, but today's gift isn't the paper. You said it was the most intense food you've ever tasted."
"The man who never praised even lavish pre-catastrophe delicacies...?"
That picky palate satisfied? How intense must it be? Expectations low after the big developments during his absence, Duke Adrian grew curious from Valerian and his granddaughter's words.
"Hoho, you've finally taken an interest. Shall we eat? The prince neglects studies, so they're tutoring him—we'll save some for later."
"Yes, Retired Emperor. Thank you for waiting for me."
"Don't say that, Grandfather. Precious food is for sharing."
Duke Adrian couldn't suppress a smile at his granddaughter's thoughtfulness.
"Oh, and the young man who gave this asked a favor. He wants to sell it via the gallery shop and requested a fair price. Also, advertising via gallery posts if possible. It wasn't hard, so I agreed. You approve?"
"Of course, Retired Emperor."
Clara, poised to write the ad post, blocked her sense of smell, opened a paper box lid, and prepared screenshots.
"Preservation magic release ready, Retired Emperor."
"Good. Sorry you can't join, Clara, but your share is set aside—don't mind."
"Your benevolence overwhelms me, Retired Emperor."
Seated as emperor, Valerian who'd mukbanged otherworldly ingredients. Duke Adrian, who'd upheld the empire with him. And Eleonora, seated as crown princess yet never once satisfied with a meal. The three anticipated the feast ahead, preparations complete.
*Thud thud thud thud thud thud thud thud thud thud* Chaos as usual in the bunker today. I excitedly opened the chicken ad post I'd arranged with Lord Valerian.
But the very first image was utterly bewildering...
A screenshot of tear-streaked Crown Princess Her Highness mukbanging chicken adorned the top.
"Crying that hard? Eating tear-soaked chicken?"
Does she tear up easily? Recalling her tear-soaked baguette from before, I let out a hollow chuckle and checked the rest of the post.
Explosive interest. Honestly, I'd worried about complaints like "Why'd they eat first?" But these world folks are so pure. Like all the black-hearted ones were culled and only the good ones gathered?
"Is it because gods exist here? Still, a few twisted ones would be normal..."
Anyway, speaking it might jinx it—better stop. Focus on ad progress.
In my eyes, perfect success. What about Sora?
"Sora, thoughts on the ad results?"
Judging by the comments, I dare say it's the best possible outcome.
As expected, a resounding success. My ambitious first ad had drawn explosive gallery interest—a total triumph.