Chapter 65
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 65
Chapter Title: The Couple Who Danced at the Festival... (3)
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Tap, tap, tap—.
Schnell Alphonse's fingers drummed a steady rhythm on the table.
The only reason he was enduring such tedium was one thing: Luke Nineheart.
'How dare he embarrass me? And he's just some baron's son?'
When he'd first arrived here, he hadn't even cared about the tea or food. All the Academy students were nobles, after all, and none of them would have proper training in such things.
He'd rather starve than force that stuff down his throat.
His plan had been to exchange a few polite words with Evi Douglas and then leave...
But that idiot knight had suddenly blocked his path, spouting some ridiculous excuse about having work to do.
'From the look on his face, he's clearly got a crush on Evi...'
It was obviously hopeless, of course. Even he, the firstborn son of an earldom, had been rejected for three whole years. There was no way some green baron's boy could ever have a shot.
He'd considered throwing his rank around to chase the guy off, but that might make him look petty and small-minded to Evi.
And besides, where was the fun in that?
'Time to teach him his place.'
That was why he'd demanded the man serve him something he was confident in.
A scathing critique after tasting it would surely bruise his pride. And it might even plant negative feelings toward him in Evi's heart.
There were even two guests in the room. If they spread the word, it would crush Luke Nineheart's ego for good.
'Come on, then...'
Schnell waited with a sly smirk.
A moment later, Luke Nineheart reappeared, pushing a cart. On it sat a plate of sandwiches, a teapot, and teacups.
He stopped in front of Schnell, his face lit with a bright smile.
"Excuse me for a moment."
With a polite bow, he set the plate of sandwiches on the table, followed by forks and knives beside it.
Then he filled the teacups with a clear, rosy liquid, releasing a fragrant tea aroma unlike any Schnell had smelled before.
'At least he's got some proper training...'
The order he placed things, their positions, his every movement—it was all flawless. There wasn't a single nitpickable flaw, even if he tried.
But the food itself? Manners could be taught at the Academy, but cooking? Not a chance.
"The sandwich bread is made from wheat from the Alphonse Earldom. The vegetables inside are all grown and harvested by our gardening club. As for the meat..."
Schnell eyed the sandwich as he listened to the explanation.
Between the golden, toasted bread peeked colorful vegetables and meats, arranged so uniformly it resembled ranks of disciplined soldiers.
Sandwiches were peasant food, he'd always thought—but this looked different. For a fleeting moment, it even struck him as beautiful.
"I've prepared forks and knives, but if possible, I recommend eating it by hand."
"Eat food with my hands? You want me to act like some barbarian?"
"Every dish has its best way to enjoy it, don't you think? I believe this sandwich tastes best when held in the hand."
"...Fine."
Schnell decided to humor him. That way, the backlash from his criticism would hit even harder.
'Let's see how much it sucks...'
He carefully picked up the sandwich. The bread yielded softly under his fingers, proving its fluffiness.
He brought it cautiously to his mouth. His teeth sank into soft bread, crisp vegetables crunched, and the meat—which he'd expected to be tough—was melt-in-your-mouth tender.
'This is actually...'
He'd eaten countless delicacies before. He'd even traveled as a "business trip" for his family's merchant guild, sampling gourmet fare everywhere.
All that experience was telling him now: this one sandwich brimmed with heartfelt care.
And it didn't end there.
Rich sauce brought depth, hidden potato notes emerged subtly, fresh vegetables added tang, and a mysterious spiciness lingered.
He could confidently say he'd never tasted anything finer.
Not even at the capital's famed restaurants. Not even at imperial banquets.
Pure heartfelt emotion.
Yes, this sandwich moved him.
"Excellent..."
Schnell forgot all about his plan to criticize, the words slipping out unbidden.
The moment he took a bite, I knew for sure.
'I've won.'
His dazed expression, staring at the sandwich mid-chew like he'd forgotten to swallow—it was like he was in love.
It was worth pulling out my secret weapon, saved for a rainy day. I hadn't expected him to love it this much, though.
'I've put in a lot of effort too, you know...'
When I first came to this world—this medieval fantasy world—the hardest part was the food.
It wasn't that it tasted bad. My mom was a great cook back home. Even in the Frozenheart Ducal Family, the meals were decent enough.
But it was missing that 2%—no, 10%—that my Korean soul craved.
So whenever I had a chance to go out, I scoured for ingredients. And finally, I found the ultimate one.
Rudria. Its fruit looked like eggplant, but tasted just like chili peppers. Basically a giant pepper.
Asking around merchants, they said the spice was too intense, and it lacked a pleasant aroma anyway.
Still, its pretty flowers made it a popular ornamental plant, so I could snag some occasionally from flower shops.
'I was actually saving it for myself...'
Oh well. Flattening his nose with it was satisfaction enough.
"Luke—no, Sir Luke, could you bring one more? I'll pay."
His plate was already empty. And he'd switched to polite honorifics—clearly, the sandwich had won him over big time.
"What I served you was a special sandwich I prepared just for you. It uses some hard-to-get ingredients, so..."
"I knew it..."
"But if it means Miss Evi can work comfortably today, I might manage one more."
In other words, I was laying down terms. Pick one: sandwich or Evi.
Of course, it'd only be a temporary fix. The real issue still fell on Evi.
But at least for today, I wanted her left alone.
If my one part-timer slacked off, I'd be the one running ragged.
"Very well. I won't bother her today."
"Thank you for understanding. Please wait just a moment."
It meant using up my precious stock, but the outcome was more than worth it.
I'd just turned to leave the table when—
"Sir Schnell, not just today—I'd prefer you never come back."
Evi, fresh from serving the professors' table, faced Schnell head-on. Her expression burned with resolve, fists clenched tight.
For her shy personality, this must have taken real courage.
The scene turned into a morning drama out of nowhere, so I stopped and watched. Was this why people loved romance stories?
"Evi, I know you don't like me. But feelings aren't so easily erased."
"Yes, I know. You've sent letters, visited in person... But that was only because I didn't have a partner."
"Wait, does that mean...?"
Schnell's eyes went wide.
It was obvious, really. Evi's words implied she had a partner now.
And I was just as shocked. I'd never heard her mention anyone.
Not that she owed me any explanations, but...
'Who could her partner be? Someone I know?'
As I pondered that—
Evi suddenly grabbed my sleeve.
Its meaning was crystal clear. Schnell gave a bitter smile and nodded.
"So that's how it is..."
That's how it is...?
I was utterly flustered but couldn't spit out a word. Speaking up now would just embarrass someone.
"Understood. I won't approach you again."
"Thank you for understanding."
The issue seemed resolved, at least. Evi wouldn't have to deal with Schnell anymore.
But what about me? What the hell was I supposed to do now?
As I reeled in confusion, Schnell smiled and said—
"Sir Luke, I'll have another of your finest sandwiches."
"Pardon? Oh, right. Coming right up."
Unable to process it, I hurried off, Evi trailing close behind.
There were eyes glaring at my back...
But at the time, I had no idea.