Chapter 68
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 68
Chapter Title: The Couple Who Danced at the Festival... (6)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Drurrruk-.
In the heavy silence where even the sound of swallowing could be heard clearly, the only noise was the loud rumble of the cart's wheels rolling along.
Finally, when that sound stopped, the cart had arrived in front of a table.
I took a deep breath inwardly and bowed politely.
"Please excuse me for a moment, Your Majesty."
This wasn't just anyone—it was the Emperor himself. Tension gripped me so tightly I felt like I might collapse right then and there.
But I couldn't let that happen. As a servant of the Frozenheart Ducal Family, I had to present a flawless image. One slip-up could tarnish the family's honor.
'It's no different from usual.'
This was something I'd done countless times over the ten years living in the Frozenheart Ducal Family. The only change was that my charge had switched from Elena to the Emperor.
As if to prove those years, my body moved naturally despite the tension. I set down the plates, teacups, fork, and knife on the table.
I followed up by perfectly pouring the tea. Not a single drop spilled outside the cup; it settled calmly within.
"The bread for the sandwiches was freshly baked today and sourced from a nearby bakery. The various vegetables filling them were grown and tended by the Gardening Club members. The meats used were chicken, pork, and beef in appropriate proportions..."
I explained the dishes I'd brought out.
One might think everything tastes the same once it's in your mouth, but nobles surprisingly placed great importance on these details.
They say you notice new flavors when you know the backstory, but honestly, I'm not sure. Maybe they just enjoy the special treatment.
The Emperor, listening sternly, soon nodded.
"It's impressive enough that you cooked it yourself, but to think you even grew the crops. No need to say how much care went into this single dish—it's obvious. Thank you for reminding me of something I'd forgotten."
"Your words are too generous, Your Majesty."
"Then let's eat."
The Emperor picked up his fork and knife.
I couldn't tell him to eat it with both hands like I had with Schnell. This was the Emperor, after all.
Even if he ended up eating every ingredient separately, I'd have no choice but to watch silently.
I just hoped that worst-case scenario wouldn't happen.
'As expected, the Emperor is on another level...'
Even the simple act of slicing the sandwich exuded elegance. A plain sandwich might feel extraordinary just because he was eating it.
Soon, the Emperor brought a bite-sized piece to his mouth, closed his eyes gently, and savored the taste.
Thump, thump, thump...
My heart started pounding wildly in response. My mouth went dry, and my fingers fidgeted restlessly.
That was when it happened. A deep furrow formed between the Emperor's brows.
I let out an inward sigh at the sight, but...
Something unexpected occurred.
"This is splendid. The sauce masterfully ties together flavors that might otherwise stand out separately—it's perfectly harmonious."
"I'm overjoyed that it suits Your Majesty's palate."
"Turning an ordinary sandwich into something this exceptional must be your doing. I'll send someone later—would you share the recipe? I'll reward you handsomely."
In short, he wanted to enjoy this sandwich again in the future.
I'd only recreated a 21st-century sandwich as closely as possible, so I couldn't claim full credit, but sharing the recipe should be no problem.
"It's already the family's greatest honor that Your Majesty enjoyed it. How could I accept any reward? Sending someone is more than enough."
"If you're willing to forgo it, I'll handle it myself."
"You honor me too much."
In a noble society, for him to acknowledge and praise a subordinate's efforts like this—he truly embodied a worthy Emperor.
The problem was that this might draw even more attention to me.
Nobles would surely gossip at gatherings: the sandwich that left His Majesty wide-eyed, with the Sword Saint and Magic Tower Lord smiling.
What was it about me? I seemed to attract notice without even trying. My dream of lounging and feasting by Elena's side felt farther away than ever.
After that, the Emperor showered me with praise once more while eating the refreshments and again while sipping tea, finally rising from his seat.
The Sword Saint and Magic Tower Lord followed suit, leaving only Evie and me in the teahouse.
'It's finally over...'
As their figures vanished completely, I melted into a puddle. It had felt like a storm had raged through.
Evie poked my slumped shoulder with her finger.
"Luke, sorry. I wanted to help, but it wasn't that easy."
"It's fine. Having you there let me focus on the hall."
"I'm glad you see it that way..."
As we chatted, a sudden grrrumble emanated from Evie's stomach, signaling mealtime. We'd been so busy that it was already time to eat.
"Th-that's not because I'm hungry or anything...! It just, uh..."
Her face flushed red as she waved her hands frantically in excuse. No wonder—it had been quite a loud rumble.
Her reaction was so amusing that I chuckled softly and stood up.
"Perfect timing—I'm starving too. No point going out, so let's whip something up with what's here."
"O-okay...! I'll help...!"
Her emotions still lingering, Evie clenched her fists, her face still red.
Now, what to make with the ingredients on hand...
As I pondered, the door to the club room creaked open, and someone peeked in.
Soft, flowing golden hair—it was none other than Erje.
"Aren't you two eating?"
"We were just about to. If Her Highness hasn't eaten yet, we can make something together..."
"Oh, no, I'm fine. Elena and I ate plenty while wandering around."
"I see. I'm glad to hear you two are enjoying the festival."
I said that while waiting for Elena to appear. Erje wouldn't have come back alone.
And sure enough, Elena brushed past Erje and entered the club room. Plates floated around her—upon closer inspection, they held food.
Not that it would be odd for Elena to carry them by hand.
"You two weren't just playing around, were you?"
"That would have been wonderful..."
From Schnell to the Sword Saint and Magic Tower Lord, and finally the Emperor. It had been mentally exhausting in a whole different way. My memories of what happened were already fuzzy.
Did my thoughts show on my face? Elena tilted her head.
"You look worn out."
"No, I'm fine."
Deep down, I wanted to beg for mercy, but I couldn't. At least in front of Elena, I had to remain the perfect servant.
"What about the food you brought...?"
"Some booths are only open on the first day, so I grabbed some. I wasn't going to share if you were slacking off, but that doesn't seem to be the case."
With a casual wave, Elena landed the floating plates on the table. Seven in total. Meaning she and Erje had eaten at seven places...
I thought that as my gaze shifted to Elena's stomach. Hidden by her uniform, but definitely puffier than this morning.
Elena loved food, so she'd probably eaten a lot.
Noticing my stare too late, Elena hurriedly covered her belly with both hands.
"Wh-what are you looking at?! That's rude!"
"A servant's duty includes their master's health."
"I-I didn't eat that much! And Her Highness had some too!"
Her deflection drew my eyes naturally to Erje's stomach. I knew it was disrespectful, but it happened unconsciously.
And Erje's belly...
"If you want to look, go ahead."
Erje grabbed the hem of her top and slowly lifted it.
The moment her soft, pale skin began to reveal itself...
My vision went black. Elena covered my left eye, Evie my right.
"Luke, stare at that and you'll end up arrested for blasphemy with nothing to say in your defense."
"I agree with the Young Lady."
Why did their teamwork sync so perfectly only now? If only they got along like this all the time.
"My, I have no intention of having you arrested for blasphemy. Showing a bit of stomach won't wear it out anyway."
Erje's playfulness was truly mind-boggling.
How could she even think of baring her midriff in front of a man?
'Though it did look incredibly soft...'
I thought that, forgetting Erje could read minds.