Chapter 159 - Spicy Food Is Best

As I walked through the town looking at the food stalls and buying snacks, I was followed by a lone puppy. I stuffed my face with a chocolate filled bun and stopped abruptly. The little puppy stopped quickly to avoid running into me.

I turned to the puppy, "Dante. Just how long do you intend to follow me around?"

Dante stared back at me with his sharp golden eyes, "..."

I sighed, "Really. You've been so clingy ever since we went on that trip."

I started walking again and Dante followed after me without a change in expression. He eventually spoke, "Do you dislike it?"

I groaned and threw my hands in the air, "Why are you always asking me if I dislike something? Bah! Just do what you want to do. I'm happy when you're happy."

Dante gave a slight smile, "Oh really?"

I slapped my mouth as I looked away in embarrassment, "Just ignore what I just said."

He shook his head, "I can't do that." He nudged me gently, "Are you really happy to see me happy?"

I slapped his arms feeling flustered, "Ah! Just forget it! Forget it!"

He shook his head, "I won't."

I puffed my cheeks out and looked at the stalls around me. Should I buy Dante something to snack on? But what does he like? Now that I think about it... I really don't know...

I glanced at him, "What kind of things do you like to eat? Candy? Cake?"

He shrugged, "Anything is fine."

I frowned, "That won't do. You have to have something that you would want to eat."

He thought for a moment. Then he looked at me with a smirk, "I'd like to eat you."

My mouth dropped in horror as I pointed at him, "Wolf!"

I shouldn't have even asked.

I continued walking with puffed out cheeks. I thought back to when I had previously ate with Dante. He had never seem very interested in anything put out in front of him. However, he still ate everything without ever changing his facial expression.

Perhaps he just doesn't like food?

No. That's not true. Everyone likes food. Perhaps he just hasn't had food that he's enjoyed before. But what hasn't he ate?

Now that I think back... There was one dish that Dante never had a chance to eat. And why? Because this kingdom lacks taste buds.

I grabbed onto Dante's hand and quickly ran through the streets. Dante followed after me watching me with curiosity. Bertram saw us running and groaned, "I'm getting too old for this... Should I retire?" He shook his head, "No... But judging by her direction there's only one place she is going."

Bertram sighed once more and started following us. After all, he had an obligation to my father. He would just watch from the distance and not mention that I was out alone with Dante.

I led Dante through the streets and came to the red light district. As we walked, I brought him to the part of town that had a heavy influence from the Sanki kingdom. Dante noticed the surroundings and frowned, "Why are we here?"

"What do you mean why? We are going to eat at a restaurant. You still owe me food."

"Isn't this part of town run by the refuges? Don't you want to go somewhere better?"

I rolled my eyes, "I never thought you'd be so xenophobic. They may be refuges from the Sanki kingdom, but that doesn't make this place bad."

He shook his head, "It isn't a secret that the Sanki kingdom hates us. We shouldn't eat here."

I hesitated and looked at him carefully. Although the original novel never mentioned his biological mother, I know she must be from the Sanki kingdom. Dante just looks too similar to Simon to not be from that kingdom.

I elbowed him, "Why are you worried? With you by my side there's no way they could hurt me."

Dante finally relented and we walked into a restaurant together. The worker at the front quickly greeted me, "Ah! Young apprentice of the Black Death. It's an honor to see you here again."

My mouth dropped in surprise, "OI! Who said I was the apprentice of the Black Death?!"

The worker hesitated, "But... It's definitely you... I would recognize that arrogant voice and domineering attitude anywhere."

Dante chuckled as I blushed from being caught red handed.

Arrogant?! Domineering?! Why don't they ever say anything good about me!?

Wait! That's not the problem here!! How did they see through my disguise so easily?! I thought people in novels were easy to trick... Does that mean the Imperial Palace could also find out my identity easily?

Ugh. Guess Simon might be more helpful behind the scenes than I originally thought.

I waved off the worker, "I'm going to overlook this once, but don't go announcing my identity again. Treat me like a normal customer."

The worker bowed and smiled, "Ah, you're right. I also assumed that the man behind you was a new bodyguard. Please forgive me."

I smirked haughtily at this, "Well, you aren't wrong. This is my new bodyguard." Dante glanced at me, but I ignored him.

The worker smiled and led us to a table, "Here. This is our best seat in the restaurant."

I nodded, "It will work nicely."

The worker spoke, "Should I bring out the milder dishes you usually eat?"

I shook my head, "Nope. Bring us out the most traditional food dish from your homeland."

The worker's smile grew larger, "Right away. You won't be disappointed." He quickly scurried off to the kitchen to relay the order.

We sat down and Dante looked around. The restaurant was cramped and busy. It was run down and filled with lots of noise. To me, it reminded me of the restaurants from my previous world. I was always comfortable in a more bustling and audacious environment. Dante, however, was only familiar with more upscale and uptight restaurants. He wasn't accustomed to this kind of place.

He looked at me, "Do you come here often?"

I nodded, "Occasionally. I like the atmosphere and the food is delicious."

"You like the food?"

"Oh yeah. Trust me, you'll like the food as well."

The waiter brought out a dish and set it in front of us. I took a deep breath, inhaling all of the spices. Although this food wasn't similar to anything I had in my previous world, it reminded me of the spicy Korean food I used to order.

I motioned Dante toward the food, "Here. Take a bite."

Dante raised an eyebrow and looked at me suspiciously.

I gave him a smug smile, "Perhaps I should feed it to you? Say ah~"

I stabbed a piece of meat with a fork and held it out to Dante. Dante complied once he saw I was willing to feed him. When he took a bite, his eyes widened.

"That's... That's actually quite good."

Ding ding! A point for Seri! I just knew he would like the food from his homeland. It must be in his genes to like such food.

As Dante ate, I grabbed a forkful and put it in my mouth. My eyes instantly stung as my nose ran. Dante glanced up at me, "You don't like it?"

I sniffled, "No.. It's just that... I love spicy food, but it doesn't love me...."

Why can't I eat it so easily as Dante?! Really... Genetics isn't fair at all...

Dante smiled softly, "If you couldn't handle spice, why would you order it?"

I stuck out my tongue, "Because I wanted to show off."

Dante chuckled then nodded to the server.

The man bowed, "I will bring out a more milder dish."

I pouted as he exchanged the dishes in front of me. Why was this already prepared? Did the waiter think I couldn't handle the spiciness of the original dish?

Sigh... I really should work on building up my tolerance. I feel so defeated.

I glanced up and noticed Dante quickly eating the food. Somehow, I don't feel as bad when I see Dante eating something so graciously. I smiled gently as I ate and watched Dante enjoy his meal.

After we finished, we said goodbye to the workers and left the building. I looked at Dante, "Anytime you want to eat, we can come here."

Dante nodded and rubbed my head lovingly, "It's a promise."

I blushed slightly and walked away, "W-We should get back... I heard that new prospective students are coming today to tour the Academy."

If we don't entertain them as student council members, then William will surely be upset. I snuck away for lunch since it was my only day off, but I'm sure if I skip today completely William will nag me until I go deaf.

When we got back, Lucius ran out to me sobbing. He grabbed onto my shoulder and began to shake me with a pitiful expression, "SERI! Help me destroy someone's reputation!!!"

"Huh?!" I looked at him in disbelief.

Artie followed after him and rolled his eyes, "There's a new prospective student that is attracting all of the girl's attention away from Lucius. He's getting jealous."

Lucius stomped his foot, "I'm not jealous! This kid is just being too arrogant! He's annoying!"

I sighed, "I'm not going to destroy someone's reputation for such a petty reason." I started walking again to go meet up with William and the rest of the group.

Lucius rushed after me, "Come on Seri! Please!!!"

I noticed Millie and Mary standing in the courtyard next to a group of people. I went to shout but stopped when I noticed an overly arrogant man chuckling amongst a group of girls. He had silky black hair and light blue eyes. He was tall and looked like a man you could depend on.

Ah, that must be who Lucius was talking about. Now I understand why he has competition. This kid isn't too bad looking. Pah. Why is everyone so attractive in this novel?

Mary grabbed his sleeve, "We need to continue the tour, we are already running late."

He tossed her off and glared at her, "Why would I listen to a stupid commoner?!"

Mary deflated and looked down in defeat. As she pouted, I couldn't help but feel peeved. Now I know why Lucius said this kid was arrogant.

Millie sighed, "Mister Rob, if you could please just follow me..."

He glared at Millie, "And you're just a lowly noble! Don't you realize your position is lower than mine? Yet you dare try to boss me around?!"

Millie smiled paying his words no attention, "I'm not trying to boss you around. The Prince is waiting for you and-"

"Bah!" He interrupted angrily, "Just stop talking! You're so ugly and foul it is making me sick!"

Millie flinched at this. She looked away with a trembling lip.

I felt an overwhelming anger rise up in my chest. My voice came out vehemently, "What did he just say?!"

Lucius smirked seeing an opportunity, "He just called Millie ugly and foul."

I cracked my knuckles as I set my eyes on my new prey, "Oh, this bastard is definitely going down."