CH 9

“It’s already noon. Freya, what did you have for lunch?”

“Usually? Um, I either eat or don’t eat…”

“…I wanted to know where you ate though…”

“Ah, well, most of the time I just ate in the laboratory.”

I couldn’t let go of my work, so I would eat with one hand while working with the other.

That happened frequently.

When was the last time I was able to enjoy a leisurely lunch?

I can’t remember, so it feels like it never happened.

“Well then, how about having lunch with me today?”

“With His Highness?”

“Do you not want to?”

“No! I would be honored.”

Having a meal with the prince…

I feel uneasy about whether someone like me should be joining him.

His Highness tells me, “That’s good then. I was just thinking it’s lonely to eat alone.”

“Are you eating alone? Aren’t His Majesty or His Highness Klaus joining you?”

His Majesty Azard Euclys-sama, who is Julius-sama’s father and the current king of this country.

His Highness Klaus Euclys-sama, the first prince.

And their mother, Queen Mystria.

Just the thought of eating in the same place as the royalty makes me nervous.

I was trying to calm myself down, but apparently it’s unnecessary.

“My father is on a diplomatic trip to a neighboring country. My elder brother is in another city for an inspection, and my mother doesn’t live in the capital.”

“I see.”

“So you don’t have to be nervous. It’s just the two of us.”

“Just the two of us…”

That’s still nerve-wracking.

Having a meal alone with the second prince…it doesn’t feel real.

I follow His Highness nervously.

We come up from the basement, leave the palace and head to the royal castle.

On the way back, we pass by familiar faces, but we don’t meet with the director.

I was prepared to be scolded if we did meet, but it seems like my worries were unnecessary.

His Highness heads to the kitchen.

He greets the chef and asks, “Can we have lunch for two? Is there anything Freya doesn’t like?”

“No, there isn’t.”

“Then I’ll leave it up to you.”

I nod my head.

“Understood. Please wait a moment.”

The chef bows his head.

We head to the room to have our meal.

More than ten chairs are lined up around the abnormally long table.

The largest chair in the back is probably where His Majesty sits.

“Um, where should I sit?”

“You can sit across from me. My older brother isn’t here.”

“I-Is this His Highness Klaus’s seat?”

“Yeah, but don’t worry about it. He’s not the type to get angry over something like that.”

Even though he says that, I still feel hesitant.

It would be presumptuous to borrow the seat of the first prince.

But I can’t just stand there forever, so His Highness persuades me several times that it’s okay and I finally sit down.

The chair is much sturdier than I expected.

It’s completely different from the chair I normally use at work.

“Freya.”

“Yes, Your Highness?”

“For this afternoon, you can take a break.”

“Really?”

His Highness nods lightly and continues, “You finished the job you took earlier, right? There’s no other work for now, so there’s no need to push yourself.”

“I see…”

“As for other work, I’ll think about it until tomorrow. So today, just take a break. Resting is also part of the job.”

“Yes, thank you very much!”

His Highness understands my feelings well.

To ease my nerves, he brought up topics for conversation.

Before I knew it, talking had become enjoyable, and my unease had vanished.

Being near His Highness felt comfortable somehow.

My shoulders naturally relaxed, and I felt like I could be myself…

As we talked, lunch was brought in.

I was surprised by the dishes on the table.

It was such a luxurious lunch that I thought it might be from some party.

“Well, shall we eat?”

“I-Is it okay for me to eat this?”

“Of course. It was prepared for you. Not eating it would be disrespectful to the chef.”

“Y-Yes, you’re right.”

Don’t be nervous, savor it properly while eating.

After all, it’s been a while since I’ve had a decent meal.

A Day In The Life Of A Time Managem...

“Itadakimasu.”

I took a bite and the moment I did, an explosion of flavor spread in my mouth.

“It’s delicious.”

“Right? Our chef is the best in the kingdom.”

“It’s really delicious! It might be the best thing I’ve ever eaten in my life.”

“Hahaha, is that all?”

His Highness laughs happily.

It might be an exaggeration, but that’s how I actually felt.

I can’t stop eating.

It’s so delicious that I forget this is the dining hall of the royal palace.

“If Freya wishes, would you like to eat here every day from now on?”

“Eh, no, that would be a bother…”

“I don’t mind. I’ll talk to my father and the others when they come back.”

“Y-Yes.”

While feeling surprised and bewildered that he would go that far, I also enjoy the delicious taste in my mouth.

It’s truly a heavenly place.

I even start to doubt if I’m in a dream.

“Thank you for the meal!”

“Did you enjoy it?”

“Yes! It was really good!”

“That’s good to hear.”

His Highness stands up.

The enjoyable meal time has passed by in the blink of an eye.

“What will His Highness be doing this afternoon?”

“I have work to do.”

“I see.”

I wish I could spend a little more time with His Highness…

“Oh, by the way, tonight.”

An invitation for dinner?

I feel hopeful.

“Would you like to have dinner together tonight?”

“Yes!”

“I’m glad. I was just thinking that I want to spend the night with you.”

“Yes. I… um.”

So, what does that mean?

My heart beats faster.