Volume 3 Chapter 40 New Menu And Visitors
We bought a bunch of stuff at the market, like octopus, meat, potatoes, shrimp, onions, and fish.
On the way back, we stopped at a food stall and got some soft, sweet, and spicy meat sandwiches for lunch before heading home to Lobelia.
"Sir Stefan likes fried shrimp. What do Lady Emilia and Lady Anna like?"
"I like meat. My brother likes fried shrimp. There's a story about how he got really mad at Francois during the engagement party because Francois acted badly with the fried shrimp. Now, that story is becoming a legend in the palace."
"Everyone straightens up when fried shrimp is around because you can't waste it in front of my brother. Oh, I like sweet snacks."
"...It's not just about fried shrimp. We shouldn't waste food."
As we walked along the snowy path, we chatted.
Sir Stefan was carrying a lot of bags in both arms, and he also had our dad, Eir-Eir, and Ms. Famine tucked in his belly pouch.
He looked like a dad kangaroo. Lady Emilia was also holding paper bags in both hands. Since she admires knights, she seems pretty strong.
I was just carrying some light shopping bags.
I felt bad for needing help, but I bought more than I planned, so it was a relief.
"All food comes from someone's hard work. Fish can only be caught by fishermen, and meat comes from farmers who raise cows, pigs, and sheep. Even vegetables and fruits are grown by someone, and honey is collected by someone who worked hard for it."
I nodded, impressed by Sir Stefan's words.
"Lyd-Lyd, my brother has always been a bit old-fashioned. He talks about how one grain of rice comes from a hundred farmers when he's on a date... like, look at the snow falling, Lyd-Lyd. You look like a delicate snow fairy right now. I feel like you'll disappear if I don't touch you. So, can't I just hold your hand tightly and not let go?"
"Elder Sister Emilia, that's so nice! You're the coolest, Elder Sister Emilia... right, Lyd-Lyd?"
Lady Emilia smiled at me against the snowy town background, looking like a real prince.
Even though she's a woman.
"Lady Emilia, you're amazing. But I think the story about one grain of rice and a hundred farmers is really important too. Sir Stefan always teaches us important things."
"Uh... well, only you say that, Lydia. I can be a bit annoying. That's why my sisters have always called me old-fashioned."
"What does old-fashioned mean?"
"It means you act like an old man, Lyd-Lyd. My brother seems like the type to drink warm water while looking at the garden in the morning."
I tilted my head at Lady Emilia's explanation.
"Warm water is good for your health. And Sir Stefan is like an old man... I'm getting confused. I used to think he was like my brother, but now I think he might be like my dad, or maybe even like my mom, and now an old man too..."
"Elder Brother is totally a guardian..."
"That's because he talks a lot about how important meals are. He should be more charming. He should learn from Lord Ciel or Lord Lucian."
"I'll try."
Lady Emilia and Lady Anna were giving Sir Stefan some advice. I imagined Sir Stefan sitting in a rocking chair, drinking warm water by a sunny window. It seemed to suit him pretty well.
"So, Lyd-Lyd. Have you decided on the new restaurant menu?"
Lady Anna took a deep breath and said.
I imagined moving Sir Stefan to bed to let him sleep, and nodded.
"I think the customers liked having their friends' names on the menu. It might be because Mr. Lucian, Sir Ciel, and Sir Roxas are famous..."
"Yeah... I guess that's true. Mr. Lucian stands out. Lord Ciel also stands out. But does Lord Roxas stand out? Leonsroar and Saintwise are well-known in the holy city, but what about Duke Girard?"
Lady Emilia said, looking curious.
I think that makes sense. The Holy Knights and the court mages are flashy and probably familiar to the people in town.
"Sir Roxas is famous for being the guy who pays women to wear maid outfits and hang out with him. Then he sometimes comes to Lobelia, spills tea, and flips over plates, but he's also known for being a friendly and clumsy guy with glasses..."
"...What is Lord Roxas doing...?"
"Brother, I'm a bit relieved. I thought you wouldn't have a role anymore, but with Sir Roxas, it seems like you're still okay..."
"Roxas has always been clumsy. He used to break vases in the castle and trip over nothing all the time."
While Lady Emilia and Lady Anna looked confused, Sir Stefan spoke with a nostalgic tone.
For Sir Roxas, Sir Stefan might be like another older brother.
"Well, anyway... I want to keep everyone's names the same, but I think I'll change the menu a bit."
- Sir Ciel's gentle, creamy omelet rice with jewel salad
- Mr. Lucian's warm salmon stew with cranberry sauce meatballs and mashed potatoes
- Sir Roxas's octopus feast set – octopus risotto, one-legged grill, and rich octopus soup –
- Fox Mask's fox udon and inari sushi
These 4 are set.
I could have grouped Sir Rail with the Girard family, but since we have Fox Mask, I decided to make fox-themed food.
I heard this story from Mr. Tsukuyomi, who came to eat a while ago.
In Wakoku country, foxes are considered gods, and they offer fried tofu.
The fox god also likes udon with fried tofu and inari sushi.
It might not be directly related to Sir Rail, but since he hides his identity, I think he would be happy with anything.
"That's great. Lydia... this is a proper meal menu. I mean, there's nothing wrong with sausages, but I was really worried."
"What do you mean, brother?"
"Is there something wrong with the sausages, elder brother?"
"No, it's nothing. Just forget what I said."
After hearing my explanation, Sir Stefan looked genuinely relieved and relaxed his expression.
Since Lady Emilia and Lady Anna asked, Sir Stefan hesitated to speak, so it's probably best not to mention the sausage thing.
"Um, if it's okay, Sir Stefan could also..."
"Me too?"
"But, Sir Stefan, you're a prince and will become His Majesty the King, so using your name on the restaurant menu might not be good..."
"Please use it! My name can be used however you want. Even something like 'The Cheating Prince's Cruel Stew' is fine."
"Sir Stefan, you don't need to worry about it anymore! Just relax, Sir Stefan."
"I'm sorry, I just..."
"Um, since Sir Stefan likes fried shrimp, I was thinking of calling it Sir Stefan's Jumbo Fried Shrimp Set."
"Lydia, that sounds a bit wrong."
"A bit wrong."
"Ah. Please just make it regular fried shrimp."
"Well, you know, since it's the King's shrimp tempura, I thought it should be something special..."
"Lydia, when you look at me with those innocent eyes, it hurts my heart. But no, that's not okay."
So, it's not good to go overboard, huh? I thought it was a compliment.
"Then I'll go with Sir Stefan's regular shrimp tempura set."
"That's fine. It's okay. Regular shrimp is good for me."
I'm glad Sir Stefan agreed.
Now, I just need Eir-Eir's pumpkin pudding and Ms. Famine's tarte tatin.
Maybe my dad's yakitori too.
The menu is getting bigger, and we have meat and fish, so it's balanced.
Dessert should be cute, and for the main dish, Sir Ciel's omelette rice and jewel salad might be more for the ladies.
Kids usually love shrimp tempura. Shrimp is expensive, but let's try to make it cheaper.
Feeling happy, I opened the door to Robelia.
Since it was locked, there shouldn't be anyone inside. But still...
There, sitting at the counter with his legs crossed, was a man with smooth black hair who looked noble from any angle.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!