Marronnier Farm Nearby the Imperial Palace - Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Sun-kissed Potatoes And Sweet-Sour May Apple Tart 

 

Rhamstein IX, Iskandar, opened his eyes. 

When he pulled back the curtains of the bed tucked into a deep recess behind the grand pillars, the view of a majestic room appeared before him. 

Under the beautiful ceiling depicting the heavenly realms, there was a splendid bedroom adorned with golden paint on a resplendent wooden surface, displaying elegant patterns. 

Among all the things in this bedroom, Iskandar loved the windows the most. Especially during the mornings when the sunlight poured in through the vast front window, he relished the serene tranquility, which felt more uplifting than any elaborate musical performance, and he lightly stretched his body in delight.

And then, he walked towards the front window under the gracefully raised curtains and opened the window wide. As always, he anticipated the clean and refreshing air, taking a deep breath… but a strange smell suddenly overwhelmed him. Iskandar looked down below. A sight he could hardly believe met his crimson eyes.

During the construction period, he had gotten so used to the temporary walls that they had become a part of the garden. Now, those walls were gone, revealing the old house that had intruded right into the heart of the imperial symbol, Pegasus. A young lady with a straw hat was moving around, scattering the contents of a large sack here and there. The origin of this bizarre smell was right there.

Iskandar was taken aback and shook the bell.

“What’s that smell?” 

The servant, who came running, replied very apologetically. 

“It’s the smell of manure, Your Majesty. Manure is…”

“I know what it is! Isn’t it fermented filth? My point is, why is the smell of manure coming into my room? What on earth…”

Iskandar swallowed the rest of his words. He had directly forbidden any mention of “her.” He had to refer to it through something else. For example…

“Where did the walls from the construction site go?”

“The guards removed them last night.”

“No! Why?”

“We don’t know either.”

Iskandar was taken aback. 

“Has the palace minister entered the palace?”

“Yes. Here he is.” 

Count Albert stepped forward and Iskandar asked him.

“What on earth happened?”

“That’s what I wanted to know as well. I was surprised too, so I investigated, and it seems there was a request to open a salon in that area within the palace.”

“A salon within the palace?”

“I didn’t know either, but about 200 years ago, during the reign of Rhamstein II, there was one law established. While, in principle, private properties were not allowed within the palace, there was one exception, and that was the salon of noblewomen. The law stated, ‘The owner of the salon is its mistress, and within the salon, she exercises absolute authority as if she were the queen.’ It was a universally accepted notion based on the most obvious reasoning. Even as the Emperor of the Empire, one cannot forcibly evict a noblewoman who has established her salon on her property.”

“What are you talking about? Are you saying that even the most prominent expert on palace laws cannot do anything about it?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. They say even monkeys fall from trees, and I’ve been caught in that blind spot. Truly astonishing.”

The palace minister sighed deeply. Iskandar stared at him intently and asked, 

“Lysander, are you hiding something from me?”

“What do you mean?” 

Lysander feigned ignorance, appearing clueless.

Meanwhile, the smell persisted, wafting into the magnificent scene of the bedroom of the Britannia Empire’s Emperor. How could this pungent smell of manure make any sense here? The stature of the nation was plummeting!

Iskandar became angry and swiftly pulled the bow from the wall. 

“Your Majesty! Hunting is strictly prohibited within the palace! That includes both animals and people…!”

“Things are not alright!”

In an instant, a sharp arrow flew and hit the manure’s sack. The lady with the straw hat seemed surprised at first, but then she clapped her hands with delight. The sack burst open, and the manure scattered in all directions. The Emperor’s arrow had inadvertently turned into a dispenser. The rich smell spread even more strongly throughout the surroundings.

“Oh, darn it…” 

Iskandar was bewildered.

At that moment, as usual, the servant brought the newspaper. However, he seemed hesitant and uneasy. Iskandar had a bad feeling about it. He snatched the newspaper and unfolded it. There, the headline was only briefly visible.

[Conqueror, Conquered!]

The Emperor’s sculpted face crumpled without mercy.

 

* * *

 

“Ah, this is hilarious! I can’t believe it!”

A husky laughter echoed through the palace training ground. Iskandar had anticipated this.

He looked at Luis with a sour expression. Luis, the heir of the ancient vampire lineage, a member of the Four Arms that supported the Emperor, was the only woman among them. Even though she disguised herself as a man, she remained loyal to her principles and became a knight who followed the battlefield. Her pride and noble spirit shone as brightly as her towering self-esteem. With her dazzling flamberge, she fearlessly fought on the frontlines, becoming the epitome of valor for all knights in the Gayardo family.

Iskandar treasured and trusted his dear friend Luis as much as his own life, but…

With her long red hair swaying, shaking her shoulders, and her mesmerizing purple eyes twinkling with tears, Luis’ smile was so captivating that Iskandar felt like coughing up his throat. He said with a grumble, 

“If there’s any chance for you to tease me, you’d never miss it.”

“But this newspaper article is just too sensational!”

Luis wiped her tears and straightened her posture. 

“Don’t get too upset. It turned out just as you wanted, right? Haven’t you always consulted with a serious face, saying you want to get closer to the people?”

“It wasn’t supposed to be like this! What is this?”

“Why? The Emperor suddenly loses a courtyard in a day! How humanly is that?”

Iskandar tightly bit his lips, no longer wanting to retort. 

“Forget it. It’s not worth wasting time. Such vulgar swindlers will self-destruct sooner or later.”

Lorendel Blenheim said coldly. Among the five gathered here, he was the quietest and most gentle. However, being of noble High Elf lineage, whenever someone displayed vulgar and base behavior, his emerald eyes would turn blue with disdain.

“Just showing them that glare would be enough to annihilate them instantly. If only we weren’t bound by the Emperor’s decree to treat them like transparent beings.”

The 19-year-old Catseye, Cayenne Runvard, who still hadn’t shed his youthful temperament, murmured.

“Since we’re on the subject, issuing the prohibition was a brilliant move, just as Lorendel said. That swindler will self-destruct soon enough. The public will quickly grow tired of them. The newspapers will have another scandal to cover tomorrow. Such types lose interest and dry up as soon as the attention wanes. Besides, did you see their house? There was a huge hole in the ceiling, only roughly covered with boards. It will collapse on its own if left alone. Don’t worry, Isk. In a few days, when you open the window, you’ll see a desolate ruin…”

The young Catseye, a cat-like elf, spoke smoothly but hesitated for a moment. 

Something seemed off. As he laid out his nonchalant words, he absentmindedly sharpened his long cat claws, which had suddenly appeared, on the nearby beautiful, slow-growing elm tree. It was none other than the Imperial Treasure No. 354, ‘General,’.

“I wonder how you noticed that hole. That’s right, you have a genuine interest in all the trees in the world.”

Lorendel scolded in a typical elf-like way, showing his love for trees.

“Poor General will undoubtedly suffer because of you. It’s better to replant it quickly.”

“I’m sorry. When I concentrate, I unconsciously exhibit Catseye’s habits…”

Everyone rushed to comfort the tree, patting it and reattaching the peeled bark, causing a commotion. Iskandar, however, was the only one who remained serious. Siegwald Sachsenspiegel, a member of the Warbear clan, nodded his head once while facing his friend’s eyes. The reserved Warbear was conveying his thoughts through his gaze.

Ruling a country is not easy at all. But while doing so, you’ll learn and grow stronger. Later, I’ll treat you to some drinks…

“Yeah, I was foolish.”

Iskandar said, spinning around.

“See you later.” 

He added as he briskly left the training ground. As his crimson cloak fluttered away, Lorendel immediately scolded Luis.

“You went too far, Luis.”

“It was too much even for me.” 

Cayenne interjected. Siegwald gave her a silent glare. 

Luis shrugged. 

“Yeah, I’m hopeless. As Iskandar said, when there’s a chance to tease, I just can’t let it pass. But everyone needs to understand this. It’s better to have a mischievous joker who takes action than passive optimists who sit back, expecting everything to magically work out!”

“Again, what are you trying to say?”

“Isk doesn’t tolerate being made fun of, absolutely not.”

“You know that, and yet you still tease him?”

“Yeah, I know that, but I’m teasing him! Anyway, you all are so dense. Let me explain with a similar analogy since we brought up manure. The current situation is like when a puppy comes into the room and does its business. But everyone is just crossing their arms and saying, ‘It will disappear on its own if we wait.’ Well, sure. If you wait and keep waiting, it will eventually decay and disappear. But is there a need to endure that foul smell? Just look carefully. When a friend is in trouble, the only one who steps up to help is this Luis Gayardo.” 

Luis clapped her hands.

A dozen or so of the ever-moving Black Cloaked Knights of the Holy Flame appeared in the hall.

“The Britannia Empire’s palace is not a place where people can freely rampage as they wish to gain attention. Find out if it was indeed a good idea to set foot there, and make them realize it.”

In response to the stern command with merciless purple eyes directed only at the enemies, the knights replied with determination, 

“Yes, Commander!”

They turned around in unison, their jet-black cloak tails fluttering silently as they marched away.

 

* * *

 

At that moment, Hazel was… 

“Oh, my goodness…” 

She was extremely flustered. While cleaning the bedroom, she discovered a plank in the corner of the ceiling. When she tapped it, it broke immediately, revealing a gaping hole. She fetched a ladder she found in the barn and climbed up onto the roof.

There was a large hole in the roof. It was a big problem. She had to quickly reinforce the broken part of the structure and either lay new thatch or put on a new roof.

“Hmm… I can do it. I can do it.” 

Hazel reassured herself. First, she needed to find some wood.

Carefully descending the ladder, she stepped on the last rung, but even that snapped under her weight. 

“….”

Cheer up. Hazel brought a hammer and some pieces of wood from the barn. She struck the broken part of the ladder with all her might.

Thunk!

However, the nail didn’t even go in by one-tenth. Trying again yielded the same result. Her strength was lacking.

Come to think of it, it was already past lunchtime. She had just had biscuits and water for breakfast because she had been busy giving the leftovers to the field from the barn. Even though she was treated like a transparent person, she intentionally spread the manure in the early morning because she disliked the palace people wrinkling their noses at the smell.

However…

Hazel peered into the sack. By chance, there was an arrow in there—what a surprise. The quiver was worn and tough like leather. She was really lucky. It was an unexpected bonus from farming at the palace. Moreover, the arrow was of excellent quality, even though she didn’t know whose it was. It was made of strong metal and showed no signs of rust.

After having lunch, she decided to use it to make kitchen tools. Hazel went to the field, where she had prepared the ground by tilling and carefully selected and kept good seeds. Of course, even the fastest-growing spinach would take about 35 to 40 days to grow. Instead, this house had a gift prepared for Hazel: lush, thriving potatoes.

The stems had turned yellow, and the withered leaves now lay flat on the ground—it was time to harvest. Hazel took her pitchfork and dug up the buried potatoes from the soil. Since no one had picked the flowers in time, the seeds were not as big as they could have been. However, the potatoes had ripened well in the sunny and fertile soil. They were so abundant that she needed a basket and a sack to carry them all.

Hazel looked proudly at the sack filled with sun-kissed potatoes. 

“What should I make with these?”

Since it was the first proper meal she was preparing at the Marronnier Farm, the menu was of great importance.

Soon, a good idea came to her. There was something perfect for making a potato dish that would boost spirits: potato pancakes!

Hazel thinly sliced these sun-kissed potatoes to make crispy potato pancakes. She will serve them generously with cheese and fresh herb salad. And to celebrate the first meal, she will also open a bottle of apple juice.

As she envisioned this delightful menu, Hazel became happy. However, this is not all. To have a perfect meal, there is one essential thing to prepare beforehand – dessert.

After a meal, the thought of dessert comes naturally. Moreover, leaving it at room temperature makes it even more delicious, regardless of what dessert she decides to make.

So, what dessert should she create?

Pie. Hazel wanted to eat pie. There was still a piece of wild strawberry pie left in the pantry. However, when she sniffed it, it seemed like it had already been eaten to her heart’s content after baking.

Then, what kind of pie should she make? Hazel looked out the window. The guards had removed the barrier blocking the construction site and instead put up a fence like some isolation zone. Beyond that, the grand palace garden lay in full view. There would be more wild fruits there that could be used as pie ingredients.

Hazel put on her straw hat again and grabbed a basket. The nobles and officials she occasionally encountered on the promenade still acted as if they couldn’t see her. So, Hazel could roam the garden without any interference.

Passing by the well-maintained flowerbeds and the grand fountain, Hazel entered the forest. To be honest, the forest was rather small with just a few dozen trees, but it didn’t matter. The important thing was that next to the lion statue, she discovered trees adorned with abundant blue fruits.

Hazel was delighted. It was the May apples. Everyone thought they were sour crabapples or inedible fruits, so they ignored them. However, with the right cooking method, they could turn into delicious fruit.

Hazel was excited and filled her basket with apples. When she arrived home, she opened her bag and took out the cherished knife.

When the night market opened in Roselle, a foreign craftsman who couldn’t speak a word spread out his wares. He gave Hazel a significant discount when she showed interest in a particular knife. This small knife was extremely sharp and sturdy, perfect for preparing cooking ingredients.

Hazel carved and removed the seeds from the firm May apples, skillfully cutting through their tough flesh. As she was handling them one by one, suddenly, a chilling sensation ran down her spine. Hazel stopped her hands. An aura sharper than the knife’s blade was emanating through the air. Something had appeared outside.

With a shiver running down her spine, Hazel went out to see what it was.

Beyond the fence, in the grand palace garden, knights clad in pitch-black armor were marching along the promenade. Their measured footsteps matched the ominous swaying of their crimson, blood-red-lined cloaks.

Their waxen white, chilling faces bore sinister gazes. Even without making a sound, they exuded an overwhelming presence that seemed to press in from all directions. Hazel finally realized what that feeling was – dread.

Marching forward with their cloaks billowing like blood-red mist in the darkness were the Holy Flame Knights, one of the four great knightly orders tasked with protecting the empire. Commanded by Luis Gayardo, the Holy Flame Knights wielded the power of holy flames, as their name implied. It consisted of vampires, vampire hybrids, and vampire-cheeked humans.

Everyone knew that they were excellent knights who devoted their loyalty to the empire. However, their marble-like, lifeless faces and ruthless gazes often sent shivers down people’s spines.

Now, these knights had appeared at Hazel’s farm. Silently, they entered through the wide-open door. The partially ruined, old house transformed into a stage for a horror play. The atmosphere became so tense that it wouldn’t be surprising if something terrifying happened right at that moment.

Hazel was taken aback. 

“Excuse me, why are you here?”

Of course, the Holy Flame Knights didn’t even twitch an eyebrow. Emitting a chilling aura, they enclosed Hazel in the kitchen where she stood, like a ghost. Then they simply stood there, wordless.

“……”

She was utterly bewildered. 

“Ah, I see. Are you trying to pressure me to leave like this? Well, it’s all in vain. This farm is legally a salon….”

 Hazel, speaking in a rhythmic tone, suddenly realized something. The salon was always an open place where anyone could enter. Of course, the vampire knights were no exception.

“Ugh… I see.”

Hazel muttered. She had no choice but to continue with her task. She lifted her knife again. The once perfectly fine blade now looked eerie for no apparent reason. Even her reflection in the pot lid seemed like a woman with murderous intentions.

Struggling to dispel such whimsical thoughts, Hazel finished preparing the apples. She peeled all the may apples’ skins, removed the cores and sliced the refreshing flesh to make the sauce for the apple tart. Hazel took out a large pan, placed the apples inside, and poured a cup of apple juice. She sprinkled lemon juice and added plenty of sugar before putting the pan on the stove to simmer, occasionally mashing the apples.

The knights watched this entire process with expressionless faces. 

“Would any of you like to have a taste of this apple juice? I’m going to cool it down.”

Hazel said involuntarily, uttering something frivolous. Well, who cares? Nobody will hear it anyway; She’s an invisible human.

Hazel opened the cupboard, and at that moment, the shabby door fell off with a loud clank, and dust scattered from the exposed wall. With so many eyes watching her, she felt a little embarrassed.

“This house isn’t collapsing; it’s undergoing repairs. It might be difficult to tell the difference.”

As Hazel spoke, she took out the eggs wrapped in straw and cracked them into a dish. She added flour and sprinkled a pinch of salt, then mixed everything well. Once the dough was ready, she pounded it on the table to make it even. Now she had to let the pie dough rest for about an hour. During that time, she decided to prepare the potatoes.

Glancing at the clock, she noticed it was already 1 o’clock. Perhaps due to the tense atmosphere, her hands were a bit slower than usual. By the way, weren’t those knights going to have lunch?

Just then, she felt a commotion outside. Looking through the window, she saw another group of knights approaching. They were younger, teenage knights.

“Seniors!”

“Did you finish the morning training?”

“Yes, please go and have your meal. We’ll take care of things here.”

“Got it.”

The knights who had been pressuring Hazel turned around and left. The newly arrived knights took their place.

Is this how they plan to pressure her all day long?

While thinking that, Hazel continued to prepare the potatoes. Suddenly, a sound echoed through the quiet house.

Clank.

Hazel flinched and instinctively looked up to see what caused the noise. The teenage knights from the Holy Flame Knights stood there like marble statues. It was impossible to tell who made the sound; they all remained solemnly still as if nothing had happened at all.

However, there was no doubt that the clank sound had occurred. It was only natural. According to what she had heard, these rotating guards had come straight after finishing their morning training. 

Wouldn’t these boys be starving if they had such intense training? Let’s change our perspective!

Hazel took out the card that was crucial for a civilian’s mental well-being once again.

These knights came here on their terms, so she can think the way she want to. They are guests in her house. One, two, three… there are about nine guests who have come to see her. They are just staring so intently because they must be starving.

With that thought, the fear finally dissipated. Hazel found herself pleased with the guests. Having many guests was always a dream come true.

Now, what menu should she serve for them?

Suddenly, it came to her mind. Hazel stopped slicing the potatoes and brought out a large pot to boil water. She grabbed a bunch of fresh potatoes and washed them thoroughly. She filled the pot with the potatoes and added some salt, boiling them until they were tender enough to be mashed.

When the potatoes were perfectly cooked and ready to be mashed, she poured in some cream and added chunks of butter. Finally, she seasoned it with salt, pepper, and a pinch of the herb mixture she had prepared in a small pouch.

The authentic country-style potato dish was complete. Hazel felt satisfied, but she knew this wouldn’t be enough. Today’s guests were hungry young knights.

She opened a large travel bag she had brought from Roselle and unwrapped a tightly packed, elongated piece of something.

When you’re feeling low on energy, meat is the best choice. The smoked pork, prepared according to the method she learned from Aunt Martha, was very tender and chewy. She was sure everyone would love this taste. 

Now, it’s time to serve the meal. After collecting all the dishes from the cupboard, there were ten in total. The wooden spoons and forks left behind by the family who used to live in this house were distributed one by one in front of each person.

Hazel filled each unique dish with plenty of potatoes. She generously accompanied them with thickly sliced smoked pork. Finally, she decorated the dish with fresh herbs picked from the backyard, making it a delightful farmhouse meal.

The knights remained silent, exerting their pressure. Nevertheless, Hazel cheerfully continued to speak.

“I prepared this for all of you. Of course, ‘technically,’ you can’t hear my words, and you can’t see me either. But at least this food is here, right? Everyone knows that story, right? The one about the delicious porridge left in an empty house. Hungry guests could eat to their heart’s content.”

There was no response.

“Uh… Did the hungry moment already pass? Do as you please. After preparing a meal for ten people, I’m quite hungry myself. I’ll go ahead and excuse myself.”

Hazel sat down on the only chair in the house. She scooped a large spoonful of potatoes and took a big bite.

“Mmm! It’s delicious!”

Among the silent knights, one dark-haired boy knight unknowingly fixed his gaze on her.

Julian Lafayette was extremely hungry. He had overslept and missed breakfast, and on top of that, there was a high-intensity combat training scheduled for today. 

In a state of near-starvation, he eagerly awaited lunchtime. However, he heard some unexpected news. Senior knights were skipping their lunch due to an urgent order from the commander.

In this situation, how could the newcomers like him eat first? So, he decided to relieve the seniors from their duty.

Their urgent mission was to go to Plot 79 and suppress the owner with force. In other words, they needed to apply psychological pressure to the target who had violated the imperial decree, forcing them to surrender and reveal the truth.

Putting psychological pressure on their opponents was the specialty of the vampires. So, Julian confidently took over from the seniors. However, there was a problem.

It was hunger.

Julian’s stomach was growling uncontrollably, almost disrupting the atmosphere. He was trying his best to suppress it, determined not to let such a thing happen again. But then, the woman suddenly started eating right in front of him.

Julian was a typical aristocrat. To him, food was something that automatically appeared on a luxurious dining table when the time came. This was the first time he had observed the cooking process, and he didn’t even realize it was cooking. After washing the muddy lumps, the woman chopped them and made a stew with some pieces of meat that resembled chunks of wood.

He was watching curiously, wondering what she was doing, when the lady, who was the target of their mission, took a spoonful of the stew and put it in her mouth. Her eyes sparkled, and her face brightened as she exclaimed how delicious it was. 

She diligently continued to eat, even taking a sip of apple cider. Seeing her devour the meaty chunks with delight, it looked very tender and chewy. Oh, she enjoyed it so much…

Thunder rumbled from Julian’s stomach. Hazel glanced at him.

“Don’t be stubborn, just eat. It’s the food placed in the salon, prepared for the guests.”

Then, she scooped a generous amount of potatoes and meat into her mouth.

As she gulped it down, Julian followed suit, trying to swallow even the air. He was now on the verge of losing his senses. He grasped the table as if about to collapse.

He doesn’t know. He might die at this rate.

Whether this suspicious dish was made of starch and chunks of wood, it didn’t matter. He had to survive. Losing all reason, he hastily picked up a wooden spoon, scooped a spoonful, and put it in his mouth.

And then…

Julian was shocked.

It was a taste he had never experienced before.

It was extremely rich, yet savory, and smoothly flowed down his throat like silk. The perfect harmony of butter and cream scents. And a refreshing herbal fragrance that tantalized his taste buds.

No way! Does such a taste exist in the world?

Julian’s eyes widened.

Now that he looked closely, even the seemingly ordinary piece of meat exuded a delicious pinkish hue.

He eagerly picked it up and took a bite. At that moment, the tender meat revealed a delightful smoky flavor bursting in his mouth.

How on earth was this cooked? It’s just pork, but how did it turn out to be so incredibly delicious?

After savoring the deep flavor, Julian scooped up another spoonful of white pudding. The delightful taste of the buttery flavor complemented the lingering savory smokiness of the cured meat still in his mouth, almost making him lose his mind. His hand holding the spoon moved uncontrollably.

“Julian! Are you crazy?” 

Emilio’s loud voice finally snapped him out of his daze. Everyone was staring at Julian as if he had just eaten a shoe.

“No matter how hungry you are, how could you eat that? Spit it out quickly!”

“Spit it out? Are you the crazy one? Why would I spit out something this delicious!”

“What? Is it really tasty?”

Oscar asked with a shocked expression on his face as if he couldn’t believe what he heard. At that moment, Julian rolled his eyes.

“No. It’s a lie. This is awful. Don’t eat it, not at all.”

He will be the only one to eat it!

He screamed inwardly.

However, all of them were Imperial Knights. Their exceptional peripheral vision didn’t miss the fact that Julian’s eyes had rolled for a moment while holding tightly onto the bowl and spoon. They all looked puzzled at him.

“Hey.”

Richard scooped a piece from his bowl and tasted it. In an instant, his eyes widened as big as serving platters.

“Really? It’s delicious?”

“These guys are just messing around.”

Kikero tasted it too, then looked astonished.

“Huh?”

Everyone eagerly tasted it. As they swallowed with delight, their pupils shook uncontrollably.

“What is this? Why is it so delicious?”

“I’ve never tasted anything like this before!”

“I can’t stop!”

They all stood up with their bowls in hand and greedily devoured the food.

Hazel was thrilled. Several guests had come to the farm and were praising her cooking, giving her a thumbs up after tasting the dishes. It was one of the scenes she had dreamed of since she was a child. Even though being treated like a transparent human wasn’t part of that dream, it didn’t matter.

Potatoes and cured pork were truly always right.

“Here’s more. There’s plenty of it.”

Hazel scooped up more potatoes with a ladle and served them generously. She also took out another piece of cured pork and sliced it. Her hands seemed to fly as she worked.

It was truly a thrilling moment.

 

* * *

 

The main hall of the palace, known as the ‘Hall of Laurel.’ 

Underneath the splendid chandelier in this grand hall, a resplendent knight with fiery red hair sat at the head of a long table. She appeared to be an extremely handsome man, a 22-year-old female knight.

It was Luis Gayardo, the commander of the Holy Flame Knights.

“It’s getting late.”

She said, glancing briefly at the clock on the wall. It was already 3 o’clock. A bitter feeling welled up inside her.

To alleviate the worries of their dear Emperor, she issued strict orders to her subordinates for firm suppression. However, due to that decision, the lunchtime of the senior knights was delayed. In response, the recruits voluntarily offered to take over their shifts.

To make matters worse, they had practical training scheduled for this morning. On top of that, there was a misunderstanding that the meal had finished in the dining hall, leading to the premature clearing of the dishes, and they had to prepare the food all over again. As a result, lunchtime was delayed by an additional hour.

Of course, they are knights. On the battlefield, going without food for a while is nothing new. Even with that in mind, it still left a bitter taste. Moreover, the fact that they volunteered to step in for the senior knights showed their consideration for their seniors.

Luis felt proud, thinking that she hadn’t taught her subordinates wrong. After a long time, she treated them to lunch, planning to encourage them. She was usually a strict commander, but she was careful in that regard. Soon, the young knights arrived. 

“How did it go?” 

They were surprised to see the commander waiting for them. Like their seniors, who had fought on the battlefield with the commander, they also looked up to her as a hero, so they put aside their other ambitions. Luis, with the single thought of wanting to become a loyal subordinate, passed a rigorous test and joined the Holy Flame Knights. 

When the commander patted each of them on the shoulder, they were all delighted and didn’t know what to do. 

“Were you very hungry?”

“No! Commander!”

As soon as they sat down, the palace servants swiftly brought in the food like lightning. The dining hall of the palace knights was famous for its delicious cuisine. 

On the pristine, high-quality linen table, a massive silver tray was placed first. On the ice-covered tray, there were abundant piles of fresh seafood such as lobsters, shrimp, scallops, and oysters.

Today’s main dishes were three types of grilled meat: chicken, beef, and lamb. On one side, there were roasted flatfish with a rich sauce and fresh sashimi prepared as well. 

The basket was stacked with soft, snow-white, and fluffy bread-like clouds. Additionally, there were various side dishes and accompaniments that delighted the taste buds, making the dining table seem like it would collapse.

However…

Everyone seemed ready to dig into their plates as if they were about to pounce on the food, but for some reason, they hesitated and couldn’t even lift their forks. Luis felt even more perplexed.

“Are you all that hungry?” 

“No! It’s not that!” 

They nervously picked up their forks and knives and simultaneously reached out to attack the food in front of them. However, they came to a halt.

Luis looked at her subordinates with a puzzled expression. Julian Lafayette spoke in a hesitant voice, 

“I just can’t eat it.”

“What? Why?”

“I beg for your forgiveness. I couldn’t resist; the food was just too delicious. Succumbing to temptation, we committed this slip-up, so we’ve all voluntarily decided to deduct this month’s pay. Furthermore, we will accept any disciplinary action you decide to impose on us.”

“Julian Lafayette, can’t you just speak clearly? Can’t you explain properly?”

Luis’ heart sank. 

“Surely you didn’t awaken your bloodlust and attack even livestock?”

“Oh, no, that’s not it. Absolutely not.”

“Then what did you do?”

“It’s about the place where we were dispatched. That mansion. There was food there.”

“So you ate without permission?”

“No, it was permissible food.”

Julian carefully explained, making sure not to violate any restrictions.

“During the mission, my stomach made a loud rumbling sound. Shortly after, food appeared right in front of us. We tried not to eat, but they prepared it for us, encouraging us to eat as much as we wanted. Uh, it’s like we heard some cosmic sound. It’s embarrassing, but I was so hungry that I lost my composure. But what’s strange is that the food was incredibly delicious!”

“I ended up eating four plates.”

“I went on a full binge; I almost chewed on the dishes.”

Other young knights finally found their voices and chimed in.

Luis was bewildered. 

So, that mischievous young lady prepared the dishes for this exchange, and it’s causing all this uproar? Because the food was so delicious?

It was unusual to see them making such a commotion. They weren’t usually this rowdy.

“Don’t be surprised. You must have felt that way because you were hungry.”

“No, it’s not that.”

Kikero spoke forcefully.

“We have reasons for behaving like this. I have one question. Have you ever tried experiencing new flavors recently, Commander?”

“Hmm, well…”

“When we came to the hall and faced these dishes, we finally realized something. Don’t you think there’s an issue with our dietary habits? Oh, don’t be surprised, Chef Giorgio. Your cooking is excellent; the problem lies with us.”

“The problem lies with us?”

“Among us, is there anyone who doesn’t know the taste of lemon-marinated lobster or the flavor of grilled prime beef sirloin? We all know it. We mechanically grade it as ‘today’s fresher’ or ‘today’s meat is just average.’ We rate it based on a scale. Of course, the first bite is delicious. But by the second time, the taste might be 60% of what it was, and by the third time, only 30%. From then on, we’re just filling our stomachs. That’s the dietary habit of the aristocrats. It may be an exaggeration, but it even makes me doubt if it’s proper etiquette towards food. Our dietary habits need a change.”

“Oh…”

That’s an insightful observation.

Luis nodded in agreement but paused. She scanned Kikero, who seemed to be suffering from indigestion.

“Ironhand, you stumble when asking about tactics, but today, your speech is so eloquent?”

“That’s right! It was a dish that could turn even someone with poor verbal skills like me into a great orator. The moment it touched my tongue, it felt like it was drumming against my taste buds. It was an exhilarating flavor.”

By this point, Luis became subtly curious. 

“What kind of dish was it?”

“I’m not sure. To us, it seemed like washing a lump of soil, heating it, and cutting pieces of wood.”

“What? Is it witchcraft?”

“No, it’s not.”

The knights buzzed with excitement, and Julian stepped forward again.

“I’m not sure about the muddy lump, but the wood pieces are definitely pork. It’s not witchcraft, but the food in that house indeed exerts some kind of magic. Oh no! Wait a moment! Our third group, who exchanged with them, is in danger!”

“What should we do? If they put that food in their mouths, it’s over!”

“We have to stop them!”

What on earth was going on?

Luis was bewildered. This was not the kind of reception she expected, despite all the unintended circumstances. If the third group was still eating, they were in real trouble. She quickly stood up.

“We’ll discuss the disciplinary issue later.”

“Yes, Commander.”

Leaving the knights who were bowing their heads, Luis hurriedly exited the hall. People who were strolling in the afternoon palace grounds were surprised to see the Commander of the Holy Flalme Knights and quickly moved aside as she passed.

Her red hair, which earned her the nickname “Red Lion of the Battlefield,” fluttered like a gale as she ran. Everyone’s eyes followed her.

Luis crossed the central garden in an instant and arrived at the scene. She had imagined a chaotic devil’s feast with spilled drinks and food scattered everywhere, but the scene was quiet.

She passed through the neatly arranged vegetable garden and approached the old building. Beside the signboard that read ‘Marronnier Farm Salon,’ the front door was wide open.

Luis stepped inside. There was no one there.

She surveyed the shabby interior of the house, and her gaze stopped at an old table. There, a golden tart was placed.

It was an apple tart with thinly sliced apples arranged in the shape of a giant rose. Perhaps to check if it was ripe, one slice had been neatly cut out in a fan shape.

This tart must have been the creation of that mischievous young lady. With its glistening appearance and dark brown edges, it seemed to be perfectly baked, even to Luis, who was a self-proclaimed dessert expert.

But could it have such a magical flavor?

No way.

Luis picked up some crumbs next to the tart slice and put them in her mouth.

“Hmm?”

The taste was utterly unexpected. She looked at the apple tart with a perplexed expression.

“No way!”

Without even realizing it, Luis impulsively grabbed another fan-shaped slice of apple pie and took a bite. The crisp and juicy flavor of the perfectly ripe apple burst forth. She finally grasped the essence of the sensation she had just experienced.

Fresh!

She almost shouted out loud. Luis had tasted so many apple tarts in her life that she should have grown tired of them. She had tried almost every kind of tart, cake, cookie, and chocolate imaginable. However, this flavor was entirely new to her.

The tangy taste of the fresh fruit hit her as soon as it entered her mouth, followed by the sweet flavor of the apple sauce that gently wrapped around it. Everything in the perfectly baked tart harmonized brilliantly, thanks to the genius skill involved.

Compared even to the most luxurious patisserie dessert she had recently tasted, this apple tart won hands down. There was no comparison. If the other tart was just an “apple tart,” then this one was ‘APPLE!!! TART!!!’ Every ingredient seemed alive in her mouth, asserting its intense presence.

So that’s what Kikero meant.

Luis wholeheartedly agreed once again. Their taste buds had grown weary. With the capital’s finest food overflowing within arm’s reach, they had reached a point where everything tasted the same, and they couldn’t appreciate the flavors anymore. They mechanically graded the dishes and merely filled their stomachs.

But this one was truly delicious! It was genuinely, incredibly tasty!

Before she knew it, Luis was holding another piece of the tart. She couldn’t stop herself. This was good food. Eat as much as you can. Her body was commanding her that way. Another piece, and another. Enthralled by the tart’s tangy sweetness, she mindlessly ate and even shouted without realizing it.

“Coffee!”

“Here you go.”

Something was handed to her as if she had been waiting for it.

“…!”

Luis was startled to the core. A young lady with dark brown hair, wearing a straw hat, was standing right next to her, offering a coffee cup. When did she come in? She didn’t even sense her presence!

Caught red-handed, there was no time to escape. The Commander of the Imperial Holy Flame Knights was caught in the act of tart theft.

The tart piece felt like it was stuck in her throat.

“Glug! Glug! Glug!”

Luis gulped noisily.

 

* * *

 

Hazel looked at the intruder who coughed uncomfortably. After feeding the teenage knights and sending them away, a new shift of guards arrived. Hazel worked hard under their pressure, making apple sauce and baking apple tarts. While the tarts were cooling down, she went to get a basket.

But then…

Someone was eating her apple tart.

A very handsome knight with fiery red hair and captivating purple eyes was indulging in the tart. His uniform insignias and various decorations indicated a high rank.

But why was he doing this here?

Despite her bewilderment, Hazel’s gaze was captivated by the knight’s enjoyment of the tart. He seemed to relish it so much that he even licked his fingers, savoring every last bit of it.

That’s right. Please, help yourself.

Hazel watched with delight. Just as she felt his throat tightening, she quickly passed a cup of chicory coffee that she had placed in a cool spot.

“Here you go.”

The knight was visibly taken aback.

Ah, should she have greeted him first? But then again, she’s practically invisible anyway.

“Well, it might be surprising to see a coffee cup floating in mid-air, but don’t worry about it. Just go ahead and drink it all. You probably need coffee desperately at this moment.”

In truth, Luis did need the coffee badly. It was an incredibly bewildering situation, but without further ado, she quickly took the cup and drank before the opportunity passed.

The coffee was just at the perfect temperature to enjoy. She didn’t know what kind of beans had been used, but it was a uniquely fragrant and delicious cup of coffee. It settled her mind, preparing her for the next indulgence.

Ah, she wants more!

Luis desperately wished for it. She wanted to somehow obtain the rightful claim to the remaining half of that delicious apple tart and finish it off. But there was no way to communicate that desire. The girl was under a decree, after all.

What foolish rule is this! How is she supposed to convey her intentions with this? Luis tore at her hair in frustration.

She was unaware that, amid her agony, her eyes were fixated on the apple tart, almost burning with desire. She was screaming internally, ‘I want to eat it!’ 

Her whole being echoed that yearning, making any verbal expression unnecessary. She was lost in her intense inner turmoil, oblivious to the fact that her desire was apparent to everyone around her.

Hazel looked at the uninvited guest with a pleased expression. She had put so much effort into baking the tart for dessert time, and now someone had come and devoured half of it without permission. It would be natural to feel upset and angry.

However, Hazel didn’t feel that way. There was nothing that made her happier than seeing someone enjoy the food she had lovingly prepared. Each time someone exclaimed, ‘It’s delicious!’ or ‘Truly amazing!’, it felt as if her life was charged with excitement.

Hazel was overjoyed when the intruder seemed to enjoy the tart. Moreover, he even expressed his desire to eat the rest of it! She wanted to tell him to go ahead and have as much as he wanted.

Go ahead and eat as much as you like!

That’s what she wanted to say. She was curious to know which part of the tart he found so delicious.

With excitement, she quickly removed her hat.

“In this room, there may be no one else, but there is a straw hat that can understand human speech.”

“Ah!” 

Luis responded with delight.

“A straw hat that understands human speech! That’s truly remarkable. From now on, I’ll tell the hat everything I want to say. First of all, I want to apologize. I entered without permission and ate your dessert. I initially only intended to have a taste, but it was so delicious that I lost all self-control.”

Hazel beamed at Luis’ words.

“I’m glad you liked it!”

She quickly handed over the only chair in this house and said, 

“Please have a seat. And eat this too.”

Luis sat down excitedly. Hazel cut a tart and put it on a wooden plate, then she eagerly sliced it and took a big bite. 

“As expected, it’s a masterpiece!” 

She shivered with delight. 

“Straw hat, your master must be so skilled at making tarts. I always believe desserts should be sweet, you know? Do you know what happened last time? Well, I thought it was a custard pie, but it turned out to be a lemon pie! I was so angry that I almost dragged that pie to the square to have it executed. I can’t stand any hint of sourness in desserts. But, well…”

Luis gulped down a piece of apple. 

“What exactly is this tart? It’s like a whole new world of flavors! Even though it has a tangy taste, it’s incredibly delicious. Maybe it’s because of its freshness. It brings out the natural taste of the apple without adding anything else. And this apple! I wish I could know the variety name.”

“Just a wild apple…. said the straw hat.”

“Really, straw hat? Are you saying that this sophisticated taste comes from a wild apple?”

“Sophisticated indeed. If apples could listen, they would be so pleased. This apple doesn’t even have a formal name; people just call it the May apple. I found a few of them next to the lion statue in the Imperial Garden.”

“That wasn’t just a decorative plant, but a fruit tree? If it were apples or oranges, people would have rushed to pick them by now. Nobody knew about this?”

“Yes, nobody knew. In May, the fruit that looks like unripe apples would bloom and then fall off quickly. Nobody paid any attention. Except for the farmers, that is. Farmers, you know, they put everything in their mouths at least once. They don’t give up right away, even if it’s bitter, sour, or spicy. They somehow find cooking methods. I learned it from Aunt Martha. For the May apples, you have to boil and simmer them over low heat several times until the flesh becomes translucent. That’s how the bitterness goes away and they become so delicious.”

“Ah, I see…”

Luis exclaimed in admiration.

“The Indomitable Apple Tart! I’d love to call it that. The perseverance and experimental spirit of the farmers are truly admirable. Listening to the explanation makes it even more delicious. I especially love this apple sauce. Of course, this kind of tart is the best, but when you can’t make and eat the tart, I think it would go well with sweet vanilla ice cream. Spread it on milk bread, and it could become a refreshing sandwich for afternoon tea. Oh, it might even be nice to put it in sparkling water and drink it cold!”

Hazel looked at the red-haired knight, who was seriously contemplating, with a pleased expression.

“You’re a knight who loves desserts, aren’t you?”

“Exactly, Straw Hat.”

Luis chuckled.

“I love desserts. I pretended not to like them, but when the seal was broken, I couldn’t restrain myself even more.”

“Why did you pretend not to like them?”

“It was a childish thing.”

Luis shrugged.

“When I had just become a knight, there were a few cowardly guys who couldn’t beat me with a sword. They would make fun of me when they saw me eating desserts. ‘You’re a girl, after all.’ I hated hearing that in my young mind. So, I pretended not to like desserts.”

“Really?”

Hazel was taken aback.

“You’re a girl?”

“What?”

Luis was also surprised. It felt like her thoughts were getting tangled up. She quickly turned towards the Straw Hat and asked, 

“Your owner doesn’t know who I am?”

As soon as she said it, she felt foolish.

Of course! She hadn’t even introduced herself. Born as the daughter of a prestigious vampire lineage and having lived her life as a public figure, she had never once considered that someone wouldn’t know who she was.

She had committed a huge oversight.

Luis stood up in a flutter.

“Luis Gayardo, Commander of the Holy Flame Knights. A 22-year-old woman.”

With a respectful salute, she introduced herself.

Hazel was surprised once again. She had known that her status was high, but a commander? She could have been a subject of a question in the entrance exam for the Roselle Municipal Bank. The kind of famous figure that might have been listed in the expected question topics. Faced with such a colossal figure suddenly appearing before her eyes, Hazel was left utterly dumbfounded.

“Oh, right. That’s true… I have heard that there’s a female knight among the closest aides to the Emperor who disguises herself as a man. But I truly had no idea. You seem like a male knight!”

“Well, you see, due to strong opposition within the family, I ended up disguising myself as a man and joining…”

Luis scratched her head.

“But that doesn’t mean I’ve become a man in my heart! If it’s alright, you could just think of me as a girl next door who’s handy with a sword.”

“What did you say? Are you suggesting to become the girl-next-door of Straw Hat?”

Luis caught a mischievous glint in Hazel’s green eyes.

In this absurd situation where a golden order had fallen apart, it was clear that this young lady’s spirit hadn’t been the least bit broken. Luis realized that she was treating it as more of a joke than anything.

She’s tougher than she looks!

Luis secretly admired her.

Indeed, causing such an unprecedented situation of farming within the imperial palace. However, as everyone had said, it wasn’t for money or to gain attention in high society.

The eyes of the Straw Hat girl, who was confidently slicing the apple tart into generous pieces and smiling, were refreshingly straightforward. They were so clear that you could almost see through them.

Just like this tart!

Luis grinned and thoroughly enjoyed the tart. Suddenly, a thought crossed her mind.

By the way, why is it so dark outside the window? Could it be that the sun has already set?

She glanced and was surprised. Knights in black cloaks were clinging to the window. They were pressuring Hazel from the field. Curious about why she hadn’t come out after entering for a while, they took a peek inside the house. And they found it.

Their Commander was repeatedly saying something to Straw Hat and sitting face-to-face with this ‘formidable subject of suppression,’ heartily devouring the tart.

All their pupils were shaking restlessly. They all seemed to be asking with their eyes. What on earth is this situation?

Luis snapped back to her senses.

What is she even doing right now?

She tried to recall her memories. From the moment she took a bite of the apple tart, everything was blurry. No, fragments of memories started surfacing. Having a kind conversation with Straw Hat. Discarding the commander’s dignity and asking her to think of herself as a girl next door…

A chill ran down her spine.

This can’t be! She can’t punish those guys. The cooking here… it’s like a natural disaster.

Luis jolted up.

“Uh, excuse me!”

She left a quick word and fled.

“Wait…”

Hazel looked at the door with a puzzled expression.

Come to think of it, the guest who just enjoyed the tart is the leader of the vampire knights. The head of the vampire nobility known as the Noble Ones. The successor of the most powerful and fearsome vampire aristocracy referred to as the Noble Ones.

However, it wasn’t because of that Hazel was flustered. Vampire Lord. Incredibly high-ranking aristocrat. The Emperor’s closest confidant. The valiant leader who established the order with great distinction… None of these things mattered at all. 

Luis Gayardo was a genius at the tasting! She analyzed Hazel’s crafted dessert with utmost sincerity and provided detailed commentary. She also put forth ideas on how to make it even more delicious. 

For someone who cooks, such a taster was like a treasure. She had always wished to meet someone with such a talent someday, someone who could taste a hastily prepared dish and engage in a hearty conversation… 

“Why did she leave? She should have tried other things too…”

Hazel sighed with regret. While feeling disappointed, she suddenly noticed something. Outside the window, the knights in black cloaks were still standing, motionless. They seemed to be murmuring in shock.

“Natural disaster level?”

“No, how delicious must it be…”

Their gaze was fixed on the kitchen as if they were bound by a promise. Hazel’s previously vacant eyes sparkled.

“Would you like to taste it?”

“…”

Even the pride of the respected commander eventually crumbled before the temptation. The vampire knights surreptitiously made their way inside.

Hazel was pleased. She quickly opened the lid of the pot where the thoroughly boiled potatoes remained.

 

* * *

 

That evening.

On the first floor of the Solar Palace within the Britannia Empire’s Imperial Palace, a plaque reading ‘State Advisory Council Room’ hung, but in reality, the hall served as a lounge. Four individuals were gathered – the Emperor’s closest confidants, members of the Holy Knights Order.

High Elf was engrossed in studying a score, holding onto his lyre. Warbear and Golden Cat were in the midst of a card game.

Luis, who had rejected the proposal to join them and was sitting alone on the couch, suddenly murmured absentmindedly, lost in thought.

“That young lady, she’s quite refreshing…”

Everyone jumped in surprise.

“Luis!”

“Huh?”

Luis was momentarily bewildered but soon realized.

“Oh, a misunderstanding! I don’t mean she has fresh blood, my words…”

As she tried to explain, she recalled the prohibition and hesitated.

“What? Why did you stop talking?”

Cayenne, who was urging her, suddenly had a revelation. The golden cat-like eyes glimmered.

“Oh, I know what you’re talking about. I overheard the Ironhand brothers talking about something strange as I passed through the corridor earlier. Someone was caught devouring tarts recklessly in the abandoned mansion of plot 79 this afternoon. No matter how I pressed them, they kept spouting nonsense about who it was. Now the pieces are falling into place.”

“What?”

Lorendel looked at Luis with a baffled expression.

“Who was it that said they would step up for us and handle it directly? Who said they would solve it right away for their friend? After making such a fuss, you went there and accepted hospitality?”

The mystical pupils of the High Elf turned icy cold again. Luis started sweating.

“It’s not that…… you’re all misunderstanding. The owner wasn’t a troublemaker. She genuinely wanted to cultivate the land because she liked it. Coincidentally, the land happened to be within the palace grounds. If you see it for yourself, you’ll understand. She’s truly a kind and harmless soul. Just as innocent as those tarts!”

Luis tried to explain earnestly, but all she received was a chilly reception.

“I’m truly disappointed in you.”

Lorendel abruptly turned his head away, as if he didn’t want to engage further. Whenever this High Elf acted like this, Luis felt as if she had committed an incredibly serious offense, like dropping candy wrappers on the street. In that sense, Luis found Lorendel scarier than Iskandar, the Grand Cavalier of the Empire.

“Luis is caught up in confusion right now.”

On the other hand, the cat-like fairy boy began his psychological analysis.

“When you share a meal with someone, it naturally creates a sense of intimacy. Right now, Luis is unconsciously using that intimacy as a basis to judge the morality of the person who provided the food. Think about it. Would anyone in their right mind believe that a kind and harmless soul would start farming within the palace grounds?”

Did he just call him crazy?

Luis started to form a rebuttal but stopped herself. In the face of her friends’ uncompromising gazes, she pondered the reasons behind their initial mixed feelings upon hearing the news – amusement mixed with a certain resentment.

“If she’s truly kind and harmless, could she use a clever strategy exploiting legal loopholes to gain recognition as a clever rogue?” 

The words of the bookworm cat hit the mark. Luis couldn’t retort. That’s right. She was undoubtedly cunning. Possessing specialized legal knowledge, analytical skills to read the situation, and an unrestrained drive to succeed. There was no way to connect the innocent image of the straw-hat girl she had witnessed with this.…

In the palace, there were hundreds, if not thousands, of such individuals. Foxes wearing sheep’s masks.

“She’s a cunning person.”

Siegwald spoke with a solid tone. This pacifist Warbear, who was reserved, cautious, and disliked conflicts, always spoke the truth whenever he opened his rarely used mouth.

Yet, despite that, something wasn’t quite clear. But Luis couldn’t pinpoint what it was. A voice inside her mind spoke to her.

‘It’s over. You just don’t want to admit that you were easily deceived. Wake up, Luis Gayardo.’

Her heart twinged.

Iskandar seeks to eradicate all the corruption and vices of the Sun Emperor era. The four of them had firmly resolved to dedicate everything to provide strength. Luis can act as she pleases, but High Paladin Luis Gayardo cannot.

Since joining the Order at fourteen, even when personal matters clashed with duty, Luis never hesitated for a second to choose duty.

However.

Yet, regardless.

Still, something wasn’t clear.

Watching Luis, who was in turmoil, the three of them looked silently.

“I’ll buy you that bread.”

Once again, Siegwald’s firm words resounded.

“No, thanks, but I’m good.”

Luis stood up and left the conference room.

Seeing the yellow dress of the noble heiress who had gone ahead reminded her of apple tarts again. However, this time, it wasn’t about the fantastic taste.

There was something more than just the flavor. The inexplicable feeling she was experiencing now seemed related to it.

What on earth could it be?

Luis agonized over it.

Searching for something without even knowing what she was searching for was truly a challenging task.

Luis wandered around the palace in the evening, trying to gather even the faintest clues. She observed the busy royal chefs darting around the kitchen and gazed at the exotic trees in the palace greenhouse for a long time.

After finishing her duties, she peered at the officials who were leaving the court one by one and observed the noblewomen engrossed in evening social activities, their faces partially hidden by their fans.

Everyone was bewildered by why the High Paladin acted this way.

Eventually, Luis arrived at Crescent Moon Palace. Still without any lead.

Sitting in a pavilion with an emerald-shaped roof, she leaned her head against a marble column.

Now she realized she wasn’t alone in this courtyard. Beyond the long-shadowed swan statue, the face of Count Lysander Albert, the palace minister, came into view.

“…This side seems empty. It might be a good idea to put up an arch or something. No, take down this entire set. His Majesty dislikes golden plates.”

He was arranging the garden, simultaneously interacting with the landscaper, playwright, and stage manager who had followed him.

Luis thought.

He’s preparing for the ball.

Despite running around all day, his complexion was vibrant, and his gaze clear. He was in his prime. While handling several matters at once, he also spared a few seconds to glance toward Luis.

Luis stood up abruptly.

Certainly, her status was much higher, but to Luis, who had wandered the palace since childhood, the palace minister felt like a stern uncle.

“Count Albert…”

She approached to greet him. Despite skipping dinner, the exceptional olfactory senses of the vampire, which had been sharpened to the fullest, caught a particular scent. It was the smell of coffee.

Not just ordinary coffee. It was a distinct aroma of coffee beans roasted to perfection. The same coffee that was in the cup handed to her by the straw-hat-wearing lady from the Marronnier Farm.

Why…?

Luis was surprised. In that instant, her mind raced.

Expert legal knowledge, the ability to read situations and make calculated analyses, and an unyielding drive.

Why didn’t she think of that?

Who else could possess all three of those qualities? Except for the cunning palace minister, Count Lysander Albert! 

Her heart raced. She had discovered the secret link hidden between two seemingly unrelated things.

Luis exclaimed in excitement.

“Marronnier Farm!”

The palace minister, who had been reviewing the script for the dance performance, involuntarily flinched and reacted to the sudden outburst. It was understandable… Over the past few days, that name had repeated in his mind every time he innocently enjoyed a cup of coffee.

She has caught onto him!

The palace minister looked at Luis with a bewildered expression. Luis saw the palace minister’s pupils tremble. It was certain now.

“Count Albert! How could you!”

“Hush, be quiet.”

The palace minister broke into a cold sweat.

“I had my reasons, so don’t blame me.”

“I’m not blaming you! I just thought you were a sly schemer, and that’s it! Oh, this is awkward! What should I do?”

The palace minister looked at Luis again.

Wasn’t it blame?

Thanks to the secrecy laws, the rumors hadn’t spread widely, but the news had reached the ears of the Emperor’s closest aide, the mercurial High Paladin, pressuring Marronnier Farm by sending subordinates.

But to come out like this…

Oh-ho.

He realized.

“I see. So, Luis has tasted the food too.”

“Yes. But I never thought there would be a senior before me!”

The two exchanged secretive glances for a moment.

“That person, who cannot be revealed, is not a speculator.”

“Right. They have no interest in money whatsoever.”

“They’re not interested in high society either. They didn’t even know who I was. They genuinely want to farm.”

“Because they have a legitimate claim to that land. No one can take away that right.”

“That’s right! Exactly!”

To Luis, the decade-long malaise felt like it was being pierced through. The palace minister wore an almost identical expression.

“We are the only ones who know the truth.”

“That’s right. Still, it feels like a weight has been lifted. I was so lonely. No one believed me. Turns out it was your strategy, Count Albert! Goodness, gracious! I can’t even tell my friends about this…”

“That’s right. Keep it a secret.”

The two walked over to a nearby bench and sat down.

The palace minister explained how he managed to obtain chicory coffee from the straw-hat-wearing lady. In the part where the letter sent to the straw-hat-wearing lady was mentioned, even Luis couldn’t help but suppress a smirk.

“I see. That’s how you helped.”

Luis nodded.

“But one thing makes me curious. Why did you do it?”

“It was repayment for the coffee.”

“That’s not it. I’m asking about the real reason. I know. You’re quite similar to me in that aspect, Count Albert.”

“In what way?”

“You move not as Lysander Albert, but as the palace minister. Every decision can be seen as a political move. Yet, there must be a reason for repaying in such a manner, right?”

“You’ve observed well.”

The palace minister slowly nodded.

“Before I reveal that reason, let me ask you one thing. Why were you wandering without returning until this hour?”

“Well…”

Luis shrugged.

“I wasn’t sure. Even if I assume that I fell for that cunning acting a hundred times over… that tart was truly strange. At first, I was so captivated by its amazing taste that I didn’t realize it, but as I faced my friends’ criticism, I started to sense that there was something special about it.”

“You’ve seen accurately.”

The palace minister nodded.

“I know what that is. I pondered over it and realized. We thought we were being treated with food there, but that’s not the truth. What we were truly treated to… were moments of happiness.”

“Happiness, you say?”

“Yes.”

The palace minister spoke slowly.

“Thinking back, it was truly a warm reception. We ate delicious food that we couldn’t taste anywhere else, heard fascinating stories about farming and nature, and had genuine conversations without pretense. We could wash away our weariness. The unsettled feeling you had, Luis, was because of that. Our hearts recognized it all. We know that we truly had moments of happiness there. Others should experience that too.”

He said in one breath,

“The palace needs that lady.”

Luis listened in astonishment, just taking it in.

Lysander Albert, the Count, is a compass. Luis had thought that about him since childhood. He was born to be loyal. Every decision he made pointed in only one direction, regardless of the situation.

So, this is the path for the palace and, ultimately, for the Emperor.

“Luis Gayardo, will you join forces with me?”

The palace minister looked straight at Luis and asked.

Even without this, since the moment Luis decided to support the straw-hat-wearing lady’s innocence, she had been determined to stand by her side again. But with the palace minister driving the point home like this, she felt incredibly glad and assured.

“I will give it my all.”

Luis stood up and saluted.

Her steps leaving Crescent Moon Palace were incredibly light. She hadn’t felt this refreshed and invigorated in a long time. Luis went to the training grounds of the Knights in a cheerful mood.

And there, she encountered an unexpected situation.

“No way! I’m too low!”

“Then I’ll throw in two tickets for the Opera Theater’s premium seats.”

“That’s not enough! I’m curious too!”

Her subordinates had gathered in one place, not dispersing even for the retreat. At first, she didn’t know what they were doing. She watched quietly, sensing something, and realized they were trading positions for the fifth squad to carry out a decisive suppression tomorrow at lunchtime.

Luis couldn’t believe it.

Exchanging positions for compensation didn’t violate any rules of the Knights. But to think an urgent mission, despite its importance, was becoming a golden ticket of sorts?

“Carry on.”

The knights of the Holy Flame were startled and dispersed in surprise. They had expected a reprimand for their behavior, but the respected commander left without saying a word.

Everyone was puzzled. Among the young knights who had been hanging around the corner, watching the senior knights’ transaction, Julian gathered his courage and asked.

“Is it over?”

“It’s over.”

“So, there won’t be any consequences for our actions this noon?”

“Such consequences don’t exist. And, by the way, they won’t ever exist.”

The boys exchanged glances. Julian asked again.

“Then, can we take autonomous action regarding that matter?”

“What matter are you talking about?”

Luis said and swiftly left.

The young knights faced each other and burst into laughter.

A little while later, a group of knights cloaked in black capes emerged from the Holy Flame Knights’ training grounds. Concealed in darkness, they disappeared in a single direction.

Towards Marronnier Farm.

 

* * *

 

Hazel thinly sliced the sun-kissed potatoes and piled them generously onto the pan. She had melted butter on the pan over the wood-fired oven. As the potatoes touched it, they sizzled and quickly cooked.

Because they were sliced so thin, they could easily burn if she took her eyes off them even for a moment, so she had to watch them closely. Still, Hazel liked this method. This was how she could achieve crispy and delicious potato pancakes.

After seasoning them with salt and pepper, she flipped them and cooked them again. The center turned a golden brown, and the edges were perfectly crispy, turning a rich shade of brown.

Once the potato pancakes were done, Hazel opened the wooden barrel. Inside, there was cheese.

First, she drained the moisture from the yogurt made from fermented milk. After adding salt and kneading it, she let it mature again, transforming it into a creamy and soft cheese.

Using the excuse that it needed to be eaten quickly before it went bad, she generously spread it on. She sprinkled parsley powder on top for a touch of visual appeal. Accompanied by leftover apple cider from earlier in the day, it became a well-prepared meal just for herself.

Hazel raised a wooden fork with a sense of accomplishment.

Indeed, freshly harvested potatoes were the best. No matter how much she ate, she wouldn’t tire of the crispy and hot potato pancakes paired with creamy cheese.

Should she make this again tomorrow?

Hazel pondered. Would she come again tomorrow?

Her heart fluttered.

“I hope she comes for another round of tough suppression tomorrow!”

Hazel gazed at the moon outside the window as if in prayer. The meaning behind “tough suppression” had taken on an entirely different context.

In any case…

Having finished her leisurely meal, Hazel washed the dishes.

The water was almost gone now. Tomorrow, she would have to fetch water early in the morning. So, she needed to go to bed early.

“Ah! It was a rewarding day.”

Hazel, feeling the pleasant fatigue, went to bed. During her days at the bank, she used to despise the thought of waking up the next day, so she always went to bed late. However, now that she was a farm owner, she needed to sleep at 10 o’clock like a proper farmer. Hazel lay down straight and let out a yawn.

But then, something caught her eye.

“Oops!”

Hazel swallowed her gasp.

She had completely forgotten about the large hole she had discovered on the roof in the morning. She had intended to repair it after eating and regaining her energy through cooking with the potatoes, but at that moment, the Knights of the Holy Flame had stormed in.

“….”

She looked up with a puzzled face. It had to be done. If rain were to come in the next few days, it would be a big problem. Hazel rose from the bed, chasing away her fatigue.

But at that moment, the night sky that was visible through the hole seemed to shrink by an inch. Had she not fully woken up yet? Hazel rubbed her eyes and looked again. The night sky was shrinking by another inch. It wasn’t a misconception. The hole was getting smaller.

“What’s happening?”

A sense of urgency surged within her.

The hole in the roof isn’t a living creature. It can’t suddenly shrink in size. If it were, then something must be happening up there right now.

“What’s going on?”

Hazel got up and rubbed her eyes as she stood up. Opening the door and stepping outside, she hesitated. Something felt off. She soon realized what was strange.

Beside her house was a pile of something. As she got closer, she recognized that they were logs. The old furniture she had put out on her first day at the house had turned into a pile of firewood.

“What’s this…?”

Hazel was perplexed.

Then, she noticed something else. The ladder that should have been in the barn was leaning against the side of the house. Upon closer inspection, she saw that the bottom rung, which had been broken, was now intact. Someone had replaced it with a sturdy piece of wood and nailed it in.

“This is weird. Am I awake right now?”

She climbed up the ladder and was astonished. The hole that had been in the roof was completely gone.

Hazel was thoroughly perplexed.

“What’s going on?”

The roof had been damaged. The wooden structure had been broken, and the previous owner of the house had crudely covered it up with boards.

However, someone had replaced the wood, repaired the structure, and covered it with thatched roofing, carefully matching the surroundings.

But who could have done this?

A feeling of enchantment overcame Hazel.

Just then, something whooshed past below. It was so fast that she couldn’t see it clearly, but they seemed like dark masses of shadow.

“…?”

Hazel stepped down the ladder, opened the door, and was astonished once again.

The candlelight revealed a freshly painted wall, now a pale hue. The previously peeling paint and dusty surface had been redone. The nails that once protruded and the warped wood were now straight and even.

Hazel’s eyes, full of surprise, settled on one spot.

The cupboard.

The door that had fallen off with a loud thud during the day was now securely in place. She approached and slowly opened it.

Inside the cupboard lay a single white rose. And there was a note as well.

‘Britannia’s knights always repay their debts.’

Underneath, in smaller handwriting:

‘It was truly delicious!’

Hazel’s face lit up.

“Oh!”

It was them. The vampire knights draped in dark cloaks, moving gracefully. Come to think of it, didn’t everyone witness the dust rising from the wall and the cupboard door suddenly falling?

While fixing the roof, they must have taken care of everything else too. Imagining them, with pale faces and an eerie atmosphere, diligently fixing things, Hazel’s heart warmed a little.

With a smile, she read the note again and again. The concern that had weighed heavily on her chest – about repairing the roof on her own before the rain came – had been neatly resolved. It wasn’t just the relief that brought her joy; it was the act of exchanging favors itself that felt wonderful.

This solemn palace was a place where people lived, and Hazel was truly pleased to realize that. Well, a place where people lived… It was somewhat ironic that she realized that through the vampires.

 

* * *

 

Iskandar had a dream. He opened a box, and a spring-loaded jester popped out and hit him in the face. He tried putting it back, but it kept popping out. He put it back again, and it still popped out. He kept doing it endlessly until he woke up.

“Feeling unwell…”

It was a nightmare he couldn’t understand. The aftertaste was quite unsettling.

Wanting to shake it off quickly, he got up abruptly. There was a good way to do that: to breathe in the fresh air and admire its state.

Iskandar opened the window wide, and as he did, he was taken aback. There, right in the middle of the grand courtyard, was that troublesome lump. He hadn’t doubted it would become more dilapidated than yesterday, but what on earth was this?

The large hole that had been gaping in the roof was miraculously patched up. The weathered exterior walls had been freshly painted. The heap of trash that had been piled up on one side had disappeared, and in its place, a neatly stacked pile of firewood proudly stood, ready for the next two weeks. 

“What on earth!” 

The Emperor’s cry echoed through the silent bedroom. 

Iskandar looked down, utterly astonished. In doing so, he made a discovery. A knight with red hair was strolling lazily with her hand in her pocket. It was Luis, who had entered the palace much earlier than usual. 

“Luis!” 

He called out to his friend. 

“Come up here quickly and see!” 

A moment later, Luis had climbed up. Iskandar pulled her over to the window.

“Look at that! That house! Wasn’t it a lung just until yesterday?” 

Luis blinked her eyes. 

“Huh? Was it like that?” 

“Cayenne said so! There was a hole in the roof! It was patched up with boards, but it broke, and it got completely torn open!” 

“Well, I’m not sure. Seriously, I have no idea?” 

Luis shrugged playfully, disengaging from the bewildered Emperor and slipping away. 

She stood proud. The subordinates had just played around fixing up an empty house. It wasn’t a big deal. Well, whatever. 

Luis grinned.

With the notion of acting autonomously in mind, she secretly followed to see if they would immediately rush in and beg for food. But to her surprise, what happened was quite different. 

In the darkness, the subordinates stealthily cleared trash, chopped firewood, and repaired the roof, all while concealing their presence. When the straw-hatted girl came out, they discreetly infiltrated and repaired the inside of the house as well. 

The Knights of Britannia always repay a kindness. They had adhered to the principle that the leader always emphasized. This realization once again made Luis proud, as she thought she hadn’t taught her subordinates wrong after all.

With light steps, she entered the grand garden beside the Imperial Palace. She followed the well-tended walking path that the palace gardeners had meticulously cared for. In the distance, the water jets of the fountain sparkled transparently. 

A refreshing breeze rustled gently. Beneath the branches of spring, which resembled curtains of pale green, a small house appeared beyond the fence.

Passing through the sunlit garden, Luis entered indoors. There was no one beyond the slightly ajar door. Where could she have gone? She hesitated, looking around. 

Finally, after coming back outside and wandering about, she spotted her. The straw-hatted girl was approaching, carrying a large wooden water bucket in both hands. She paused for a moment to rest her arms before continuing. Luis quickly went over there.

“Why is this water bucket left on the pathway? I should take care of it.”

Luis lifted the water bucket swiftly. Hazel was startled.

“Commander Luis!”

Meeting unexpectedly, it was truly a pleasant surprise. She thought she might never see her again. Although she wanted to tell the leader of the Holy Flame Knights about the exciting events of the previous night, she decided to leave it, thinking she probably already knew…

“In the griffin-head fountain inside the maze garden, you can get clean water!” 

Luis shared another cheerful story.

“That’s great!” 

Luis slapped her thigh towards the straw-hatted girl. Just looking at the hat now made the rigid tone of the knight leader automatically fade away. It was similar to how one found themselves speaking in a high-pitched voice to their pets back at home. 

Before going indoors, she paused at the small herb garden in the backyard. She pulled out some chicory to make space beside an empty patch. Next to where Hazel had sowed seeds, tender shoots were already pushing through the soil, lifting their heads.

Well done. Well done.

Hazel gave everyone a gentle pat before glancing at Luis. She asked in a hushed tone, 

“By the way, what time does the rigorous training start today? Straw Hat is curious.”

Poor thing.

Luis thought. The truth was, she had come at the break of dawn just to inform her. No matter how they put it, the situation of the vampire hybrids like the Vampire and the snake-human hybrids relentlessly pressuring for food and then leaving after messing things up must be stressful.

Luis spoke to the straw-hatted girl, 

“We don’t do that anymore.”

Hazel flinched.

“Why? Did His Majesty the Emperor cancel it?”

“Well, you see…”

Luis hesitated slightly before speaking, 

“Could you convey this to your master? It wasn’t an order from His Majesty. It was my order. I thought it was the right thing to do. But now I understand. Since Marronnier Farm has a legitimate reason to be here, we shouldn’t pressure you to disappear.”

“Is that so? That’s a relief…” 

Hazel’s gaze dropped.

“Anyway, it seems the training has come to an end.”

Luis emphasized again, oblivious to Hazel’s disappointment.

“It’s completely over! Make sure to convey that!” 

She turned around, but just as she did, a comment came from behind her. 

“By the way, you left a piece of tart behind yesterday.”

Luis froze in her tracks. Before she knew it, she was seated at the table. Hazel had gathered the roasted chicory powder, shaking it out as if there wasn’t enough. She then took out a piece of apple tart she had kept carefully.

Luis stared as if entranced. The delicious juices had seeped even more overnight, giving it a lustrous sheen. Imagining the crisp bite of the well-baked edges and the burst of May apples as she chewed, her mouth involuntarily watered. Moreover, today, there was a sprinkling of white powdered sugar on the golden tart. The sight was irresistibly enchanting.

“I found powdered sugar. It was wedged between a bundle of sausages and a jar of dried tomatoes, you know.”

Hazel said.

She couldn’t resist her curiosity about how the powdered sugar would melt on top of the sweet and tangy pie. Luis quickly cut a piece and put it in her mouth. As the flavor spread through her mouth, she closed her eyes.

“I’m really happy!”

She shivered.

“Are you crazy? How could you leave this behind and walk away yesterday?”

“Stop teasing me now.”

Hazel looked at Luis.

“I realized that being happy, if there’s something that makes you happy, it’s the right thing in the world. You must never let it go. When I left the farm against my will when I was eight, I swore I wouldn’t do that again.”

“Right, right. Those are true words.”

Luis vigorously nodded and savored every last bite of the tart.

That evening…

Returning to her residence on 2nd Street feeling worn out, Luis unsheathed her sword. She changed out of her formal uniform adorned with medals and into a soft silk indoor outfit. It was a moment that seemed to question when she had ever looked like a man, returning to the time of her twenty-two-year-old noblewoman self.

Sitting at the vanity, Luis combed her red hair with a golden comb, lost in thought.

She needs to repay her as well. Not just the people within the palace, but also Count Albert, the subordinate knights — everyone has repaid her. And she can’t just let this Luis Gayardo slide.

As she pondered deeply, an idea came to her. She quickly went to her desk. A while later, the housekeeper, who had come to draw the curtains, was surprised. The girl who had only wielded a sword since childhood was now sitting at the desk, surrounded by piles of books. Ink stains smeared across her hands, muttering battlefield-learned profanities whenever her hand got dirty, she was diligently writing something.

The housekeeper stared in bewilderment for a while.

The next day, Luis visited Marronnier Farm once again. Hazel, who had been cleaning a pot smeared with brick dust, suddenly stood up.

“Commander Luis! Are you hungry?”

“It’s not that…”

Luis spun around, facing the straw hat hanging on the wall. She said, 

“How about we go and have some fun this Sunday? I’ll show you all the landmarks in the capital. We can buy pretty ribbons in the shopping district, explore the cafe street, take a cruise on the river, try the famous seafood dishes and ice cream of the capital, and enjoy the night view from the tower! Here, I’ve planned everything down to the hour!”

She extended a bundle of paper she had written on tirelessly throughout the night.

But Hazel…

“No.”

 

Without even looking at the plan, she flatly refused.

Luis Gayardo, rejected?

It was the first time something like this had happened. So taken aback, Luis forgot she had to address the straw hat and shouted:

“You don’t like pretty ribbons?”

“No.”

“Then you dislike cafes, river cruises, seafood, ice cream, and night views?”

“No.”

“Then why are you refusing?”

“There are still fields that need to be plowed. I have to plow them on Sunday.”

“…”

Luis felt defeated. 

To lose to farming of all things!

Feeling lost and not knowing what to do, she blurted out:

“Can I help with the plowing then?”

“Sure!”

The reply came back in an instant.

Luis realized:

Ah, this is how it works.

A bright smile appeared on her pale face after a sleepless night.