Chapter 33: Troubled Eyes

“This taste is unfamiliar, but it’s delicious.”

As I savored the stall food, they watched me with troubled expressions, as if they couldn’t help it, yet found it endearing.

Why am I always treated like a little child…

Even as I felt a slight dissatisfaction, my heart was dancing at my first experience with commoners’ food.

The spiced meat had a pleasantly sharp kick, combined with the fragrant smokiness of charcoal grilling.

The excess fat had been rendered away, making it quite delicious.

The baked sweets contained nuts, adding a nice texture.

The dough itself wasn’t very sweet, but the surface was coated with syrup or honey, releasing a soft aroma when bitten into.

Some even had herbs mixed in.

They were simple, yet clearly crafted with care.

If I added a bit more honey or sugar and mixed in something citrusy like orange peel, it would probably taste even better.

Come to think of it, in the game, giving sweets to a character increased affection, didn’t it?

The ones wrapped with pink ribbons and fancy packaging.

Homemade sweets gave a small boost, but giving their favorite treats increased it even more.

There were even paid items like special gifts or “love potions” that greatly raised affection.

If I remember correctly, Michaelis liked things like martial arts manuals or a fireproof cloak from a roc—practical things.

The princes, on the other hand, preferred luxurious items like malachite cufflinks.

I washed down the slightly dry texture in my mouth with tea and took another bite.

Yes… bliss.

“By the way, Michaelis, you faced someone named Veazo in the finals, didn’t you?”

“Yes.”

“His swordsmanship looked quite different from ours. What style was that?”

“I believe it’s close to a self-taught style. Among beastkin, including the wolf tribe, it’s common for individuals to hone their skills within their own clans.

Rather than formal training, they learn through combat and practice.”

“I see… that’s why it looked so unique.”

“If that had been a real battle rather than a match, even after losing his sword, Veazo would have fought back with claws and fangs.

Their magical abilities are inferior to ours, but their physical capabilities surpass us.

We can compensate with enhancement magic, but their true strength lies in night raids and ambushes, where our senses are less effective.

Their different sensory perception gives them a clear advantage.

The Sandis Kingdom isn’t openly hostile toward them now, but a century ago, conflicts were frequent.

In the end, large-scale magic overwhelmed them, and they resorted to guerrilla warfare.”

Michaelis spoke at length.

As someone who governed territory, he was well-versed in warfare.

His lands bordered other regions and had many monsters, so such threats were likely familiar to him.

“Although tensions have eased compared to the past, some still harbor resentment.

Due to their abilities, beastkin sometimes become assassins specializing in targeting humans.

It’s also a shared struggle among demi-humans—they often face discrimination and find it difficult to secure proper work outside their homelands.”

“Now that you mention it, the heckling during the finals was quite harsh.”

“It’s not something to be praised.

While it’s natural to support one’s own people, that doesn’t justify belittling others.”

“This was a swordsmanship tournament, and he met the participation requirements. There’s no reason for him to be criticized…”

Some people really have narrow hearts if they can’t appreciate that fluffy tail and those cute upright ears.

Well, wolf-type beastkin… should I call them the wolf tribe?

Even if I know wolves and dogs are different, that silhouette is unmistakably canine.

As an animal lover, my heart can’t help but stir.

But animals weren’t allowed in the mansion—dogs might bite, cats might scratch.

Still, Veazo fought honorably.

Some humans even used near-illegal magic tools, and some were disqualified for it.

“His technique was rough, but promising.”

Michaelis smiled—not the gentle one he showed me, but a more combative grin.

He must have acknowledged Veazo as a worthy opponent.

Jibril said it was a one-sided victory, but Michaelis seemed to have found something admirable in him.

Seeing him enjoy it made me smile too.

Even in my previous world, discrimination existed.

Here, it was based on social class and race.

Class differences were inevitable in any structured society.

As for me, a sheltered shut-in, I had little awareness of such things.

…Come to think of it, was Raven disliked because of his foreign appearance?

Dark skin wasn’t common in this kingdom.

Rejecting what is different is a common instinct among living beings.

I won’t force understanding, but I wish people wouldn’t blindly treat others as enemies.

At least keep some distance if there’s no harm.

“I’m looking forward to next year.”

“Yes… I hope next time, I can invite you properly.”

This time had been complicated because of Princess Elmedia.

Thankfully, we managed to drive her off, and the king promised to handle her.

Though the dreamy gazes from knights and maids still bothered me…

Perhaps it was because of Grandmother Sistina.

…But more importantly, would Father allow it?

If I asked to attend with him, he’d probably agree, but I hesitate to trouble him.

As I nibbled on a fried sweet, I noticed a slightly unusual smell in the oil.

Animal fat, perhaps?

This could be refined into something more noble…

Donuts.

I want to recreate those chewy donuts.

As I drifted into that thought, a hand gently took mine.

Before I realized it, our fingers were intertwined—like lovers.

Following that hand, I saw it belonged to Michaelis.

When I looked up, he smiled at me.

My thoughts froze.

My brain screamed not to realize what this meant.

Unable to even smile back, I averted my gaze and quietly ate my donut.

There’s no way I can win against Michaelis in this mode.

Wait… didn’t I reject him?

This was just an emergency situation because of a dangerous proposal…

Then why is he looking at me like that?

I’m basically a helpless girl under the Demon Duke’s protection.

A useless parasite with zero survival skills.

Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly felt his fingers trace mine.

Slowly, gently…

The motion was strangely sensual—almost sinful.

Startled, I looked at him, and he simply smiled calmly.

…His beauty is overwhelming.

Too dazzling.

I felt ashamed to even sit beside him.

Confusion turned into embarrassment and fear.

Cold sweat formed, and I began to tremble.

Noticing this, Michaelis released my hand with a small, wry smile.

Please don’t tease a shut-in like this… my fragile heart can’t handle it.

I hurriedly drank tea to calm myself.

I didn’t notice the way he watched me—

As if trying to understand something.

After the overwhelming tournament, I turned to writing recipes to clear my mind.

Specifically—chewy donuts.

Fortunately, thanks to my whims, soybean products were abundant in Lattiche territory.

Delicious food brings happiness.

No objections allowed.

Soy sauce, miso, tofu—all already developed.

Byproducts like soy milk and okara were also available.

Tofu is truly万能.

It can be used in meals and desserts alike.

Father quite likes tofu.

Apparently, he never cared much about food before, but my enthusiasm influenced him.

Missing out on good food is a loss in life.

I’m glad he indulges me.

Alright… this recipe should do.

I wonder when Julius will return.

Sebas is busy managing the estate.

I handed the recipe to the chef.

Better leave it to professionals.

Then I practiced making Father’s birthday cake.

I do it almost every day.

The servants kindly eat my imperfect creations.

The ingredients are top-tier, and the chefs support me, so there are no major failures.

They’re all so kind.

The chefs are also planning Father’s birthday menu and even ask for my input.

“Since Father likes tofu, perhaps tofu steak would be nice.”

At my casual remark, the chefs’ eyes gleamed intensely.

S-scary!

They slowly approached, full of enthusiasm.

Anna smacked them away with a rolled mat.

“Please keep your distance. The young lady will write it down later.”

“I-I was just surprised…”

“Even if you forgive them, others won’t.”

Ah… yes.

Father, for example.

Definitely Father.

I continued writing recipes.

My knowledge from my previous life is my only weapon.

If I ever fall to commoner life, this knowledge would be valuable.

But it’s risky.

I might be exploited.

…I’m not confident in navigating that.

Maybe a convent life is better.

Still, Julius said he’d chase me to the ends of the earth.

…I can’t escape him.

I looked up at the sky.

Wait… am I completely stuck?

Would I just be dragged back home immediately?

And then lectured endlessly by Julius?

He’s surprisingly persistent…

Just imagining it is exhausting.

No—never give up!

There must still be time… right?

But if nothing happens, then all my efforts were pointless?

Lucas, the first major ruin flag…

He attacked me unilaterally.

I never even spoke to Renaria.

Then… am I the victim?

Kishtarial dislikes Renaria and protects me.

Other characters barely know me.

Everything has changed too much.

What should I do?

Reveal that I’m reincarnated?

No one would believe that.

And more importantly—

Father loves “Albertina.”

If he found out I wasn’t her…

He would hate me.

Just imagining his cold gaze makes my blood freeze.

I would lose everything—my place, my meaning.

In the end… I’m selfish.

I wanted to be a good girl.

I wanted to be needed.

I wanted to be Father’s “Albertina.”

Even if it means deceiving him…

I can’t stop now.

So please—

Let me continue this act until the very end.

As Father’s “Albertina.”