Melting your Precious Heart

Chapter 10 - Inventions

When we first crossed paths, she may have appeared somewhat aloof, wrapped in an air of mystery that kept her at a distance. However, as I began to spend more time with her, a different side emerged, and it became increasingly clear to me that she embodied the very essence of royalty. It was crucial for me to delve deeper into understanding her nature beneath that refined exterior. As we shared moments together, I was fortunate enough to catch glimpses of her true self—a radiant smile that could light up a room, a depth of thought and maturity that belied her years, and a steadfast sense of responsibility that could not be ignored. She took her royal duties seriously, approaching her role not with a sense of entitlement but with a determined resolve that demanded respect from those around her.

There was a particularly memorable moment when I felt the weight of my own mistakes pressing down on me so heavily that I feared I might find myself facing imprisonment for an error in judgment. Yet, in an unexpected twist, she chose the path of forgiveness—a gracious act that opened my eyes to the strength of her character and the unyielding compassion with which she governed her interactions. To my surprise, she even accepted my somewhat unorthodox proposal, which only served to deepen my admiration for her. She was undeniably a princess, but she was also a person of remarkable substance, and this realization filled me with a profound respect for her.

After we finished enjoying the pancakes I had prepared, I made my way to the honored chamber where His Majesty awaited us. As the knight swung the grand door open, I was instantly taken aback by the sight that greeted me. Before me lay a magnificent elongated table, meticulously arranged and capable of seating no fewer than twenty esteemed guests. The table radiated elegance, each detail carefully crafted to evoke a sense of sophistication. Just as I was about to serve the pancakes I had made, His Majesty raised his hand to halt my movements. To my astonishment, he invited me to take a seat on his left side instead of serving.

As I settled into my designated place, my gaze fell upon Princess Eira, who was seated directly across from me. The warmth in her smile was inviting and contagious, prompting me to mirror her affection with a smile of my own. What transpired next felt monumental, a simple yet significant exchange in the opulent royal setting that surrounded us.

"Grandp—your Majesty, I believe that Mr. Borgon will be remembered in our history for his accomplishments," Princess Eira declared with a sincerity that rendered me momentarily speechless. Her words carried such weight; was she truly acknowledging my humble efforts in front of the king? To hear her suggest that I aim for the esteemed title of duke within the next six years was both overwhelming and invigorating.

"Oho, my little princess, you seem quite enamored with the inventions that young Borgon has created," His Majesty replied, a twinkle of pride in his eyes, as he poured honey over the pancakes in front of him.

"Indeed, these pancakes are delightful, but the fried rice has such an enticing aroma—it’s absolutely delicious!" Princess Eira gleefully noted, her enthusiasm palpable; however, it appeared that she mistakenly interpreted His Majesty's compliment as being directed solely towards my culinary skills.

Curiosity sparked within His Majesty, and he turned his attention to me, his intrigue apparent. "What’s this fried rice, young Borgon? How have I not come to know of it before?" he inquired, genuine interest illuminating his expression.

Feeling a rush of regret, I hastily responded, "I sincerely apologize, Your Majesty, for not bringing it to your attention sooner. This dish is one of my signature creations. You see, I noticed some leftover ingredients in the kitchen, along with day-old rice, and I decided to whip up some fried rice for breakfast since we found ourselves short on ingredients for the pancakes. The kitchen staff were kind enough to let me experiment with the leftovers, and I assure you, Your Majesty, I meant no disrespect to any existing laws or protocols I may not be aware of." As I explained myself, I noticed the kitchen staff present nodding in agreement, providing validation to my words.

At that moment, a sense of camaraderie filled the room. The exchange cultivated an atmosphere of warmth and community, allowing me to feel a renewed sense of belonging in this royal environment—a bond forged through honesty, creativity, and shared culinary appreciation. The kind words of Princess Eira and the sincere curiosity of His Majesty served as firm reminders that perhaps my journey within these palace walls was only just beginning. With that recognition came a wave of anticipation that coursed through me, filling my heart with hope for what lay ahead.

“So, this fried rice that you cooked with leftover ingredients was being praised by the princess of this kingdom. Care to tell me more about it?” His Majesty said, his eyes gleaming with interest. I took a deep breath, ready to detail the process of how I made the fried rice, each ingredient a little story of its own.

As I recounted my culinary adventure, the words flowed from my lips like steam rising from a pan. I described how I had transformed humble leftovers into a satisfying dish, using a mix of vegetables and spices to create a medley that could make any meal feel special. But I didn’t stop at the fried rice. I felt encouraged to share more about the culinary creations from my home on Earth, the flavors and dishes I hold dear in my heart.

I spoke of savory stir-fries, comforting stews, and vibrant salads, each one evoking memories of family gatherings and enjoyable meals shared with friends. His Majesty listened intently, clearly captivated by the tales of each dish. After I finished, I could see the spark of interest in his eyes. “I want you to create a recipe for each one of these delightful dishes,” he said with an air of authority.

I nodded, feeling quite honored. “Of course, Your Majesty, I would be delighted to do so,” I replied, feeling the weight of the responsibility yet also the joy of sharing my culinary heritage. I knew that these dishes were not solely mine; they belonged to the culture that had nurtured them. If this new world could put its own twist on them, then I would be more than happy to see that happen. After all, it was His Majesty’s order, and it felt only right to obey such a request from the king.

Once our conversation about the dishes came to a close, His Majesty finished his pancakes, savoring every bite, and then turned to me. “Please wait in the main hall,” he instructed. Though I felt a delightful fullness from the fried rice, a kind of meal that fills not just the belly but also the soul, I couldn’t refuse the majestic invitation to dine. However, I humbly declined, feeling it would be more appropriate not to take up space at the royal table when my appetite was satisfied.

As I carefully made my way out of the dining area, lost in thought about the recipes I’d soon be crafting for His Majesty, I suddenly felt a hand cover my eyes. Startled, I asked, “Who is it?” but received no reply. My instinct was to remove the hand, but in doing so, my nose caught a whiff of a sweet fragrance that instantly connected me to someone special. It was the unmistakable scent of Princess Eira.

Few people in the castle were close enough to me that I could identify them simply by smell, but the princess’s sweetness lingered in the air like a gentle breeze. I knew that the workers of the castle, though dedicated and hardworking, had a different kind of aroma: one marked by labor and toil, with hands worn from service. In contrast, Princess Eira’s hands were smooth and delicate, unblemished by the hard work of daily tasks. It occurred to me then that while the princess was certainly diligent in her own rights, her beauty and grace were, in part, thanks to the gentle life she led, surrounded by luxury and care.

As I stood there, momentarily blinded and surprised by this playful encounter, I couldn’t help but smile, eager for whatever interaction lay ahead.