IGMDSML 14

Chapter 14

“Nanny, should I put this here?”

“Ah! Yes. Place it there, and then we can move the charcoal over.”

In the late afternoon, an outdoor table had been set up in the garden’s back area.

Jeffrey carried a large drum and the grill, while Maricel and Abelyn brought the prepared meats, vegetables, and seasonings to the table.

As the food was arranged and the table gradually became abundant, Fleur occasionally showed that he wanted to help as well.

But who could possibly make the heir of the Grand Duke’s house do chores? Especially a child.

“Ah… I wish someone would help me place the cutlery…”

Reading Fleur’s mind, Maricel muttered aloud near him, pretending to be troubled.

“Maricel! Me! I’ll help!”

“Oh? Really? But… this is a little difficult…”

Maricel exaggerated her delight as if meeting an ally on a battlefield but emphasized that the task was not easy.

“No, it’s not difficult for me. I can do it well.”

Fleur’s confident eyes and voice left no doubt.

“Hmm… then I’ll trust the young master. Here you go.”

“Yes. Leave it to me.”

Fleur smiled fully and, wearing a serious expression, began placing the forks and knives on the table with determination.

Maricel knew he would handle it perfectly.

He was accustomed to proper dining etiquette and had handled such tasks smoothly at every meal.

Unlike them, Jeffrey and Abelyn froze at the sight.

To them, having the heir of the Grand Duke’s line involved in setting the table was shocking.

They feared that if the Grand Duke learned of it, he might become furious and impose severe punishment.

“Um… Nanny, if His Highness finds out that the young master is doing this…”

Abelyn spoke hesitantly, concerned.

But Maricel remained completely unconcerned.

“Don’t worry. Look at the young master’s face. See how much he’s enjoying this? Right now, he isn’t acting as the heir—he’s part of the cookie six. And I deliberately gave him this task. It’s for educational purposes.”

“……?”

Abelyn understood the first part but couldn’t quite grasp the “educational purposes” part.

“Really, don’t worry. If any problem arises, I will take full responsibility. Abelyn, you just enjoy yourself.”

Although Abelyn didn’t fully understand Maricel’s words, she trusted her and decided to enjoy the day.

“Yes. Then I’ll leave it to you, Nanny.”

Maricel smiled brightly, conveying that all they needed was to trust her.

The early summer breeze, the sky, the sunlight, and the company—everything was perfect.

At last, a modest yet elegant table was ready.

Because a child was present, only juice was prepared for drinks.

“Now we can call for Head Maid Mary and Butler Pour.”

Mary and Pour, who couldn’t be away for long, were to be summoned once everything was ready.

“Then I’ll go quickly get them.”

Abelyn raised her hand and began running.

“I’m leaving work early today.”

“What? Don’t your eyes see the piles of paperwork? No, you can’t.”

Morgan cut her off immediately.

Reno had assumed the answer would be no but tried anyway, just in case.

“I can see. Alright, I’ll go out for exactly two hours then.”

“For what do you need two whole hours?”

“To eat.”

“To eat? Two hours? Just eat here. There’s nowhere that cooks better than our house.”

“I know. The Grand Duke’s house is the best at everything. But if not today, I won’t get what I want.”

“What?”

Morgan looked at Reno, dumbfounded, as he casually mentioned something unrelated.

“Today. It’s the day Nanny Maricel treats the cookie six to their first salary. I heard she prepared something special. I’m going there to get a taste.”

Morgan was stunned. This irrelevant person, not even invited, planned to intrude.

“You have nothing to do with this. If you go, you’ll just be an uninvited guest.”

Reno replied casually:

“Maricel isn’t the kind to turn people away. She’ll probably welcome me. Unlike someone else, who can be cold.”

Reno’s behavior was getting increasingly audacious, but Morgan felt uneasy because Reno might be right.

Internally, he even hoped Maricel wouldn’t welcome Reno.

‘Do I want Maricel not to greet Reno? …Why?’

‘Because that Reno annoys me?’

Whenever Morgan heard Maricel’s name, he felt a spike of irritation.

Even when trying to figure out why he was so concerned when giving her the hairpin, he never found the answer.

Sometimes Reno could get under his skin, but usually, a simple tongue-click or calling him crazy would suffice.

Now, with Reno planning to stay near Maricel for two hours, Morgan’s mood twisted severely.

While Morgan brooded, Reno broke the silence and said teasingly:

“Alright then. I’m going. If you want a special meal today, come along!”

“Hah!”

Morgan muttered in disbelief.

‘Hah. This is maddening.’

He tried to focus on his paperwork, but it was futile. His eyes and hands remained glued to the same documents.

He couldn’t stop thinking about Reno and Maricel.

Previously, Reno had shown interest in Maricel, making it impossible for Morgan to focus.

“Haah. I also want a special meal today…”

Morgan pushed the papers aside, rested his elbows on the desk, and clasped his hands.

“Wait. I’m the one who allowed the cookies to be made, right? I’m the main contributor. I should go, not Reno. Why him?”

Morgan grumbled to himself but then rose from his seat.

‘I’m just checking if Fleur is alright and making sure Reno doesn’t do anything strange. It’s not for any other reason… it’s just part of managing staff and heirs. It’s my duty as head of the house….’

He emphasized that his purpose was official and left the office confidently.

Maricel placed the perfectly grilled pork belly on a plate using tongs and scissors.

Jeffrey, Mary, Pour, and Abelyn widened their eyes in surprise.

Scissors were for cutting cloth, not meat! They had never imagined using them for this.

Only now did Jeffrey understand why Maricel had asked them not to prepare a cutting board.

They tasted the meat her way—dipped in sauce, or wrapped in vegetables with grilled onions and garlic.

It was undeniably different from bacon or grilled meat from an oven. Crispy outside, juicy inside—a true delicacy.

“Nanny, how do you know this method? It’s so delicious.”

“Yes, I’ve never discovered such a taste at this age.”

Abelyn’s compliment prompted Mary to agree enthusiastically.

“I’ve never tasted anything like this either. What a special treat in life.”

Pour chimed in, and Jeffrey laughed heartily:

“I’ve proudly claimed to know many dishes with 40 years of kitchen experience, but now I must humbly pursue new recipes. Thank you, Nanny Maricel. You’ve introduced me to a new world of flavor.”

“Hohoho. You enjoy it, and that’s enough for me. Young Master, how about you?”

“I like it too, Maricel.”

“Chew thoroughly.”

As Maricel smiled, eyes folding beautifully, Abelyn suddenly stood.

“Huh?”

Everyone followed her gaze and turned their heads simultaneously.

Reno was approaching with his brown hair swaying, smiling broadly.

Pour quickly stood to meet him.

“Lord Reno, what brings you here…”

Reno waved his hand to dismiss concern.

“Oh, nothing, don’t be startled. I was just taking a walk to clear my head and was drawn here by the delicious smell and cheerful sounds. I noticed this special party—though I have no invitation…”

He played innocent, scratching his head.

“Oh, of course, you’re welcome. Lord Reno is a most welcome guest. Ah, let me… you can have my chair.”

As Maricel offered her chair, Pour stepped forward.

“Sit here for now. I’ll bring another chair.”

Before sitting, Reno whispered quietly to Pour, who nodded understandingly.

“Try some of this. It’s just perfectly grilled and tastes excellent.”

Maricel placed the meat on a plate for him, and Abelyn thoughtfully set out fresh utensils.

As Maricel explained how to eat, Reno couldn’t hide his admiration.

“Miss Maricel, I’ve never tasted anything like this. How did you learn this method? Incredible! The more I know you, Nanny, the more I admire you.”

“Huh?”

Maricel was caught off guard by the last compliment.

“Reno.”

Then, a stern voice sounded, warningly.

Everyone except Reno stopped and slowly turned toward the sound.

It was the head of the Grand Duke’s household—Morgan.

They were shocked by the unexpected guest.

But Reno seemed to have expected him, smirking confidently.

“…Your Highness?”

Maricel was the first to speak.

“Your Highness, what brings you here? Ah! Did you also come like Lord Reno, to clear your head and wander here…?”

Maricel remembered Reno’s earlier comment and asked.

“Most likely. Our Highness probably came out to refresh his mind and was drawn here just like I was.”

Reno chuckled as if amused, preempting her reply.