DSPT 19

Chapter 19

Grrrk…

I couldn’t exactly yell at my stomach to shut up, so all I could do was feel my face burning red as I barely managed to continue my words.

“D-dinner.”

“Yes, I’ll have it brought up to your room right away.”

Thankfully, the maid was quick on the uptake and moved promptly. Truly, capable people always seemed to understand things with just a glance.

As expected, people working in good places always have sharp awareness.

Not long after, steaming dishes began to arrive in my room. This—this was practically the luxury hotel room service I had never once received in my previous life!

As the food was set one after another on the table in the center of the room, I couldn’t stop the satisfied smile spreading across my face.

“Am I really allowed to eat all of this by myself?”

“Oh, of course, Magician.”

Well, it was a question with an obvious answer. The clock already pointed past nine in the evening; everyone else must have finished dinner long ago.

“Then…”

The beautiful dishes seemed to be raising their hands, begging me to eat them first. Yes—“beautiful” was the only fitting word. In my previous life, I’d sometimes treat myself on payday by dining at a nice restaurant, as if giving a little reward to my overworked self.

But since transmigrating as Ethel, the only meals I’d had were in the Magic Tower’s cafeteria. They weren’t bad, but they weren’t abundant either. They were, in a word, exactly like a company cafeteria.

So facing this dazzling array of food—each plate plated so exquisitely I didn’t know where to start—made me genuinely happy.

“Thank you for the meal!”

“Eat as much as you like.”

“!”

Wait—when did he get here?!

Just as my fork was about to pierce the crispy golden skin of the fish, I heard that familiar voice. Of course, it was Licht. After all, who else could it be in this prince’s palace?

“You must’ve been tired. You slept quite a long while.”

Licht walked casually into my room as he spoke. The sky-blue silk shirt he wore draped perfectly over his broad shoulders. His hair still damp—he must have just come from a bath.

I was so used to seeing him in uniform that this relaxed look felt strangely unfamiliar.

“Now that you’re awake, I suppose we can dine together.”

My eyebrow twitched involuntarily. Wait a second. The maid just told me I could eat this all by myself.

But of course, that was just my inner voice. This was the owner of the palace—if he wanted to join me, what could I possibly say? I forced a calm smile onto my face.

“Y-yes, of course, Your Highness!”

Anyway, the portions looked generous enough. And if it wasn’t enough, surely they’d just bring more?

“…I’m joking. I’ve already eaten. Enjoy it all yourself.”

Seriously?! Who jokes about food like that! Wait—did I really look that unwilling to share? I didn’t think I was that bad.

What, do I look like I starved back in the Tower or something?

“…It’s fine if you’d like to have some too.”

I scratched my nose awkwardly as I muttered. Licht sat naturally across from me at the table.

“……”

It felt exactly like when a boss says, “I’m not eating, you go ahead,” and then just sits there watching you. Fork already in hand, it was too late to stop—but the intensity of his gaze made it hard to continue eating.

But if I delayed any longer, my stomach would definitely growl again. So, dignity be damned, I cut into the crispy fish skin and popped it into my mouth.

And the taste was…

Divine.

So delicious! If I had been at home in my previous world—or even alone right now—I would’ve jumped up and down in pure joy. My hands moved faster and faster.

“I’m glad the food suits your taste.”

“It’s amazing!”

Maybe it was just the joy of having luxurious food again, but I couldn’t stop myself from answering with a huge smile. Honestly, who wouldn’t like food this delicious?

Watching my face carefully, Licht murmured,

“I’ll have to reward the head chef of the palace.”

“Yes, Your Highness. I’ll relay your words immediately.”

Wow. So they even give rewards to chefs here? What a wonderful system—giving recognition to the person who makes such delicious food.

Before I knew it, the main dish—the perfectly grilled fish—and the pasta-like dish were completely gone. My fork now advanced toward dessert.

“…The Magic Tower’s meals…”

“Yes?”

“They weren’t… lacking, were they?”

Oh no. Was it because I attacked the food too eagerly? I waved my hands quickly.

“Not at all! They were healthy, but we always had three full meals!”

“…Hmm.”

Unfortunately, he didn’t look convinced. But really—it’s not like the food was terrible! It was at least a little better than my company cafeteria back in my old world! I hurried to explain.

“As you know, the Tower isn’t exactly strapped for funds, right?”

“That’s true.”

The Tower received enormous sponsorships from the empire and nobles, and Melize herself had vast personal wealth thanks to patents and fame. She could live idly for generations without worry.

“It’s just that I haven’t had much fine food like this before.”

Now that I said it out loud, it did sound a little pitiful. But it wasn’t a lie—Ethel hadn’t.

“Before coming to the Tower, I lived in a small village where dishes like this were unheard of.”

Also true.

“So I guess I just got excited and ate too quickly, seeing such delicious and pretty food! Haha!”

Licht’s expression grew faintly complicated. I’d been trying to avoid any misunderstanding that Melize was mistreating me, but maybe I just made myself look pitiable instead.

Ugh. Whatever. If I explain more, it’ll just dig the hole deeper.

Hoping the subject would end there, I focused intently on cutting the strawberry garnish from the last slice of cake.

“……”

A short while later, the plates were completely empty, leaving the table spotless. I sipped the drink set beside me and set down my fork, signaling I was finished.

The attendants swiftly cleared the table and replaced it with a warm teapot.

As tea was poured into our cups, Licht sat in silence, staring into his with a thoughtful look. And me? I was busy admiring him.

Handsome really is the best.

The strongest in the world, the male lead of this story—Licht’s beauty only seemed to grow sharper each day. And tonight, with that slightly disheveled look, wearing a silk shirt that showed the hard lines of his chest—

Focus, focus! Don’t stare weirdly!

Ahem.

“You may have such meals whenever you like. Just say the word.”

Yep. I must’ve looked way too desperate while eating. Embarrassment washed over me.

“Thank you.”

But still, it was nice to hear. And honestly, why not enjoy it while I could? Out there, I’d never again taste the luxuries of the prince’s palace.

Exactly. Even if you’re a servant, better to serve in a grand household, right?

In my previous life, I failed at that… but at least in this one, I managed to succeed! A strangely convincing comfort.

“Lellia.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

At Licht’s call, a maid with brown hair stepped forward. Earlier, he had told me to rest, but my stomach had growled so loudly I’d skipped introductions.

I’ve asked her for so many things without even greeting her properly…

Feeling guilty, I shot her a bright, friendly smile.

“From now on, if you need anything, tell Lellia. Consider her your personal maid.”

“…A personal maid?”

Wasn’t that a bit much? For a mere commoner apprentice mage, and one who’d only be here temporarily? I was used to taking care of myself—both in my past life and in the Tower.

The maid—Lellia—bowed gracefully, her movements refined in a way no commoner could match.

“Yes. Though I may be lacking, I will serve you, Magician. Please call me Lellia.”

Is this how they treat every guest in the palace?

I had no idea what was normal here. But when the prince himself told me to accept it, how could I refuse? I could only nod obediently.

“Yes, Miss Lellia. I’ll be in your care!”