Published: August 1, 2025
…Huh?
Startled, I looked up. Since I was still being held, I only shifted my gaze, but Lord Cyrus’s expression was serious, and he seemed to be glaring straight at Mr. Angelo.
“Lord Cyrus…?”
Mr. Angelo shrugged his shoulders, stroked his stubbly beard with his fingers, covered his mouth, and squinted his eyes.
“I was just engaging in a bit of small talk. Good morning, Lord Cyrus. Thank you for letting us use the guest room last night—”
“Marie, let’s go.”
Ignoring Mr. Angelo’s words, Lord Cyrus grabbed my hand and turned his back. Then, he started walking briskly.
“Lord Cyrus!? W-what’s the matter?”
I cried out in alarm and hurriedly slipped out of Lord Cyrus’s arm. But I was caught again, this time held even tighter.
“Um, Lord Cyrus, you said to wait outside? That was just a joke from Mr. Angelo. We were merely chatting— I was the one who started the conversation, and nothing rude was said.”
If anything, Lord Cyrus’s attitude was more disrespectful to Mr. Angelo. It was understandable to be wary last night, when they suddenly appeared demanding to use the guest room. But right now, it was simply impolite.
What’s wrong, Lord Cyrus? You’re not the type to act like this toward others.
Pulled along by Lord Cyrus’s hand, I glanced back over my shoulder at Mr. Angelo. He seemed unbothered and had resumed chopping firewood.
…We walked in silence for a while…
“Lord Cyrus! Lady Marie! Good morning!”
A cheerful voice greeted us as soon as we entered the inn, making me feel relieved.
“Good morning, Isaac. The hammock last night was wonderful, thank you.”
“That’s great! Now, breakfast is ready.”
On the living room table at Tender’s Inn, a lavish breakfast was laid out. Several kinds of bread, tomato soup, and fried fish were spread out generously. The Tender family had already started eating, but the landlady was bringing out more dishes as the portions dwindled.
“Eat as much as you like—first come, first served!”
Lord Cyrus raised his voice brightly, saying “Oh!” as he sat down at an empty seat.
“Looks delicious. Did you help, Isaac?”
“I just baked the bread, but it turned out tasty!”
His comment was neither modest nor boastful, which made us smile again.
…This definitely felt like breakfast was about to properly begin, but I wondered about the other two. When I asked Isaac, he said they had finished eating much earlier.
Lord Cyrus made no mention of them, instead piling a generous amount of cheese on his bread and taking a big bite.
“—Mmm! Delicious. Last time I came, I just helped serve, but now you’re cooking too. Kids grow up fast.”
…That’s the cheerful, usual Lord Cyrus. I decided not to worry about it anymore. I’d apologize to Mr. Angelo later.
I also enjoyed the Luhab breakfast.
Like last night, every dish was truly delicious. Not particularly fancy, but each ingredient must be of excellent quality. The vegetables especially were tasty! Even vegetables common in Dilz seemed to have a richer flavor here.
Simply roasted paprika with salt was exquisite. The orange juice after the meal was so good it almost brought tears to my eyes…!
Seeing me moved by every bite, Isaac beamed happily.
“Right? This is one of Luhab’s specialties. Blue skies, blue seas, white streets, and delicious food!”
“It really is delicious… It’s such a luxury to have so much fresh seafood. I thought this was only found in royal cuisine.”
When I said that, Lord Cyrus and the landlady all burst out laughing.
“Seafood is rare in Dilz. Most of the coast is steep cliffs, and there aren’t many fishing boats. The people of Luhab probably find the beef and dairy products from your homeland, the Chadelan Territory, more precious.”
When Lord Cyrus said that, the children’s eyes shone.
“Cows? Does Lady Marie’s home have lots of cows?”
“Yes—well, not my family’s, but the village had more cows than people. Also donkeys, sheep, and goats.”
“Donkeys? Sheep?”
The children tilted their heads in confusion. Seeing their reaction, I had the same question, and Lord Cyrus explained.