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Despite being close to commoner’s taste, they joyfully eat it, so it feels rewarding for me to prepare the meal.
Today’s menu consists of vegetable stew, freshly baked bread, and pan-fried fish made with seasonal ingredients from the capital.
Considering that it was a special occasion, I prepared a white wine, although it’s an inexpensive one with a strong acidity, it has a refreshing taste.
Observing Reynaldo, who surprisingly had a high alcohol tolerance, and Alberto, who easily became flushed after drinking, I opted for water.
“I always feel this way, but Marie’s cooking is truly delicious. I can no longer be satisfied with meals at the palace.”
“Yes, that’s right. I would love to have her teach the palace staff how to make it.”
The genuine compliments from Reynaldo and Alberto were a common occurrence in our daily lives, and they never felt like mere flattery.
At first, I was embarrassed, but as it became a part of our daily routine, I grew accustomed to it.
“Because my father is a gourmet, I’ve learned to prepare a wide variety of dishes.”
“Your father has excellent taste.”
Reynaldo smiles with a cheerful expression, expressing his desire to meet my father, but as someone who has already glimpsed his true nature, I responded with a smile, tactfully avoiding the subject.
“How is Prince Risel doing?”
I haven’t seen Prince Risel, who will become the king after the coronation ceremony, since the day of the rebellion.
I’ve only heard that Prince Risel, who is likely busier than anyone else, is tirelessly working on his duties within the palace, to the point where there are concerns about his health.
“Yes, that’s correct. Although his schedule is demanding, he does make sure to take occasional breaks. Once the coronation ceremony is completed, he should have a chance to rest a little.”
Alberto, with his cheeks flushed, responds.
“By the way, he also sends his regards to Marie.”
“I see. I hope he takes care of his health and doesn’t push himself too hard.”
It might be a good idea to write a letter to him at an opportune time.
While pondering over such matters, I noticed that my brother had returned as the doors of the mansion swung open.
“I’m home! Oh, Duke Rose and McClain-sama. Have you come again?”
This attitude.
“I hope I’m not causing any inconvenience.”
“I apologize for the intrusion, Lord Edigma.”
Taking off the coat he was wearing, my brother casually hung it on a chair, so I reluctantly stood up and picked up the coat that was about to slip off.
“Marie, here.”
While hanging the coat on the wall’s coat rack, I was handed a letter.
“What’s this?”
“This was given to me by Prince Risel. You… Even though it’s inappropriate enough to have a connection with these two, you’ve even formed a close relationship with the prince?”
Even though it’s a letter from an inappropriate person for our family, the letter he took out from his pocket is only slightly crumpled. I can’t comprehend my brother’s actions.
For now, I accepted the letter and informed Reynaldo and Alberto, who were looking at me with concern, that I needed to leave my seat. Then, I made my way to the bedroom.
I had been using one of the bedrooms in my brother’s small estate as my own room.
The letter was in the same envelope as the ones I used to receive when I served as a maid in the Knights’ Corps.
I retrieve a letter opener from the desk drawer and carefully open the envelope.
Inside, there is a single piece of letter paper.
Upon opening it, I found my name written at the top in neatly crafted handwriting.
As I read the letter, which began with polite greetings, I couldn’t help but feel nervous, fearing that I would be questioned about the truth that I had kept hidden from Prince Risel for so long.
I have yet to tell him that I am the reincarnation of Rosemary.
However, given his observant nature, he might have some inkling about it, seeing my interaction with Reynaldo during that occasion.
But we haven’t had the opportunity to meet and talk since the rebellion, so I haven’t had the opportunity to bring it up.
Given that I had been asked to explain the situation, I had intended to respond with the truth if asked about it in the letter.
“Huh?”
The letter explicitly mentioned that there was no need to discuss that matter.
[I can only speculate that there are some incomprehensible reasons behind it. I don’t want to burden you with anything. Please keep it in your heart. I, too, will not inquire about the truth from you.]
And finally, the letter concludes with a courteous farewell.
[I will strive to fulfill my responsibilities as the future king so that you can have a peaceful and comfortable life. Please take good care of yourself. I sincerely wish for your well-being and contentment.]
After finishing reading Prince Risel’s letter, I let out a sigh.
The fact that his letter didn’t mention his usual affection at all made me wonder what it meant.
Somehow, though, I had a vague sense of understanding.
I also became aware of the absence of a certain sentence that had been consistently included in the letters I had received.
Every time, he would include the somewhat embarrassing line “With my heartfelt feelings for you” at the end of his letters.
In other words, that’s what it means.
“Thank you… Prince Risel.”
It’s ridiculous to express gratitude to a letter, but I couldn’t help but say it.
It’s unlikely that I’ll receive another letter from Prince Risel.
I cherished the final letter and safely tucked it away in a drawer.