Chapter 73
Niflheim’s estate was bustling with activity.
The imperial family was visiting, and not just anyone, but a prince himself!
Even though it was the youngest prince, not the Emperor, Amber meticulously attended to every detail of the welcome, ensuring proper courtesy.
Despite most of the budget being allocated to rebuilding the villages of the North, leaving little for extravagances, Amber’s good taste and the maids’ skills made up for it.
Moreover, the camellias from Camellia Mountain were still in full bloom.
Amber decided to bring a whole camellia tree to decorate the banquet hall. While it might not be as lavish as the flower arrangements in Shadroch or the imperial palace in Asgarden, the pink camellias could still lend an elegant charm.
“Right, tie a white ribbon there. Weave it through the camellias.”
“Like this?”
“Yes. You’re quite talented.”
The process of decorating the interior allowed Amber to grow closer to the maids. With that, she even remembered the names of those who stood out.
It was unclear how long the prince planned to stay, but if it were for a few months, a dedicated ‘banquet hall decorating team’ would be necessary, as Amber couldn’t oversee everything herself.
“How’s the kitchen doing?”
“All the ingredients have been stocked. The pies and other pastries are resting as we speak.”
“Ah, good. Just a bit more effort, please. Betty.”
But preparing for the banquet was only part of the challenge.
Would the prince arrive alone? No, his entourage of knights would also need feeding. Yet, the real issue wasn’t them—meat dishes would suffice. It was their companions that posed a problem.
Specifically, the priests.
The vegetarian priests of Asgarden were a significant concern.
‘If this were Shadroch, it wouldn’t be a problem, but this is Niflheim. Where are the vegetables? Where is the fruit?’
Rubbing her forehead, Amber sighed deeply.
Thankfully, preparations were somehow coming together.
“I’ve never had to do this in my past life…”
Muttering to herself as she left the banquet hall while clutching her throbbing head, Amber suddenly felt someone gently grasp the hem of her dress.
Startled, Amber turned around to find a small boy with something important on his mind.
“Jason, what is it?”
She immediately crouched to meet the boy’s eye level.
Hesitantly, Jason pulled something from behind his back and presented it.
“This!”
“This? It’s bread. Why didn’t you eat it?”
“Give. Make happy.”
Though his explanation was drastically simplified, Amber understood what he was trying to say.
“Did you bring this because you thought I looked upset? You would have wanted to eat it, right?”
As Amber spoke, Jason nodded vigorously.
Since being brought to the castle, Jason had followed her around like a chick.
Feeding him well had improved his condition noticeably; he looked healthier and slightly more childlike.
“Eating makes happy.”
“Right, it does. Shall we share it then?”
“…No. Must eat all to be happy.”
Jason hadn’t learned formal speech yet.
Amber didn’t want to press him into learning it or to force anything on him, instructing those around him not to demand too much of him either.
What importance does formalities do for a child? It’s best to let a child be a child.
Taking the bread, Amber gently stroked Jason’s hair.
“True, being full makes you happy. But sharing makes the heart glad.”
“Glad?”
“If we both eat half, it makes both of us glad because we enjoyed it together.”
“Hmm.”
Jason still seemed puzzled by the concept.
Silently, Amber cut the bread and offered him a piece.
He must have wanted to eat it, Jason quickly took the half piece of bread. He was adorably innocent.
However, there was a minor issue…
“Did the kitchen give you this bread?”
“Um…”
“Did you just take it?”
“There’s a lot. If there’s a lot, taking one is okay.”
That was it.
Stealing to survive. It was still ingrained in Jason’s behavior.
‘Bread was not served at breakfast. This type was specifically prepared in advance for the guests, so it was strange to see Jason with it.’
Even with good intentions, the approach must also be correct.
Amber took Jason for a walk in the garden, gently explaining the difference between right and wrong.
While it was uncertain how much he understood, Jason at least didn’t display any disrespect in front of her and seemed to listen.
Amber hoped that with continuous conversations, he would eventually understand.
“Just when I wondered where you were, you’re here with the Little Pea.”
Then, Igmeyer appeared behind them, wrapping his arms around Amber’s waist.
Amber was used to him approaching silently so she wasn’t startled, but Jason jumped in alarm.
“Tch, stop that!”
“Ah, seems like you’re enjoying life. Even knows how to curse. Little one.”
Discussion
0 CommentsReactions
No comments yet.