Chapter 30

Though she was used to sleeping late after working until dawn and waking around noon, today she had overslept even more because of a nightmare.

Natalianne slipped on her slippers and dragged her feet toward the window. She pulled open the heavy curtains.

With a light rustle, sunlight poured in, and her gaze drifted unconsciously toward the garden.

She’s not there.

A dry laugh slipped out before she realized.

Was I… looking for that woman?

‘No.’

Clicking her tongue, she closed the curtains again and tugged the bell cord.

While waiting for a servant to come, she stretched her arms wide and yawned.

Knock knock.

At the sound of knocking, she pulled on the black veil resting on her desk and answered flatly.

“Come in.”

But several seconds passed, and the door still didn’t open.

What now?

Her nerves tensed as she thought she heard shuffling from the other side.

Annoyance surged.

“What are you doing? I said come in!”

“Yes!”

The double doors burst open, and someone shouted brightly.

“Surprise!”

Pop! Pop!

Ribbons and flower petals burst into the air, fluttering down over her bed, veil, and nightgown.

Natalianne stared blankly at the colorful petals scattered over her dull bedding before she suddenly turned her head and sneezed.

“Achoo! Achoo!”

“Oh dear, are you alright?”

Someone hurried over and began plucking ribbons and bits of paper from her hair.

Natalianne covered her mouth with her sleeve and instinctively swatted the hand away.

“What do you think you’re— Achoo!”

“A welcome party for your return, Miss!”

“…W-what?”

Behind the beaming Melissa, servants exchanged uneasy glances before clapping awkwardly.

“Welcome back, Lady Natalianne!”

The butler wiped sweat from his forehead as Natalianne glared at him with icy precision.

“I told you… not to come in.”

“But it’s a surprise party!”

“Yay!”

Melissa smiled wide and held out a brightly colored sheet of paper.

“A rolling paper!”

“A… what?”

“It’s a message board! Everyone in the estate wrote letters to welcome you. Those who couldn’t write, I helped them.”

Melissa giggled shyly. Natalianne stared up at her, her face twisting.

“Who would ever want—”

“Oh, right!”

Melissa suddenly dashed toward the door and rolled in a large covered cart.

“Alright, are you ready?”

Her secretive tone froze Natalianne mid-gesture. Then Melissa lifted the silver lid in one motion.

Whoosh!

A thick cloud of white steam billowed out, filling the room.

An ambush?

Natalianne’s eyes narrowed sharply.

But through the mist, an orange-haired figure suddenly leaped forward.

“Surprise!”

“Ahh!”

Natalianne shrieked as heart-shaped confetti rained down on her once more.

“Achoo! Achoo!”

Still sneezing uncontrollably, she blinked through the haze as Melissa clapped her hands gleefully.

“A double surprise! I got the idea from Shilen when we found a double-layered box together!”

A… what?

“Achoo!”

While Natalianne sniffled in confusion, the mist thinned, revealing the cart clearly.

“Welcome home, Miss!”

“…?”

Natalianne stopped sneezing and stared, bewildered.

The cart was stacked high with lavish food that could rival a banquet feast.

“Is this… really a party?”

“Of course! Oh, and this is fried food I made myself. Did you like the last one I gave you?”

…No way.

Her eyes trembled.

Was this truly a party to welcome her?

Something her own family had never once done… and that woman had?

Her lips quivered, and she bit them hard.

…No.

Her nails dug painfully into her palm.

‘I won’t fall for it.’

Never.

She slowly raised her head.

Even with her face hidden by the veil, the cold glint in her eyes made every servant and the butler pale.

“Get out.”

“Excuse me?”

Melissa blinked, startled, but Natalianne’s voice rose sharply.

“Get out right now!”

“Ah, yes!”

Melissa quickly motioned for everyone to leave and was about to follow when she paused, holding the door half-closed.

“Of course. You probably prefer to eat breakfast alone and slowly. I got carried away. The Magic Tower is very far, right? You must be tired from traveling, so please eat the porridge and vegetables first, okay?”

“I don’t need a nanny—”

“Then, see you later!”

Smiling brightly, Melissa vanished behind the door.

…What was that.

Even after the door shut, Natalianne stood frozen for several seconds.

The room was empty again.

The noisy chaos from moments ago felt like a dream.

But the sight before her proved otherwise. Delicate food was laid out on a silver cart, and colorful petals were scattered across the dull gray room.

Her teeth clenched. She lifted one leg.

“Th-this nonsense…!”

Grrrrowl.

Just as she was about to kick the cart, her stomach growled loudly.

The sound was so deep it might have echoed through the mountains if they were outside. Her face flushed red.

She glanced around quickly. No one.

“…Damn it.”

She glared down at her stomach.

But really, her stomach had a point.

She hadn’t eaten anything since yesterday evening, then slept through half the next day. Of course she was starving.

“Ugh.”

Running her fingers through her long hair in irritation, she hooked her foot under the cart and pulled it closer.

‘She said I should start with porridge and vegetables.’

Like I care.

Defiantly, she grabbed the nearest plate.

Crunch.

The crisp sound filled her mouth.

‘…What is this?’

She glanced down. It was round. Perfectly round.

No way.

“…A cicada?”

Her pupils widened.

If her eyes weren’t deceiving her, that was exactly what she had just eaten, a fried cicada.

But.

She stared at it for a moment, then popped another into her mouth.

It was crispy, nutty, and strangely savory.

‘This tastes familiar.’

Sucking her fingers thoughtfully, she realized it tasted a bit like shrimp she’d once eaten near the sea.

Her gaze drifted toward the steaming bowl of porridge on the cart.

The savory smell from the fried food made her mouth water.

She swallowed.

This was her choice.

Not because of that woman, but because she wanted to.

She reached out and scooped a spoonful of porridge.

After blowing on it gently, she took a small bite.

“…Not bad.”

The mild flavor suited her perfectly.

The chef’s name was Bamel, wasn’t it?

The soft texture and warmth soothed her hunger and relaxed her body.

…He’s good.

Had he been here last time she visited?

How many years ago was that again?

“Who cares.”

She wasn’t old enough to keep track of such things.

Eighteen-year-old Natalianne snorted softly and lifted the bowl to her lips, drinking the porridge in big gulps.

It had cooled just enough to slide down easily.

Ahh.

She wiped her mouth with satisfaction and reached for another dish.

Maybe a sandwich next.

Before she knew it, a faint smile tugged at her lips as she reached for more.

It had been a long time since home-cooked food tasted this good.

* * *

“Hello there!”

The cheerful voice pierced her ears. Natalianne sighed and turned her head.

There stood the orange-haired woman, waving enthusiastically.

“Did you enjoy your meal?”

“…Well.”

It was fine. She didn’t say the rest out loud, only gave Melissa a quick glance and frowned.

“What are you wearing?”