Chapter 56

“Enter.”

Leaning on her chin, the responder was none other than Princess Delia, the first princess of the Elphas Kingdom.

Bowing their head, the visitor entered and presented tribute before the princess.

Elegantly wrapped, the contents inside might vary in value, but they were all packaged to look splendid at a glance.

The princess’s gaze was unfocused, hazy without any ambition or passion. With mechanical motions devoid of emotion, she raised her hand and pointed at the tributes.

“Open from the left.”

“As you wish.”

Silk.

As the colorful wrapping unraveled, golden ingots revealed themselves.

“Next.”

Gold ingots. Adequate. Neither lacking nor excessive—just plain ordinary.

There was no feeling in the princess’s words. This was natural. She didn’t comment because the minimum standards were met.

Tribute generally went this way.

A set ritual within predetermined boundaries.

Please take good care of us.

We’ll give you something nice this time.

Let’s maintain a good relationship going forward.

It was essentially substituting gifts for polite greetings. Of course, if the greetings to the royal family were insufficient, it wouldn’t do. Hence, there was a minimum standard. The tribute came in, and the royal family reciprocated with appropriate rewards or favors. Most often, it involved financial transactions.

A faint sense of boredom flickered in the princess’s eyes as the third tribute was unveiled.

Colorful gems glittered brilliantly, filling the box and dazzling her vision.

“Toys?”

“Gems.”

“Where did you get them?”

“This merchant guild recently started trading with the royal family. The name is…”

“That’s enough. Take them away.”

The princess didn’t bother explaining further. In the past, she would tediously justify returning tributes, providing reasonable explanations, but not anymore.

Whether explained or not…

…the result never changed.

This time, it was simple: poor quality.

She picked up one of the multicolored gems and stared at it blankly. A fine crack ran through it, barely noticeable unless illuminated by light.

An attendant disappeared along with the tribute. Likewise, the merchant guild that had struck a deal would quietly vanish. The princess could predict their future with apathy. It wasn’t surprising.

Birth and death, blooming and fading—it was all natural when dealing with the royal family. If you seized an opportunity, you better give it your all.

“Next.”

Silk unraveled once more. From a slightly larger box emerged produce.

Princess Delia couldn’t help but smirk involuntarily.

Garim’s words suddenly came to mind. He had said something about an amusing tribute coming from someone unaware of protocol.

And indeed, it was amusing. Surprisingly so. The tribute was so earthy and full of soil scent that it was almost comical.

Even the attendant standing beside her couldn’t hide his astonishment.

Suppressing the attendant’s attempt to cover the tribute, the princess intervened. As a member of the royal family, it was her duty to inspect goods personally once they reached this point.

Curiosity—an emotion impossible to ignore—began to stir.

Interest.

It was the greatest driving force behind the princess’s actions.

“Bring it here.”

“As you wish.”

Delia’s eyes lit up with intrigue. She recalled a man who once entered with a screech owl perched on his shoulder. Could this bring similar joy?

The attendant used a magical tool, sweeping it over the food to detect any anomalies.

Poison, curses.

A blessing swept over the crops, cleansing any negativity. Secretly, she felt a mix of disappointment and anticipation when nothing reacted.

Disappointment because there was no poison to alleviate her boredom.

Anticipation because she hoped these crops would deliver a delightful change to her palate.

“Mango.”

Lifting a fork, she speared a piece of fruit and brought it close to her lips.

Moist sweetness and tang filled her mouth. A hint of umami accompanied by a subtle sugary fragrance. So soft that it crumbled upon touching her lips. Flesh tender enough to eat even without teeth.

“Hmm.”

The subtle pleasures delivered by taste.

Though there might be limits to such enjoyment, the novelty and charm of first experiences were always irresistible. Especially when it pleased her.

“Ivan.”

“Yes?”

“How are the seeds from the farmer progressing?”

“I’ll check.”

“You haven’t heard anything, have you?”

“Yes.”

“Alright. Leave it be.”

Why bother with capable results when…

…she swallowed those words and took another bite of mango. It tasted excellent. The lingering aftertaste was particularly pleasant, not cloying at all.

Glancing sideways, she saw eight more mangoes.

Is this some kind of assassination attempt by stuffing me full?

That naive confidence.

The proud innocence of a farmer who sent his best without knowing anything amused her.

“The intention is pure and endearing. Ignorance suits him well.”

Would he understand that not a single item should fail?

Garim must’ve explained it already.

With a faint sense of expectation, she reached for the next item.

“Watermelon.”

Upon seeing the pristine watermelon, the princess felt a slight suspicion.

“Ivan.”

“Yes.”

“Was it like this originally?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm.”

Fruits offered to royalty were usually meticulously prepared. Even more so when not part of official tributes.

In the case of watermelons, they were typically pre-seeded, leaving ugly scars that made people reluctant to touch them. But this one was flawless, without any marks or blemishes.

Seedless watermelon.

Impressive creation.

Was magic involved?

Or perhaps some artisan’s touch?

Her curiosity grew.

Living conveniences.

Magic usually developed in such areas.

They say mixing magic with agriculture can lead to advanced varieties. However, skilled magicians catering to noble luxuries are rare. Thus, this outcome was refreshing—a fresh experience brought by a mere farmer.

Refreshing.

Sweet.

Crisp yet chewy.

“Not bad.”

Three peaches.

She skewered them with her fork without hesitation.

“Hmm.”

All three were decent, but the one that stuck to her mouth delightfully was the best. Glancing at its label, it was called a flat peach.

“Intriguing. Very interesting.”

Two corns.

They were chewy and savory—excellent. Not bad at all, though not comparable to mangoes or peaches, still commendable.

“This is…”

It was a new crop she’d never seen before.

Shine Muscat.

Subtle fragrance.

Its color exuded freshness.

She popped it straight into her mouth.

Plop—

The skin broke, releasing sweet juices explosively in her mouth. It melted smoothly, leaving a delicate flavor while chewing.

“Hmm.”

It was the best one yet. A faint sigh tinged with admiration escaped her nose and mouth.

Who would’ve guessed she’d taste all nine kinds of produce, excluding cherry tomatoes?

The princess had expected to grow tired halfway and dismiss the rest.

What defied expectations…

…wasn’t just the farmer’s behavior but also the quality of the crops he cultivated.

“This must be considered talent.”

She tasted the cherry tomatoes last.

Freshness.

Crisp burst of juicy flesh.

It was delicious, suitable for cooking.

While it was amusing to receive such earthy items as tribute…

…it was even funnier that this was the most satisfying tribute she’d received lately. Royal tributes were usually rigid and dull.

Perhaps because of that…

…her hand didn’t reach for the next tribute.

A little afterglow lingered. The audacious challenge from the farmer felt oddly successful.

“Summon Garim.”

“Understood.”

“Take the untouched ones. I’ll review them later.”

“Yes.”

Unfolding her hand from her chin, she leaned back, crossing her arms and legs as she waited for Garim to arrive.

Knock.

“Enter.”

“Did you call for me?”

“Eat.”

Garim could easily guess what lay before him. Crops. The princess’s tone remained neutral, but the fact that nothing was discarded indicated a positive sign.

So, it really happened.

He suppressed a smile internally.

He picked up his fork decorously, starting with the fruit the princess indicated. Eating methodically, savoring each bite before moving on.

Garim’s gaze met the princess’s eyes. Instead of being lifeless, they sparkled with genuine curiosity.

Just from that, the farmer’s future was already clear.

“My palate doesn’t lie. They’re delicious.”

“Yes, truly remarkable.”

“Fetch him. I need to see him.”

“Do you mean the farmer?”

The princess’s expression twitched slightly.

“Can you bring him?”

“Not difficult.”

“Hmm. This will be entertaining.”

The bold demeanor of that farmer intrigued her. She wondered if he acted the same way with everyone.

Tilting her head slightly, she declared regally.

“If possible, bring him.”

“I’ll do my utmost.”

“Yeah. Oh, tell the kids to fetch more. These Shine Muscats.”

“Understood.”

“Share some with the kids. You can have some too.”

“As you wish.”

The princess’s tone might seem rough, bordering on rudeness, unfiltered.

But perhaps that’s why she could work under her for long—her blunt honesty.

Together, indulging in the crumbs of such luxurious leftovers.

That casual yet meaningful gesture reflected royal tact, the art of handling people.

Garim bowed respectfully and retreated.

“A farmer whose name needs asking has appeared.”

To think she’d actually go visit again.

Savoring the lingering sweetness in her mouth, she hurried to prepare for the journey.

*

“Hmm.”

The first thing she checked every morning was Suri.

Gradually shedding his fluffy baby feathers, his sleek fur began to grow thick.

Suri seemed aware of his handsome plumage, occasionally preening it with his beak. Soft beige, brownish-black waves created beautiful patterns. Little pointed ear tufts sprouted on his head, adding to his cuteness.

Flying silently, he gracefully landed on her shoulder. After rubbing his forehead against her cheek a few times, he looked satisfied, his eyes curving elegantly.

His expressive face was adorable, making her smile naturally. Gently stroking him a few times, he bowed his head, closing his eyes with each stroke.

“Suri.”

Holding raw meat, she tossed it into the air. With a swift “snap,” Suri’s beak caught the airborne meat mid-flight. After a few “snap snap” sounds, he happily gulped down the meat, his eyes gleaming contentedly.

She continued feeding him until he was satisfied. Watching him leap from her shoulder to catch flying meat reminded her of his natural hunting instincts.

Knock knock.

While spending time with Suri during dawn, Evangelin would come by.

Holding Jack’s hand tightly, Evangelin approached as usual, radiating quiet beauty.

“Good morning.”

“Anything unusual?”

“Nope. Good morning, Jack.”

“Auuh…”

Jack extended his hand abruptly. She gently took it.

Apparently, he liked holding hands. Once she did, he smiled adorably.

“I’ll prepare breakfast right away.”

Evangelin tied her apron and stood before the stove. She sat at the table waiting for her cooking.

Sizzle-sizzle sounds filled the air.

A slightly spicy aroma tickled her nose.

Morning scenery.

Sitting in the cool house, she felt this peaceful moment resembled one of the futures she dreamed of.

A domestic, gentle, beautiful wife.

Though they weren’t actually married, she sometimes imagined it.

If she had a wife who cooked well, her future would probably look like this.

“Here you go.”

“Thank you.”

The morning menu was warm soup. A slightly spicy broth dish. Enjoying it in the cool house made her body feel appropriately energized.

After finishing the meal, she prepared to leave. Evangelin walked her out to the entrance.

“I’ll be back.”

“Yes. I’ll let you know when lunch is ready.”

Feels like a real married couple today.

With enriched thoughts, she stepped outside.

The sunlight filtered through. The heated ground shimmered with rising heat haze, causing her to frown. Was there any equipment unaffected by temperature?

As usual, she equipped her accessories and began working.

Thus passed another tranquil morning.

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