Chapter 36

### Chapter 36: Servant Cedric (2) – Clear Eyes

When the Crown Prince mentioned creating a servant double, Lucidra had expressed doubt.

“However, this newly created double seems to have vague memories of when you were the Crown Prince, like a dream, and its personality differs from the original to fit the role.”

“That’s true, but is there any problem with that?”

“Your goal is to reform that wicked young lady and cultivate her into a capable ruler, right? But can you accomplish that with the identity of a ‘servant’ who must obey their master, even when given unreasonable orders?”

Responding to Lucidra’s suggestion that perhaps a private tutor would be better if the aim was genuine reform, the Crown Prince tilted his head.

“Why do you assume servants must always obey their master without question?”

“Well, because they’re servants?”

“Even here at Golden Cloud Palace, it’s not like that?”

“What?”

Lucidra’s eyes widened in astonishment.

How could it be possible that the servants who attended the Crown Prince, the future ruler of the empire, regularly disobeyed orders?

“I once suggested shortening their overly long daily work hours. Even stating that more staff could be hired if needed didn’t stop a collective plea to not interfere with their jobs. After intense negotiations, I failed to implement my original goal of a 6-hour shift rotation and instead had to settle for a 9-hour, two-shift system.”

“…”

“There was also an incident where I asked the kitchen staff to expedite food preparation so as not to waste time on extravagant meals during work hours. The chef erupted in a mighty roar, defending his pride as a cook and refusing to serve me anything so casual. This led to a cooking contest where, after much negotiation, I managed concessions to only personalize my lunch.”

“…”

“Servants argue with their masters all the time; there’s no rule preventing ‘Cedric’ from doing the same.”

“Uh…”

“Based fundamentally on the servants here, but also needing some flexibility, I intend to incorporate a model like Renya.”

Lucidra’s mouth hung open as if countless words were struggling to spill out. However, Alondre let her be, as this wasn’t the first time such a reaction had come from this former succubus turned great demon.

The Crown Prince calmly began to channel mana.

Colors of mana transformed into impossibly fine threads, interweaving intricately in response to his will. As this process unfolded, the elements of bone, muscle, and nerves stacked up methodically before Lucidra’s eyes. She was flabbergasted.

The duplication spell she’d once given was instantaneous — simple replication without any detailed comprehension. Yet, the Crown Prince was meticulously directing every aspect of the creation process.

More astonishingly, during this, he wasn’t just focusing on physical attributes but also weaving in aspects related to the mind and soul.

Being an expert in souls, Lucidra understood the result clearly: a double that, while outwardly resembling a gentle, docile servant with innocent eyes, could assert a resolute “No” to anything contrary to its nature, while still boasting unparalleled skills as Golden Cloud Palace’s servants.

“…What? Isn’t this just what you’d call someone with a fanatical clarity of purpose?”

Realizing this, Lucidra shuddered. Yet, she made no move to stop the Crown Prince, for she herself wouldn’t suffer the consequences.

The Crown Prince continued channeling mana, building layer upon layer from bones to muscles, and finally shaping a detailed, functioning double.

—

Claudia blinked.

However much she repeated opening and closing her eyes, what she saw didn’t change — a servant lying prostrate at her feet, and a two-headed giant wolf that had suddenly appeared in the room, which the servant had merely issued a mild reprimand to.

Freezing Claudia in place, Cedric casually began setting a table, arranging food, plates, napkins, and more.

“My lack of skill prevents presenting a formal course meal like the head chef, so I’ve prepared relatively simple dishes. Please offer your honest evaluation.”

Pulling out the chair for emphasis, Cedric motioned for Claudia to sit.

Only then snapping out of the shock, Claudia shot Cedric a piercing glare. Yet, Cedric only met her gaze with an innocently clear stare, his expression resembling that of a trusting puppy.

“Is there anything else you need?”

“You….”

Grinding her teeth, Claudia reluctantly took the seat offered by Cedric. She was too late to ask how he subdued the two-headed wolf, and the thought of him not reacting as she expected left a bitter taste of defeat.

She glanced at the food on the table. According to Cedric, it was ‘simple,’ and indeed, the spread wasn’t overly extensive. A vivid yellow omelet, two different cuts of meat resembling steaks but with distinct textures, a bowl of soup, and a plate of salad adorned the table.

Claudia absentmindedly lifted a piece of the omelet.

“Rice?”

Despite its simple appearance, the omelet seemed unusually puffed. Closer inspection suggested it contained sautéed vegetables and rice with a twist.

“Well, no matter.”

She had no intention of actually enjoying it. Her plan was to make a pretense of eating before tossing the plateful at Cedric’s face.

A bite.

“…?”

Claudia’s mind momentarily went blank. Without thinking, she scooped another spoonful of the omelet, or rather omurice, this time with more of the red sauce on top.

Another bite.

The grains of rice were cooked perfectly, releasing a nutty aroma with each chew. The finely chopped vegetables added a touch of sweetness, while the salt-cured chicken provided a satisfying crunch. Encasing it all was the smooth and tender texture of the egg.

Her eyes trembled.

“Why, why is this… so delicious?”

Though her mind screamed to stop and throw the plate, her hand and mouth acted independently, almost as if under some demonic spell.

Her gaze shifted to the two other portions of meat, which had been wafting an inviting aroma all along. Cutting them with a knife was effortless, producing perfectly sized slices.

A fork delivered it to her mouth.

“!!”

It felt as if a flood burst forth in her mouth.

Juices burst forth without restraint, blended with minced meat, and hints of several other ingredients. A rich sauce enveloped her tongue.

The salad and soup, while not extraordinary in themselves, became significantly more flavorful when savored alongside the omurice and meat. Claudia continued eating in silence and eventually cleared the plate.

Even the servants, had they witnessed this spectacle, would have been shocked. The amount of food Cedric had prepared was not excessive, but Claudia, known for her short appetite and habit of overturning meals she disliked, had eaten everything with remarkable fervor.

Looking at Cedric with a feral glare, she demanded harshly, “What is this?”

“Omurice, hamburger steak, salad, and soup!”

“You didn’t ask what’s on the menu! How, by what trickery have you… done this?”

“Trickery, haha! I am truly honored by your high praise!”

What nonsense was this?

Unperturbed by Claudia’s obvious bewilderment, Cedric continued, wearing an open smile.

“If you suspect some kind of trickery, doesn’t it mean the food truly pleased you? As the temporary chef, I couldn’t hope for a higher honor!”

A surge of irritation bubbled up in Claudia’s throat.

“You insolent servant, dare you mock me!?”

With a near-seizure, she hurled her knife at Cedric.

Cedric, however, caught it without flinching, responded with a smile, “There’s no need to feel so ashamed! This Cedric is known for discretion. I’ll keep your dining habits forever buried in my heart!”

“This, this is the truth!!”

The ensuing commotion was almost chaotic. Forks, spoons, and plates flew through the air, but Cedric adeptly caught and sorted them without a single drop of sauce hitting the floor.

Even as Claudia attempted to slap him, Cedric deftly avoided the blow.

“What? Why won’t you stand still!?”

“Should I, just because I’m a servant?”

“Because you’re a servant! Isn’t that obvious?!”

Claudia growled with aggravation. Servants were supposed to meekly endure her violence. The defiance of this man before her was deeply unsettling.

“Ah, it seems like you’ve misunderstood.”

A look of perplexity dawned on Cedric’s face. Despite her anticipation of an apology, what Cedric next said surprised her.

“There is no clause in my contract stating that I should take abuse without reason. Moreover, such violent behavior could tarnish your dignity, and I must advise against it.”

Claudia’s mouth hung open in shock.

Ignoring her stunned state, Cedric calmly organized the utensils and tableware once more before politely bowing as he left.

“Well then, farewell for now! Please summon me if you need anything.”

The door clicked shut, and the room fell silent.

Claudia remained motionless for some time, like a statue.

-Keearr…

The agonizing cry of a Blood Demon Beast, still cowering and watching her every move, echoed mournfully in her room.

—

“Cedric, are you alright? Any injuries?”

“No, not at all! Lady Claudia seemed satisfied too!”

“Phew, that’s a relief. Seeing the empty plates, it seems Lady Claudia enjoyed your cooking.”

“Thanks to the rich Pantry of the Viscount. I was amazed by the quality and variety of ingredients, far better than I expected.”

“Even at a mere country estate, Redbel remains Redbel. Being the wealthiest family in the kingdom, it wouldn’t be surprising for their ingredients to be of the highest quality.”

“Precisely! I agree with Chef’s assessment.”

“Hehe, indeed. If Lady Claudia continues to eat so peacefully, perhaps incorporating your cooking as the mainstay wouldn’t be bad.”

“As much as I trust my own skills to be of decent quality, the range of recipes I know isn’t very extensive. Without comparison to Chef’s vast knowledge, if you assign me the task, I would humbly request your guidance in teaching too.”

“That’s a given! Now I see what Lady Claudia finds agreeable! You have a silver tongue, Cedric.”

“Ha ha ha ha!”

“Ha ha ha ha!”