Chapter 52

***

“Am I losing my mind…?”

I let out a long sigh, and a wisp of white breath dissipates into the air.

Spring may have arrived, but the lingering vestiges of winter still seem to hang around.

I gave my robes one more check to ensure no cold air would seep in, then continued on my way.

Crunch.

The precarious pile of snow that had barely held its shape let out a crisp sound as it was stepped on by my boot.

The sky was clear and cloudless, and the atmosphere within the Inner Wall felt bright as the snow began to melt.

It was a truly peaceful scene, like that of a quiet downtown with few people around. The problem was that my insides weren’t nearly as peaceful.

Having paused my wrestling match with the numerous documents piled on my desk, I was now heading to the Outer Wall to buy a few ingredients.

The reason was to make a gift for Iris.

When I spoke to Iris, who had been shaking her head this morning, she blurted out a response.

Ever since this morning, she had been frequently glancing at me and Rani, making me think she must have something important to say.

“Surely not a gift…”

I had completely forgotten about it.

After making a promise, I boldly set off to the south only to return empty-handed. I wonder what she must think of that.

To make such a mistake at this crucial time of building a relationship was a problem.

Iris’s expressionless purple eyes were absolutely terrifying.

“But, there’s still a way.”

They say turning a crisis into an opportunity is the mark of a true master.

The gift would be made now.

This time, it would be a dessert. Specifically, a custard pudding, and I know how to make it.

In both my past life and this one, I’ve occasionally made it for my siblings or Rani.

“Who would’ve thought my modern experiences would come in handy here…”

In my previous life, I lived in poverty because the money I earned went toward paying off debts.

Between rent, various bills, living expenses, and savings for my siblings’ futures, like college tuition, there wasn’t much left. And with debts piling on, I couldn’t afford to waste money.

I bought everything secondhand, squeezing as much use out of them as possible until they couldn’t be used anymore.

Eating out was a distant dream, and even snacks were limited to taste samples at large grocery stores.

The younger siblings might’ve complained or acted upset in such a situation, but instead, they helped plan ways to save and even smiled brightly.

The forced maturity and attitude of the children, thrust upon them by the harsh realities, was a moving yet painful scene, shaking the dull and monotonous life marked by endless overtime work.

Thanks to the development of the internet, I had access to information from all over the world and shared knowledge close at hand.

Lacking time, I simply reduced my sleep.

That’s how I began making simple snacks.

Without much skill at first, I produced several failed attempts, but eventually, after trying various methods with my siblings, I managed to make satisfying snacks.

“Well, nothing too complicated though.”

In this world, I’ve made them twice for Krisna Kanaria and Rani.

Though simple, I remember they enjoyed them.

How do you make something like pudding in a world without ovens or refrigerators?

Incredibly, it’s possible! Let’s not forget this world is part of a hybrid pseudo-medieval romance fantasy setting.

“Perhaps pudding would even suit a noble’s palate.”

This world does have various desserts, but custard pudding doesn’t seem to be one of them. It will certainly be something new for Iris.

I heard from Rani that she likes sweets, though she doesn’t eat them often, using them more as mood-lifters. Hopefully, it will suit her taste.

“Come to think of it, Rani seemed quite upset.”

I know that face well, the one I saw whenever I came back having eaten something alone, went out by myself, or forgot to pay attention to her after making her exercise.

Since I’ve been busy going around outside lately, I haven’t had much time to play with her. Is that why she’s been so sullen?

However, since Rani knows I’m busy, she just wears that expression without complaining.

She kept grumbling, so I tried to snap her out of it by pinching her cheeks.

“Perhaps I should make one for Rani too.”

*

Arriving at the southern gate of the Inner Wall, I pulled up my hood, and the novice knights snapped to attention, saluting loudly.

“Master!”

“Good job, everyone.”

“Thank you!”

I waved briefly to the novice knights and then stepped outside the gate.

Once through the gates, the lively scenery unfolds before me.

Endless booths line the streets, filled with a variety of food ingredients and miscellaneous items.

Residents browsing the stalls and vendors shouting their wares create a bustling commotion.

Whereas the eastern area represents more of a commercial district, dominated by merchant guilds and mercenary guilds.

In the western area, the atmosphere changes to one of workshops and blacksmith shops.

And in between, the bustling market of Palamtiar’s southern district thrives, gathering all kinds of people and goods.

“Fresh wolf meat caught just as spring began! Come give it a try!”

“Need bloodgrass? I’ve got plenty!”

“These thieves! Hey! Bring back those apples!”

“An ancient artifact from the legendary Eastern Continent, handcrafted by artisans over two centuries!”

Just a quick look, and I was overwhelmed. There were just so many people.

“Wow.”

The moment I stepped out of the Inner Wall, I was greeted by a chaotic market.

The area for food ingredients is closer to the center of the southern district.

I’m currently at the outskirts, so I need to walk deeper inside to reach the food stalls.

Having rechecked my robes one last time, I moved into the flowing crowd.

“Come on! Guess the numbers and win double rewards! Triple if you guess them all!”

“One night at the Moonlit Inn? We have refreshing honey-apple wine prepared with ice!”

As spring arrived, the formerly calm atmosphere of the capital became lively once again.

It feels even more chaotic than last autumn when I was here. Perhaps it’s because the grand festival is coming up.

In early spring, after the long winter, the Altain people traditionally hold festivals.

Among these, the national founding day is a grand festival with a somewhat unique tradition.

For a week during the grand festival, there is an official decree—more like an order—sent throughout the empire urging, or rather commanding, rest and peace.

During the grand festival, all administrative and military actions, including fief disputes, must halt. Crimes committed during this period are subject to the maximum penalty without leniency, and all fiefs must be fully open to visitors, except in cases of natural disasters or pandemics.

Warehouses are opened, and an abundance of food is provided throughout the festival period. Even slaves sentenced to labor are given three days of rest and receive special meals during this time.

Though it seems absurd, both commoners and nobles generally accept this tradition as a matter of course because the national founding day also commemorates the anniversary of the death of Empress Irilisrize and her knight, Zighard.

They passed away on the same day, closing their eyes gently and smiling as they looked at each other, leaving behind no specific “first” to die.

This day coincided exactly with the day they proclaimed the founding of Altain.

Thus, the national founding day became a blend of festival and memorial day.

That’s what the biographical storybook about the two tells.

“Looking at such things, it really feels like a fantasy world.”

Dying on the same day, and it matching the founding day? Truly incredible.

In any case, the capital was buzzing with excitement.

An issue about someone’s head being chopped off a few days ago faded quickly in the wake of the grand festival’s anticipation.

Even in Ruben, I had experienced a few grand festivals. While the border region lacked the fever of the big cities, it was still evident the whole country was agitated.

However, considering the scale, the grand festival is not held every year. If conducted annually, even the mighty empire would run into financial troubles.

So, the grand festival is held every three years and marks the commemoration of the founding day.

The problem was that it was supposed to be next year because the last one was the year before last.

The reason for holding it this year is, well… because of my marriage to Iris.

The event wasn’t forced into the schedule. In fact, it was included when discussions about the noble selection were happening.

According to nobles like Alberto and others in the central court,

The marriage must be announced in other countries.

It’s also a chance to display the nation’s power, make connections, assert authority…

And since it involves the Empress and the knight coming together, it’s quite a significant event.

For all these reasons, the marriage was linked with the preparations for the grand festival before.

“…Marriage, huh.”

So, I’m finally getting married.

In my previous life, I was too busy to think about marriage, and in this life, managing and adapting to the village didn’t leave much room for deep thought either.

“It’s almost like an arranged marriage in style.”

Still, I can date after marriage, so that’s fine.

In fact, Iris and I have been gradually getting to know each other.

It’s not the sweet, long-term relationship that builds up through love confessions and shared memories over years, but…

There’s ample room to be cute with each other.

Given enough time, our interactions will eventually develop into something special!

With a strengthened resolve in my mind, I glanced around the slightly less chaotic surroundings.

Passing through the antique shops and general merchandise stalls, I reached the section focused on food ingredients.

Organizing my thoughts while walking, I realized I’d already come in rather quickly.

“Excuse me! Have you received any venison?”

“No! The venison isn’t in yet, but how about rabbits?”

“Alright, please clean and prepare two rabbits!”

The cheerful young man who burst out of the shop with a couple of rabbit meats quickly disappeared in the crowd.

Even if I tried to rush over, there was no need to worry about collisions. Thankfully, the food stalls area was less crowded compared to earlier sections.

A cheerful young servant girl,

A craftsman skillfully chopping meat,

The shopkeeper feeding a stray cat and a meticulous merchant inspecting the grains at a booth.

The intoxicating scents of meat, fish, spices, and fresh fruits, which bewitches those who pass by.

Having reached the section for ingredients, I now just need to browse around.

“Need milk, sugar, eggs, and….”

While the Imperial Palace does keep various ingredients in storage, those are mainly for the welfare of palace staff.

Though no one would criticize me for using a bit,

I decided to come out myself to stretch and clear my mind. Plus, this gives me a reason to escape from the Audience Chamber for a while.

“Since I’m here, I might buy some pork belly too.”

I have a rough idea of the cuts, so explaining my needs should suffice.

This, however, requires me to find the butcher who sells larger cuts to obtain the modern “pork belly.”

I can leisurely stroll around and explore the different shops.

As I did, I heard a commotion nearby.

“Expired goods? How dare you…”

“Do you know who you’re dealing with?!”

Bang!

“What’s going on?”

Turning toward the source of the commotion, I saw a group of people forming a tight circle in front of a shop.

Above their heads, the store sign depicted salt and milk, indicating it specialized in spices and dairy products.

It seemed the shopkeeper had run into trouble with a problematic customer. Not unusual, though I didn’t feel the need to get involved.

Of course, the southern district, like the others, has a police station. The police would likely handle it soon.

“Who’s being so loud?!”

“I haven’t eaten yet… If I get arrested, I’m dead!”

As expected, the police, dressed in their navy uniforms with light armor and spears, rushed to the scene of the disturbance.

“Wow, they’re quick.”

It was admirable how quickly they responded to the incident.

It shows they’re diligently doing their jobs. For the lower ranks to work this hard, there must be a certain culture established within the higher ranks.

I’ll visit the police station next time.

While browsing nearby shops again, I overheard something else.

“What? Police? Ha! How dare a commoner…”

Thud!

“…”