Princess Mia’s Heart Flutters
Two days before the swordsmanship tournament. Mia visited Abel to explain the situation. She found him when she was headed to the short of the lake to swing her sword. So, they decided to walk there together while talking. I’ll talk while walking side by side.
“I see, a handmade lunchbox …”
Normally, lunchboxes for this occasion are ordered in shops. As for Mia, she was offering to make him a lunchbox. Together with her friends. All of whom don’t have any experience in making one. However, …
I wonder if I actually have a talent in cooking.
She was convinced on an idea that if Keithwood ever hears, it would surely test his patience.
She is aware though that her cooking is not that of the same level as the professionals at the shops.
So, in advance, she decided to set up a precautionary line by saying that she is sorry if it’s a little wrong.
“I’m sorry, Prince Abel. I should have ordered at the finest shops with the best ingredients…”
“No, I don’t mind. I don’t mind. In truth, I’m actually rather happy.”
“You’re happy?”
“Oh, my mother made me lunchboxes from time to time. It reminds me of her”
In the Kingdom of Remno, even though they are aristocrats, the position of women is not very high. While it is not a good thing, it also means that even aristocratic females can act like commoners. It is quite common for aristocrats to cook for their husbands and children compared.
“Sure, it may taste less than a professional chef, but it is always special because my mother and sisters made it with their hearts. And so, I am happy”
Abel kindly tells Mia that he is looking forward to it. This caught her off guard, and Mia felt that the level required for handmade lunchbox had risen a notch.
No way. I did not expect Prince Abel to be accustomed to eating homemade lunchboxes… Now it is hard to make an excuse if my lunchbox does not taste good. Maybe I should try something more elaborate…
And so on … while Mia’s thoughts were headed in the wrong direction, they finally reached the shoreline where they were headed.
“Wow …”
Suddenly, Mia was surprised when she saw the sight unfolding in front of her.
Blue as far as the eye can see. The clear surface of the lake burst into the sunlight, bursting, and glittering where the sun meets the sea.
There was almost no sign of people on the beautiful white sand beach. Only the sound of quiet waves echoing accompanied them.
“I didn’t know there was such a wonderful place nearby…”
It is a place that she has never visited even on the previous timeline.
“Yes, it is a beautiful place. I’m glad you liked it.”
Abel said gently. In one smooth motion, he stepped onto the beach, turned around, and offered her his hand.
“Here. Be careful coming down”
The flowing, natural and elegant gesture made Mia’s hear to flutter.
Ca—calm down me. This is expected of boys.
She took his outstretched hand. She noticed that his palm was firm which surprised her.
Ahhh, the day has finally come that I get to walk along such a beautiful lakeshore with a gentleman by my side…
When she was in the dungeon, she never imagined that such a thing could happen. Mia was swimming in happiness. She tried to take in though all of her sense everything she can: the sights, the smells, the sounds, and the feelings.
“But it’s a little disappointing.”
Abel murmured. Mia tilted her head quizzically.
“What could it be?”
“The fact that I’m not the only one that will receive lunchbox from you …”
“……Huh?”
Coupled with Abel’s mischievous smile, his sudden words made Mia’s heart scream.
Wha—What is he saying,?! This person!?? Is he a natural womanizer?
In the cold, dark and damp nights in the dungeon where loneliness and hunger are her only companions, Mia tries to escape reality by imagining time and again that she was somewhere else. That she was in the beach that comes with a man she loves. That they were having sweet silly conversation.
Now, Mia was actually in the middle of such fantasy. She panicked! She was not ready for this.
I– I have to calm down. Yeah, take a deep breath!
No matter how much she tries to relax, her mind refuses to follow her instructions. Mia’s face turned red and began to breathe hard. When Abel sees it, he looks into Mia’s face with concern. This only made her blush harder.
“Hmm? Are you a little tired?”
“Eh? Yeah, yeah, yeah, that’s right.”
Abel takes Mia to the shaded area of the beach, spreads his coat over the beach.
“It’s a good idea to sit there and rest for a while. I will be practicing but it is pretty boring, so when you recover, feel free to go back first.”
When Mia sat down, he started swinging his sword.
“Well, you seem to be working very hard.”
She remembered Abel’s palm, which was completely stiff. It is a testament of how long he has kept swinging his sword.
“I’ve never swung my sword so desperately before. It is only now because I have an opponent who I really want to win against.”
After saying that, Abel paused looking like he had wanted to say something
“That’s why. I’m sorry about the lunch box. I know I said earlier that I was disappointed but I’m also a little relieved.”
“……What?”
“Well, if only I ate Princess Mia’s lunchbox, people might say that I was able to beat Prince Sion only because of that.”
With that said, Abel gave Mia a shining smile.
“… Huh?”
Mia was left speechless and breathless.
