Short Story 4
Mia Gains a Bosom Buddy Through a Mutual Misunderstanding Part 4
“Rania, I know I have said this before, but I will say it again. So, listen well. Do not, under any circumstance, show any discourtesy to the guest from the Tearmoon empire.”
“Yes, I won’t show them any discourtesy Father.”
Rania Tafrif Perujin, the third Princess of Perujin Agricultural Country, gave a mechanical answer. Her reluctant expression was hidden by the veil she was wearing over her face.
“I must tell you again how important the Empire is when it comes to our industries…”
“You do not have to worry Father. I will do my best so that everything will proceed smoothly.”
Rania cut off her father. She has been hearing the same thing over and over again for years, since she started attending Saint Noel’s Academy. It does not really matter much anyway. It is more than likely that anybody of importance from Tearmoon Empire would attend the get together. Well, she’d be lucky if they even show up in the first place. But she kept her arguments at heart and did not voice them out to her father.
She wasn’t always like this. When she was a child, she was already aware of her responsibility as Perujin Princess to take care of her kingdom’s future. With those ideals, she enrolled at Saint Noel’s Academy. Every year in the early spring, the Perujin students would host a meet-and-greet where they would invite the Tearmoon students. This is with the goal of having friendly relations and that the Tearmoon students can taste the products of Perujin. The Tearmoon students in the future would inherit the titles of their parents, and it wouldn’t hurt to be in friendly terms with them early on. This was what the party was for.
During her first year at Saint Noel’s Academy, she dedicated her everything into preparing for this event. She researched the best recipes, used the best ingredients, and spent many sleepless nights to make sure that only the best of the best will be served to the Tearmoon students. However, reality was harsh. When the day of the event came, only a handful of the Tearmoon students showed up. Even more, all of those who showed up were from lower ranking noble families. Adding insult to injury, it was clear from their expressions that they were only forced to attend the event.
At first Rania could not understand such behavior. What was the reason for such a sad turnout of attendance and such a rude display? The answer came from her older sister. A country of serfs; second rate; tributary. These were the terms that were used by the Tearmoon nobles in describing Perujin. She had learned from her sister that years ago, when it was her sister’s turn, that she also had to endure such humiliation just to entertain an ungrateful bunch of Tearmoon students. There was nothing she could do but put on a smile and keep her anger within her heart.
The truth hurts, the truth that the weak has no other choice but to endure. If the diplomatic relations between Perujin and Tearmoon would deteriorate, then war would be unavoidable. And if that happened, Perujin would be crushed like an ant. Ever since that day, she had lost all energy and excitement.
The annual event was again approaching this year and she was no longer looking forward to it. Just imagining what might happen makes her want to vomit. It is after all very reasonable. She doesn’t want her hard work to be mocked as a second-rate food.
“Ugh… I wish this event would just get cancelled…”
While thinking such a thing, an idea came to her…
“… since it is nothing but just a cheap show, I might as well as have some fun!”
Rania decided to play a joke on her soon-to-be ungrateful visitors. Looking at the all the delicious and beautiful dishes of food that will be presented in the party, she added a few preserved foods that was long stale.
Because Perujin’s primary industry is agriculture, they invest heavily into researching preservation techniques. It allows them to keep the food longer with the flavour difference that can only be noticed by an expert tongue. Since Tearmoon usually send second-tier nobles, they would never be able to tell the difference.
Rania smiled to herself while imagining the clueless idiots that would happily eat stale food. She knows it is petty of her to do so, but at least she will get some fun out of it. However… in what seems to be a karma for her mischievous plans, her mischief returned to her…
It was finally time for the party and the guests arrived… Rania’s jaw almost fell to the floor in surprise…
“Prince Rania, I extend my greatest gratitude for the invitation for this beautiful party filled with the best of your foods.”
Wha… wha… why?! How come?
Translator’s Thoughts:
This story was supposed to happen early when Mia arrived at the academy. Parts of this SS were inserted into some parts of the main story. And in the manga it appeared as a chapter on its own. I think it is chapter 13 in the manga.
