Chapter 13 - The Prince's Awakening
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"Your Highness, thank you for Samuel."
No sooner had I been shown into Rachel's room at the Marcel estate than my fiancée was bowing her head to me.
"There's no need for that. He is simply a skilled chef. You should thank him."
"No, it is only thanks to your introduction that he is here."
Rachel looked up, her gaze steady and full of life. Her face had regained some of its fullness, and she no longer seemed as though she might topple over while sitting in her chair.
"Then I shall accept your thanks. How is his cooking?"
"Oh, he is a truly magnificent chef! He has made me realize the importance of food and the sheer depth of culinary arts."
When the topic turned to Samuel, Rachel's face lit up with a genuine, radiant smile. I found myself staring, eyes wide in surprise.
I had thought her various expressions were interesting, but I had never seen her look like this. Indirectly, seeing her so happy made the corners of my own mouth twitch upward.
This isn't bad. Not bad at all.
Her joy was fascinating. I wanted to see more of it. What would it take to make her look that way again? For me, these moments with Rachel were a peaceful sanctuary, isolated from the demands of daily life. Her honest, direct gaze felt almost blinding to someone like me, who lived a life built on layers of artifice.
"The depth of culinary arts?" I prompted.
"Yes, Your Highness! Even with the same ingredients, the flavor changes entirely depending on the seasonings and the cooking method."
"I suppose that's true. Even within this kingdom, flavors vary by region. Even commoner taverns have their own unique tastes."
"Oh! You've been to a commoner's tavern, Your Highness?"
"Occasionally."
"How enviable! I had such a misconception of commoner life. It seems they have far more variety in their cooking than the nobility."
"Perhaps. Nobles are often trapped by the rigid idea that a fixed course meal is the pinnacle of dining."
"What a waste!"
I couldn't help but laugh at her newfound passion. I had never seen her speak so animatedly, especially about the lives of commoners. She really had changed. I watched her as she pressed a finger to her lips, musing, "Perhaps I should ask Sarah to buy something for me?"
Before her illness, our conversations were limited to noble gossip and the latest plays. It was strange, yet I found myself thoroughly enjoying this time, listening to her speak her mind.
I had been unable to visit for a while, having been sent to another country's festivities in His Majesty's stead. Strangely, during that time, thoughts of her had flickered through my mind. How is Rachel doing? Has her health taken a turn for the worse?
These were feelings I had never experienced before. It seemed I had grown quite fond of this space.
♢
"So, what is troubling you?"
Cyril's irritated voice broke through my reverie as I stared blankly at the stacks of documents in the Office.
"Troubling me? Whatever do you mean?"
"You've never been one to let your work stall like this. It's obvious."
"I suppose... though I doubt asking for your advice would be of any use."
"How cruel. Well?"
"...I was wondering what sort of gift would make Rachel smile."
Cyril's brow furrowed with annoyance as he pointedly added several more pages to the pile of documents. "Anything would do, wouldn't it? Flowers or jewelry are standard for women. You've had them sent to her regularly before."
I let out a heavy sigh. Until now, that had been enough. Sending the latest jewelry or flowers with appropriate meanings, accompanied by a polite message. It fulfilled my duty.
But would the current Rachel truly be happy with something so hollow? Would she give me that same radiant smile? I suspected she might be happier with a simple wildflower from the roadside, provided there was a special reason for it.
Something special. Something that would earn me her smile. Today, that smile had been brought out by Samuel. That wouldn't do. It had to be me. I had to be the one to draw it out, or it meant nothing. But was I capable of that?
Lately, there were moments when I didn't even understand myself. Rachel was an object of interest, yes, but why was I agonizing over a single gift? Why did I crave that smile so much?