Chapter 24 - A Taste of the Common Life
A delicious, sweet aroma wafted through the air. I wondered if it was coming from that stall over there. As I looked around, the sights of the city filled my vision.
A little girl clutched a coin as she pointed to a single gerbera at a flower shop. On the other side, a young couple stood close together, admiring accessories at an outdoor stall. Further down, an elderly woman stepped out of a bakery, the end of a baguette peeking out from her paper bag.
Despite being the Crown Prince's fiancée, I had lived entirely within noble society, knowing nothing of how the people lived. I hadn't known what their lives were like, what troubles they faced, or what they hoped for. It was obvious, but so many different people were here, each with their own thoughts and feelings. Just standing here, I could feel the pulse of their lives. It was a strangely comfortable feeling.
His Highness, who had been walking slowly to match my pace, stopped in front of a building.
"Here we are."
The shop he led me to was very close to where we had left the carriage. Since I was still worried about walking long distances, I was grateful. It was a brick building with an orange roof, and a small chalkboard out front listed the "Daily Specials."
When he pushed open the door, a bright, energetic voice called out from the back, "Welcome!"
The shop was nearly full, with five counter seats and about ten tables all bustling with customers.
"Oh, if it isn't Luke! Here, this table just opened up."
"Thanks, Ma'am."
A woman wiping down a table smiled warmly at him. He gestured for me to sit, and I took the chair across from him.
"Well, this is rare! You've brought a girl with you! My, is she your sweetheart?"
"Don't tease me. I finally managed to get her out on a date today."
"Haha! Alright, I'll leave you to it. Just call me when you've decided what you want."
The cheerful woman hurried off to another customer who was calling for her.
"It's quite a popular place, isn't it?" I remarked.
"Yes. Everything here is delicious. Is there anything you'd like?"
His Highness wasn't sitting with his usual elegance; he had his legs spread and was leaning back slightly, shedding his noble air. He picked up the menu from the edge of the table and handed it to me.
I scanned the list: Herb-roasted chicken, beef stewed in wine, potato gratin... Everything sounded wonderful, but I found myself unable to choose. As my eyes wandered over the words, he reached out and took the menu back.
"If you like, I'll choose for you. I'll pick the best ones."
"Oh, please do. Lu... Luke-san."
"Haha, leave it to me. Ma'am! We're ready to order!"
So, when he was incognito, he made a conscious effort to use "Ore" and change his speech patterns. Looking around, he didn't seem out of place at all. I, on the other hand, felt like I stood out. I could feel people glancing at me every now and then. I wondered where he had hidden all that majesty of his; I certainly wanted to learn the trick.
As he placed the order, it was clear he came here often. He didn't even need to look at the menu. I must have been staring too intently, because after the woman left, he tilted his head and asked, "What is it?"
"Oh, nothing. You just seemed so used to this..."
"Well, I've been coming here for about three years now."
"Three years!"
"Haha. He's always been the type to be devoted to the things he likes, after all."
He rested his chin on his hand, leaning on the table as he gave me a meaningful, smiling look. I fumbled for words, and he laughed again.
"You're teasing me again!"
"I'm not. I meant every word."
He was still chuckling when the woman returned with our plates, smiling at us.
"My, you two seem to be getting along. Here you go—the quiche. And the soup and homemade bread sandwiches."
"Ooh, looks as good as ever!"
"I hope the young lady likes it too."
"It looks wonderful! Thank you for the meal."
Before me sat sandwiches filled with fresh vegetables and ham on fragrant, toasted bread. There was also a large quiche filled with bacon, onions, and mushrooms—something we never served at home—and a warm soup packed with vegetables. While I was admiring the food, he portioned it out and set it before me.
"Thank you."
"Eat up before it gets cold."
I pressed my fork into the quiche's crust, and a satisfying crunch reached my ears. I took a bite.
"It's delicious!"
"Isn't it?"
The mellow flavor of the white sauce spread through my mouth. It was a warm, comforting taste. I wondered if this was what Sarah meant by "home cooking."
Next, I looked at the sandwich. I had never eaten a dish where vegetables were sandwiched between bread like this. How was I supposed to eat it? I looked at him, and he was just about to take a large bite out of his own sandwich, holding it in one hand.
Wait, just like that?
My eyes went wide. He noticed my confusion and gave an understanding nod.
"Just eat it like this. Take a big bite."
A big bite?
Was I really supposed to just go for it? It was quite thick. I held the sandwich in both hands, frozen for a moment. Alright, here goes! I steeled myself and took a bite. The vegetables were crisp and fresh, and the ham had a lovely smoky aroma.
"...It's so good."
He heard my whisper and his eyes crinkled with joy.
"I'm glad you like it. That makes me happier than anything."
I felt my face heat up at his expression. Embarrassed, I looked down and took another bite of my sandwich.
We spent the rest of the meal talking about the city. I asked many questions about the stalls we had seen and what lay further down the road. He answered every one patiently, often adding jokes. Before I knew it, the plates were empty.
"Well, shall we head back?"
"...Yes."
"Check, please!" he called out, his voice carrying over the noise of the shop. The woman came over, and he deftly pulled a small pouch of coins from his pocket to pay.
"Luke, give my regards to the blacksmith!"
"Will do."
"And make sure you treat her right!"
He gave a noncommittal "Yeah, yeah" as he took his change.
"Come back again, young lady!"
"I will! It was truly delicious. Thank you for the meal."
"Haha, thanks. I'll tell my husband in the kitchen."
The woman laughed heartily and saw us off with a loud "Thank you!"
The guard joined us as we stepped out, and after a short walk, we reached the carriage. He helped me inside, just as he had before. Once seated, I let out a long breath. He looked at me with concern.
"Are you tired?"
"Thank you for your concern. I'm feeling fine."
He looked relieved. "Rachel, thank you for coming with me today. This was the most enjoyable and delicious meal I've ever had."
"The pleasure was mine."
"You're really leaving, then."
Yes. Once we parted today, we wouldn't see each other for a long time. He had his studies at the academy and his duties as the Crown Prince; he rarely had the chance to leave the capital. I wouldn't be able to talk to him or see him like this anymore. Even though it was my decision, a profound sense of loneliness washed over me.
But today had solidified it for me. Regardless of whether our engagement continued or was dissolved, I needed to see more of the world. This familiar place was comfortable, but staying here wasn't enough.
"Your Highness..."
"About the engagement... I'm sorry. I can't bring myself to dissolve it yet," he murmured weakly, covering his face with his hand so I couldn't see his expression.
I didn't know how to respond. I searched for words, but found none.
"Instead, I will support your journey to the territory with all my heart. I'm sure you'll be a completely different person the next time we meet."
"I'll do my best to make it so."
"Yes. It's frustrating that I won't be there to see it. But I suppose I have to do what I can on my end as well."
He lowered his hand, his expression now clear and somewhat refreshed. I stared at him, trying to burn the image into my memory.
The carriage stopped. We were back at the Marquis's estate. Shaking off the lingering regret, I took his hand and stepped down.
"Your Highness, thank you so much for today. I know you are busy, but please make sure to rest."
"I will. And you, don't push yourself too hard."
"I won't. Well then... goodbye."
I began to pull my hand away and take a step toward the house. But my hand was suddenly gripped tight. I turned back in surprise.
He looked just as surprised by his own actions, staring down at our joined hands.
"Um, Your Highness?"
"Ah... no, I..."
He hurriedly let go. My hand felt suddenly cold and lonely without his warmth.
"Rachel, to be honest... I'm going to be incredibly lonely without you. I want to keep you by my side and never let go. But I know that feeling is just a burden to you."
"It's not a burden!"
"No, I've realized something recently. Just as you feel you have things to learn, I've realized how much I'm lacking. So, the next time we meet... I'll work to become a man you won't ever want to leave."
I looked at his awkward, forced smile. I could feel the painful depth of his emotions, and my eyes began to sting.
"So, I want you to work hard for your own sake."
"I will."
"But if you ever run into trouble... I'd be happy if you relied on me."
"I will."
I couldn't look away from his earnest gaze. He let go of my hand and gave a soft smile.
"I'll write to you."
"And I'll write to you about everything I see and feel."
"...I'll be waiting. Now, go inside and rest."
I gave him a bow, took a step back, and turned toward the front door. This time, he didn't stop me. When I reached the door, the servants were waiting to open it. I paused and looked back one last time.
He was still there, watching me with a gentle, peaceful smile. He raised a hand slightly, and I bowed once more before turning on my heel and entering the house.