A Meal Of Love

“Surely, you jest. Ahaha… The Dragon race is a bunch of proud and arrogant creatures. To even think of having them as a loyal subordinate. Right now, I must let you know that it will cost you an unimaginable amount of points!” the Grimoire said.

“Please think a little more realistically, Master Ryan. Even if you were to have enough points, there is the matter of finding a dragon in the first place. They are not pues that will suddenly drop out of the sky.”

‘We’ll see then.’ Ryan thought. ‘But for now… it’s time to eat!’

The delicious aroma of cooked food wafted over from the kitchen despite the closed door, igniting Ryan's hunger.

In addition, it was no use talking with nonbelievers like the Builder anyway. It would be better to focus on what he could do as of the moment.

“My actions will speak louder than my words anyway.” Ryan muttered.

The door opened. Despite spending some time in the kitchen, Joan stepped out without one hair out of place. Carrying a tray in her hands, she walked toward Ryan and set the food on the table.

“I did my best with what was available, Master Ryan,” Joan said and bowed her head a little apologetically. “This is in no way similar to the delicacies usually served to you in the palace, so please forgive me if they are not to your liking.”

“Nonsense. Using very simple ingredients, you were able to whip up such a mouthwatering meal. It only took you a short time as well. Thank you for your hard work. Come. You must eat with me.” Ryan insisted for Joan to take the seat beside him.

“I shouldn't!” Joan protested weakly, as deep inside, she was more than willing to sit beside Ryan.

Her refusal was only because she didn't want him to think that she was overly eager.

“We are practically of the same rank now. I’m an exiled Prince, so I’m just a commoner. You don’t have to worry. Besides… since you’re the one who had done the cooking, why don’t I reciprocate by feeding you?” Ryan grinned.

He picked up his spoon and dipped it into the dish that Joan prepared. His gaze was warm as he lifted the spoon before her mouth.

“You do not have to reward me like this, Master Ryan. I am more than satisfied to know that you are not unhappy with what I have made...” Joan blushed, obviously unused to this kind of treatment. It was not good for her heart! “I can only hope that it is as good as the ones that the chefs prepare in the palace.”

“My mouth watered when I smelled them. I can tell that it’s good for eating is using the nose as much as using the tongue.” Ryan explained.

“Y-you truly are quite knowledgeable, Master Ryan.” Joan said, unable to think of anything else to say.

Since it was late in the evening and knowing that Ryan was hungry, Joan decided to cook a quick dish.

Among the supplies given to them, there were fresh chicken eggs, cheese, and butter. She decided to make an omelette out of it. It was topped with chives to serve as a garnish and aromatic.

When Ryan saw the dish, he could tell that former Master Albert really did his best to provide them with the finest ingredients available.

“Hmm… I have to check how much everything costs and pay them back tomorrow. He probably didn’t insist because I just arrived, but it’s not good to owe anyone anything.”

Ryan offered some of the omelette to Joan.

“Y-you must have the first bite, Master Ryan!” Joan said.

“Ah, what kind of cook does all the cooking but doesn’t get to eat the first bite?”

“Do not worry. I have already checked the ingredients for poison or malicious ingredients. There is none.” Joan said.

Ryan’s eyes widened a little, and he shook his head. “I wasn’t making you eat it because I thought it was poisoned or something like that. Old Man Albert seemed genuinely nice and I’m a good judge of character. I just want to spoil you a little. Please say ah?”

Joan’s pink hair now paled in comparison to the hue of her flushed skin. Nonetheless, she inched closer and parted her lips, her emerald green eyes fluttering shut as her heart raced in her chest.

Ryan looked at Joan for a moment and couldn’t help but gulp a little. Her expression was quite suggestive if you stared at her luscious rosy lips that were waiting to be filled, and noticed how close she was. That the distance could be easily crossed if Ryan dared to take the initiative.

“Mmmm… delicious!” Ryan exclaimed.

Hearing that, Joan’s eyes snapped open, expecting to see Ryan eating. But contrary to what she thought, she only saw a mischievous grin on his face.

“Hah, made you look.” Ryan chuckled and then gently fed her the omelette. “Here you go. Enjoy the meal.”

Joan ate her own cooking and gulped it down. Cooking wasn’t her best skill, but she thought it was palatable enough, so she looked expectantly at Ryan.

“Okay, okay. I’ll eat now too,” Ryan said with a smile as he scooped some of the omelette and put it into his mouth. He blinked for a moment and then swallowed a little.

Joan looked at him nervously, and though she didn’t say anything, it was clear that she wanted to know what he thought of it.

“It’s a meal made with love.” Ryan did his best to grin. It wasn’t actually that bad… she just forgot to add a bit of salt. Or any at all.

Joan’s eyes widened, but she averted her gaze and nodded shyly. “Yes. That’s true. I… I don’t know how to express myself very well, but you truly have a very keen sense, Master Ryan. I had indeed prepared that dish as a medium to let you know about what I feel.”

“…” Ryan’s jaw silently dropped. He only said those words because he didn’t want to hurt her feelings, but now she just confessed her love to him!

“I know that this is not a proper time and you are trying to establish yourself once again since you have been exiled, but these growing feelings for you are honest and true, Your Highness!” Joan finally looked at him. “It must be crazy to say, but I am truly serious.”