"Mmm… This is delicious." Subaru savored the food on her plate with a blissful expression, a satisfied smile appearing on her face. Whether it was meat or vegetables, the dishes were cooked perfectly, with a delicate texture and rich layered flavors that made her want to praise every bite.
Of course, what pleased her most was not only the delicious food, but also the person sitting across from her, Carlisle. To share lunch with the blue haired young man she considered the most Perfect Knight in the world, even if it was the simplest of food, made her feel incredibly happy.
"That's wonderful. I was worried Rem's cooking might not suit your tastes, but seeing you all enjoy it so much makes me truly happy." Roswaal's voice came from the other end of the dining table, full of teasing amusement.
Subaru heard him and then noticed a detail in his words.
"All the dishes here were prepared by Rem?"
"That's right." Roswaal replied with a smile, a hint of pride in his tone. "I believe Rem's culinary skills are among the best in the entire Kingdom."
"It is truly wonderful that Sir Perfect Knight and Subaru enjoy it." Roswaal deliberately drew out his words, his gaze sweeping over Carlisle with a meaningful look.
Carlisle heard that title and a trace of awkwardness flashed across his face, his earlobes turning slightly red. Clearly, if it were only the strange tone and makeup, Carlisle would not mind very much. However, every time he met Roswaal, the man would intentionally use that title to tease him.
Subaru secretly glanced at Carlisle. When she saw him blush, her heart immediately skipped several beats. She quickly lowered her head and shoveled a few mouthfuls of rice into her mouth.
"Amazing. The most perfect blush in the world." she silently exclaimed in her heart. Immediately afterward, she realized her own behavior.
"Using the blush of the person I like to accompany my meal? I… why am I acting like a pervert?" Subaru felt a wave of embarrassment over her own thoughts.
Carlisle was too tired to correct Roswaal again and simply responded politely.
"It is truly delicious, Miss Rem. Thank you for preparing the meal."
At this moment, Rem and Ram were standing behind Roswaal. Rem, after hearing Carlisle's compliment, bowed slightly and replied calmly,
"Thank you for your praise."
"Hey, Sir Knight over there, do not use so many honorifics when you speak. That attitude is very irritating."
Betty spoke to Carlisle with a look of disgust while feeding Puck soup with a small spoon.
Puck lay lazily on Betty's hand, his tail gently swaying. He laughed lightly and smoothed things over.
"Betty, do not be so harsh. Sir Knight is very capable, and thanks to him and the young lady over there, Lia was able to return safely from the Royal Capital."
Betty paused slightly when she heard Puck's words, then pouted.
"Fine. Since it is Brother's request, Betty will reluctantly tolerate it."
A brief silence fell over the dining table as everyone finished eating. Rem and Ram soon began clearing the dishes. The moment Betty finished her meal, she left the dining room with Puck in her arms, looking completely uninterested in anything else.
Once everything was tidied up, the atmosphere gradually became more serious. Roswaal sat at the head of the table, while Rem and Ram stood perfectly straight behind him, their maid postures flawless.
"Alright, Natsuki Subaru. Before we discuss serious matters, allow me to introduce myself."
"My name is Roswaal L. Mathers, and I am the owner of this Mansion. The two standing behind me are Rem and Ram."
After he finished speaking, Rem and Ram bowed slightly. Their movements were perfectly synchronized and their etiquette was impeccable.
The silver haired half elf girl also raised her hand and introduced herself.
"My name is Emilia, and my most important family member is Puck. Also, even though I resemble that Witch, I have absolutely no connection to her."
"That gentleman over there is Carlisle Eltheran, the knight serving Lady Emilia. Of course, I prefer to call him Sir Perfect Knight." Roswaal returned to his smiling expression when he mentioned Carlisle.
"Subaru, you may simply call me Carlisle."
Carlisle said this with a gentle smile.
Subaru took a deep breath and tried to appear calmer.
"My name is Natsuki Subaru, and I am a high school girl currently on a leave of absence."
"Hm. While I am curious about what exactly a 'high school girl' is, I do have a few questions for you." Roswaal's voice remained light, but his eyes carried a probing look.
"Why did you come to the Kingdom of Lugunica? You should know that the situation in this country is very unstable right now. you suddenly appeared on the streets of the Royal Capital and immediately became attached to the knight of a Royal Selection candidate. It is difficult not to suspect your motives."
Subaru's heart tightened when she heard the question. Her fingers unconsciously intertwined.
"…This question? At the time, I was in mortal danger, and Carlisle saved me. I want to repay his kindness."
"As for the other question… I actually arrived here the moment I closed my eyes and opened them again. Do you believe me?"
Roswaal paused for a moment, clearly not expecting such an answer. His gaze lingered on Subaru's face for several seconds, as if judging whether she was lying.
Seeing that he did not respond immediately, Subaru felt even more uncertain. She bravely continued explaining.
"It is a little difficult to explain. My hometown is on an island nation in the northeast. That night, I went to a convenience store to buy something, and after I came out, I somehow ended up here."
Her answer caused the entire room to fall into silence. Roswaal's expression became somewhat complicated, and for a moment he did not know how to respond.
Roswaal had no idea that the girl's answers were completely true. The only thing she had hidden was the most crucial part. Her so called repayment of kindness was actually her desire to devote herself to Carlisle.
Subaru's heart pounded violently and cold sweat appeared on her palms.
'It is over. He definitely will not believe me. And that makes sense. Anyone would think such an absurd way of traveling between worlds is nothing but a joke.'
At that moment, Carlisle suddenly stood up.
"Sir Roswaal, although this explanation may sound a little strange, I believe Subaru is not lying."
Carlisle was now completely certain that Natsuki Subaru, just like him, came from Earth. He never expected that Subaru's method of crossing worlds would be, arriving here in the blink of an eye. However, Carlisle had arrived as a newborn infant, so the term reincarnation was more appropriate for him.
"Carlisle…"
Subaru looked up at him in surprise. She had never expected that Carlisle would believe her explanation, especially when she herself felt that it sounded absurd.
The debt of gratitude she felt toward him seemed to grow even deeper.
Roswaal's gaze shifted back and forth between Carlisle and Subaru. Then he chuckled softly, his tone returning to its usual teasing ease.
"Oh Carlisle, you have truly given me a difficult problem. However, since the knight whose reputation is second only to the Sword Saint in the entire Kingdom is willing to vouch for Subaru, I suppose I have no choice but to believe it."
"Reputation second only to the Sword Saint?" Carlisle sounded somewhat helpless when he heard this.
"Sir Roswaal, please do not take such rumors seriously. I am not that formidable. Such a title is truly an overestimation."
Roswaal looked at Carlisle with a smile, a playful glint in his eyes.
"Heh, how charming. You are probably the only person in the entire Kingdom who refuses to believe that rumor. Such excessive humility is precisely what I admire about you."
Roswaal then turned his gaze back to Subaru. He spread his hands dramatically, his voice carrying theatrical exaggeration.
"Alright. Tell me, what reward do you desire?"
"Reward?" Subaru blinked in confusion, clearly not understanding the question.
"That is correct." Roswaal smiled faintly, his voice carrying a hint of temptation.
"You not only helped Sir Knight retrieve the Royal Selection candidate and the Dragon Emblem that proves her status, but you also shielded Lady Emilia from the attack of the Bowel Hunter. Such kindness is more than enough reason for you to request a generous reward from me."
...
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