Life as a Tower Maid: Locked up with the Prince - Chapter 74

Chapter 74

Translator: Yonnee

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I heard that Schubert was walking along the garden at the east wing of the castle. It was snowing heavily outside, so I first thought that the attendant was joking when he said that the baron was in the garden.

However, as I walked towards that direction, I soon saw a glass greenhouse waiting at the end of the east wing’s corridor.

“Please wait here for a moment.”

I can’t believe someone’s bowing so politely in front of me! I’ve never been treated like this in my whole entire life. It feels so weird—so thrilling. Is this what power tastes like?

I soon got excited while thinking about the property I’ll be receiving from Albert, along with the attendants and chefs I’ll be hiring. If possible, I’d like to hire some good-looking people.

The attendant who went outside came back in no time, but he looked a bit troubled.

“I apologize, but His Lordship didn’t allow for you to go in…”

“Um, does Lord Bergen have a cat with him?”

“Pardon? Oh, yes, that’s right but…”

“That’s my cat. I’m here to fetch him.”

That cat belongs to me. I proudly demanded to take Blanc back. Do you know just how much quality time I’ve spent with Blanc?

If Schubert didn’t want to see me, then fine. Even if I couldn’t go in the greenhouse, I’m still taking Blanc with me.

“Can you tell my cat that I’m going to cook something delicious? He’ll come to me then.”

“…I am doubtful that a cat would understand such complicated words, but I shall do as you say.”

Though there was a perplexed look on his face, the attendant nodded.

After a while, the door opened again, and I saw Blanc running towards me. He was so full of energy that, as he came running, his little wings were flapping behind him.

“Blanc!”

I welcomed Blanc with open arms.

“You came to fetch meee…”

“Of course I did. What were you doing?”

“Ooover there… That human… gave me something… yummyyy…”

“Don’t follow just any human just because they give you something delicious, Blanc. What if he’s some weirdo?”

“No waayy… That human’s auraaa… is goood…”

When I said that, Blanc protested gently. The attendant who was still there blinked at me. I must look like a crazy cat lady talking to her pet.

“What did you just say about me?”

I heard a pointed voice from behind me. Turning around, I exchanged glances with Schubert Bergen.

“No, the Baron is a very good man. I’m just saying it as a warning.”

“You have a way with words, don’t you… You must have been like that with His Highness…”

From the short distance between us, I heard him gritting his teeth. His ferocious glare was intense.

Well, it wasn’t all that scary to me though. I’ve been training under Albert all this time.

In comparison, Schubert was like a huge puppy. I wondered what would be the best thing to do to win over a huge puppy—and the answer came to me in an instant.

Holding Blanc in my arms tightly, I pretended to look away and said with a low voice,

“I’ll be off to cook His Highness’ food now, Baron, so…”

“Food?”

“His Highness likes my cooking quite a bit, so I’d like to cook some for the Baron, too.”

The way to win over Schubert was simple—just mention Albert.

Flinch. There, I saw it. That very slight flinch of Schubert’s shoulders. That minute trembling of his eyes.

“May I have your permission?”

“…W-What if you put poison in it! I don’t trust you at all!”

Schubert exclaimed with a red face. I turned away with a sad expression on my face.

“Is that so. I understand.”

“…You’re just leaving like that?”

Bewildered now, his voice was different from the usual threatening tone.

You feel that it’s a shame, right? Right? You thought I’d try to convince you a few more times.

When it came to improving relationships, the push and pull method was essential.

…Of course, it was impossible in some cases. Albert’s, that is.

I’ll have to lower Schubert’s vigilance. He still sees me as a suspicious witch, after all.

Now’s the perfect opportunity to show him how I cook for Albert and, at the same time, let him taste the same food Albert eats.

Coughing once, I spoke politely again.

“How dare I force Your Lordship to do anything? That would be impudent of me.”

“……”

“Then, I shall get going now.”

I turned away from Schubert. Then, I spoke pleasantly towards the attendant.

“Please guide me to the kitchen.”

Soon, I walked away under the attendant’s guidance and headed towards the kitchen. In my arms, the smiling Blanc asked me,

“What are you cookiiing… todaaay…?”

“I think I’ll have to see the ingredients first.”

There were many soup recipes out there. But I had one in mind.

I asked the servant cautiously,

“Do you have any seafood here?”

“If it’s seafood…”

“Anything is fine. Shrimp would be nice to have, but clams are good, too. Mussels or an octopus also.”

“Yes, we have some. Duke Masen likes seafood, so we always have some on hand. We’re not far from the coast, so we have seafood all year round.”

Then suddenly, I heard the sound of rushed footsteps coming up behind me.

“H-Hold it!”

Dear gullible customer, you’re here?

I gaped my mouth open slightly, pretending to be surprised, then turned around to face him. With his hair all messed up now after running in a hurry, Schubert coughed in embarrassment and straightened his posture.

Like someone who was in an unexpected predicament, I raised my voice as I spoke.

“No, but! Baron, why are you here…”

“I must check with my own eyes if the food you’ll cook for His Highness isn’t poisoned.”

Oh, that’s a good excuse. I zealously nodded in agreement.

“…You’re weird.”

Schubert blinked in a puzzlement.

“…Not a witch, maybe an idiot…”

“Baron, I can hear you, you know. If I prove I’m not a witch, then it’s alright to be called an idiot.”

Schubert tilted his head to the side at my words. I don’t think I’ve warmed up to him just yet, but my image had certainly changed in his mind.

This much wasn’t bad.

With a light heart, I started walking again, Blanc still in my arms.

For the first time in a while, I was going to cook again. I’m feeling a bit excited.