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Chapter 468
Chapter 468
Chapter 468
Chapter 468: The Chef from back then
Elna and I rode in a carriage to the middle layer of the Imperial Capital. Apparently, there was a popular restaurant there but the one who introduced the place to us was Finne.
As people noticed the clearly high-class carriage, their gaze gathered and as soon as I got off, several people stopped in their tracks.
When I extended my hand to Elna who was dressed in a gown and slowly stepping down, everyone froze.
I could feel their stares converging on us.
Anyone in the Imperial Capital who saw her pink hair and emerald green eyes would associate her with the House of Duke Amsberg.
But the Elna who emerged from the carriage was a dolled-up Elna. She was here not as a royal guard but as a noblewoman of the House of Amsberg.
The people who had never seen her like this probably froze in their tracks thinking, "Who is that beautiful woman?"
Even seeing the characteristic features of the Amsberg family, it was hard for both men and women to connect them to Elna and thus they were completely captivated.
Meanwhile, it seemed that Elna was feeling the stares on her.
"We're getting a lot of attention..."
"Because it's an unusual sight, right?"
"I wish I could disappear..."
Elna murmured with a voice so pathetic one might think she was on a boat in the sea.
She was unlike her usual confident self as she was following me while looking down.
Indeed, she didn't seem like the Elna I knew in this state.
Laughing, I took Elna's hand and led her into the restaurant.
The purpose of this was not to tease Elna or make her a spectacle.
Well, they probably thought we just came here to eat.
"Sebas, how is it?"
"It seems they took the bait. There are eyes watching."
Ever since the corpse appeared, the royal family hasn't left the castle.
I'm the first one.
If they're impatient, I must look like an excellent prey.
Theodore is a royal guard.
It's his job to protect the royal family.
Moreover, Elna, the captain of the royal guards, is clearly out for personal reasons.
Even if they suspect a trap, they have no choice but to act.
If they're confident in their skills, they'd be interested in the House of Amsberg.
Or rather, there's no swordsman who wouldn't be aware of it.
"Well, for now, it's mealtime."
As I said that, an employee came out to guide us.
"Prince Arnold, thank you for using our establishment."
The employee was a brown haired girl who appeared dressed in black pants.
It surprisingly suits her, I murmured.
"Looking professional, huh?"
"It's my job."
The employee was Lynfia.
Hiding her would give us away, so we let her inside the restaurant.
Her demeanor was perfect.
You could hardly tell that she was actually with us.
"This way."
We were guided to a terrace seat on the second floor.
Decorated elegantly for today.
It was reserved just for us.
"You have good taste."
"Why are we eating outside...?"
"We stand out more this way, right?"
"Enough already..."
As Elna took her seat, she tried to make herself as inconspicuous as possible.
There was no sign of the prodigy from the House of Amsberg.
As I was smiling bitterly, the owner came to greet us.
"It's been a while, Your Highness."
"Long time no see, huh?"
I recognized the face of the owner.
It was the chef who served me awful food by the order of a noble who was pulling the strings behind the scenes when the White Seagull Alliance, led by Lawrence, were aiming at harassing me.
He was the one who gave the final push to Lawrence's downfall.
The chef was the one who informed me of the behind-the-scenes maneuvering at that time, helping me capture Lawrence, and became the starting point for my expansion.
He is now the owner of this place.
"I heard you started all over from the outermost layer of the Capital?"
"Yes... I've decided to start over, vowing never to lie in my cooking."
"That is a good attitude."
The fact that he was able to open a restaurant in the middle layer in just a year shows that his food became well-known.
It's only a matter of time before he's sought after by the upper classes again.
"Finne recommended this place but can I expect a good meal?"
"Of course. We have been continually supported by Lady Finne and the Duchy of Kleinert. We will certainly live up to your expectations."
"I see. Also, there may be a commotion here. I hope you'll forgive me."
"Please feel free. The restaurant is but a decoration. As long as I have these hands, I can cook anytime."
With that, the owner withdrew with a smile.
Watching the owner leave, I turned my gaze to Elna, who was still crouched down.
"How long are you going to stay like that?"
"But..."
"You look great. Stand tall and be confident."
"Even if you say that..."
"People below can't see you here. Only I'm looking, so relax."
"Really...?"
People walking on the main street could only see our faces.
If there was someone else watching, it would only be Nigel, but he would likely be too busy finding a gap.
"In that case..."
Trusting my words, Elna straightened her back.
She still seemed a little embarrassed though.
"Well, even though it's like this, we don't often have a meal just the two of us. Enjoy it, also as a toast to me."
Saying that, I lifted the glass that had been served.
What was inside was not alcohol, but fruit juice.
That's the only thing I was not happy about, but well, it can't be helped.
As Elna and I toasted and took a sip, soup was served next.
When I scooped it up with a spoon and tasted it, it was refreshing and delicious.
It was a world apart from the meal served before.
Smiling at the difference, Elna also smiled in response.
"It's delicious."
"It's because the chef is good."
While having such conversation, we truly enjoyed our meal.
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