* * *

Inside the bustling cooking tent, preparations for lunch were well underway.

Not wanting to inconvenience the chefs, Ed quietly moved toward a corner.

However, Erin spotted him first and approached with a bright smile.

“Ed!”

“Oh, Erin.”

“What brings you here? Did His Grace send you? Or did he ask you to speed up the meal prep?”

“No, it’s not that.”

“Then what is it?”

As Erin looked up at him curiously, Ed tucked his notebook into his chest and answered.

“I wanted to prepare something special for the High Priest, so I was hoping to borrow some utensils and a fire. But it seems I’ve come at a busy time.”

“Haha, if that’s all, why didn’t you say so?”

Suddenly, a firm pat on his back made Ed stumble forward.

Regaining his balance, he turned to find the head chef smiling at him.

“Hello, Chef.”

“So, you’re planning to prepare something special for the High Priest?”

“Yes, that’s the idea.”

“What exactly do you have in mind?”

The chef rolled up his sleeves and urged him to explain.

Ed shared his ideas, and after listening attentively, the chef rubbed his chin and repeated the plan.

“A warm stew with potatoes and meat… and you want it to be a bit spicy, right?”

The chef glanced at the spices and ingredients on the table.

“For the spicy flavor, you can use the seasonings over there. As for slicing the potatoes thinly for frying…”

While the chef explained enthusiastically, Ed diligently jotted down notes in his notebook.

When he noticed Erin chuckling softly beside him, he tilted his head toward her.

‘What?”’

He mouthed the word silently, and Erin shook her head slightly before refocusing on the chef’s instructions.

Motivated by her concentration, Ed’s determination shone through.

“Alright, Ed, I’ll clear some space for you. Feel free to try out your dishes. Erin can help you, too.”

Ed shook his head at the offer.

“The kitchen already seems busy. I don’t want to cause trouble.”

“We’ve already taken care of the major prep work, so it’s fine. Go ahead and cook what you’ve planned. I’m curious to see how it turns out.”

---

Sizzle, sizzle.

Each time the potato pancakes crackled and cooked in the oil, Erin’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Ed, can I try the edges again this time too?”

Initially, Ed had shared the misshapen potato pancakes with Erin, who was sitting next to him.

It seemed Erin had grown quite fond of them.

Especially the crispy edges, which Erin found particularly tasty, as he licked his lips while slicing potatoes.

Ed plated a better-cooked batch of pancakes and handed them to Erin.

Seeing Erin, the first person in this world to taste his cooking, genuinely enjoying himself, filled Ed with a sense of pride.

“Does it taste alright?”

“Alright? No, it’s fantastic! So savory and delicious.”

“Thanks for the compliment.”

“It’s not just a compliment—it’s the truth. It’s so simple to make, too. This would be perfect as a late-night snack for the knights later.”

Ed chuckled lightly at Erin’s comment and turned to check the bubbling potato stew over the hearth.

Managing two dishes simultaneously might have been difficult for Ed, but thanks to the sous chef and Erin helping with the prep work, it looked like they would be able to serve the meal on time without much delay.

“I’d like to try that stew too. Can I have a taste?”

“It’s probably done by now, so sure. But it might be a bit spicy.”

Using seasonings the chef had taught him about, Ed had done his best to recreate a Korean-style potato stew.

The result was surprisingly close to the original.

“That’s fine! I handle spice well, and I have to try new foods to feel satisfied.”

Ed ladled the stew into a bowl and handed it to Erin, who took a sip of the steaming broth before it had even cooled.

“Isn’t it too hot?”

“It’s a little hot, but this is amazing! The spicy kick blends so well with the savory meat broth and the soft potato starch—it just makes you want more.”

“Really?”

“Yes! What did you put in this? Tell me quickly!”

“Hold on; I’ll show you my notes later.”

Feeling relieved, Ed exhaled a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding just as the chef approached.

“Erin, it’s time to start serving the food outside. Please plate it for distribution.”

“Yes, Chef.”

“And Ed, if you don’t mind, could you help carry the dishes to the outdoor tables? We need every hand we can get to move quickly.”

“Of course.”

As Ed and Erin stood, they busily divided the food onto plates and bowls.

Ed carefully placed his dishes onto silver trays, covering them before stacking them onto the trolley.

His heart fluttered slightly.

‘I hope His Grace and the High Priest enjoy it.’

“All set? Let’s head out.”

“Got it, Erin.”

Ed pushed the trolley alongside Erin, stepping out of the tent and arranging the food on the outdoor tables.

When his gaze met the Grand Duke’s seated figure, Ed couldn’t help but notice something strange.

‘That’s odd. His Grace seemed to be in a good mood earlier, but now his expression looks slightly somber. Did something happen?’

The shadowed look in the Grand Duke’s eyes, reminiscent of last night, resurfaced in Ed’s memory, causing him to pause unconsciously.

“Ed, what’s wrong? Something on your mind?”

Erin’s voice broke Ed’s thoughts, and he shook his head lightly.

“No, it’s nothing, Erin.”

After setting the food before the Grand Duke, Ed proceeded to serve the High Priest, who smiled faintly.

“So this is the dish you personally prepared for me, Ed?”

“Yes, I hope it suits your taste.”

“The aroma from the stew is delightful. Is it made with potatoes?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Answering the High Priest’s question, Ed stole a few glances at the Grand Duke seated at the head of the table.

All his nerves were tuned toward the man.

Once the table was fully set, the Grand Duke spoke.

“Yesterday and today, I want to extend my gratitude to everyone here for aiding the wounded alongside the High Priest. Though the schedule was delayed, this simple luncheon will suffice for now. Once we return to the northern castle, we’ll enjoy a proper banquet.”

The clerics and knights seated at the table responded with vigor.

“Yes!”

The Grand Duke gave a faint smile and nodded.

As the meal began, Ed prepared to return to the kitchen with the trolley.

But the Grand Duke called out to him.

“Ed.”

“Yes, Your Grace?”

“How about joining us for the meal here?”

“Oh no, it’s alright. I’ll eat separately with Jaynon.”

“Don’t be like that. Join us. There’s an open seat here, and you can explain the dishes to us.”

The High Priest pulled out a chair and chimed in, supporting the Grand Duke.

“His Grace seems to agree. And I think Ronen would also prefer if you dined with us.”

“Ed! Come sit with us. These potato pancakes you made are amazing! And the stew—ah! It’s spicy!”

As Ronen’s tongue burned from the stew, the Grand Duke handed him a cup.

“Are you alright, Ronen?”

“Yes, I’m fine! It only felt spicy at first, but the more I try it, the less intense it feels!”

Ronen smiled widely at Ed as he took another sip of the hot broth.

“Ed, it’s really delicious!”

Ed, noticing Ronen’s flushed cheeks, added more potato pancakes and bread to his plate.

“This stew is typically paired with other dishes, but I didn’t have enough time to prepare them. Instead, I made some bread to dip into the stew, which should balance the spice.”

“Okay, I’ll try it your way this time.”

Watching everyone enjoy his cooking—their first time trying such flavors—filled Ed with pride.

Unable to resist his growing curiosity to see their reactions up close, he finally took the offered seat and picked up a spoon.

“Wow, Ed, you’re right! The bread makes it much less spicy!”

“I’m glad, Ronen.”

“Ed, this stew is wonderfully smooth, even for someone my age. It’s easy to chew and swallow.”

“I’m relieved it suits your taste, High Priest.”

* * *