Heart-warming Meals with Mother Fenrir - Chapter 13

The carriage swayed as it passed through the coastal road of the castle town.

In the distance stood a large castle.

That must be the royal castle.

The sea sparkled brightly, creating a beautiful view.

They were invited to the royal castle in the royal carriage.

They wouldn't look so foolish, if they weren't carrying a pot with them right now.

Rudia, Rude, and Croquette couldn’t help but smile at their awkwardness.

Meanwhile, Greud looked constantly apologetic.

As they approached the castle, they realized it resembled an island.

It was connected to the castle town by a bridge, and it looked as if it could be closed down in case of emergency and the castle could be barricaded.

The cliffs rose steeply from the sea, making it hard to climb.

The castle was strategically constructed in a well-considered location.

Crossing the bridge, they made their way into the castle area grounds.

They were able to pass the gate without stopping, only slowing down a little.

Typically, questions regarding their purpose or destination would be expected at this point. But as soon as Greud leaned out of the carriage window, everything ended swiftly.

The carriage stopped.

This seemed to be a side entrance rather than the main gate.

There were no unnecessary people passing through, making it a secluded spot.

Greud exited the carriage first and proceeded to open the gate.

"I apologize for having you enter through such a place. However, this is a discreet visit, you know."

This arrangement suited Rude and the others just fine.

Since they weren’t officially invited and were bringing a pot, it was a bit odd.

If they were welcomed by a large crowd, it would be quite embarrassing.

Rudia got out of the carriage first.

She appeared to be inspecting the ground for Rude’s footing.

"Rude, it’s okay to get out now."

"Thanks, Mom. Croquette-oneechan, could you hold the pot for me?"

"Of course, I’ll hold it-nya."

After handing over the pot, Rude got out of the carriage and received the pot back from Croquette.

"Thank you."

"Not at all, it’s my pleasure-nya."

Normally, Croquette should have disembarked first, but the pot seemed more important.

Given the summer heat, Rude had been using magic to keep it chilled.

If he stumbled while getting out, it would be a problem.

Rudia likely thought the same thing and got out first.

This might be described as a family’s unspoken understanding.

There may have been a foodie's desire not to waste something simply delicious at play.

Rude suddenly realized something important.

"Ah, perhaps I should have made it here instead… What a mistake."

"Oh, that might be true-nya…"

"That’s a good point…"

One could say they are similar to a parent and child, or maybe like siblings.

It was a heartwarming scene indeed.

Greud led the way down the corridor.

From time to time, they passed women who appeared to be maids, who stopped and bowed.

However, rather than the usual "Welcome," they were greeted with "My apologies."

Each woman they encountered had a look of sincere apology on their face.

Upon exiting the corridor, they entered a somewhat spacious hall.

They thought they would proceed directly to the audience chamber, but it seemed otherwise.

After passing through the hall, they turned right at the end and kept walking down the corridor.

"This way, please."

Greud opened a large door.

Inside appeared to be a dining room.

The wide room was arranged around a long table and had a fresh, clean appearance.

As they entered, they noticed four individuals—both men and women—bowing deeply next to the table.

"Thank you for coming. I am the king of this country, Feliz. This is my wife, Claire. Our son, Arslet. And our daughter, Realiere."

The middle-aged, formidable-looking man introducing the family was likely the king.

Next to him stood a woman of similar age, exuding a calm demeanor.

There was a robust young man with a solid physique.

And there was a woman who appeared slightly older than the young man.

This woman was likely the princess.

The only one who didn’t bow was the woman who appeared to be the princess.

"This, Realiere. You are in the presence of the third princess from the Kingdom of Walgard. Make sure to greet her properly."

"Is that the renowned 'pudding' I’ve heard about? Greud, quickly get the bowl and spoon ready."

Ignoring the greetings, she promptly took a seat, focused on the pudding.

"Sister, isn’t that disrespectful to everyone here?"

"That’s right, Realiere. Come on, greet them properly."

Ignoring her family's voices, she quickly sat down, staring at the pot that Rude was holding with sparkling eyes.

Rude and the others couldn't help but smile wryly at the expected reaction.

"Please forgive me. Despite being grown up, she acts so spoiled…"

"No, she’s a beautiful young lady. Just wait a moment; look, Greud has returned."

Greud came back, carrying four dishes and spoons, his face looking even more remorseful and pale.

Rude divided the food into the bowls and encouraged Greud to carry them.

A bowl was placed in front of Realiere.

"Let’s eat."

Oblivious to the atmosphere, Realiere grabbed a spoon and scooped a bite of pudding into her mouth.

And then, what happened?

Tears overflowed from both eyes, streaming down her cheeks.

"It’s so delightful. Sweet and fluffy, it melts in my mouth in an instant…"

Talking with the spoon in her mouth, her words came out mumbled and unclear.

Each time she took a scoop, she closed her eyes, savoring her joy with her whole body.

Tears streamed down her face each time.

She seemed completely absorbed in enjoying the pudding.

"Um, it’s best eaten while it’s cold, so would you like to try some?"

"Uh, yes. I’m so sorry. I have such a foolish daughter…"

"How embarrassing…"

"Sister, you’re ruining everything…"

"Since we’re here, let’s go ahead and enjoy it."

"Okay."

"Yes."

It was just when the king, queen, and the young man presumed to be the prince were about to start eating.

"I want a refill!"

With a smile, Realiere turned to Rude and offered her bowl with her left hand.

　▼

"I love it! I’ll make you my personal chef!"

"No, that’s impossible."

Rude, while giving a wry smile, straightforwardly declined the offer.

"Why not? I’ll give you any reward you want! What’s wrong? Aren’t you a servant?"

She really doesn’t seem to understand.

The king, queen, and prince had completely hung their heads in despair.

"Excuse me for a moment. Croquette-oneechan, could you please hold onto the pot?"

"Of course-nya!"

Rude hands the pot to Croquette.

"Greud, I’ll borrow the inner room for a bit."

"Yes. I’m really sorry about this."

"No, it’s fine."

Rude entered the room where Greud had gone to fetch the dishes.

After shutting the door, he transformed.

There was a brief flash of light from the door, and then it slowly opened.

There stood a pure white Fenrir.

"Huh? Where did that come from…?"

"Uh, it’s me. My name is Femrude, the one who created the pudding."

"Eh? W-Whaaat?!"

It’s no wonder she was surprised.

The "Fenrir with pure white fur" that had been the talk of the town was right in front of her.

　▼

"I apologize for my foolish daughter."

The king knelt before Rudia, pressing his head firmly to the floor, resembling a full prostration similar to a dogeza, while keeping his fists clenched.

The queen and the prince were bending deeply, bowing their heads as much as they could.

"No, it’s fine. I’m not here as a princess at the moment. It seems my son isn’t concerned either. As king, you shouldn’t be in such a pitiful state."

"Yes, there seems to have been a misunderstanding. I don’t mind it at all."

Croquette, holding Rude’s removed garments in both hands, gave a wry smile.

The princess, on the other hand, looked to be in a stupor as she sat there.

"No way! That child was the pure white Fenrir…"

Apparently, she was aware of the rumors.

However, she was probably shocked to have mistaken Rude for a servant.

It’s true that Rude arrived here today in casual attire.

It could be said that Rude is somewhat to blame.

"Rude, I truly apologize. I should have provided you with more appropriate clothing…"

"No, it’s not your fault, Mom. We didn’t know we’d be called suddenly. Of course, neither you nor Croquette are to blame. We made the pudding just fine."

"Since my son is saying this, could you please raise your head?"

"Yes. I’m very sorry for this."

At this point, Rudia began to explain something Rude didn’t know.

"We Fenrir's can only maintain a human form in our homeland. However, this child is special; he can do that anywhere."

"Eh?"

"Ah, I'm sorry Rude, I forgot to mention it because you never asked...."

Rudia’s explanation went like this.

In contrast to this area where humans reside, the Kingdom of Walgard has an abundance of magical energy in the atmosphere.

This is why they are unable to maintain a human appearance outside of Walgard.

The reason for the magical energy expenditure when Rude changed from human to Fenrir was due to this.

It seems that maintaining a human form would normally require a vast amount of magical power.

"Is that so? Then your son would be the crown prince, wouldn’t he?"

"No, since he was born outside of our homeland, I don’t know if he has inheritance rights. I don’t think my father and mother know about this child either."

Indeed, Rude is an adopted child.

But he is also a Fenrir.

However, Rude was more interested in something else.

"I want to see what Mom looks like as a human."

"It’s nothing special. You might be disappointed if you see it."

Rudia had a twinkle of laughter in her eyes.

In any case, it was a fact that the king had no choice but to treat Rude as if he might be the crown prince of the Kingdom of Walgard.

Looking at Realiere, he noticed her face was completely white.

This was only natural.

She had been rude to the crown prince (who might be Rude) of a nation even mightier than Sea Wales.

Seeing Realiere like that, Rude said.

"Princess Realiere, would you like a second helping of pudding? There’s still plenty left."

"...I want it"

"Greud, could you bring three more bowls and spoons, please?"

"Yes, I’ll bring them right away."

"Mom and Crockett-oneechan will eat too, right?"

"Yes, there’s always room for desserts."

"Absolutely-nya."

"How about the king, queen, and prince? Would you like to join?"

Rude was very much moving at his own pace.

　▼

Since that day, it seems that Realiere, disguised as a maid, began secretly visiting Mikariel's inn to eat pudding.

Yet, due to her habit of coming to eat right at opening every day, she had become well-known.

As for Realiere.

"This is delicious. Why didn’t I come to eat like this before? I could have enjoyed it every day..."

She had fully established herself as a regular.

When she spotted Rude, she waved and greeted him with a smile.

"Good morning, Rude. I’ve come to enjoy the delicious pudding today as well!"

"...Are you sure that’s okay?"

"Indeed, no one would realize it’s me in this appearance. It’s a flawless disguise, don’t you think?"

"Ahahaha..."

Rude thought to himself.

(There’s no maid with such beautiful rings and earrings...)

Realiere faithfully consumed three portions daily, smiling as she headed back to the castle.

She didn’t walk here; it was Greud who brought her in a carriage, making it obvious to everyone around.

It seems that the townspeople warmly watch as the castle princess disguises herself as a maid to secretly eat pudding.

The rumor spreads that ‘the princess also loves the Fenrir pudding from Mikariel Inn.’

Rude began to worry that Greud might collapse from the stress.

However, according to Gerude.

"It makes me happy that the princess, who wouldn’t leave the castle at all, is finally stepping outside."

Realiere was indeed someone who had been worried about to that extent.

Chapter length 5347 characters.

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