Chapter 12: The Taste of Gratitude.

「Delicious…」

What is this dish?

It doesn’t look particularly appealing.
It’s thick and viscous, almost like soup—yet not quite the same.

The moment I take a single bite, I feel my cheeks soften involuntarily.

Seeing that, Samuel—who had been rigid with tension—finally lets his shoulders drop in visible relief.

“This is called congee.”

“Congee? I’ve never heard of it. Where is it from?”

“…It’s a dish from the eastern regions.
Rice is relatively common in the surrounding countries, so it’s easy to obtain here.”

“I’ve never eaten it before, but I’ve heard of rice.
They say common folk eat it—fried, or added to soups, right?”

“Yes, those are the more common preparations in this area.”

“But this is different?”

The simple flavor—slightly salty, with a gentle sweetness—seeps deep into my body.

I’ve soaked bread in soup before, of course.
But even then, the soup itself is seasoned so strongly that I can never eat much.
This congee, though… it has only the faintest trace of seasoning.

Perhaps that’s exactly why I can keep eating.

“This version is simpler than usual—more water, less seasoning.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.
We can gradually increase the amount of rice depending on how much you can eat, and add fish, vegetables, or egg as well.
I’ll also prepare gentle simmered vegetable dishes that are easy on the body.
Little by little, we’ll help your stomach adjust and build up your portions.”

It has been three days since Samuel arrived at our household.
At first, the head chef seemed skeptical of this mysterious newcomer and his strange creations.
But the unique flavors and unusual seasonings quickly captured the interest of the Marquis household’s kitchen staff.

According to Sara, despite his rugged appearance, he is remarkably humble and quick to help any servant in need.
At this rate, he’ll fit right in with the household in no time.

Even though the portion was small, I finished it in moments—and found myself wanting just a little more.

“I think I could eat a bit more…”

“No, since it’s an unfamiliar ingredient, let’s take it slowly.
We don’t want to upset your stomach either.”

“You’re right. Thank you, Samuel.”

“Not at all.”

All this time, I’ve barely touched the meals prepared for me.
I felt so guilty toward the cooks who kept trying new things to accommodate me.

“Being able to eat delicious food… it’s such a wonderful thing, isn’t it?”

“Delicious food alone is enough to let a person live strongly—that’s what I believe.”

At my words, Samuel narrows his already narrow eyes even further and smiles happily.

“Fufu. I’ll look forward to more from now on.”

“Yes—please excuse me. If there’s anything else, just let me know.”

He bows politely and leaves the room.

I had never once considered how important eating really is.
Delicious dishes had always simply appeared before me as a matter of course.

Fufu.

A smile bubbles up unbidden.

Ah… I really have lived in such a narrow world.
Even though I’m confined to this one room right now, the world inside me keeps expanding wider and wider.

♢

Just as I finish reading the second book of the day at my desk, Sara sets down a cup of tea.

“Miss, your complexion has improved so much.”

“Yes… Samuel’s cooking really is miraculous!
Around mealtime, my stomach starts rumbling on its own.”

“That’s wonderful.”

Since then, my portions have gradually increased, and the time I can stay upright has grown longer too.
I still get a little winded just moving from bed to desk, but overall… I feel much better.

“By the way, His Highness the Crown Prince will be stopping by after academy today, won’t he?”

“Yes… it’s been about two weeks, hasn’t it?
He seemed quite busy lately.
In his letter, he mentioned going to an allied nation in His Majesty’s place.”

“That’s right.
Perhaps His Highness missed seeing you, Miss?”

“Missed… me?”

The idea doesn’t quite compute.

Lately, when we meet, he does show a wider range of expressions.
But more often than not, it feels like he’s teasing me for his own amusement.

Still… he went out of his way to bring Samuel here when I had no appetite.
I really do need to thank him properly.

Yes. I should make sure to tell him so.