21st Century Archmage

“Its delicious!”

“Truly? Hoho, I am relieved to hear that it suits your palate.”

“Will you not eat, Princess?”

I only wanted to drink one cup of tea before heading back, but the tea was nowhere to be found, it was replaced by a full-course meal. Thus began a meal with royalty. I had heard that Havis finances were tight these days, but the long dining table was lined with dishes Id never seen or heard of before. With a little exaggeration, you could say that there was enough food here to rival a buffet.

“Gobble gobble.”

“Sluuuurp.”

‘Sigh, what should I do with those morons? My only saving grace was that only Rosiathe and the maids delivering the food were there to witness it, but any nobles would have glared at me with eyes of loathing if they were here. The beastmen, who gave zero fucks regarding etiquette and manners, were chowing down as fast as their hands could grab.Youd think theyve been starving all this time. Tsk tsk.

I shook my head inwardly at the outstanding appetite of the beastmen as I looked at Rosiathe.

‘Whats got her so happy? Why is she smiling at me like that? Its making me nervous.

Rosiathe, the woman rumored to be the greatest beauty in the northern continent, was watching me with a radiant smile after barely eating a few bites. It was almost as if she was full just watching me.

“It seems there was an especially large amount of snow this winter.”

“It does seem that way, yes. The Havis Kingdom normally does not receive much snow, but quite a lot of it fell here as well.”

Sitting in a warm room with a full belly, I was totally relaxed, and Rosiathes silky smooth voice sounded as sweet as ice cream to my ear.

“How is it going in the kingdom?”

“Thank you for your concern. The situation is greatly improving.”

“Thats a relief.”

‘Thats not what I wanted to say…

Actually, on my way here, I wanted to ask her to give me the slaves locked up in the Havis prisons. But somehow, I felt too embarrassed to ask that now, so I kept talking in circles.

‘I even had a meal, so I should go back now.

I didnt have to be the one to make the request—I could order Derval—so it was fine anyway.

“I will remember todays feast for the rest of my life. Please allow me to invite you next time.”

“Truly? Hoho, Ill look forward to it.”

Rosiathe smiled happily at the mention of an invitation. Her smile was so charming that for a moment, it felt like a hundred roses had bloomed.

Knock knock.

Kerchunk!

“Your Highness, I have an urgent report!”

After two knocks, the door of the banquet hall burst open in a considerable breach of etiquette. However, looking at the pale face of the Royal Knight who came inside, it seemed something serious had happened.

“Speak, what is the matter?”

“T-The Roen Principality crossed the border and captured Fort Zarelon.”

“What?!”