Chapter~25
While wandering around for a while, my stomach growled.
“Hungry?”
“I-I’m fine.”
“The meal will start soon, so let’s take a seat.”
As he said, people from outside began filing in toward the tables. There were several long tables, generously spacious, with neatly arranged place settings.
He seated me beside him at the head of one table. The other nobles followed the attendants’ guidance, and opposite me sat Baron Coclico, Pierre’s maternal grandfather and the duke’s representative.
“I hear the chef prepared some unique dishes for this meal?”
“Something inspired by Eastern cuisine, I believe. They called it ‘Kore-style.’”
Pierre was busy giving instructions to the butler and attendants. I, having no acquaintances here, sat stiffly in my seat.
Among the chattering nobles, Baron Coclico’s sharp eyes turned to me.
“Miss Sonnet.”
“Eh? Yes!”
“Are you happy?”
“Uh…”
Caught off guard by the sudden question, I answered according to my role.
“Yes. Very happy.”
“That’s good to hear.”
He looked satisfied and returned his gaze to his plate.
“I hope you have no regrets, Miss Sonnet.”
“Excuse me?”
I thought I misheard and was about to ask again, when…
“Miss Mabel Eduke, this way.”
“Thank you!”
“Is everyone seated?”
Following the attendant’s guidance, Mabel sat beside me. Shortly after, Pierre, having finished his preliminary duties, took his seat.
“Then let’s begin.”
The aperitif had already been sufficient during the pre-meal greetings, so the first course appeared—a light dish to whet the appetite.
I tilted my head at the sight of the white soup. Unique food, huh? But it looked surprisingly ordinary.
Yet, the moment I took a spoonful, I was shocked.
It was unmistakable. The texture, the mouthfeel. There was no mistaking it.
“Rich… smooth, with little grains that stick to the tongue… is it some kind of cereal?”
“What besides milk could be used here?”
Of course… it was rice.
The very rice I had eaten every day before! What lay before me wasn’t just ordinary soup—it was a rice porridge with milk.
They actually used rice for the dish? In a place where rice is rare and hardly known?
“Rice…?”
“Rice?”
“Looks like rice was used here.”
“As an ingredient?”
“Yes.”
Mabel’s eyes widened, and she praised me, saying, “Wow, you’re smart, sis!”
But unlike usual, my mind was racing. Eastern-style. Kore-style. Kore… Korea? Could it be…?
No, not yet. I had to stay calm.
“Does it taste good?”
“It’s delicious.”
I deliberately focused on eating, trying to push aside my shock. But the surprise wasn’t over yet.
As I experienced the following courses, hinting subtly of Korean flavors, I was utterly astonished by the main dish.
“So this is the main dish!”
“They said the chicken is fried… but it’s this crispy!”
“Try it with this sauce too. Sweet, isn’t it?”
“Really! I like this one better.”
The main course was Korean-style fried chicken—not just fried, but double-fried and glazed, the authentic style!
“Delicious! Right, sis?”
“Ahaha, y-yeah.”
It was clear.
They were a modern Korean—or at least a modern person well-versed in Korea.
And that meant one thing:
I wasn’t the only person from Earth who had come to this world.
After that, I ate, scarcely noticing the food going down, overwhelmed by the nostalgic flavors of home.
“You look satisfied.”
“Yes. I’d like to meet the chef!”
“Just that much?”
“Of course!”
Anyone abroad, longing for a taste of home cuisine, would understand my desperation. Seeing my enthusiasm, Pierre said,
“I’ll arrange a meeting for the three of us later.”
“The three of us?”
“Yes.”
No, three wouldn’t do. A private conversation was necessary.
“Would he still be in the kitchen?”
“After dessert, he’s probably just finishing up cleaning.”
Pierre frowned slightly, sensing something off in my question.
“Sonnet, just so you know, you’re not allowed to sneak off to see him. Understood?”
“Yes. Don’t worry.”
I nodded obediently, though I didn’t intend to follow his warning. I’d find an excuse to sneak away later—this might be my only chance.
While I was pondering my escape, Pierre held both my hands.
“This is our engagement, isn’t it? Let’s dance a few songs.”
We were in a lavishly decorated ballroom. The orchestra’s music grew stronger. Those gathered after the meal danced with their partners, seemingly unwearied.
“Shall we dance one song?”
“Yes, let’s.”
I had to dance a few songs, if only to show off. Gripping his hands, I let myself be carried along by his movements. Layers of fabric in my dress spun in a circle amidst the grand orchestra.
Whispering to me as he led carefully, he said,
“Don’t we really seem like a couple?”
“…Indeed.”
Who would go to such lengths just to chase away others? I slightly avoided his gaze, overwhelmed by the sweetness in his eyes.
Gradually accustomed to this act of love, he gave a warmth so convincing it could fool even himself.
I had to stay steady.
“Everyone’s already mistaken it for real, after all. Fascinating, isn’t it?”
It’s just acting. If I let myself crave his genuine affection behind the false tenderness, I’d become no different from those he intended to discard. I reminded myself of this and continued dancing with him.
After several songs, I excused myself, claiming my legs were tired, and slipped into a corner.
“I’ll rest a bit. Go greet everyone. Most are Pierre’s guests, right?”
“Sorry. You’ve been troubled on my account.”
“You’re getting your share, anyway.”
Casually speaking, I settled in an inconspicuous spot. Pierre, concerned, left, telling me to rest. More guests were arriving late. Watching him greet others, I quietly diminished my presence before anyone could notice me. Vanishing spells helped too.
“The kitchen…”
I quietly trailed the servants carrying empty plates to the bustling kitchen. Soon, the clatter of dishes and splashing water revealed the busy scene.
“Hurry up and clean!”
“You’ve been lazing around, senior!”
“Don’t you see I worked hard earlier? I finished my part, that’s why I’m like this!”
Judging the situation, aside from the finger foods for the banquet, most tasks seemed done. I dispelled the invisibility magic and cautiously approached a man who appeared free.
“Um… are you the head chef?”
“Who… my fiancée? Why is the star of the day here?”
“Please answer. Did you plan and prepare today’s dishes?”
My firm question momentarily startled him, but he nodded.
“Yes. But why—”
“From the southeastern waters of Ulleungdo, two hundred ri!”
Unconsciously, he began singing the line after me.
“A lonely island, home to birds… huh?”
“Do you know Republic of Korea?”
“Yes…!”
The sous-chef who had been observing our exchange looked on in disbelief.
“I need to speak with this person briefly! I’ll be right back!”
Having identified him immediately, I grabbed his arm and led him out of the kitchen to a vacant room. As soon as I locked the door, his curiosity broke the silence.
“You’re also a transmigrator?”
“Yes. My previous life was on Earth, 21st-century Korea. Right?”
“Yes!”
Before he could say anything more, I asked the most important question.
“Then… do you know the game ‘Young Lady Maker’?”
