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Chapter 67: Princess Sophia’s Meal

Princess Sophia said she was hungry.

Inside, I clapped my hands in joy.

(She’s got an appetite! That’s a great sign!)

A natural appetite, her body is asking for nourishment.
Getting outside, feeling the sun and greenery must have refreshed her spirit and brought back the energy to eat.

Crown Prince Alex must have felt the same way, he clenched his fist and flashed a triumphant grin.

「Sophia! I’ll have a meal prepared right away! The food in the antechamber must be cold by now. Meat’s best freshly grilled, after all!」

At Alex’s declaration, Princess Sophia visibly deflated.

(Now that I think about it… yeah, there was food sitting out…)

I recalled Princess Sophia’s room.
There was a table immediately upon entering, covered with dishes like whole roasted meat on the bone, very heavy food.

Alex was about to enthusiastically issue orders to the maids, but I rushed to stop him.

「Alex! Hold on!」

「Hm? What is it, Gaia?」

「You’re seriously going to have them bring out all that heaping meat? For Princess Sophia, with her frail body, something that rich will probably be too much.」

「What are you saying!? Eating meat gives you strength! Of course she’ll feel better if she eats it!」

「Ahhh…」

I looked up to the heavens.

I see. Crown Prince Alex definitely has the energy of a sports club captain, one of those 「meat is supreme「 types.

Not that it’s entirely wrong… but it doesn’t apply to a ten-year-old girl in weak health.

I translated Alex’s words and conveyed them to Jessica.
She looked utterly dumbfounded, her mouth dropping wide open.

「Honestly! What is your brother even thinking?! There’s no way a frail little sister is going to chow down on piles of meat! She can’t eat much because she’s weak! Start with something easier to digest!」

After I relayed Jessica’s words, Alex groaned a 「Gumumu…」 and nodded.

I then asked Princess Sophia what she wanted to eat.

「Princess Sophia, is there something you’d like? I’m guessing meat is off the table?」

「Let’s see… The meat dishes in the antechamber are a bit much… I do want to eat something, but I just can’t think of what…」

「No worries! Leave it to us!」

I thumped my chest confidently.

Jessica and I quickly discussed the menu and, with the maids’ help, got a meal ready.

In the courtyard, we set up a small table for Princess Sophia and Jessica to sit at.

On the table were neatly sliced orange and grapes,
a light, gently seasoned soup of chicken and vegetables,
round bread, thinly sliced and lightly toasted.
Spread on the bread was Jessica’s own wild strawberry jam.

Princess Sophia’s eyes sparkled as she looked at the meal.

「Wow! It looks delicious!」

「Go ahead, dig in!」

Encouraged by Jessica, Princess Sophia began her meal.
She first picked up a slice of orange and brought it to her mouth.

The fresh citrus scent wafted up.

When she bit into the orange slice, her cheeks relaxed into a smile.

「Ahhh~! It’s delicious! And it smells wonderful!」

Next, she popped a grape into her mouth.
She was clearly enjoying the sweetness, aroma, and juiciness of the fruit.

Jessica, sitting beside her, watched her eat with a big smile.

「Sophia-chan, if you like fruit, I think you’ll love this jam too.」

Jessica offered her a piece of bread with wild strawberry jam.

I translated and added, 「Jessica made this jam herself.」
At that, Princess Sophia’s eyes lit up.

She picked up the jam-covered slice of thin bread and took a bite.

「Wow! It’s delicious! So sweet!」

Princess Sophia looked truly delighted.

Well, with a big brother who only thinks of meat, it’s no surprise he’d never consider something sweet like this.

「Eat as much as you like. There’s plenty of jam left, so don’t hold back.」

「Thank you so much!」

Princess Sophia slowly ate two slices of the jammed bread and finished her chicken and vegetable soup too.

Once she was done, she seemed full and started to nod off sleepily.

「Fufu. I’m so glad you got to eat your fill!」

Jessica gently stroked the now-drowsy Princess Sophia’s head.

I turned to Crown Prince Alex.

「All right, big brother! Time for your moment of glory! I’m counting on you to carry the princess back to her room!」

Alex looked momentarily surprised at being called on but then smiled softly.

「Hmph… Indeed. I’ll carry Sophia.」

He gently scooped up Princess Sophia in a bridal carry and turned toward her room.

Then, pausing, he addressed me, Jessica, and Elaniev.

「Gaia. Jessica. Lord Elaniev. Thank you!」

Alex held Princess Sophia close as he left.
The maids and guards followed behind.

We all grinned and waved them off.