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Karem was just as dumbfounded as everyone else.

Well, let’s pass over Elizabeth who forced her child into a diet.

Who would have thought that Alfred would agree so readily?

Yet Alfred was certain this would also be a lesson for Godwin.

In an extreme light, there were plenty of nobles in this world who thought that a sumptuous steak was worth more than the concerns or thoughts of their subjects.

Of course, the number of such extremists was small, but many nobles, upholding bloodlines, honor, and power, kept their barriers high and disregarded the people.

After all, who were the commoners to teach the nobles a thing or two?

However, there were plenty of rulers in Europa who disagreed and took care of their territories. Alfred was one of them.

Alfred’s first concern about Iceland had always been about the food situation of the commoners, a concern that dated back long before he was confirmed as the heir.

He was so keenly interested that he had secretly snuck out of Winterhome to the Outer Castle now known as the Inner Castle, eating the staples of the common folk himself.

That’s when he first encountered oats. And naturally, he was shocked.

How was it possible to eat something like this?

Until then, Alfred had never even seen oats.

No matter how barren Iceland was, he was still a noble. Not just any noble, but a high noble.

He was the direct descendant of the Duke’s Family and the eldest son.

He’d tear apart dark bread and barley bread, and even when he was still hungry, he’d go hunting.

Even if there was nothing to eat, he had never eaten oats.

The reason was simple. He was a noble.

That’s how he was raised.

Yet, it was too excessive to ignore how many people couldn’t even eat oats and were surviving on tree roots and grass. No, there were plenty of those starving.

He was in Coldon. The capital of Iceland and its largest city.

If it was like this even in Coldon, how about the towns and villages in the outskirts that weren’t affected by their power?

That was when it began.

Alfred started to shake up the nobles of Iceland by focusing on the provision of resources while eating oats, even before he became the heir, and continued after, even after ascending to the title of Duke.

And the opportunity came quickly.

It was the early days of his reign after inheriting the title of Duke of Iceland.

A merchant who had spent a fortune to meet young Alfred.

This merchant was not a noble’s illegitimate child or a dilapidated noble—he was just a commoner.

If he were a typical noble, he would have extorted everything in the name of taxes, cautiously waiting for a chance; however, Alfred gambled everything on that brave merchant.

Fortunately, the results turned the fate of Iceland around.

And it all started with one bowl of porridge made from roots, tree bark, and oats that were no better than animal feed.

Naturally, he no longer ate oats.

After all, the taste was… well, enough said.

Anyway, Alfred hoped for a shift in Godwin’s thinking, although not the same realization he had.

On the other hand, Elizabeth’s reasons were straightforward.

Sitting on the sofa, Elizabeth squinted her eyes and looked down at Karem, who was awkwardly trying to maintain decorum.

“So you’re saying that just changing the staple to oats will have such an effect?”

“Ah, of course mayonnaise is a given, and all sorts of desserts and rich dishes should be banned.”

“That’s a given. But surely you’re not suggesting only oats?”

“Appropriately prepared dishes will be served alongside.”

“Hmm, then won’t that just mean focusing on the dishes without oats?”

“That’s why someone needs to be there to serve Duke Godwin and control the situation—”

“Victor will be enough. He’s already his attendant anyway—”

(From her point of view) he was too chubby.

Too much in such a short period.

Many couldn’t understand.

And Elizabeth had no intention of making them understand. When she married into this foreign island, there were few who understood her then either.

No, rather, Godwin’s diet felt like it was happening later than she had anticipated. That was because Alfred had opposed it for a long time.

If it hadn’t been for the costs of replacing Godwin’s attire after a month of summer, Alfred would never have permitted it.

“Hmm, Duchess. But shouldn’t we postpone this a bit?”

“Sir Atanitas. What do you mean by that?”

“The little one. No, shortly there will be a ceremony awarding prizes alongside the appointment ceremony at the Great Hall’s Dinner Banquet. Have you forgotten?”

“Ah, the appointment ceremony?”

“Elder Iona, Rescue Team, Gordon?”

Karem could finally recall that Gordon’s appointment ceremony was just around the corner, as the words were mentioned one by one as if asking if he had forgotten.

“Ah, indeed.”

Alfred also remembered the fact he had momentarily forgotten, stroking his beard.

The awarding ceremony for successfully rescuing the Duke’s steward.

(The second one will be conducted upon the return of the Subjugation Team.)

And it was the appointment of the Swordmaster.

Of course, the scale of the banquet for this wouldn’t match that of Wintersend.

But certainly, what with the title of Duke, it should be grand and luxurious enough.

Of course, the number of attendees should naturally be proportional to that.

And naturally, the dishes had to be glamorous and dazzling to match.

Especially desserts had to take the spotlight.

After all, for Alfred himself, to come up with the Fire Witch Finger and to establish the vanilla business and distribution securely, this had to be pushed forward.

“My lady. With the schedule, it seems Godwin’s diet needs to—”

Just then, Alfred glanced at Elizabeth and casually brought it up.

“No, precisely because of this, there’s even more need for the diet.”

“Fortunately, do you understand, my lady? My lady?”

“Fred. Important matters like this need to be decided quickly without dragging out, like cutting a tangled rope in one go.”

That would unleash a torrent of side effects all at once!

However, before Alfred could refute, Elizabeth suddenly turned her head and looked at Karem.

“Karem. Given how much you’re saying this, I suppose it means we can present something better than Godwin’s poor diet for the Dinner Banquet?”

“Uh, we can’t help the oats themselves. But regarding the accompanying dishes—”

“Then there’s no problem.”

“Uh, Duchess? Is that alright?”

“Of course!”

Elizabeth nodded heavily, infused with determination.

“Right now, Godwin is following the diet well, but the longer it goes on, the more other thoughts will naturally creep in, Fred. You know that.”

“Well, isn’t that what most people do?”

“But how about already compromising when it hasn’t even been that long since the diet started? Today is the awarding and appointment ceremony, and next is the Sabbath, and the next holiday could serve as an excuse, right?”

“Uh, hmm?”

Is it really that far? Alfred felt uneasy.

Of course, Godwin had gained weight compared to last year.

He didn’t think it was enough to frown over, but it seemed his beloved wife Elizabeth had a different opinion.

As long as it didn’t overshadow the other dishes prepared for the Dinner Banquet it should be fine, right? After all, he had eaten too much mayonnaise. More than anything, his wife had never asserted herself this strongly before—

“Indeed, while it may be different later, compromising from the start isn’t a good look.”

“Then Your Grace. What do you think, can we prepare?”

“Yes. Karem. I know your skills well. But it seems I won’t be able to help you. Rather, I might need your help since the banquet is so close.”

Even if it wasn’t as grand as Wintersend, various powers were expected to attend for different purposes, and the number and status needed to be matched with the preparation of food.

That meant the entire kitchen of the Winterhome Estate had been tirelessly preparing for the banquet in addition to their usual duties.

Under normal circumstances, it would have been a bit challenging, but it couldn’t be helped.

A significant number of personnel were away on assignments, making it a bit tight.

In short, they were already being overloaded.

Of course, Karem knew that.

“Yes. It’s entirely possible.”

“Good. That’s reassuring. Oh, and one more thing. Share the recipe for the dishes for Godwin with the kitchen.”

“Uh, of course. After all, it’s just a recipe.”

“If it is only placed before Godwin, the banquet’s image would seem unnatural, so we need to supplement it as much as possible.”

“Then Your Grace, we’ll need to go to the estate’s kitchen, is that fine?”

“Uh? You mean the kitchen?”

“Yes. If I only hand you the recipe, it seems it would only add to the confusion when it’s already hectic, so I must show you a sample.”

“Oh, I forgot about that point for a moment. But, are you planning to unveil a new recipe?”

“Since Godwin will be on a diet, most of the existing dishes wouldn’t be suitable. I’ll need to present a new dish tailored for His Highness.”

Alfred was impressed.

Given Karem’s fiery eyes, he was serious.

“Wow, to think you’d undertake such a troublesome task yourself.”

“It’s nothing. It’s just part of a chef’s duty, and while there will be some new creations, I’m also thinking of a few things learned from the head chef.”

Catherine, who had been looking at Karem with lukewarm eyes, shook her head as if she couldn’t stop smiling inside.

After all, new menus were always welcome.

However, there was one point of concern.

“But hey, little one.”

“Um, yes?”

“Let’s disregard Godwin for now. You’re not seriously thinking about bringing that out for the other tables, are you?”

“Uh, regarding that?”

“I mean the one that will be Godwin’s staple going forward.”

“Ah, oat rice? Well…”

That wouldn’t pass the approval of the others.

With that implication, Karem shifted his gaze from Catherine to the Duke and Duchess.

Alfred waved his hands immediately.

“No, I can’t allow that. Surely how it was prepared for the banquet doesn’t matter, but oats can’t be served.”

“No matter what, the Felwinter Family has a reputation. If only family members sat at the Royal Seats, it might be overlooked, but how could you serve something like that at the Great Hall’s table packed with guests?”

This time, even Elizabeth had to wave her hand in agreement.

While oats might not be seen at the main tables, it would be unacceptable to serve oats to the Duke’s important guests.

“Well, it’s unfortunate for you, little one…”

“What? What’s unfortunate?”

“Your wicked plan to feed everyone oats. Ugh, just hearing it is horrifying.”

“Huh? When did I ever think of such? And how dare you call it wicked?”

“Then you didn’t? It’s oats! If it were to be told to a typical noble, they, at worst, might be executed for it, you know that, right?”

“The way oats are consumed is what’s wrong with that.”

“The fixed perception has long since solidified.”

“Ah, well, Alicia—”

Alfred, who had been silently listening to the banter of the two attendants, couldn’t hold back anymore.

“Alicia? Why is she being brought into this?”

Ahem.

So why did our adorable, cute little Alicia suddenly pop up? Wait, don’t tell me you fed her that?

Alfred didn’t verbally express all his thoughts, but that was more than enough.

The expression of a scary father (真) wanting nothing but good things for his adorable youngest daughter said it all.

And that was the same sentiment for Elizabeth sitting beside him.

Karem’s reaction was quick.

“I offer my sincerest apologies without any excuse!”

With a look urging him to defend himself, Karem was met with Catherine’s horrified gaze, questioning if he had really done it as he described the situation to the best of his ability.

Perhaps thanks to all his previous contributions, he just about managed to earn forgiveness.

He had received a warning, but being forgiven was still something.

 

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