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Flesh.

Fat or muscle.

A single word that can be whispered in the simplest manner has made countless people laugh and cry, especially those who are too thin or too overweight.

In his previous life, Karem undoubtedly belonged to the latter category.

The most prosperous era throughout the long history of humanity. Food produced in such abundance that no one on Earth would go hungry.

Moreover, the country he was born in prided itself on its delivery culture, and as time went by, delicious meals could be delivered with just a flick of the finger. It was hard not to gain weight.

If one really put their mind to it, gaining weight could happen in an instant.

For modern people, weight management is an inextricable concern.

On the other hand, the current Karem belonged to neither side.

Serfs didn’t have the luxury to care about such things. To survive, they had to eat anything and everything. Especially considering that thanks to his current genetic provider, he barely had one meal a day.

It was common for someone who had been starved to suddenly start eating freely and gain a lot of weight.

Yet, what a time to grow. Adding to that the hard labor of cooking, Karem could eat to his heart’s content.

That was until last autumn.

Due to a curse, the boost from his growth period was nearly over.

Slowly, it was time for Karem to start controlling his food intake.

It was not particularly difficult.

He had the memories of a modern person to guide him.

A lifetime of experience in diet management, that is.

Indeed, he was unsure if it was due to his current lifestyle, but the threshold for gaining weight was surprisingly high. It could be said to be the sole advantage in those ten tedious years.

However, for someone born with a golden spoon, burdened by work, and lacking time to exercise due to his position as an heir, gaining weight became quite the challenge, especially with the genetics of someone who couldn’t gain weight no matter how much they ate.

Just like Godwin, who sat firmly in the lobby of the Mage Tower.

Crisp—Crunch—Chomp!

“Why is it suddenly cooking?”

“Why? Is it unexpected?”

“Of course it’s not.”

Godwin, seemingly enjoying the Dakgangjeong, nodded rapidly as he shuffled his fork.

“It’s not that you’re as interested as our little darling, but you’ve suddenly taken an interest in cooking? You?”

“Perhaps that’s precisely why I’m interested.”

Karem winked subtly at William, who was curiously tilting his head at Godwin’s remarks.

Of course, he knew that wasn’t the true reason, but some matters were better kept secret due to the close nature of their relationship.

Sometimes, sharing secrets is easier with someone who is not directly involved.

“Well, it’s not entirely wrong. Though unexpected, it’s not really sudden either.”

William casually glanced at Karem, greeting him with his eyes, then picked up a piece of Dakgangjeong. Godwin frowned.

“The quantity is decreasing.”

“Be quiet. This was originally my lunch. You should be grateful I didn’t say anything while suddenly barging in to share.”

“Did someone assume someone already had plans?”

“Then call the house fairy!”

“Mary is working! Plus, you promised just one bite! Stop eating!”

While the two brothers playfully bickered, Karem looked towards the counter.

Today’s shift was the gloomy necromancer elf, Narque.

His usual timid expression was stiff, and his drooping ears stood up alert like a startled rabbit.

“Are we taking a quick hide?”

“Really?”

“I’ll call you back if you need.”

“Then—”

Swiftly, Narque silently lowered his head, packed various documents and writing utensils, and hurriedly headed for the stairs.

Just then, a male wizard was descending the stairs, glancing at the scene in the lobby and immediately retreating.

“So, is this… fried chicken?”

“Dakgangjeong.”

“Right. You made this Dakgangjeong today?”

“No, Karem made this.”

“Then what did you make? Let me try it.”

“I can guess what you’re expecting. I threw it away long ago.”

Of course, the one who disposed of it was Mary.

William shivered and waved his fork dismissively.

“Tasting it would bring you no flavor. It will only ruin your mood.”

“No flavor at all? What do you mean?”

“Exactly what I said. It had no flavor when I tasted it.”

Even with William’s words, Godwin, slowly tearing apart the Dakgangjeong, looked puzzled.

“Anyway, you suddenly asked to meet me?”

“Oh, right. I got a bit distracted by the Dakgangjeong. Sorry for the sudden visit.”

“You don’t need to worry about that.”

Of course, Alicia’s stealthy activities were not new to them.

Over the past few months, due to Mary’s interference, they’d heard reports of how Alicia was honing her skills, but now, it seemed she resumed complete infiltration.

Anyhow, such circumstances were familiar to Karem and the others.

“Because of you, my weight has increased. You’re responsible.”

“Fine—wait, what?”

Karem, who was about to agree, suddenly lifted his head.

Indeed, he seemed a bit…?

To be specific, the once sharply trimmed stubble along his jawline had softened, and his cheeks looked slightly rounder.

“Did you really take a spoonful of mayonnaise after I warned you?”

“What? I wouldn’t do that! I mean, there are times when I can’t resist temptation, but that’s not why.”

If not that, then what was the reason? Considering the harsh daily routine he witnessed from Godwin, it would make more sense for weight to be shed rather than gained.

“It’s because of the Amadeus jam you made. That demon-like jam is the cause of my current state.”

“Oh.”

Now it made sense. If he’d loaded it up with considerable amounts of hazelnuts and milk, it was no surprise his weight increased.

“Are you suggesting I hold the blacksmith responsible for a knife wound?”

“Anyway, due to entertaining guests and the coming-of-age ceremony, while my education continues, I find it tough to manage; and now thanks to the Amadeus jam you made at Alicia’s urging, look at this mess.”

“Brother. Honestly, even I think that sounds a bit forced—”

“Ah, no matter what, Karem. You have to take responsibility.”

It was something he had pondered about deeply. Reluctantly admitting it, half the burden of his distress came from Godwin’s messy state, which made William’s expression grow colder. Karem felt equally depressed.

“How has it been since you started tasting Nutella that you’ve begun gaining weight…”

“Every morning or snack, I spread it on pastries. Pancakes, Castelan, you name it.”

“Oh really?”

Karem bit his lip, thinking of how much he could scold.

He couldn’t say how much one would have to consume—

Even in his previous life, Nutella earned a notorious reputation for being devilishly addictive. It wouldn’t be surprising if it earned the nickname “demon’s jam” alongside marshmallow fluff jam.

Even the former wrestler turned actor ‘The Rock’ was known to consume dozens of pancakes slathered with several jars of Nutella.

“Lord Godwin.”

“So, what’s the solution?”

“To be frank, there is no solution.”

“What?”

“No, honestly, you understand just how addictive this is because you’ve tasted it yourself.”

At that reply, Godwin sighed. His brazen façade crumbled in an instant before the facts.

“Is that Nutella really that addictive?”

“Have you not tried it yet?”

“Well… not really. I’ve tried Amadeus, though.”

To him, that one wasn’t quite to his taste. Karem thought that could possibly be true as he turned his attention back to William.

“The best method for now is to resist, quite frankly.”

“How can I do that?”

“The other option is to consume a substitute for Nutella.”

“What? A substitute? Does that even exist?”

As he was about to quench his expectations, Godwin’s eyes flickered with excitement.

“Now, don’t expect too much. It’s just a substitute. It only resembles the taste and feeling to the level of broth.”

“Where?”

“Eating too much will make you gain weight, that’s the same.”

“That could be a problem.”

“No matter what, if you eat like you’re losing your mind, gaining weight becomes a reality.”

People often misunderstand that substitutes are just substitutes.

It’s not a perfect solution.

Eating protein, salad, and fruits for dietary purposes, if you eat a lot of that, it’s similar to gaining weight.

After all, elephants are herbivores.

“Furthermore, the substitutes are technically fruits.”

“Huh? Are there such fruits in this world?”

“Anyway, there are such fruits. Since we’re on the topic, let’s head straight to the greenhouse.”

Already having finished the Dakgangjeong, the bowl lay empty. William, slightly dissatisfied with how little he had eaten, playfully bumped the unwanted guest, but Godwin simply laughed.

“Delicious, well eaten.”

“Should be! It was my lunch.”

With the conclusion of the grand guest events of Wintersend and the coming-of-age ceremony, Winterhome finally seemed to welcome the season of rest. The number of people passing through the open space and corridors was slim, even counting them among few.

“Come to think of it, you’re wearing something I haven’t seen before?”

“Who? Me?”

“Yeah. On your left hand.”

Godwin looked at him with brightened eyes.

“Even on your ring finger! This resembles the position of the wedding ring gifted by our Duchess Elizabeth!”

“What you’re guessing is probably correct. It feels like we exchanged rings.”

“Oh, could it be finally?”

“Now they say they call each other by name.”

A ring on the left ring finger.

Even with their subordinate relationship, there was a permitted name.

Furthermore, considering Karem’s reddened ears, it seemed they were truly bound by destiny.

“Ah, you two are so noisy. Why are you so interested in someone else’s romance?”

“Hey. If you’re not curious about this, do you think you wouldn’t be interested if I were in a lovey-dovey situation?”

“No, does that mean this splatter of romance has landed on me?”

William’s accusation was exceptionally precise. It’s hard to find something as delightful as others’ romantic entanglements.

Yet, the issue here was that the object of biting, chewing, and relishing was not someone else.

“Is the rumor circulating through Coldon?”

“So, how far has the progress gone?”

“There’s nothing you two are hoping for. Give up.”

“Such a dull outcome.”

“Indeed.”

Once these people start teasing each other, it’s evident that Godwin and William share more than just a sibling bond, often reflecting similar expressions.

Then suddenly,

Post coming-of-age ceremony, the events at the restaurant flashed back.

“…”

“Hmm? Going from the neck to the top of your head, you’re turning red.”

“Ahem. Anyway, nothing happened.”

“Hmm. Your skin seems to disagree with that statement. Godwin?”

“William is correct.”

“It’s the greenhouse!”

As they entered, passing by knights and soldiers with expressions that were not typical Alicia, they were enveloped in a warm breeze that embraced their entire bodies. The air felt so different from outside, they still struggled to adapt.

“Phew. Feels good to be in here.”

“This level of cold is nothing… oh, you did mention you’re from Kingsland.”

“Even if it’s a rural backwater, it’s still Kingsland.”

Karem walked towards the Amadeus Tree, which was visible even from a distance. As he neared, Corvus was raking leaves into a pile near the Amadeus Tree’s base.

“Corvus. It’s been a while.”

“Oh. Lord Karem. And what brings you both here, my Lords?”

“I’m looking to gather some Amadeus—Flora—”

Ding-dong!

A melodic sound echoed from the top of the tree, courtesy of a Dryad. Corvus tilted his head light-heartedly while shaking his beak.

“The Dryad says Lord Karem can take as much as he wants. Just wait a moment.”

“Oh, just one will suffice.”

Swish—Tap—

Corvus used one talon to catch the rake and stretched his other wing to knock down the Amadeus fruit from a low branch.

Karem immediately handed it to Godwin.

“Here, this is Amadeus.”

“This?”

Godwin blinked rapidly, staring at the heart-shaped chocolate-brown fruit clutched in his hand.

 

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