Shomin no Aji - Chapter 605.2 (Patreon)

I will do it!
"This time, it's the Royalty of the Kingdom of Samonar who are coming. Considering the envoy hardly ate anything, it's possible they won't touch the food at all."

Hmm, that's a possibility.

But, that's really bad, isn’t it?
If the hospitality dishes prepared for them turn out to be inedible, like greasy and heavy dishes, it could feel like an insult to them.
If they don't eat anything, it could also seem like they are refusing our hospitality, which could cause anger.

"That's why it has to be you, Miss Cristea. Given your behind-the-scenes efforts to improve our country's cuisine, my Mother believes your cooking might be suitable."

Whaaaat? Why?!
I can't do it?!
I don't know how to cook something that will satisfy foreign Royalty!
What if I make something bad, and they accuse me of disrespect?! I could be executed!

"My cooking is not something that can be served to foreign Royalty..."
"Please! If this causes any discord, there's a chance the export of spices and medicinal herbs might be stopped."
"Huh?"

What did you say?!
Stopping the export of spices and medicinal herbs? That would be problem!

"Cristea, I'm asking you too."

Oniisama reasoned with me, saying we might not be able to make delicious food anymore, and I reluctantly agreed.

"... What should I do..."

After Crown Prince Raymond and Oniisama returned to the boys' dormitory, I was left holding my head in my hands.
There's no guarantee that the Royalty of the Kingdom of Samonar will like the food just because I made it.
In the worst-case scenario, I could be the reason for the cessation of spice trade.

I had just become friends with Alicia-sama, and life was finally calming down, so why did it have to turn out like this...!?

"You've already accepted, so you have no choice but to do it, right?"
"I understand that, but..."

The Royalty from the Kingdom of Samonar will arrive in two weeks.
In the meantime, I need to decide on a recipe and do some trial runs... Should I ask Crown Prince Raymond to taste test? There's no way I can ask His Majesty or Her Majesty, right?
Why me, a student and not even a professional chef... Is it because I served curry to the prince?!
Do they think I'm good with spicy dishes?

No, besides our household and Prince Raymond and Sei, I haven't served curry to anyone else.
Plus, curry is an incredibly expensive dish due to the abundant use of spices that are also used as medicinal herbs, so it's not something that would make Her Majesty choose me...

"Hmm... I guess I have to research the Kingdom of Samonar."

But are there any resources on the cuisine or food culture of the Kingdom of Samonar...?
While I was pondering this, Alicia-sama sighed.

"It can't be helped. I'll help you. I can't cook, but I can help with research."

Hearing that, Mariel-chan also raised her hand.

"I-I'll help too! I'll ask my Father!"
"Alicia-sama, Mariel-san...!"

Oh, how reliable.
Alright, if these two are going to help me, I have to do my best too!

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