Outaishihi ni Nante Naritakunai!! Chapter 342

Finally, the weeklong match began.
Flyers informing of the match were distributed, so rumors spread across the town. Before the store opening, lots of people were lined up in front of both stores.
Wire's store seems to offer Irvine's cuisine. Many people have never left Wilhelm, so cuisine from a distant country must attract their interest. A considerable number of people are lined up there.
Compared to Wire's store, the queue to mine is smaller. It's on the moderate level.
The reason is simple. Japanese café is opening! Even though it was advertised as such, the menu will be unveiled upon the opening, and I didn't explain what kind of cuisine will be served.
Even if I'd written joyo manju or zenzai, it wouldn't tell anything to the people who don't know them, so it couldn't be helped.
It's only after they eat them that they'll know their taste.
However, Brother seems to have spread rumors like, It's the new store of the curry rice and hamburg steak original recipe owner! And so, a passable number of people lined up, curious if something new won't be revealed.

"Alright! Everyone, let's raise a storm in the Royal Capital with Japanese confections!"

When I shouted, the whole staff from the castle gathered for the opening responded.
I'm not worried whether Japanese confections will be accepted.
Anybody who eats them will definitely be pleased.
I don't know about other countries, but the tastes of Wilhelm citizens are quite close to Japanese. Of course, everybody has their own preferences, but there are many people like that.

"We're opening! Match start!"

We'd matched the opening hours with the other store in advance. The store opened, and group by group, the waiting customers are led to their seats by smiling employees.
All customers are surprised by the Japanese-style interior, and even more astonished by the menu they receive.

"S-So many original recipes…?"

This time the original recipes I registered easily number above ten. The employees respond without hesitation to customers seeking information about the goods.
I was sure the customers would have questions, so I taught the employees information about the goods in advance.
The customers are nervous about the unknown food, but tempted by original recipes, they order one after another.

"Sanshoku dango and cold genmaicha!"
"Zenzai and warm sencha here!"
"Nerikiri please!"

One by one orders come to the kitchen. As a cook, I receive them.
I want everyone to eat the Japanese confections I make. Only that, but everyone told me the Crown Princess mustn't loiter in the dining area.
People know my face, so there would be some who would realize the store is run by the Crown Princess. When it was pointed out to me that showing up could cause a fuss, I agreed and secluded myself in the kitchen without being asked to.

"Zenzai is ready! Take it! The tea is hot, so be careful!"
"Yes!"

I received a vigorous answer.
This time I was quite particular about tea utensils and plates. I desperately searched for plates that would make Japanese confections shine, and for tea utensils I chose a design that wouldn't feel out of place with green tea.
Anybody from Japan would be surprised to see that it's quite a faithful reproduction.
As a result of obsessive preparations without sparing any expense, I'm very satisfied with the Japanese café.

"Delish!"
"What is this… Delicious!"

I could hear a commotion from the dining area. Hearing they were greatly praising the Japanese sweets, my cheeks slackened.

"I'm glad… It looks like they are pleased."

While I was so deeply moved that my hands unconsciously stopped, the castle head chef who was helping next to me (he insisted on coming on the opening day) said proudly.

"All the dishes made by Master are masterpieces! It's natural!"
"Thank you. I'm happy Japanese confections are appreciated."

No matter what, this was my real intention.
That said, I had no time to be deeply moved. Orders came one after another, so we hurriedly went back to work.

"T-Tired…"

The first day ended without incident.
The start was fairly slow, but once the fact that the Japanese café uses many new original recipes spread by word of mouth, a remarkably long line formed from the afternoon.
The big queue on the main street was a nuisance. Especially since there was a considerable queue to the other store as well, the main street couldn't fulfill its function.
It was so bad I turned pale, but having predicted this development, Brother used soldiers who had been on standby to smoothly manage everyone and make way for those uninvolved.
Ultimately permission from the country is useful to immediately respond to situations like those.
Anyway, having somehow managed to get through the first day, I sat on a stool in the kitchen. My hips hurt from standing all the time. Considering that I'm okay with having sex with Freed every night until morning, it must've been really straining. Even my legs were trembling.

I vaguely looked around the kitchen. Thankfully, the prepared Japanese confections sold out. They're perishables, so I didn't want any leftovers, but it seems I didn't need to worry.
All that remains is a single nerikiri set aside for tasting.

"I have to prepare more tomorrow…"

Recalling how many people had come in the afternoon after hearing the rumors of original recipes, I thought about preparations for tomorrow. I'm sure we'll have more customers. I'm grateful, but adjusting the amount prepared is difficult too. Cooks available from the castle kitchen help with preparations to some extent, but it might be better to increase their number a little. I'll pay a visit to the kitchen later.
Despite exhaustion, I made plans for what to do after I return to the castle. The owner of this store is me, so I have a lot to think about.

"Lidi, good work."
"Ah, Freed."

While I was thinking of going back soon, Freed entered the kitchen. His eyes gently narrowed as he spotted me.

"I'm done with work, so I came to pick you up. There's no problem with me being here after closing, right?"
"Yup. Thanks. I'm tired, so I feel happy about it."

I honestly thanked him. I was very happy to see Freed at that moment.

"I've heard everything. It seems it was very popular."
"It's thanks to everyone doing their best."

I could never do it on my own. When I said what I was thinking, Freed came to me and stroked my head in praise.

"Lidi, you did your best, so everyone wanted to do their best too. Your tenacity moved everyone. You can be proud."
"… Yup."
"You look awfully tired, are you alright?"
"Nn. I can still go on."

I answered as I closed my eyes. While Freed was stroking my head, I felt like my vigor slowly returned. Of course, I know it's my imagination, but this is the power of my beloved. Nobody else could do it.

"Ehehe… Freed, your hand feels good."
"Lidi, your silky hair feels good too. I heard it from the head chef before, but did the Japanese confections sell out?"
"Yup. I think there'll be more customers tomorrow, so… I was thinking of asking the kitchen to prepare more."

When I told him my plans, Freed said while in thought.

"Japanese confections, huh. I'm bad with sweet things, but I'm curious about what you made, Lidi."
"Eh!? You'll eat them?"

I know Freed doesn't like sweet things much. So I hadn't said anything until he broached the subject.
If I'd broached the subject, of course he'd have answer that he'd eat them. I was thinking of only asking him when he showed willingness, so I'm happy that he showed it unexpectedly quickly.
When I reflexively began to stand up, Freed had me sit down again.

"Calm down. I said I want to eat them, but they're sold out, right? I can wait for another chance."
"Actually! There's one nerikiri left for tasting!"
"Eh?"

I hurriedly stood up and picked up the nerikiri stored on a shelf. It's the last part of spring and early summer is around the corner, so I made a rose nerikiri.
Nerikiri are finely handmade confections made in image of seasonal plants or other things that are reminiscent of the season.
With the image of early summer in mind I made one in the shape of a rose with green leaves, and since Freed wants to eat it, I'm glad I did.

"The sweetness of Japanese confection is different from cakes or chocolate. Freed, I'd be happy if you could enjoy Japanese confections."
"B-But, it's the last one, right? I'm fine, so Lidi, you should eat it――"
"Freed, I want you to eat it. I've sampled many confections already, besides, you financed this store. You have more right to eat it than anyone."
"… Got it. Thank you."
"Yup!"

As Freed raised his hands in surrender, I smiled.
I cut a bite-sized piece with a sweets pick and with, "Say Aah," fed it to him.
Freed leaned over a little and obediently opened his mouth. He savored nerikiri's taste and after a while nodded, "Yup."

"How is it?"
"It's not bad. The sweetness is very sophisticated, so I may prefer it to usual sweets."
"Really? I'm happy!"

Various people told me they were delicious, but Freed's opinion is special after all.
I spontaneously jumped at Freed's neck, and he caught me in his arms with a smile.

"Hey, Lidi. That was dangerous."
"It's because I'm happy!"
"Lidi, I always say the dishes you make are delicious."
"That's one thing, but… this is somehow different."

Why is it? I have a feeling it's because it suited his tastes rather than being made by me.
It's only my intuition, but I don't think it's out of the question.

"Then Freed, you might like daifuku too."

Freed has never eaten daifuku. He declined it because he doesn't like sweet things. But if he's alright with red bean paste, daifuku might suit his tastes too.

"I'll prepare it next time! Certainly eat it!"
"Lidi, I'll eat anything you make… Fufu, Lidi, you're excited like a child, how cute. It's like a lie that you're a married woman."

Freed's eyes looking at me from point-blank range had an impish glint. I looked back into those eyes and said.

"I'm a proper married woman. I'm your wife, Freed."
"Yeah. I'm happy to have such a cute wife."
"I'm also happy to have a cool husband."
"Fufu, we're the same."
"Yup."

Freed's face drew even closer. A kiss was dropped on my lips and I smiled sweetly.

"Freed, I love you."
"Me too. But, I better give up on embracing you for the next week, Lidi. You'll be busy every day, and it's an important match. I don't think it would be good to tire you in the midst of it any more."
"… Sorry. But it'd help me if you did that."

I have plans for when I come back, and my body is tired from working standing up that I'm not used to. I'm grateful that he'll let me sleep. When I honestly reported my situation, Freed said, "It can't be helped."

"I wouldn't get in the way of my wife doing her best. I can only pick you up like this after work, but I'm cheering on you, Lidi. Tell me if I can do anything."
"You've done enough already. I was able to make the store I wished for thanks to your investment, Freed."

Since I could do as I wanted, I really did as I wanted. I'm even allowed to go to the store every day. It's all thanks to Freed that I'm so free despite having become the Crown Princess.

"Freed, I'm grateful. Truly, thank you."
"You don't have to thank me. I'm fine as long as you smile, Lidi."
"Yup. Freed, every day is fun thanks to you."
"I'm glad to hear that."

He once again dropped a kiss. I ecstatically accepted it. Kissing with Freed feels extremely pleasant. Even when it's not a passionate kiss where he inserts his tongue my body grows weak.

"Freed…"
"Lidi, don't make that kind of face. I have to endure, so don't make me want to embrace you."
"Nn… Once the match is over, we'll do it as much as you like…"

When I told him that while tightly clinging to him, Freed smiled happily.

"Naturally. I'll have to make up for the time I can't have my fill of you, Lidi. I'll love you so much you'll be asking to stop."
"… Yup."

I'm very much looking forward to it. While we were looking each other in the eyes, I heard a forced cough.

"Ooi… You two over there. It's about time you come back from the world of you two."
"Ah!?"

I suddenly came to my senses.
What I heard was Cain's exasperated voice. When I stole a glance in the direction of the voice, Cain was there with a slightly red face, moreover there was amazed Brother and apologetic Head Chef.

"Eh… Umm…"

For an instant I was at a loss for words, not knowing what I should say.
While scratching his cheek, Cain said.

"The store is already closed, so I came to call for you…"
"I told you they'd be flirting anyway. Look at them. Wasn't I right on the mark?"

I got a little angry at Brother saying it like it was to be expected, but I kept silent, since I couldn't say we weren't flirting. While still hugging me, Freed said.

"We're newlyweds. What's wrong with us being close?"
"There's nothing wrong with that, but in your case it's often too much."
"What a shame."

Freed released the arms hugging me and told me.

"Shall we go back, Lidi? You have things to do in the castle, right?"
"Y-Yup."

When I nodded, the head chef timidly called out to me, "Umm…"

"M-Master. Umm… I want to consult with you about preparations tomorrow…"
"Yeah. I was thinking about going to the castle kitchen about it later. I got the impression today that it won't be enough. Will you come with me?"
"I understand."

The head chef gave a relieved answer. He was standing next to me in the kitchen all day. It's natural that he's concerned about the amount of preparations.
After a short, trivial exchange, I left the locking up to Head Chef and Brother, and went back to the castle with Freed.

Chapter end