After completing visits to two orphanages in the morning, the group followed Windler to the dining location.

“This way, please. I’ll escort you to the place I reserved in advance.”

The place he guided them to was a top-class restaurant located nearby.

“The restaurant selection criteria was to choose the closest one from the list of top-class restaurants. We have to consider the travel route, after all. I’ve also placed the food orders in advance at the time of reservation. We don’t have much time to spare today.”

Windler explained matter-of-factly as they entered the restaurant. It seemed to imply that they shouldn’t quibble over menu selection, given this was a lunch during a busy schedule.

Judith gaped at the chandelier hanging from the high ceiling and the lavish yet restrained interior decor. Despite being the director of a magic tower research institute, she wasn’t accustomed to such high-end restaurants, not being of noble birth.

“Wow, it’s my first time in such a luxurious restaurant! Is this all included in the travel expenses?”

“Of course.”

Windler quickly nodded to Judith’s question, who seemed to have a principle of questioning things properly.

The waiter who greeted them politely guided the group to a private room. As Windler had said, the table was already fully set. Dishes that looked delicious at a glance filled the table.

Judith’s mouth, once opened, showed no signs of closing.

“I think I might develop an appetite I’ve never had before!”

“Please, take your time and eat plenty. Although our schedule is busy, I made this reservation in advance so we could have a proper meal.”

Killian spoke gently towards Veronia and Judith. Judith thought his baritone voice, which caressed the ears, was incredibly attractive.

“Today is a feast for the eyes, ears, and mouth too!”

Hohoho, Judith laughed cheerfully as she picked up her fork and knife and began to tackle the food before her. Her hands moved swiftly across the table.

That’s when Veronia placed a dish of yellowish sauce next to the duck meat and said,

“The duck tastes even better if you dip it in this sauce.”

Judith immediately followed Veronia’s recommendation. Her eyes widened and sparkled brightly as she chewed the duck meat intently.

“Oh, you’re right! It’s moist and even more tender. Delicious!”

“Isn’t it?”

“But Nia? How did you know that? I find everything around here amazing, but your calm attitude is surprising too! You seem like someone who’s eaten such fancy food in high-class restaurants many times.”

Suddenly hit with a question that struck the bull’s eye, Veronia was flustered. No wonder, for although her stay at the imperial palace was short, only about three months, she had become accustomed to the empire’s high-class cuisine, having received luxurious meals every day.

Of course, that was now a secret that couldn’t be revealed.

She said apologetically,

“Oh, that’s not true. I was actually incredibly amazed while eating.”

“I guess so, right? This level of food must be a first for you too, Nia.”

“Of course.”

Judith chuckled, immediately dropping her suspicions.

“It’s good that you work at our institute, right? Getting to eat food like this and all. So you absolutely can’t quit, okay?”

“…”

Veronia hesitated to answer immediately, feeling a pang at Judith’s question. Meanwhile, Killian’s heart skipped a beat at Judith’s words. So before he could organize his thoughts, words spilled out first.

“What do you mean by quitting?”

For a moment, Killian and Veronia’s gazes clashed in mid-air. The deep wrinkle between Killian’s narrowed brows made him look almost angry. Flustered, Veronia averted her gaze first, and Judith hurriedly tried to smooth things over.

“It’s just a figure of speech. I just said it out of concern. Nia is a capable employee… Don’t worry too much, Your Excellency.”

Judith flinched, feeling she might have misspoken.

After all, it made sense for the Prime Minister to be surprised at the careless mention of a key talent possibly quitting, especially at the start of a new project.

‘This mouth of mine is the problem again!’

Judith bit her lip, watching Killian’s reaction. Windler also chimed in.

“Talents who can come up with groundbreaking ideas like moving stairs or fire extinguishers are rare. Director, please don’t ever let Nia go.”

“O-Of course not! How could I?”

Ha, haha… Windler and Judith smiled brightly, trying to ease the awkward atmosphere.

Killian, having barely calmed his startled heart, had to acknowledge his own mistake. He had momentarily lost his composure and raised his voice, even though she wasn’t actually quitting the institute.

Killian quickly composed his expression and said in a dignified voice,

“I have high expectations for the fire extinguisher installation project, so I overreacted at the mention of the person in charge possibly quitting. I apologize.”

“No, Your Excellency. It’s my careless mouth that’s at fault. It’s understandable that you would misunderstand like that. Especially since His Majesty the Emperor is also interested in this project. I’ll be more careful with my words and actions from now on.”

Judith’s shoulders slumped, seeming deeply remorseful.

The group focused on the meal again. Judith, who had been dejected, immediately perked up and grinned broadly as soon as the food entered her mouth.

It was when the peaceful sound of cutlery clinking against plates filled the air. Windler asked with genuine curiosity,

“Isn’t it uncomfortable for you to always wear a hood, Nia? You could take it off at least while eating.”

Though the sudden question could have been flustering, Veronia answered calmly. In fact, it was an easy question to respond to, having heard it many times.

“It is a bit stuffy, but I feel more comfortable covering up like this than exposing my scars. They’re unsightly, you know.”

“Ah… I see.”

When one brings up their own scars as an issue, most people react like Windler just did. Not wanting to further probe a painful wound, they often quickly change the subject.

It was then.

“It’s not unsightly.”

Killian, who had been silent, suddenly raised his voice. All eyes turned to him at once. Veronia’s gaze was no exception. As their eyes met in mid-air, Killian snapped back to his senses.

‘Ugh, I did it again…!’

Killian berated himself, gritting his molars. He felt pathetic for repeatedly losing focus and making mistakes today.

But he couldn’t help it. He couldn’t just sit by and listen to Veronia call herself ‘unsightly’.

“…It’s not unsightly at all. So don’t call yourself unsightly.”

“…Yes.”

As Killian spoke in a firm tone, maintaining eye contact, Veronia’s face turned red. But she wasn’t the only one whose face flushed.

Judith, Windler, and even Windler’s assistant who had been quietly focusing on the meal, all had their faces turn bright red. Judith exclaimed dramatically,

“Oh my, how romantic the Prime Minister is! You’re so kind. I can’t understand why such a romantic person is still unmarried. Ah! Is it because you’re unmarried that you’re romantic? Or are you unmarried because you’re romantic? Either way, you’re so wonderful!”

Hohoho, the excited Judith chattered on exuberantly. Veronia thought it was about time to stop Judith. Otherwise, she might blurt out some careless remark without realizing it.

But Veronia was a step too late.

Suddenly, all traces of a smile vanished from Judith’s face, as if some serious thought had struck her mind.

“Oh my, I’ve made another careless remark in my excitement. I forgot that Your Excellency was engaged to Her Highness the Imperial Princess. I’m sorry. You must have been heartbroken, Your Excellency.”

At the sudden mention of ‘Imperial Princess’ from Judith’s mouth, the gathering fell silent as if doused with water. Veronia lowered her head deeply, and Killian glanced at her, averting his gaze.

The gazes of the woman hiding her identity and the man who had to hide that he knew her identity bounced off each other. Only after exhaling a shallow breath could Killian finally move his lips.

“…There’s no need to discuss past matters here. But thank you for your concern.”

With that, the awkward atmosphere was somewhat resolved, and the long meal soon came to an end.

After the meal, they visited the remaining three orphanages. As these were located in the outskirts of the capital, the travel time was quite long.

When they finally arrived at the last orphanage, it was late afternoon. It seemed the sunset would soon begin.

“Come on, come on! We need to hurry if we want to depart before it gets dark.”

Windler’s steps quickened as he led the way. Following the director who greeted them warmly, they toured various parts of the building.

Being an orphanage located on the outskirts of the capital, the premises were quite spacious. As a result, the building was large and there was a wide yard where children could play. It was more like a field than a yard.

“The children living here are blessed! They have an abundance of space to run and play.”

“Indeed.”

Veronia and Judith smiled contentedly as they came out of the building and watched the children playing here and there in the field.

Thinking of the children at the orphanage they visited in the morning, who bumped into shelves while running in narrow corridors, it was reassuring to see these children able to run and play freely without worry of bumping into things.

“Wow, look over there! There’s even a lake. The kids are swimming and playing. It’s absolutely paradise for kids who love playing outdoors, paradise!”

Looking where Judith was pointing, there really was a large lake. Children were splashing about, swimming, and laughing gleefully as they played.

“But isn’t it dangerous for the children to play by themselves without any supervising teachers?”

Veronia asked worriedly.