‘He doesn’t care about social status at all… although when dealing with those men earlier, he clearly exuded an atmosphere of superiority.’

What’s this inconsistency?

Was he pleased that I saw through the essence of his magic?

The path to the restaurant, overlooking the azure sea, was not far.

Throughout the walk, the Silverrose Duke brought up delightful and amusing topics, and each one was so positive and cheerful that I found myself chuckling without realizing it.

“Oh, you laughed! You finally laughed.”

“It was amusing.”
“Your smile is still lingering. I’m glad. Somehow you seemed serious, and I wanted to make you laugh.”

Come to think of it, how old is the duke?

I may not know, but he looked definitely younger than ‘Leonarda.’

Twenty-eight, or maybe twenty-nine. Around that age.

“Lady Arti. Have you ever been to this restaurant?”

The Silverrose Duke, who personally pulled out a chair for me, finally sat in front of me and asked.

It was absurd to say a maid had been here, so I shook my head lightly.

“Well… I recommend the salmon papillote. But if you want, there are many other menu options. The oyster with lemon juice is good, and if you don’t like heavy food, the steamed dishes are also good.”

The duke skillfully led the atmosphere, unfolding the menu and pushing it towards me.

‘A fresh experience.’

Even though I always took the lead.

I looked down at the menu with a sullen expression. In response, the duke, perhaps thinking I couldn’t read, explained each item, pointing them out one by one.

Considering his status, it was quite considerate.

“This is sea bream stew. It’s based on a broth made from orphaned mushrooms, seasoned with pink salt, whole pepper, and truffle oil. Ah, and this one is octopus and squid baked in the oven. Here, seafood is marinated in tomato sauce, topped with cheese, and baked to perfection.”

Listening to his sweet explanation, my taste buds unexpectedly awakened.

I even thought about sitting together at the palace and having a meal.

‘He’s good at coaxing….’

With that in mind, I spoke up.

“Then, the last one.”

“Sure? Excellent choice.”

However, despite answering that way in front of me, the duke called a waiter and ordered all the dishes he just explained.

“I’m hungry.”

“Ah.”

Staring at me blankly, he said it as if embarrassed.

But when the dishes arrived, the duke was busy recommending each dish to me, one by one.

“Wait, it’s too much.”

Is he trying to kill me with food?

I’ve never eaten so much food at once.

As I’ve lived for a long time, all the dishes felt the same, and my digestion wasn’t good, so even a small amount made me feel full.

When I expressed my intention to decline, the duke immediately put down his fork and raised his eyebrows.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I got carried away… Did I overdo it?”

“More than a little.”

Was he giving me a lesson on how to speak nicely?

Or maybe it’s the influence of his mother.

With him looking so downcast, I couldn’t be too harsh.

While inwardly sighing, I quickly whispered to him.

“But it was delicious.”

“Oh, really? I’m relieved.”

As soon as I gave a positive response, he brightened up again, surprising me with how quickly his mood changed.

‘He’s like the tide.’

There wasn’t much information about the Silverrose Duke.
Although the northern region is included in the Nyx Empire, it functions as an autonomous territory, handling its internal affairs without sending taxes to the Imperial City. The Silverrose family appears at significant events such as coronations, but otherwise, their presence in the capital is almost nonexistent. They don’t interfere in central politics, and unless it’s a national crisis, they won’t provide assistance even if requested. However, since there’s no way to forcibly deal with them using the seemingly unstoppable power of magic, it is said that past emperors have treated the northern region as if it doesn’t exist.

“Shall we order dessert? Let me know if you prefer something sweet or refreshing. I’m curious.”

To put it bluntly, the beauty before my eyes was nothing less than the king of the north.