“Is the prep work for the food finished?”

Amy, checking on the progress in the kitchen, was met with a resolute nod from the chef. In one corner of the kitchen, various meats and prepped vegetables were piled up like a mountain. The women from the village, who had come to work for the banquet, were also fully committed.

Satisfied that everything was proceeding as instructed, Amy stepped outside, followed closely by Melvin, who had been waiting at the door.

“Are all the guest rooms ready?”

“Yes, we’ve changed the sheets, washed the curtains and tapestries, and have plenty of firewood stacked for hot water anytime.”

“And the blacksmith shop? We need to tend to the horseshoes of the guests’ horses.”

“I’ve checked it myself. No issues.”

“And the stables are clean too, right?”

“Of course.”

Amy’s face brightened with satisfaction. Despite being without a master for a long time, the employees of the duchy were all brisk and efficient, with Melvin excelling in managing the staff.

‘We might even give the palace staff a run for their money.’

Amy felt confident that the upcoming banquet would be a great success. If everything continued to go as planned, Noah would solidify his position as a prominent lord of the north.

But just then, a guard rushed in with news that shattered Amy’s smile. The shocking news was nothing short of a bolt from the blue.

“His Highness the Crown Prince is coming to the north!”

The duchy was thrown into a state of emergency.

Amy quickly sent a guard to find out exactly where the Crown Prince was and reviewed with Melvin the guest room and menu for the prince, who was known to be very particular about his lodgings and food.

“Amy.”

Noah, having heard the news, rushed over from his lesson. Amy cursed the Crown Prince internally for interrupting the studies, but showed a smile to Noah.

“Your Highness, don’t worry. Melvin and I are handling everything.”

“Still…”

Noah hesitated and then continued.

“If there’s even one thing I’m unaware of, he’ll make a fuss throughout his stay.”

“…That’s true.”

Amy inwardly shook her head at the thought of a prince who couldn’t behave his age.

Having roughly sorted out the situation, they were passing the training grounds when suddenly there was commotion at the castle gate. Amy’s heart sank.

‘Is he here already?’

Everyone seemed to think the same, as the faces of Noah and Melvin turned pale. The three of them looked at each other and, without a word, dashed toward the gate.

“Vernon?”

But instead of the Crown Prince, they found Vernon, red-faced and looking lost. And there stood a familiar face.

“Mrs. Weaver?”

The woman, called “Mrs. Weaver,” was accompanied by mercenaries who went off to report to their captain, probably to confirm her safe arrival. Mrs. Weaver slowly approached Noah, pushing back the hood of her cloak.

“Hello, Your Grace.”

“Hi.”

Noah greeted her with dignity. His gaze moved from Mrs. Weaver and Vernon to a young man standing behind her.

“Who’s this? I haven’t seen him before.”

At Noah’s remark, the young man stepped forward and bowed.

“Pleased to meet you, Your Grace. I’m James Weaver.”

The face of the man, who looked up, was strikingly neat. He had a delicate and sensitive appearance, with black hair and green eyes that exuded a languid charm. The maids watching from behind let out a sigh of admiration.

“Welcome. You’ll find the weather here quite pleasant.”
Recalling that Mrs. Weaver’s son was unwell, Noah gently extended a welcome. The young man’s face brightened instantly, and Mrs. Weaver, standing behind, placed her hand on her chest in relief. Only Vernon seemed restless by her side.

Seeing this, Amy said sympathetically, “Mrs. Weaver must be tired from her journey. Captain Vernon, please escort her to her room.”

“Should I?” Vernon’s face lit up with color. Amy then addressed Mrs. Weaver, “We’re busy with the banquet preparations. We can talk more later.”

“Yes,” Mrs. Weaver nodded, though somewhat puzzled. Melvin quickly assigned a servant to them, and Vernon, excitedly, led Mrs. Weaver and James away.

Just then, the sound of horse hooves approached noisily, and several mounted guards entered the gates. One of them, Bradley, called out loudly, “Your Grace! Mrs. Amy!”

Bradley hurriedly dismounted and approached them quickly.

“We met a messenger while patrolling and immediately sent a pigeon. Did you receive it?”

“Yes. Where is he now?”

“He should be near the village by now. We weren’t far behind.”

Amy pressed her forehead, frustrated. The Crown Prince, likely up to his usual antics, should have informed them days earlier. She quickly gave orders, “Tell the stablemaster to prepare fodder, get hot water ready. Rita, check the rooms for the Prince’s attendants, and inform the chef to start preparing the menu we discussed.”

Everyone dispersed quickly. Once alone, Amy sighed. They had to avoid any missteps during the three-day banquet. Noah, sensing her concern, tried to comfort her, “Don’t worry too much. If he complains, it’ll be at me.”

But his words only ignited Amy’s resolve.