Happy Daily Life of a Reincarnated Noble Blessed with Vassals - Chapter 9

“Alright, looks like everyone’s here. Ahem. As you all know, Lady Amy from the Canilunya family, along with her retainers, will be visiting soon. The purpose is for Lady Amy and me to meet face-to-face. If things go well, it will greatly advance the prospects of our marriage. Honestly, I never imagined I, once called a madman, might actually have a chance to settle down.”

I gathered all of my retainers who I had summoned through gacha and decided to hold a modest banquet.

According to Mahdavikia, though, any banquet that serves dragon meat can’t be called modest.

Odolski had returned, somehow covered in blood, and was thoroughly scolded by Alice to the point that even I found it painful to watch. He looked so downcast that I suggested he take a bath to cheer up, which he did, looking much fresher afterward.

“You’re not crazy, big brother! You’re a wonderful count!”

“Well said, Yumika. Our lord is a magnificent person. However, it’s a sad reality that the common nobility fail to comprehend this truth, which is, after all, one of the fundamental laws of this world.”

Hey, you two—especially you, the father—don’t go around saying unnecessary things. The kid’s going to take you seriously. Yumika, stop looking so starry-eyed.

Honestly, they get along so well that it makes me a bit jealous.

“To be fair, even those of us who are close to you don’t fully understand you, bro. So those who only see you once a year can’t help but be swayed by rumors.”

“Mary also adores you, big brother! The journey to Canilunya was so fun. We talked about you the whole time!”

“Okay, Yumika, how about we stop that conversation? I’ll give you candy later, alright?”

Sounds like an interesting story. Maybe later tonight, when you’re resting on my arm, you’ll tell me all about it. How does that sound? You’re such a good girl.

Hey, Mary, could you not glare at me like that? Also, to the overprotective holy knight over there, stop giving me that look like I’ve stolen your daughter. You look terrifying.

“Young master, enough talk—just dig in already! I’m in the zone today! I haven’t been this on fire since I was tasked with the banquet for the entire royal court!”

“This is amazing, Mahdavikia. Is this meat raw? It’s such a beautiful pink…”

“Irina’s right. I always knew you were a skilled chef, Mahdavikia, but today, your work is absolutely exceptional.”

“Right? I mean, I’m still growing at my age! It’s moving, really. I’ve got you to thank for letting me work with such fantastic ingredients, young master. I’m beyond grateful!”

Laid out on the table was a full course of dragon meat: dragon sashimi, roast beef-style cuts, a specialty stew, and fried delicacies. Each dish was visually stunning, and everyone lavished praise upon them.

“Well, let’s eat. We’re going to be busy in the coming days, so eat up and regain your strength. You all are my armor and my sword, and when the time comes, I expect you to give your all. Cheers!”

“Cheers!!!”

I reached for the sashimi first. Apparently, no one can eat until I’ve taken the first bite. I tried to tell them it’s fine, but apparently, it’s just one of those noble customs. I took a bite, trying to savor it quickly but thoroughly.

What the—? It’s melting on my tongue. The sweetness and warmth are indescribable. It’s so good that I can’t even find the words.

“Mahdavikia…”

“Yeah, how is it!?”

“Sorry, but I can’t seem to find the words to describe this taste. All I can say is—it’s delicious.”

There’s no way my poor vocabulary could do this meat justice. So, all I could say was the truth: it’s delicious. I felt a little bad for Mahdavikia after all the effort he put in.

“Keh-heh, ha! What are you talking about, young master? ‘Delicious’—that’s all I need! It’s the highest compliment you could give!”

Good. Looks like he understood my true feelings.

But seriously, this is incredible. My body’s in shock; it’s the first time I’ve ever had something that truly melts on your tongue.

“I know there’s this unspoken rule that no one can eat until I’ve taken a bite of every dish, but I really want everyone to start enjoying the meal. As I said earlier, tonight’s a free-for-all! Go ahead and eat. Here, Yumika, say ‘ahhh.'”

“Father?”

When I offered a piece of meat to Yumika, she hesitated, glancing between the meat and me, then ultimately shifted her gaze to Odolski, leaving the decision up to him. Smart girl.

“…Go ahead and eat. In return, I will feed you myself.”

Oh? Are you trying to steal my right to feed my adorable little sister? Really? Normally, you’d be all about supporting your lord, but now you’re glaring at me like you want to start a fight? You’ve got some nerve, you overprotective fool. Fine, let’s settle this—let’s see who Yumika is more attached to.

“Come on, forget about these hopeless adults. Say ‘ahhh,’ Yumika!”

Ah, an ambush! While Odolski and I were locked in a death stare, Mary took advantage of the distraction and slipped a neatly cut piece of sashimi into Yumika’s small mouth. Poor Odolski, he looks utterly defeated.

“It’s delicious! So delicious, Uncle! Wow! Uncle, are you the god of cooking?!”

Ah, this is so heartwarming. Even Jean-Jacques’s eyes are soft with joy. Mahdavikia’s grinning from ear to ear too. Kids are so honest, after all.

Come on, cheer up, Odolski. You really turn into a useless dad whenever Yumika’s involved, don’t you?