Multiple greetings were exchanged, and I was introduced to various folks. Yet, as usual, I sensed an air of secrecy behind their looks. Apparently, the fact that a viscount was marrying the princess of their nation didn't faze them. What their eyes conveyed was mostly a pursuit of benefits stemming from this marriage. Interestingly, this situation perfectly suited my intentions.
After spending what felt like endless minutes greeting the different nobles who approached, I finally found a moment to rest. Having been by Emi's side all this time, I figured she must be exhausted too. So, I turned to her and asked.
"Would you like to take a break? We can sit down, grab a bite, and have a drink"
Considering my suggestion, Emi turned towards me, speaking softly.
"Sounds like a great idea to me"
Emi responded with a rare small smile on her face. Without hesitation, we moved away from the crowd, heading to a corner to enjoy a moment alone. By the way, the chicken wings and pastries were proving to be a real hit. The royal family's chefs had provided a variety of fillings, resulting in a wide array of choices. Personally, I was particularly impressed by the quality of beef used in some of the pastries and chicken wings. Even as a newcomer to this kind of culinary refinement, I could swear that meat was top-notch.
"This dish is truly delicious. Sometimes, I wonder where you come up with these creative ideas"
Emi shared her impressions while enjoying a cheese-filled pastry. Hearing her words, I let out an involuntary soft laugh. However, I couldn't reveal to her that, in fact, this recipe was something I learned in my previous life.
"It's trial and error. I thought of combining the ingredients I mentioned to create the chicken wing and pastry, and in the end, it worked out"
I said with a gentle smile, but Emi seemed oblivious to what I was saying. Her gaze was fully absorbed by the array of chicken wings and pastries on the table. This made me chuckle, observing how excited Emi was about the food. Of course, I directed her to this specific section of the buffet on purpose, for a very specific reason.
My eyes fixed on the table, and I immediately spotted a pastry with a discreet pink ribbon among the rest. As I had requested, the pastry was positioned exactly where I had planned. Among the others, I picked that specific one, holding it in my hands before calling out to Emi.
"Emi, please try this"
I said, my gaze fixed on Emi. She turned to me with a perplexed expression, quickly shifting her gaze to the pastry I held in my hands, and then inquired.
"What's the flavor?"
Hearing Emi's question, I couldn't help but let out a weak laugh before replying.
"That's a secret—you'll have to eat it to find out"
Upon hearing my words, Emi didn't hesitate and promptly took the pastry from my hands, surprising me a bit. Honestly, I didn't expect her to accept so readily. Within seconds, Emi's expression transformed. Her eyes lit up the moment she took her first bite of the pastry. That moment brought me genuine joy, as she clearly enjoyed the surprise.
"It's really delicious"
Emi spoke, her expression instantly relaxing. After finishing the pastry, she turned her gaze back to me, still carrying a surprised look.
"I didn't imagine it could be so delicious, especially with strawberries"
Emi exclaimed, her surprise evident.
"But... did you really remember that I love strawberries? Even after all this time?"
Upon hearing Emi's words, a soft smile formed on my lips, and I replied.
"When it comes to you, it's impossible for me to forget. You've always been and will always be my top priority"
I said, smiling at Emi. Her cheeks visibly blushed upon hearing my words, and then she lowered her head shyly, slowly approaching me and resting her head against my chest.
"You're a goofball. It's impossible for me not to feel embarrassed when you say something like that"
Emi scolded, though to me, it seemed like her happiness outweighed any hint of irritation. As this interaction unfolded, I cast a quick glance around and noticed that all eyes were on us. Some seemed even happier than others, especially the women, whose eyes gleamed as they watched us.
With a wry smile on my lips, my eyes continued to scan the guests until I spotted someone I hadn't seen in a while. Initially, upon noticing his presence, the impulse to go greet him arose. However, I was reluctant to leave Emi alone. While pondering over this situation, Emi's voice broke through my thoughts and captured my attention.
"It's okay if you go. I'll be with my aunt, my sister-in-law, and my brother-in-law"
Emi said, looking at me while keeping herself close to me. Her expression was incredibly endearing, to be honest.
"I apologize for this. I promise that after this, I'll be by your side for the rest of the night"
Upon hearing my words, Emi let out a brief smile and quickly scanned the surroundings. Initially, I didn't understand her action, but my surprise was immense when I felt something brushing against my lips. I was momentarily disoriented, but when I turned my gaze to Emi, who had stepped back a bit, I found her smiling, her eyes fixed on me.
"I'll be eagerly waiting for that"
Emi said, smiling, as she started to move towards the table where my family, Arisa, and Liam were gathered. As she moved away, with a gentle smile on her face, I began to distance myself from my original position, heading towards a specific person. As I walked, the nobles promptly made way for me, greeting me. Naturally, I reciprocated the greetings, but whenever someone tried to start a conversation, I politely informed them that someone was already waiting for me.
As I approached the person in question, a smile promptly appeared on his face, and shortly thereafter, he greeted me.
"Hahaha, hey there, lad, we meet again. It's good to see you're doing well"
I heard the words from the robust man, and a soft smile surfaced on my lips.
"Indeed, it's been a while, Commander John. I'm also glad to see that you're in good shape"