I Opened a Café in Another World.

A week after she heard about the establishment of the Culinary Department, Risa decided it was about time she should reply.

She decided to reject the offer, and took up a pen to write a letter to Royce.

Just when she thought about how to start, she heard a knock on her room door.

“My Lady, are you free right now?”

The voice behind the closed door was that of the head maid Mary.

“Miss Mary, what is it?”

“Madam has summoned you.”

“Tasia?”

Thinking she could write the letter later, Risa followed Mary out of the room.

Apparently Anastasia was in the guestroom.

… Is Mister Royce here again? Then I can tell him my answer right away.

So Risa thought, but the one waiting for her was not Royce.

Sitting across from Anastasia was a man well into his years with a head of silver hair. His silver eyes behind glasses were warm and kind.

However, he observed Risa intently as if to judge her character.

“Risa, over here.”

Anastasia waved Risa in from the entrance to a seat next to her.

“This is my daughter, Risa.”

“Nice to meet you, I’m Risa.”

“It is an honor to meet you. I am Lucius Zach,” he introduced himself gracefully.

“Mister Lucius is the Grand Chamberlain of the royal palace.”

“Hohoho, it may be not too long before I retire, however.”

Anastasia added, to which Lucius smiled calmly.

Risa tilted her head at his tilted. What business does the Grand Chamberlain possibly have?

After they finished introductions, RIsa sat down and Lucius spoke. fr𝚎e𝙬𝚎𝚋𝚗૦ν𝚎𝒍.c૦m

“I have already spoken with Mrs. Anastasia, but I asked if you could be present as I wanted to tell you as well. This is still secret, but there are talks of marriage between Lady Risa and His Highness the Crown Prince Edgar.”

“Marriage… talks?”

“I was surprised, too! Adele and I had joked about how “we’ll be relatives if our children marry, ohohoho,” but I had no idea it would blow up like this!”

Risa had met His Highness Edgar many times when she went in and out of the royal kitchen in preparation for the international royal conference. During the ball for that conference, he had also escorted Risa.

“Her Majesty Adele has given her approval and would love for this to go through.”

“I… see.”

Risa replied, still unable to grasp reality.

… She probably means as a concubine, right…

“His Highness Edgar will one day ascend to the throne. If the marriage talks go through, Lady Risa will become the future queen.”

Lucius continued, shattering Risa’s thoughts.

… Future queen… me?

Risa stared at Lucius blankly.

“Pardon my rudeness, but Lady Risa, is there a man that you are currently intimately acquainted with?”

“N-no, there isn’t…”

“I see. That is a relief to hear. I understand you have met with His Highness Edgar many times now, so you are well acquainted with his character. Your ages are quite close as well, so I am certain he will become a good partner for you.”

“If I remember correctly, His Highness Edgar is one year older than Risa, yes? Oh, you two looked perfect for each other when he escorted you!”

Anastasia said joyfully as she put her hands together in front of her chest.

That day, Risa had only managed to stand by His Highness Edgar’s side without embarrassing herself thanks to the amazing work of Anastasia, Her Majesty Adele, and the royal maids. Risa could not see herself in her reflection that day.

Risa was flustered by the sudden talk of marriage, but Anastasia seemed all for it.

Lucius said, “please consider it, I await your answer,” and left.