Chapter 12

“But regulations and sanctions could be most harmful to me.” Eleonora turned away from Kaito, seemingly in embarrassment. “Ah yes, um. About that. I said that in the heat of the moment, or, well, what I meant was, perhaps in the worst-case scenario it might come to such things…” “…I understand, Your Majesty.” Kaito kept his head bowed in hopes Eleonora couldn’t see the smirk stretching across his face. The quaking of his every limb was harder to hide, but oh well. “For that reason—ahem—you shall bring me another pizza tomorrow.” She was stealing little glances at Kaito to gauge his reaction. “…Tomorrow, Your Majesty?” “Yes. Research is required on my part to understand precisely what this ‘pizza’ is. Rulership can be a burden…” “Indeed, Your Majesty.” Kaito took care his voice didn’t shake. What a contrary young woman. She obviously loved the pizza, but she refused to admit it. “The carriage will be sent for you again. Come in the back gate, as you did today. I’ll instruct the messenger what to do.” “Yes, ma’am!” “Now take your payment and go home!! …No, wait!!” “Yes, Your Majesty?” “This ‘pizza,’ as you call it, is that all your menu offers?” Kaito suppressed another gale of laughter. This queen is something else!! “No, Your Majesty. In addition to the margherita, we have a simple concoction of tomato sauce and garlic called pizza marinara and another called capricciosa that includes whatever ingredients you like.” “I… I see. Then for tomorrow, you shall bring two pizzas, one margherita and one marinara.” “Two pizzas, Your Majesty? Are you sure?” “Why? Is it not feasible for you?” “Quite feasible, Your Majesty.” Surely she doesn’t plan to eat them both herself? Although, given the way she inhaled that pie earlier… “How can someone so thin eat so much…?” Eleonora was so thin and dainty that she looked like she’d break in half if you hugged her. “Did you say something?” “No, ma’am!!” Kaito quickly bowed and left the room. He returned home the way he had arrived, in the carriage. As the vehicle bumped along, Kaito heaved a long sigh. That had been a close call, but all’s well that ends well. What a relief to discover the queen liked his pizzas just fine. When he got back to the headman’s mansion, Lilia came rushing out. Her hands and face were covered in painful-looking scrapes. “Lord Kaito!! Are you okay?! I was so worried!!” “What about you? Are you in one piece?” “I’m fine!!” Lilia smiled as if she’d won an award for bravery. The sight of her grin gave Kaito a rush of relief. “How did the pizza go over?” “Well…I think we’ve got our first regular.” Kaito thought back on Eleonora cramming pizza into her face. He couldn’t help but smile.