As we relax at the top of the World Tree, the sun eventually moves west.

'It's time for dinner,'

'Yes. Do you have any hopes?

　Meena quickly responded to Val's words.

'...... What would Meena like to eat?'

　She answers his question with a smile.

'I've enjoyed this lunch today, so you can have your supper, Master Val, if you like.

Okay.

　He cocked his head.
　It was true that today's lunch was elven food, so there was a good chance it was to her liking.

''Let's go out for a big meal of meat once in a while. The meat of beef and lamb raised for meat is really good. Meena wasn't a fan of fatty meat.

'Yes. I think the red meat is good, but I don't think the fatty part is as good: ......

　Meena replies to Val's confirmation.

'Me too. I used to be good with fatty meat when I was younger, but I've become completely uncomfortable with it.'

　He chuckled as he touched his right hand to his solar plexus.

'Do you have any idea where that might be?'

　Meena asked because she was going to use her own transfer magic to move.

'I'm at the Princess Beade's.

...... Huh?

　She rolled her eyes as if she had been struck with a false sense of humor, and Val gave her a person's bad smile.
　When Meena noticed this, she protested lowly.

'Bal-sama,'

Ha-ha. I'm sorry. But he likes red meat, and red meat is often on the table, and I've been invited to join him on several occasions. I'm sure he would be delighted to have you with him.

　Val laughs and apologizes, then explains.

No, is it safe to visit now?

　Meena's question is a valid one.

''Ah. When you did something similar before, His Highness's personal chef told you that it was no big deal compared to the selfishness of the royal family.''

　Hence, he answered immediately, but it was something that even she would be taken aback by.
　It was insane, even from her point of view, to appear unexpectedly at the princess's table and share a meal with her.

''The power of the royal family is so strong. As long as she's happy, it's generally acceptable.

...... You're using the authority of the royal family and Yagamiaki in a strange way.

　Meena says, deflating.
　If it were any other country, there would be rumors flying around that Beade and Val are not a man and a woman.
　It is typical for the empire to say that there is no information circulating, but when she thinks of ......, she stops to think.

It's a very good idea to have a good idea of what to do.

Yeah. Come in the door, please.

　Meena nodded at Val's order and activated her transference magic.
　The 'Green Detached Palace' was, as its name implied, lush and green with trees and flowers.
　So much so that if it wasn't the residence of the royal family, Meena might be tempted to visit it a little more.
　The female knight standing at the entrance sees Val and Meena transitioning in and sends a salute.
　It is the presence of the Yagami Teru that is not alarmed and saluted when they metastasize so close to the royal family's residence.

''What can I do for you today?''

　A tall, blond, clean-faced woman with blonde hair and a clean-cut face stands on the right side of the bar, giving you red eyes.

I'm sorry it's so sudden, but I asked His Highness to invite me to dinner some time ago. I'm sorry to trouble you on such short notice, but could you arrange for me to join you today?

　If it wasn't him who said it, the female knight would have hesitated.
　It wasn't suspected because it was well known among the escort knights that Bearde and he were good friends and often invited him to dinner.

''I am coy. I will go to your highness. If you'll excuse me, please wait a moment.''

　One of the knights walks quickly and disappears into the back.
　The continental tendency to believe that it is within the authority of those above to make those below them wait is also present in this empire.
　That's why the ushers shouldn't be in a hurry.
　If the visitors were ordinary nobles and not Val, the knights would be walking slowly.
　The fact that he is walking fast shows the position of Yagami Akira.
　Although it was slow when the knight returned, it was because Beade was right behind him with three maidservants.

'That's unusual, Val and Vilhemina. But that's fine. You're welcome!

　And the princess welcomed them with a smile.
　She was still a free-spirited girl.
　The hardships of those around her would creep in, but at least for this occasion today, Val and the others would be in her league.

'We came here for the meat. We want a hearty helping of red meat.

　Normally the people around him would be enraged at what a fearful and rugged bunch of people they are to make demands on the princess.
　But it was Val, of all people, who said, "I don't mind.

I don't mind. We just had a fillet of beef today. We'll have enough for both of you. Oh, and Wilhemina, how much do you want to eat?


　Bearde doesn't ask Val because both she and her chef know how much he eats.

'Yes, I do. About two hundred grams of meat. I'd be happy to have some fresh vegetables as well.'

　Meena gave an order unreservedly.
　She has a personality that didn't seem to respect the emperor either, so there's no way she's going to be squeamish with an imperial princess now.

''I understand. You heard me, right, Lili?

　The princess smiles and acknowledges, then calls out the name of one of her maidservants.
　There is no way the princess would go to the chef herself to tell him what to order.
　It was the maidservant's job to actually tell him.

''Very well, sir.''

　As the maidservant walked off at a brisk walk, she turned to Bal and the others.

'Come on, let's have a cup of tea and wait until the food is ready. I'll have to introduce your mother to Vilhemina as well.

　Meena nodded silently, though she really didn't want any of that.