They Say an Age Gap Like This Doesn’t Even Need Matching - Chapter 8

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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I wasn’t the only one who glanced at the Crown Prince, and I’m certain I didn’t stare long enough for him to notice.
Manarang had also composed herself perfectly.
“Your Highness, is something the matter?”
The knight looked puzzled and followed the Crown Prince’s gaze toward me.
“Ah… No, it seems I was mistaken.”
Fortunately, the Crown Prince resumed walking and passed by me.
‘What on earth just happened?’
I stole a glance and watched the Crown Prince’s retreating figure.
“….”
I took in the sight of his lustrous golden hair draping his nape, his broad shoulders wrapped in a white uniform, and his steady gait.
Had my longing for Mikhail conjured up an illusion?
‘Or perhaps it was merely a phantom.’
What did a mere resemblance matter?
Had Mikhail’s appearance, his features, ever held any true meaning for me?
‘What matters isn’t superficial appearances.’
I turned and continued on my way.
The kitchen was bustling with preparations for lunch.
“The meal for the Separate Palace, yes? We’ve prepared it separately over there.”
Fortunately, the Steward had given proper instructions, and the food all looked appetizing.
‘This is how it should have been from the start.’
I carefully packed Elhart’s portion into a large basket and swept my gaze across the kitchen.
‘…!’
Then I witnessed a sight that made my eyes widen.
“May I take some of those desserts as well?”
Were they for the Central Palace officials?
Cookies, cakes, and chocolates releasing sweet fragrances were piled abundantly on a table in one corner of the kitchen.
“Ah… If you wish, please do so.”
In the midst of the chaos, no one was watching how much the Separate Palace attendant was taking.
‘Then just one of each variety.’
How long had it been since I’d indulged in such luxurious aromas?
Only after the large basket was full did I come to my senses and step back from the dessert table.
‘I hope word doesn’t spread that Elhart has a fondness for sweets.’
I hesitated for a moment, then popped a cookie into my mouth and quickly slipped out of the kitchen.
‘If I’d returned properly, I could have eaten my fill at the banquet.’
That was truly a shame.
It was when I crossed the dining hall connected to the kitchen and reached the entrance.
‘Why is the Crown Prince here…?’
There was no one beside the Crown Prince standing as if guarding the doorway.
‘Where are his escort knights?’
Even scanning the surroundings, I sensed only the Crown Prince’s presence.
‘Indeed, Manarang is quite different from Mikhail’s taste.’
Yet even so, something felt oddly familiar. What could it be…?
“Are those cookies delicious?”
The Crown Prince spoke to me just as I was about to take my leave after sampling one.
“…Pardon?”
Why would he bother speaking to a maidservant he’d never met before about something so trivial?
I hid my suspicions and answered him respectfully.
“Yes, they’re quite delicious.”
“There’s no need to look at me like that. I’m not trying to steal the cookies.”
No.
I absolutely wasn’t being cautious because I feared losing the cookies.
“May I ask your name?”
I held back the irreverent answer of ‘I’d rather you didn’t.’
There was no reason to act suspiciously toward the Crown Prince of the Empire, who could easily discover who I was if he wished.
“Ser Brin.”
“Ser… I see.”
The Crown Prince nodded and smiled faintly.
“It seems you already know who I am.”
“Yes, Your Highness the Crown Prince.”
“Do you happen to have time right now?”
“No.”
I answered curtly, then added an explanation belatedly.
“I need to bring a meal to the person I serve.”
Crown Prince, don’t bother me with that face that resembles Mikhail’s.
Just as my fists were about to clench involuntarily, the Crown Prince smiled bitterly and spoke.
“Then it can’t be helped. The conference ran long, so I’ve just escaped for a moment. I was hoping to bring back some refreshments.”
…So he simply needed an extra pair of hands.
“Then shall I call someone from the Kitchen? There are many who would gladly assist you.”
“Thank you, but that’s not necessary. I need to return shortly.”
Fortunately, the Crown Prince seemed to have no intention of troubling me further and stepped aside.
“See you next time, Ser.”
But if you’re going to step aside, couldn’t you move back a bit more?
I nearly struck his solar plexus with my shoulder as I squeezed through the narrow gap between the door and him.
After one final sweep of the soldiers and knights stationed on the outer perimeter of the Central Palace, I returned to the Separate Palace.
“Ser…!”
The moment I entered the room, Elhart bolted upright from the bed.
“Is everything alright? Did anyone bother you?”
Faced with his worried expression, I found myself smiling for some reason.
“Of course.”
I lifted a large basket high to show him.
“I brought plenty of delicious things.”
Elhart’s eyes widened as he received them.
“Why so much…?”
Looking at his expression, I recalled the face of my old friend—the Crown Prince.
We were nearly strangers to each other, just as he and I were. The Crown Prince was the one who resembled me in appearance, that much was certain.
Yet I felt more at ease when I was with Elhart.
Perhaps it was because of Manarang.
“Wait a moment.”
I began pulling out the spoils I’d collected while wandering the palace all morning from my spatial bag.
A plush carpet was laid on the floor, and two elegant tables and chairs were placed down.
“What do you think? It looked nice, so I brought it.”
“Did you get permission?”
“Well… probably?”
I’d told the Steward I would gather what I needed myself, so it should count as having received permission.
Elhart looked at me as if trying to confirm the meaning of my vague answer, but once I stared back at him just as intently, he relented.
“…”
In the end, Elhart was the first to look away.
“…It looks nice.”
The tips of his ears were slightly flushed with embarrassment.
“Right?”
With a satisfied heart, I transferred the food from the basket onto the table.
Elhart helped me from beside me.
“If you haven’t eaten, let’s have some together.”
I pretended to be persuaded and sat beside him.
I’d only planned to eat some cookies and cake, but because Elhart kept pushing plates toward me, I ended up tasting this and that.
The Central Palace kitchen staff’s skills were quite impressive—every dish was delicious.
Then again, compared to the rations I’d choked down for years, what wouldn’t taste good?
Once I’d eaten enough, I asked him something I’d been curious about.
“Elhart, do you know anything about the Crown Prince of Cradian?”
“You mean Auriel? What are you curious about?”
“Is he a libertine?”
Elhart’s eyes suddenly turned sharp.
“Did he approach you?”
Oh… his impression changes so drastically. I didn’t expect he could make such an expression.
“No, I’m just asking. He was being friendly with the handmaidens.”
Elhart, who had been frowning in thought, spoke carefully.
“The Crown Prince is a man of deep schemes. He doesn’t seem like the type to openly behave as a libertine. However…”
“However…?”
“Since his Crown Princess died last year and he hasn’t remarried yet, he might be searching for a new bride.”
Ah, so he was a widower?
“It would be best to avoid running into each other as much as possible.”
If he’s searching for a bride, it has nothing to do with me.
I’m merely a maidservant from Bardia, not even Cradian.
“…Brin.”
“Hmm?”
Elhart wrapped his hand around mine, the one holding the cookie.
“Don’t take my words lightly—try not to leave the Separate Palace for a while.”
“That’s going to be difficult.”
Regardless of anything else, I had to bring food from the Central Palace.
This Separate Palace didn’t operate its own kitchen.
“Is there a particular reason you must?”
“The Crown Prince currently holds real power in Cradian. As a maidservant, it would be difficult to refuse whatever he commands.”
Well, I suppose that’s possible.
“If he discovers you, he might fall for you at first sight and try to make you his bride….”
I couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity.
“That’s hardly likely.”
“When a man falls in love, he sees nothing else.”
“Is that from personal experience?”
“…!”
What was he so startled about, just gaping like that….
As an awkward silence settled in, a knock sounded from beyond the door.
Elhart, who had jumped in alarm, withdrew his hand from mine just as the door swung open.
Seeing such a complete lack of courtesy, I glared toward the entrance, and the Steward let out a small cough before speaking.
“His Majesty the Emperor has instructed you to attend the banquet tomorrow evening.”
A banquet at the Imperial Palace for Elhart? Did he even have formal attire to wear?
“And you as well, Miss Brin.”
…What?

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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