Chapter 125: First Kiss (3)

It hadn't even been a full week since the banquet ended, yet the warming cabinets were already gearing up for mass distribution across the continent.

The merchant guilds from the six allied kingdoms had personally visited the White Tower to negotiate.

We didn't have nearly enough units to meet all their demands, but that wasn't a problem.

After all, warming cabinets only required Pyrostones to function, and its design was simple enough to mass-produce.

More importantly, the "Red Tower," a group of technical wizards, had agreed to handle production—a massive burden off my shoulders.

This was the same Red Tower that had fixed major issues with both warming cabinets and the air fryer in one go.

With Pyrostones naturally occurring nearby, the environment was perfect for production.

"I should've made this deal sooner."

Thanks to the Red Tower, my workload had been cut in half.

At this rate, by the time winter arrived, warming cabinets would be available outside the Empire.

"…It's warm."

"Iberkina, you're not supposed to drink this much Ssanghwatang."

Across the table sat Iberkina, her tiny frame contrasting the mountain of empty bottles in front of her.

She had downed twenty bottles already, treating Ssanghwatang like plain water.

Or, rather—was twenty even a lot?

Despite looking like a young girl, Iberkina was a dragon.

Considering the size of her stomach, she could probably drink two hundred bottles and barely feel a thing.

"That's not how you drink Ssanghwatang."

Across from her, Lilith poured Ssanghwatang into a teacup, then cracked a fresh egg into a separate dish.

Her hands moved with precision as she expertly separated the yolk from the whites, rolling the shell halves back and forth like a pro chef.

After leaving only the yolk, Lilith carefully floated it atop the Ssanghwatang.

But she wasn't done.

She gently pressed the yolk with a spoon, slowly dipping it into the warm Ssanghwatang without breaking it—letting it soak up the heat.

Soon, the softened yolk glistened with a golden sheen as it floated back up.

"This is how Egg Ssanghwatang is done."

I couldn't help but be impressed.

"Four years of bartending experience really shows."

Lilith had honed her skills working at Bianca's tavern, and it showed in every movement.

"…Ohhh."

Iberkina's golden eyes sparkled as she watched.

Then, as if she had just remembered something, she started clapping—

Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap.

It was the most lifeless, robotic applause I had ever seen.

"…Lilith you're amazing."

"Hmph, this is nothing."

Lilith's chin lifted proudly, soaking up the praise.

Then, right on cue, Iberkina turned her gaze to the floating egg yolk.

"…Lilith, I want one too."

"Hah, can't you make this yourself? You really are a handful."

Lilith clicked her tongue, scolding her—before standing up.

"I'll go fetch more eggs."

She left the room.

"She's way too easy to read."

Lilith had a strange quirk—praise her, and she'll happily work for you.

And sure enough—the moment she left, Iberkina snatched the floating egg yolk and swallowed it whole.

"Nom."

"..."

She had clearly done this before.

And once Lilith returned, she'd realize her yolk was missing, and the two would bicker as usual.

Most eggs in this world carried Salmonella, so eating them raw could cause stomach pain.

However, people had already figured out a solution—nobles would pay the Church to purify their eggs.

It was expensive, but a common practice.

Lilith, though, refused to pay the "fraudulent priests" and purified them herself.

But what really caught my attention was—

"Egg Ssanghwatang is a hit."

Originally, I had developed Ssanghwatang to promote warming cabinets—it was meant to be a warm drink for winter days.

But now, with the addition of egg yolks, Ssanghwatang was leaving warming cabinets behind, becoming a standalone menu item in coffeehouses—marketed as Egg Ssanghwatang.

It wasn't what I originally planned, but as long as it sold well, it didn't matter.

Everything was falling into place—yet my heart felt heavy.

Because today, I had an appointment at the Imperial Palace.

*

Having secured the market for Ssanghwatang, I reported to the Imperial Palace—my first visit since the banquet.

As always, the Second Princess was buried in work.

Her golden hair was tied back neatly, and she wore a crisp white uniform, radiating authority.

Officials and nobles filed in and out, handing her reports.

"This is the latest demon-worshiper sighting from the Wissen territory, Your Highness."

"Send it to the Ministry of Magic for verification, then bring it back."

"Your Highness, the envoy from the Isten Principality has contacted our Southern Army again. Their goal seems to be Magic Stones."

"Turn them away."

"Your Highness, regarding the recent banquet—"

"..."

With unwavering efficiency, she processed every report, barely pausing to think.

Then, finally, she lifted her head—her red eyes meeting mine.

After a quick glance at the time, she spoke.

"That will be all for today. Dismissed."

Once the officials left, she pulled a golden cord, summoning a maid.

"You called, Your Highness?"

"Bring in some tea."

"What kind would you like?"

"…Ssanghwatang."

"Understood."

A moment later, the maid returned with a steaming cup.

With only the two of us left, she spoke.

"You took your time coming here."

Her red lips curled slightly.

"I was about to send someone to fetch you, thinking you had run away."

"I was busy with matters at the White Tower."

"Sit."

I did as she said.

She leaned forward; eyes gleaming.

"The Emperor has decided to distribute warming cabinets throughout the Empire."

She took a sip of Ssanghwatang, then smirked.

"With the six kingdoms also embracing it, you might as well be called as the Apostle of the Goddess now."

Her tone was teasing, as always.

Then, noticing my hesitation, she asked—

"You have something to say."

"…Yes."

"Hmm. What is it? Speak."

I took a deep breath.

"I like you."

"…!"

Her red eyes widened.

The teacup in her hand froze midair.

But I didn't stop.

"I love you, Your Highness."

I had finally admitted it—to myself and to her.

Her mischievous tone, her casual authority, her occasional unexpected tenderness…

"I am in love with you."

Everything about her drew me in.

Her eyes softened.

She set down her cup, then leaned closer.

"This is rather sudden, but… I don't dislike it."

Her voice dropped to a whisper.

"But… that's not all you want to say, is it?"

Her crimson gaze pierced through me.

Even just meeting her eyes made my heart pound uncontrollably.

I really have fallen for her, haven't I?

But…

"…Give me a year."

The Imperial Family was not a place you could easily walk away from.

So, as much as I loved her—I needed time.

"I'll decide within one year."

"Stealing my lips, then asking for time?"

"…I'm sorry."

I lowered my head.

I knew how selfish and cruel my words were.

If I couldn't get permission, I was prepared to follow the Second Princess's wishes regardless.

But to my surprise—

"Alright."

She smiled.

"I'll give you exactly one year."

Then, with a knowing smirk, she whispered—

"But we'll see… if you last that long."

***

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