The Reincarnated Villainess Whose Romantic Trauma From Her Past Life Is Too Strong Is Sweetly and Painfully Doted On by the Prince of the Neighboring Country - Chapter 18

(Does that mean he’s never had Japanese food before?)

If so, then perhaps Salute isn’t a reincarnated person like her.

“I don’t mind cooking for you, if you’re fine with my food, but…”

“Really? Yes! I’d love to eat it.”

Salute jumped at Cherie’s proposal with visible joy.

However, from this reaction alone, she couldn’t tell if he was happy because he missed Japanese food just as much as she did, or if he was simply delighted by the idea of eating something Cherie made.

(But this is a perfect chance to find out if Lord Salute is a reincarnated soul.)

If she actually prepared a Japanese meal and he acted familiar with it or showed nostalgia, the likelihood of him being a reincarnated person would be high. If he seemed genuinely curious about the novelty, the likelihood would be low.

What if Salute was a reincarnated person?

Cherie paused to consider whether she should confess her own identity to him then.

(—Well, yes. Lord Salute has been so kind to me all this time. Even if I reveal it, if he’s a reincarnated soul too, I’m sure we could enjoy reminiscing about our past lives together.)

She thought this but then decided it was better not to bring up reincarnation recklessly as long as she lacked proof. To someone without the concept of reincarnation, suddenly saying, “Actually, I have memories of a past life,” would likely result in being labeled as mentally unstable.

Therefore, the quickest way was to serve him Japanese food and watch his reaction. Once she decided on that, another realization struck her.

Even if she were to cook for Salute, where would she do it?

(If I cook at my house, Mother will surely look displeased again.)

As mentioned before, in the Dortmund household, anything resembling professional labor was shunned. Making sweets as a hobby was acceptable, but preparing a full, authentic meal was seen as a “trade.” In this country, it was considered beneath a noblewoman to cook meals herself.

(What should I do…)

Cherie was troubled. Having promised to cook for him, she couldn’t back out without lying. Yet, she couldn’t do it at her own home, and asking to use his kitchen felt rather presumptuous.

It was Salute who once again held out a helping hand to the conflicted Cherie.

“Then, how about the day after tomorrow, during the weekend?”

“The day after tomorrow?”

“Yes. Let’s have lunch at the manor where I’m staying. I’ll ask them to let us use the kitchen then.”

“—That way, you can cook without any worries, right?”

As Salute added those words, Cherie felt a surge of admiration.

(…This man. He is truly perceptive…)

Does a person normally consider another’s position and situation so thoroughly before speaking? Especially considering he was a prince of a great power. The kind of person who should naturally expect to be respected and served by others.

“I’m sorry to make you travel all the way there, though.”

“Not at all… please don’t say that. If anything, thank you.”

Accepting Salute’s sincerity, Cherie thanked him from the bottom of her heart. Thus, they spent the day buying the necessary ingredients and seasonings, which Salute took back to the manor.

Cherie, who was seriously scrutinizing the ingredients, didn’t notice that Salute was watching her with an incredibly happy gaze.

—And so, the weekend arrived.

Cherie visited the manor where Salute was staying, riding in a carriage he had arranged for her. When she told her parents, “Lord Salute has summoned me, so I shall be going out,” she received permission easily.

She arrived exactly during the window between breakfast and lunch. She had timed it so that by the time she finished cooking, it would be the perfect hour for the midday meal.

“Welcome. I’ve been waiting for you, Cherie.”

When she stepped out of the carriage, Salute himself was there to greet her. Today, he wasn’t in his “Salute” disguise, but in his true form.

Witnessing his beautiful blonde hair fluttering in the breeze and his handsome features displayed without concealment, Cherie momentarily felt as if her eyes might be dazzled by the sight.

Taking the hand Salute offered in front of the carriage, she was guided into the manor. She had visited once before to brew flower tea after his welcome party, but this was her first time visiting during the day.

Under the brilliant sun, beautiful flowers bloomed in profusion in the garden connecting the main gate to the entrance.

(I feel like I’ve been cast as the true heroine of a story…)

A heroine led by the hand of a wonderful prince, walking a path flanked by beautiful gardens into a grand manor. Cherie was in the middle of a situation any young girl would dream of, yet she couldn’t quite feel cheerful. Her assigned role was that of the Villainess; she didn’t have a sparkling, bright personality, and she considered herself rather gloomy and introverted.

That was precisely why, even though she should have just accepted Salute’s proposal with pure joy, she remained trapped by her past failures, unable to move forward.

(…Really, why does Lord Salute treasure someone like me so much?)

She stole a glance at Salute as he walked gallantly a few steps ahead, still holding her hand.

He was a perfect prince from every angle. Without a single flaw, without a moment’s lapse.

Watching him, Cherie thought, well, it’s fine.

(…Yes, it’s fine. No matter how wonderful he is. I will simply serve him with all my heart. Strictly as a subordinate. And as a friend.)

As long as she didn’t lose sight of that core principle, she believed she could continue to build a positive relationship with him.

Telling herself this, Cherie followed Salute into the kitchen.