Volume 16 Chapter 2: Morning At The Demon Kingdom Part 2

Outside,

Eri and Fira were playing with Scarlet’s spirit on one side, while on the other side was Selk, who was lecturing the demon princess.

“M’lady, posture straight, chest out. How have you forgotten the basics of walking like a princess?” Selk's eyes were like a hawk's as she listed every error in Scarlet’s movements.

”…Yes.” Scarlet wanted to cry; she couldn’t talk back either. The three little ones were playing on the side, but would glance at her from time to time. I need to show her what a proper princess is. Scarlet pressed her chest forward only to have Selk scold, “Too forward! M’lady, do not show off in front of the kids when your basics have become subpar.”

“…” Scarlet faltered. 

“Wow, you forgot how to walk?” Keith soon came out of the mansion. As he walked, everyone stared at him. Well, Scarlet was the most glaring as her gaze was locked onto him.

“What are you wearing?”

“Selk gave it to me.” Keith turned to the maid, “Is this outfit common in the demon kingdom?”

“This outfit is a traditional attire worn by high nobles. I thought it would look lovely on Sir Keith,” Selk answered, “Are there any issues?”

“The attire is comfortable, but isn’t it a little revealing?” Keith glanced down: a jet black shirt with purple and crimson lining. What made it revealing was the mesh-like material near his abs; it did not reveal them. But there was a certain allure to it.

“I think it looks perfect.” Scarlet’s eyes softened while she stared.

“Hey, eyes up.” While one pair of eyes was charmed, another pair of eyes narrowed. Selk whispered, “M’lady, do you like it? I have paired it with your attire today?”

”???” Scarlet glanced down at her outfit and gave a thumbs up, “Thank you, Selk!” Even after all this time, she was still looking after her!

You know I can hear you? Even if they whispered, Keith had sharp ears and heard their conversation. I thought you were the strict one? A sigh came out; the two were like a pair of sisters, working with one another.

“Oh my, Keith, you look amazing.” While Keith stared at the two, another person spoke. 

“Great-grandma Lilith.” Eri waved as Lilith walked over.

“Madam,” Selk bowed.

“Thank you.” Keith did a light bow.

“You look just like a prince.” Lilith warmly smiled while holding Eri.

“Indeed.” Scarlet subtly moved nearer to him, clearly trying to show off their couple’s outfit. Lilith naturally understood as she nodded in acknowledgement.

These three. Keith laughed before adding, “Who’s hungry? I’ll cook breakfast.”

“I am famished. I will leave it to you, Keith,” Lilith smiled as she headed to the pergola to wait; the others headed to the kitchen.

Scarlet carried Eri in her arms, “Eri, we’re going to eat well today!”

“…” M’lady, composure. Selk gave her a look, which Scarlet responded to by sticking out her tongue, “There’s nothing you can do about this, Selk. Keith is an amazing cook.” Keith thought about it for a moment before he summoned the ingredients needed onto the table.

Purple rice was on the menu: washing the rice and letting it steam in a pot, Keith filleted a couple of fish.

“We’re having fish today?”

“Mmhmm, I’m thinking about fried fish.” Patting away any moisture, Keith dipped the fillets into a bowl of eggs and breadcrumbs, coating them. Scarlet and Eri’s eyes were fixed keenly on the pot filled with hot oil; the battered fish was carefully lowered into it, creating a sizzling sound.

Slap!

“No touching. Are you trying to burn yourself?” Keith scolded: Scarlet’s hands slowly etched forward to the pot.

“For some delicious fish, yes. Am I right, Eri?”

“Mmhmm.” The child was true to her instincts: a fish was natural prey against a fox. Her ears were pointed upwards while her eyes were fixed on the fish. She was a true beastman.

“Eri is out hunting,” Fira muttered while she hid inside Lei’s fur.

“Don’t create bad habits for her,” Keith warned Scarlet. If Eri became a super glutton, it would be an issue. After a few minutes, what came out was a golden and crispy fish. Placing them on the rack to cool, Keith opened a jar of vegetables.

“What are those?”

“They’re pickled carrots and cucumbers. It pairs well with fried fillet.” Keith turned to Selk, “Selk, can you bring these to the table?”

“Understood.” As she was about to move, her eyes caught the little ones following behind her; their eyes were locked onto the pan in her hand.

“Please don’t hug me. I might spill the dishes.” Eri and the others quickly surrounded her, making a small circle as they waddled. Their intent was clear as day; they would protect the food with their bodies on the line!

“...” Selk was slightly baffled yet amused by the little one’s actions. They looked so silly as they followed her.

“Princess, do you have to do this?” Scarlet was following behind them as well.

Besides Lilith, Elyndra was in the pergola as well; they stopped conversing when they spotted the group’s arrival.

“Scarlet, why are you following behind Selk?” Elyndra was the first to question her actions.

“I was only protecting Selk from falling.”

“...” Lilith and Elyndra raised a brow. Protect her from falling? Selk was by far the most capable maid in this castle: she could probably defeat a knight with one pan in her hand. Selk took a breath of relief as she placed the plate down: the fragrant aroma caught the two’s attention.

“Is this fish?” Lilith questioned.

“Mmhmm.” Scarlet held Selk’s arm, “Selk, sit down and eat with us.”

“Lady Lilith, there’s no-”

“It’s fine, I want you to eat with us, you are practically family.”

“..Thank you.” Selk nodded as she sat down beside Eri. Scarlet then asked, “Where is he?” He was Tharaziel, the demon prince and Scarlet’s half-brother. He would come here to share a meal with them from time to time. Scarlet found it annoying, but Keith didn’t mind.

“Oh, he’s being trained by Valgros in the barracks.” Elyndra answered with a relieved expression, “I am glad Valgros is here; there is someone my son will listen to.”

“Yes,” Scarlet gave a sympathetic gaze. Willing to listen to? It’s more like Valgros would smack him around. A workout with him was tiresome. While they talked, “Oh, so Tharaziel is training again.” Keith came out with the rice. He placed the pot in the center of the table.

“Should someone call him?”

“No need!” Scarlet waved, “Let him train, we don’t want to bother him.”

Are you sure? Keith blinked; before he could ask more, Lilith stared at the dish, “So this is purple rice?”

“Mmhmm. By steaming it, the rice will have a soft texture.”

“Understood,” Selk nodded. She remembered the amount of water used to cook rice; she would cook this dish for Lilith and the others  when she had the chance.

“Eri, be more mindful.” Keith wiped the crumbs off the side of her lips; Eri was happily eating fish. The others did the same: a crispy exterior and a soft interior provided a textural explosion in their mouths. As they ate,

“Sir Keith, sorry for bothering your meal,” Rhaegon, the prime minister, coughed.

“It is fine, Mr. Rhaegon.” Keith raised a box, “Please take this.”

“Thank you.” Rhaegon took the box and headed back to the main castle.

“Do you have to cook for him as well?” Scarlet’s eyes narrowed, displeased by his actions. Keith smiled, “It’s only cooking, I can do that much.”

“Still.”

“It’s fine.” Keith chuckled as he fed her some fish. That made her quiet, but the look on her face was telling something entirely different. Lilith and Elyndra glanced at one another as they shared the same thoughts.