Master, Why Are You Eating the Quilt?

"Henry, what do you plan to do with these Half-Orc heads?"

"Of course, trade them for money. I'm not like the Dean—only the Dean is qualified to pile Half-Orc heads high enough to shock the world."

As the three-man party traveled day after day, their relationship grew closer, and they could talk about almost anything.

On the way back, Henry was in an excellent mood because he had accomplished all three of his goals.

Make money, train troops, chop, chop, chop! And he himself had not suffered any injuries.

At that moment, Henry was in the mood to admire the beauty of the grasslands. Green pastures stretched everywhere.

The sky was sapphire-blue, white clouds drifting across it, giving everything a peaceful and beautiful feeling.

Unfortunately, this place was a little far from the Empire's current Border Line. Otherwise, they might have seen herds of cattle and sheep grazing.

On this vast plain, they could even see gently rolling hills.

Along the way, Henry's party occasionally came across several crystal-clear rivers, their waters murmuring as they flowed. No one knew how vast this continent truly was, nor would anyone seek out the source of these rivers.

Henry looked around. Across the river was a forest and several small hills. After checking the sun, he decided they would rest here for the night.

Henry picked up a serf's fork and suggested to Boman and Fas, "Let's see who can spear more fish. The winner gets to eat the most meat tonight."

Fas had no interest in it and said he would be the judge. Henry refused Bain, who was eager to try, and did not let him participate.

Bain's injuries would need a few more days to improve, and besides, it would not be very nice for a Knight Attendant like Bain to keep beating Boman...

Thus, Henry and Boman stood by the riverbank, staring intently at the fish in the water as they tried to spear them with their forks.

Their eyes were fixed on the water's surface, as though they could see the fish at the bottom through the river. Of course, Boman could not see them clearly. Henry was the one who could truly see everything.

Boman gripped and loosened the fork in his hand, as if he were ready to strike at any moment.

Fish occasionally swam past beneath the water. They seemed to sense danger, but they did not leave.

They darted along the riverbed and occasionally leaped from the water, sending sprays of droplets flying.

"Got one!"

Seeing that Boman, all enthusiasm but no skill, still had not made a move, Henry stopped waiting. With a swift, precise thrust, he speared a large fish and smugly showed it off to Boman.

The others began setting up camp. The attendants and Cavalry of the three-man party spread out to patrol, checking for wolves and the like to avoid being attacked at night.

Before long, Boman, whose back and waist were aching, gave up the competition. Henry won once again.

"You two—one can eat, and the other has strength. I admit defeat!"

Henry laughed at Boman's words but did not continue the topic.

Fas seized the rare opportunity to needle him. "Looks like the previous champion is no match for this year's champion."

"Still better than second place."

Henry picked out several plump fish and grilled them over the fire. As nobles, all three had brought plenty of seasonings, making the Grilled Fish even more delicious.

The fresh fish tasted incomparably delicious to the three of them and added some fun to their journey home.

People always had to find ways to entertain themselves, or they would become terribly bored.

After finishing the fish, Henry and Boman began playing other games.

However, no matter how hard Boman tried, he could never defeat the unbeatable Henry.

By the end of the night, Boman had lost a full seven times! Seven times!

At that moment, Ailiya and two other maids entered carrying food. "Three knights, this is Pigeon Pie and Lemon Cake. We hope you enjoy yourselves."

The other two maids belonged to Boman and Fas respectively. When nobles traveled, the most basic standard arrangement was a Butler, attendants, cooks, and maids.

The Pigeon Pie was round and plump, with a golden, flaky crust that gave off an enticing aroma. Its edges were neat and slightly raised, like a pigeon spreading its wings to take flight.

Henry and the other two were instantly tempted, saliva beginning to gather in their mouths. Boman cut open the Pigeon Pie, revealing a generous filling with vivid colors that made mouths water.

Licking his lips, Boman asked, "Mm, not bad. Who made this?"

Ailiya glanced at Henry, lowered her head, and said, "I did, Sir Knight."

Henry asked in surprise, "You made this? You have this kind of skill?"

"Master, I learned from Oriana."

Henry pointed at the small cake and asked, "What about this?"

"That was also made by me, Master."

Boman smiled and said to Henry, "I'm so jealous. Someone under you actually has this kind of skill. Looks like you have quite the good fortune when it comes to food."

Henry stroked his chin. "Then I'd better have a proper taste."

The Lemon Cake looked like a small, delicate lemon, its pale yellow color fresh and pleasing.

The cake's surface was covered in a thin layer of lemon icing, translucent and glistening like morning dew.

The refreshing fragrance of lemon blended perfectly with the cake's sweetness, tantalizing Henry's taste buds and leaving him wanting more.

Henry's eyes widened involuntarily, and he tasted the Pigeon Pie as well.

Rich and mellow, with a wide variety of fillings, every bite gave Henry a unique flavor.

Lemon Cake, meanwhile, was sweet and tart, the lemon's acidity complementing the cake's sweetness. Its delicate texture was like a feast upon the tongue.

"Ailiya, I'm fortunate to have you serving me."

"It is the honor of my life to serve Master."

The three of them immediately began eating as though avenging some deep grievance. But since these were only snacks and not much had been prepared, all three were left wanting more.

Even after Henry lay down in bed, he was still savoring the Pigeon Pie and Lemon Cake Ailiya had made.

I probably won't dream tonight, right?

Ever since Henry had gone on that chopping spree, he had dreamed almost every day. He felt groggy all the time and could never quite summon any energy.

Today's desserts had made him incredibly happy. Sure enough, when you were unhappy, you needed desserts! Of course, for the sake of his health, he couldn't binge—but what if he just couldn't resist?

Before long, Henry drifted happily to sleep. Then, as expected, he entered another wonderful dream.

A person whose gender he couldn't tell sat down to dine with him, bringing six Pigeon Pies and six cakes. No matter how much Henry ate, he never felt full.

Moreover, the Pigeon Pies and cakes seemed endless. Every bite carried the same satisfaction as that very first mouthful.

Just as Henry and that genderless figure drew closer and closer, a violent shove suddenly jolted him awake.

"What is it, Ailiya?"

"M-Master, why are you eating the blanket? Master, please stop eating it, I'm scared... Are you hungry? I'll have Oriana prepare breakfast right away."

Henry stared thoughtfully at the corner of the blanket, covered in bite marks and already soaked through with saliva.