Three days later, a grand autumn festival was held at the royal palace. As the young lady of the Smith family, Emily naturally received an invitation. Dressed in a soft pink silk gown, she looked both elegant and radiant.
"Emily," her younger brother William reminded her in the carriage, "many nobles will be attending today. You must be mindful of your manners."
"I know," Emily nodded, though her thoughts were clearly elsewhere—specifically, imagining what delicacies might be served at the festival.
[System Prompt: Host, today is a great opportunity! The male lead will be attending as well. You could create some meaningful interactions!]I get it, but first, I need to confirm what food they'll be serving, Emily replied in her mind.
When they arrived at the palace, Emily was awestruck by the splendor before her. The great hall was brilliantly decorated, and the long banquet tables were laden with an abundance of exquisite dishes: roasted suckling pig, honey pastries, fruit tarts, cheeses, candied fruits, and many medieval delicacies she had never seen before.
"Oh my goodness," she murmured in awe. "This is food heaven!"
William gave her a concerned look. "Emily, that expression..."
"What expression?" she asked innocently.
"Like someone who's been starving for three days and just saw a royal feast."
Clearing her throat, Emily tried to compose herself. "I'm merely admiring the artistry of these culinary creations."
Just then, Edmund approached from across the hall. He was dressed in a deep blue velvet coat that made him look particularly handsome and regal.
"Miss Smith," he greeted politely, "it's a pleasure to see you here."
"Your Grace," Emily curtsied, though her eyes couldn't help but drift back toward the dessert table.
Edmund noticed her distraction and followed her gaze, spotting the beautifully shaped marzipan candies she was eyeing.
"Are you hungry?" he asked.
"Not exactly hungry," Emily replied honestly, "I'm just curious about those candies. They look like miniature works of art."
"Would you like to try one?" Edmund offered.
"May I?" Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Of course." He extended his arm. "Allow me to escort you."
Emily gladly accepted, and together they walked toward the banquet table.
"What's this one?" Emily pointed at an unfamiliar pastry.
"Rose petal cake," Edmund explained. "Made with real rose petals. They say it's good for your complexion."
"Ooh!" Emily perked up. "And this?"
"Lemon tart. A delightful balance of sweet and sour."
"And this one?"
"Honey walnut candy, made using a method from the East."
Before he knew it, Edmund had become her personal food guide, and Emily listened to every word with delight.
"You're quite knowledgeable about food," she said admiringly. "You must be a wonderful lord to know even these details."
The compliment made Edmund feel a hint of pride, though he maintained his noble composure. "As a lord, it's essential to be familiar with the specialties of my land."
"Then..." Emily leaned closer with a mischievous smile. "Can you recommend your personal favorites?"
Looking at her eager expression, Edmund felt a surprising desire to please her.
"This one," he said, pointing to a dainty little cake. "A special royal confection, only made for occasions like this."
Emily immediately took one and tasted it. Her face lit up with pure bliss.
"This is divine!" she exclaimed. "Like... like a bite of heaven!"
Her exaggerated expression made Edmund chuckle. He found her enthusiasm for food charmingly unrefined, unlike the reserved demeanor of most noble ladies.
"You really do love food," he observed.
"Absolutely," Emily replied without shame. "I think food is one of life's greatest joys."
"Even more than other pleasures?" he asked curiously.
"Hmm..." Emily thought for a moment. "At least, until I find something better."
That answer struck a chord in Edmund. He couldn't help but wonder—if Emily ever discovered love, would she indulge in it with the same wholehearted passion?
"Your Grace," Emily suddenly said, "won't you try something yourself?"
"I rarely eat much at events like this," Edmund replied. "They're mostly for socializing."
"That's a shame," Emily said with genuine regret. "You're missing out on so many delicious things."
She picked up a tiny pastry and, after a brief hesitation, offered it to him. "Would you like to try this one?"
Edmund looked at the treat in her hand, slightly surprised by her boldness.
"Are you sure?"
"Of course," Emily beamed. "Sharing food is part of the joy."
He accepted the pastry and took a small bite. It was indeed delicious, but what struck him more was the anticipation in Emily's eyes.
"What do you think?" she asked.
"It's excellent," Edmund nodded. "You have good taste."
"Wonderful!" she said brightly. "Let's try some more together!"
Over the next half hour, Emily led him through at least a dozen different treats. She gave each one an enthusiastic review and listened intently to Edmund's thoughts.
"This almond biscuit has such a perfect texture!" she said. "Crispy outside, soft inside, with just a hint of nutty aroma."
"You're quite descriptive," Edmund remarked. "Like a professional food critic."
"I just like to really feel my food," Emily said. "I believe every dish has a story."
"A story?" Edmund was intrigued.
"Yes," she said earnestly. "Like this honey cake—it tells a tale of hardworking bees, warm sunshine, and the skilled hands of the baker."
Her imagination amazed him. She had a way of finding beauty and meaning in the simplest things.
"That's an interesting perspective," he said. "I've never thought of food that way."
"Maybe you should try," Emily suggested. "Taste it with your heart, not just your mouth."
At that moment, a young nobleman approached.
"Your Grace," the man said respectfully, "His Majesty would like to see you."
"I understand," Edmund replied, then turned to Emily. "Miss Smith, I must excuse myself for a moment."
"Of course," Emily said graciously. "Duty calls."
"You'll be all right on your own?"
"I'll be just fine," she smiled. "Besides, I have all these wonderful treats to keep me company."
Edmund lingered a second longer, reluctant to part. He realized he hadn't felt this lighthearted and content in a long time.
"I'll be back soon," he said.
"I'll be waiting," Emily replied. "Maybe we can try even more things later."
After he left, Emily continued sampling the desserts. She didn't notice several noble ladies whispering nearby.
"Look at the way she eats," one sneered. "Completely lacking in noble manners."
"Indeed," another added. "Why is the Duke even entertaining her?"
"Who knows," a third muttered. "Maybe he's just being polite."
Emily heard their words but didn't let them bother her. She knew she might not fit the era's standards, but she had no intention of changing just to please others.
[System Prompt: Host, you're being talked about!]I heard them, Emily replied inwardly. But I won't change who I am just for their approval.[System Prompt: That's the spirit! Your authenticity is your charm!]
Just then, William returned.
"Emily," he said in a low voice, "people are gossiping about you."
"I know," she said calmly. "I don't care."
"But..." he hesitated, worried.
"William," she said firmly, "I'd rather be true to myself than wear a mask for others."
William looked at her with newfound respect. His sister might be a bit unconventional, but her courage and honesty were admirable.
Half an hour later, Edmund returned and quickly found Emily chatting with an elderly noblewoman.
"Your Grace," the lady said, noticing him. "Your friend is delightful. She just told me the most fascinating stories about food!"
"Is that so?" Edmund turned to Emily.
"I just shared a few thoughts," Emily said modestly, "about how food reflects different cultures."
"She's absolutely right," the lady added. "We ought to appreciate life's simple beauties more."
Edmund realized that Emily not only enjoyed food herself but could also inspire others to find joy in it too.
"Miss Smith," he said, "would you care to take a walk with me in the garden?"
"Of course!" Emily said cheerfully. "But... can I bring some snacks?"
Edmund chuckled at her hopeful expression.
"By all means. Take whatever you like."
She picked out her favorites and joined him in the garden. As they strolled, Emily nibbled happily, letting out the occasional contented sigh.
"You truly enjoy food," Edmund observed.
"Yes," Emily smiled. "I think life is meant to be savored."
"Savored?"
"Yes," she paused. "Like a good pastry, warm sunshine, or a kind friend. Those are life's greatest treasures."
Edmund looked at her, touched in a way he hadn't felt in years. In his world of duty and politics, it had been too long since someone reminded him of life's simple joys.
"You're right," he said. "We should treasure these things more."
"So," Emily teased, "how was your food experience today?"
"Surprisingly delightful," he admitted. "I haven't enjoyed a meal like that in ages."
"Wonderful!" Emily grinned. "Maybe next time, we can try even more!"
"Next time?" Edmund raised an eyebrow.
"Yes," she said boldly. "I heard your castle has excellent cooks. Maybe I could visit sometime?"
Looking at her hopeful eyes, Edmund found he couldn't say no.
"If you'd like to," he said, "I'd be honored to have you as my guest."
"Fantastic!" Emily beamed. "I'm already looking forward to it!"
Watching her excitement, Edmund felt a warm happiness grow within him. With Emily, everything seemed brighter, simpler... better.
[System Prompt: Host, success! The male lead just invited you to his castle!]Yes, I can feel it, Emily replied. He's starting to enjoy our time together.
[System Prompt: Keep being your true self! Your love of food shows him a new side of life!]
Emily smiled to herself. Through a shared love of food, she had brought herself and Edmund one step closer.
And Edmund, though he didn't yet fully realize it, was already beginning to look forward to the next time they'd share a meal together.