Chapter 32

"Wait, isn't it just dawn?"

Since Elinest arrived so suddenly, Lisbeth rushed to the Lower District of the Demon King's Fortress only to find the sky still dark. Hearing her, Hilda shook her head. "You're actually late. Some herbs are best gathered at first light. We're already behind schedule."

"Huh? Why? And I haven't eaten breakfast—I'm starving!"

"Ah, I skipped breakfast too. Hilda, I want food." Stalos rubbed her stomach, staring at Hilda with teary eyes. Hilda sighed. "I knew you'd say that. I packed food. Eat in the carriage—we're short on time." She pulled a large basket from the carriage, brimming with provisions.

Lisbeth eyed it suspiciously. "Old lady, did you make this? Is it even safe?"

"What? Are you mocking my cooking?" Hilda's glare turned icy.

"Uh, no! That's not it!" Lisbeth quickly shook her head. Elinest chuckled. "Hehe, Lisbeth, just eat. Hilda's skills are Head Maid level~"

"No way. What does 'Head Maid level' even mean?" To Lisbeth, ordinary Maids and Personal Maids were all just servants to Christia—no difference mattered. But the moment she said it, Elinest's expression hardened. She snatched the basket, thrust a sandwich at Lisbeth. "Eat. Then you'll understand."

"Uh, fine. But stop staring—it's creepy." Lisbeth examined the sandwich. Nothing special. She turned to Stalos. "Stalos, have you tried Hilda's cooking? This feels scary."

"Uh, nope. That's why I'm waiting for you to test for poison." Stalos's blunt reply made Lisbeth's lips twitch. She steeled herself. "Fine. I'll be the poison tester."

"Mhm. If you die, I'll bury you~"

"How kind..." Lisbeth took a deep breath, raising the sandwich. Just before biting, her eyes flashed. She lunged, clamping Stalos's mouth shut. "You die first!!!"

"Mmph! Mmph! You! Mmph mmph!!!" Stalos struggled, but Lisbeth forced the sandwich in. Stalos froze like stone. "Old lady! You poisoned it!?" Lisbeth whirled on Hilda.

"Look at her reaction first!" Hilda snapped. Lisbeth turned back. Stalos was wolfing down the sandwich, nearly biting Lisbeth's fingers. "Whoa!" Lisbeth yanked her hand away. "It's just a sandwich! Why this reaction?"

As Lisbeth sighed, Elinest hugged her from behind, whispering, "Try it yourself. Is it really ordinary?"

"Huh!? Mmph!!!" A chunk of sandwich was shoved into Lisbeth's mouth. She froze. Then a tear slid down her cheek. "Th-this... how can something this delicious exist? What was I eating before?" The soft bread, perfect sauce, even the lettuce burst with flavor. She devoured it.

"Good, right?"

"Amazing! Old lady, I underestimated you!"

"I said—don't call me old lady!" Hilda grabbed Lisbeth's ear. "In Human Race years, I'm not even eighteen! How many times must you say it!?"

"Ow! Old lady, sorry! Stop pulling!"

"You dare call me that again!?" Hilda raised her hand—but Stalos tugged her sleeve. "Hilda, more sandwich?" Hilda turned. The basket lay empty. "Stalos! What did you—"

"You monster!! What did you do!?" Lisbeth rushed over, pinching Stalos's cheeks. "I only had one piece! Spit it out!"

"Hey! It's gone! Want my vomit!?"

"Shut up! Give it back!"

Hilda pulled them apart. "Enough! I'll cook more later. But we must leave now—or we'll gather no herbs."

"Really!? Every day!?" Lisbeth and Stalos chorused, eyes sparkling. Hilda sighed. "If you behave, after making breakfast for Lord Demon King, I'll prepare yours too."

"Wow! Old lady, you're the best!"

"Don't call me old lady!! Are your ears broken!?"

"Okay, old lady! Got it, old lady!"

"You—" Hilda fumed but checked the time. "Hmph. Settle this later. Get in the carriage. Lisbeth, take this sword. Handle any monsters we meet."

"Right. Forgot about that." Lisbeth took the blade. "If monsters appear, I'll swing my sword for old times' sake."