Watching Glantham Phoenix fawn over Nebis Leyang, Ailin Camila Lumier felt utterly helpless. He wasn’t even her fiancé. Being so sweet to a boy like that—didn’t she fear gossip behind her back?

Leyang’s gaze flickered briefly to Lumiere. He preferred time with Phoenix over Princess Lumiere. Phoenix seemed genuinely innocent and cute, free of heavy schemes. Lumiere was beautiful too, but her eyes always held a trace of calculation. An eight-year-old with such depth—Leyang couldn’t muster real affection. He’d only keep up appearances.

Perhaps in his past life, he’d seen too many such women. Instinctively, he avoided entanglement. It stirred memories of his dark history.

“Let’s go, Phoenix. Ramen time.”

Leyang instinctively took Phoenix’s soft little hand and headed for the counter.

“Hmph. No good deed goes unpunished.”

Lumiere tucked away the free meal card and followed.

“Princess Lumei, why eat here?” Yvette asked slowly. “Is the palace chef’s food unsatisfying? Shall we replace him?”

“No need,” Ailin Camila Lumier replied calmly, shaking her head. “I just wanted a mood change. And to bond with my junior apprentice sister.”

“Shall I distract that boy?” Yvette pressed. “Without him, bonding with the girl would be easier. He’s clearly avoiding us.”

“Do nothing. I’ll win them over myself.”

“Yes… Spies report the princes have noticed Phoenix. They’ll act soon.”

“My royal brothers are swift as ever. Understood,” Ailin Camila Lumier murmured.

“Princess Lumei, try the pork trotter ramen!” Phoenix called, waving. “It’s delicious!”

“Since Phoenix recommends it, I’ll taste it properly.”

“Master, three bowls of pork trotter ramen! Extra-large for me!”

“Got it, little miss. One moment!”

The ramen arrived quickly—three bowls steaming with pork trotters and spices. The aroma alone whetted appetites. The middle portion dwarfed the others combined, generously heaped.

“Can you finish that?” Leyang teased. “Your tiny belly might burst.”

“Hmph~ Of course I can! Don’t underestimate me.”

“You’re small already. Is underestimating even necessary?”

“Master Leyang bullies people! Ignoring you. Let’s find seats.”

“An empty table’s right there. Sit there,” Lumiere said softly, pointing.

“Okay.”

“Princess Lumei, it’s hot—let me carry it!” Yvette stepped forward anxiously.

“No trouble. I’ll handle it myself.” Lumiere shook her head slightly, stubbornly lifting the bowl.

They sat, chopsticks in hand. Yvette spoke from the side: “This lacks nutrition. Should the chef send proper food?”

“New flavors are refreshing. Don’t worry, Yvette,” Ailin Camila Lumier said, turning to the pair with a hint of apology. “Phoenix, Master Leyang, forgive my maid’s fussing.”

“Such a devoted maid is your blessing, Princess Lumiere,” Leyang said calmly, slurping noodles. “It proves her loyalty.”

“Master Leyang, that’s wrong! Serving Princess Lumiere is Yvette’s blessing,” Yvette retorted sweetly.

“Yvette’s my lady-in-waiting and closest family. She’s been with me since birth,” Ailin Camila Lumier added sincerely, pausing to smile.

“Princess Lumiere…”

“Yvette, have you eaten?” Leyang asked, puzzled.

“I ate before your lessons ended. Thank you for asking.”

“Master Leyang… are you free later?” Phoenix stammered. “If not busy, could you practice swordsmanship with me at the training ground?”

“If you need rest, forget I asked.”

“Sure.”

“Really? Great!”

Truly a little girl—just sword practice made her this happy. Leyang smiled faintly.

“Princess Lumiere, join us?” Phoenix asked curiously.

“I’ll visit the Arcane Library for new tomes. I won’t disturb you two,” Lumiere replied calmly, shaking her head.

“I see. Okay.”

Disappointment flickered on Phoenix’s face, but she perked up instantly. She devoured the entire extra-large bowl alone. Her tiny belly stayed flat—utterly baffling. Where did all that food go?!

“I could eat another bowl,” Phoenix muttered, “but sword practice later means no overeating. This is perfect.”

The three listeners twitched their lips. After that huge meal, claiming more? You truly can’t judge a book by its cover. Who’d guess this pure, cute girl hid a super big eater inside?

“I’m done. Let’s go, Phoenix.”

“Mhm. Princess Lumiere, we’ll take our leave.”

“Be careful.”

Lumiere nodded. Her bowl was still half-full—too much to waste.

“Yvette, eat this for me? I can’t finish it,” she cooed pitifully at her maid.

“Yes, Princess Lumiere. I’ll pack it to take back.”