"Hmm... natural glacial water from the Asaga Mountains, sausages from the Luoxi Lidi region, Lianmai jam... today's breakfast is quite good, isn't it?"

Sitting in my seat, I carefully tasted the morning meal and said contentedly.

"These ingredients were just delivered by a nearby lord today," Cecilia said with a slight bow. I raised an eyebrow at that.

"Heh, this one has taste... Spit it out. What favor does he want?"

"It's about tax issues..."

"Non-negotiable. These taxes fund construction and the army—not my luxuries," I said calmly, then resumed savoring my food.

"...The place names sound fancy, but I can't taste anything special," Lily said after sampling each dish before her. "Though it is a bit tastier, I guess..."

"I too... don't grasp what's unique," Ona murmured, her ears twitching as she looked at me.

"...These foods come from lands rich in magic," Wuluwu explained elegantly while nibbling her breakfast. "Animals, plants, and water carry faint magical energy. But the quality is low, so it's subtle." As the Elven Princess, she knew such things well.

"Don't just wolf it down. Eat slowly and see if you sense a hint of magic," I smiled at them. Lily and Ona slowed their pace.

"Hmm... there really is a bit," Ona detected instantly, sensitive to power. Lily smacked her lips, feeling nothing.

"I can't sense it... What's the use? A slight flavor might help children's magic, but for us, it's just a treat—and costs a fortune..." she muttered, knowing these items were far pricier than ordinary food.

"That may be true, but this is 'taste' and capability," I said with a slight smile, continuing my meal.

"Luxury isn't waste; it proves status, strength, and insight," Wuluwu added calmly. "It's commonplace among elites."

"Tch... Must capability be proven? Might makes right. I hate fake things," Lily clicked her tongue. "I've endured endless banquets—meals that drag on forever. Can't eat when hungry, then waste time after. I'm sick of that food; homemade or a small eatery is better."

Lily spoke discontentedly, clearly scarred by past ordeals. I agreed—it was a time-waster.

"...Hey, I won't have to join you often like this, right? Though your food isn't bad," Lily eyed me suspiciously, dreading the idea.

"Don't worry. I hate banquets too. If I need company, I'll pick Wuluwu. You're free to run off," I waved with a smile. Wuluwu looked indifferent; wasting time was routine for an Elf.

Long-lived races don't value time like others.

"Still, all three of you will soon learn from Cecilia—I won't have my girls rude and reckless."

"...Noble etiquette? I despise that," Lily's eyelid twitched, uneasy.

"I'll do my best~" Ona replied cheerfully, curious. Hawthorn, silent beside Lily, blinked and nodded gently, open to learning.

"Just basic manners. The Dark Lord dislikes excessive rules too," Cecilia assured.

"Because I can't remember them all myself~" I added.

"Alright, my lovely girls. Finish breakfast and prepare to move. Time to return to my cozy Demon King Castle," I said, popping the last sausage into my mouth.