BKSL CH 06

Chapter 6 – The Secret Ingredient Is Love

After that, yesterday, I followed Elga-san to the kitchen, where she introduced me to the other dorm mothers.

Everyone was so busy that when they heard I had come to help, they were surprised—but also very grateful.

Even though this was such a remote frontier land, the ingredients here were incredibly plentiful.

Apparently, because the First Knight Order played such an important role in protecting the kingdom, they were supplied generously with nourishing foods.

Every day, fresh meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, and fruits were delivered from nearby towns—along with flour, cheese, and even processed foods like sausages.

The knights themselves also took turns escorting the supply convoys, since monster attacks could happen anytime.

Thanks to all that, I was lucky enough to enjoy a truly luxurious meal yesterday.

Back at home, all I ever ate were leftovers from the count’s household—the soup never had meat, the bread was always hard, and the vegetables were mostly scraps.

But here, in the knights’ dormitory, everyone welcomed me warmly.

There were real knights everywhere I looked—the very people I admired most in the world!

I was so thrilled I nearly fainted.

Ah… how happy I am!

God, is this some kind of reward?

I promise to stay a good girl, so please… please let me stay like this forever…!

That night, as I admired the shining, noble figures of the knights and savored my delicious meal, I silently made that wish from the bottom of my heart.

But I could understand what Leo-san meant when he said, “Everyone here is like family.”

The atmosphere really was that warm.

Even though they risked their lives every day, they were all so kind and gentle.

Ah… how admirable they all are.

I decided then and there: I’ll do my very best in this place, too.

After soaking in a warm bath, I slipped into bed, the soft blankets wrapping me up as I renewed that determination.

***

“Good morning!”

“…Good morning. You’re quite early.”

The next day, I woke up before sunrise.

After changing into the dorm mother’s uniform that Elga-san had prepared for me, I hurried to the dining hall.

The uniform was a simple, easy-to-move-in dress—but compared to my old clothes, it was much more practical and seemed expensive.

I was truly grateful.

But since I arrived earlier than the scheduled time, I worried for a moment that I might be a bother…

Elga-san’s expression softened.

“You really are full of energy.”

“Yes! What should I do first? Please tell me anything!”

“I’ve never seen a noble lady like you before.”

Elga-san let out a small laugh, which made her look even more charming than yesterday.

No—she was beautiful yesterday too, but today she looked softer, almost cute.

“Well then,” she said, “if there’s anything you don’t understand, ask right away, alright?”

“Yes!”

If I had an older sister, I imagined she would feel just like this.

Thinking that, I began helping with breakfast preparation.

*

“Oh! That looks delicious!”

Right on schedule, the knights began arriving at the dining hall.

Of course, Leo-san was among them.

Not everyone could leave their post, but still—there were more than thirty knights gathered.

Since bread was served at nearly every meal, we baked it in large batches.

This morning’s menu also included plenty of big, fluffy omelets, vegetable soup, and sausages.

And for dessert, everyone got a slice of apple.

“This omelet—who made it? It’s amazing!”

“Seriously! It’s so fluffy, and the flavor’s perfect! It even looks great!”

…Hehehe.

Thank you very much. The one who made those omelets… was me!

Hearing their comments made me want to proudly shout that out loud—but I’m a lady.

At times like these, the proper thing to do is simply smile quietly.

It was my first time cooking such a large number of omelets, so it was a bit difficult.

But thinking of the knights who would eat them gave me strength each time I cracked an egg.

“Elga, who made the omelets?” someone asked.

“Lady Sibel did,” Elga-san replied easily. “She also handled the final seasoning for the soup.”

“Really? No wonder—it tastes a little different today!”

“It’s great!! What did you put in it!?”

“Love,” I thought.

If I actually said that out loud, they’d probably all stare at me.

So instead, I just smiled politely like a proper lady.

“I’m glad it suits your taste.”

“I can’t wait for every meal from now on!”

“Yeah! I feel so energized after eating! Let’s work hard today!”

Oh, how delightful!

It might sound exaggerated, but seeing the knights so happy filled me with joy.

“Thank you, Sibel,” said Elga-san with a smile. “From now on, I’d like you to take charge of most of the cooking.”

“Yes, I’d love to!”

Seeing the knights’ cheerful reactions, even Elga-san looked pleased—
and I, too, couldn’t stop smiling.