Martin strode through the corridors of Lochgrise Palace.
His armor gleamed under the sunlight streaming through the wide windows to his right. The sound of his footsteps echoed in the long, sunlit hallway, creating a rhythmic cadence.
He was tall, with striking beauty that drew eyes wherever he went. His long, wavy hair fell to his shoulders, framing a face with flawless features. His piercing blue eyes shone with quiet determination.
Just grab some snacks and I'm out, he thought. No time to linger.
Suddenly, he heard hurried footsteps behind him.
Then a shout:
"HERO!"
Martin sensed movement behind him and instinctively ducked to evade the threat.
The third princess, Isabella, sailed over him mid-leap, her eyes wide.
"Huh?!"
CRASH.
She hit the ground with a thud.
Martin spun around, realizing what had just happened.
"Oh, it's you, Princess."
He rushed to help her up.
Damn it, I just knocked over a princess. What an idiot.
Far off, hidden behind a pillar
King Cedric spied on his daughter, his face crestfallen.
"My darling daughter… why?"
He sighed deeply.
Keep at it, my girl. Show him your… uh… unique charm.
Isabella stood, rubbing her nose.
"Ow…"
Then she grinned widely, as if nothing had happened.
"It's so good to see you again, Martin! It's been since last year!"
Martin nodded politely.
"Yes, Princess. The tower's been tougher to conquer than expected, but my group and I have made good progress. We've established several safe zones."
He crossed his arms.
"It's only a matter of time before we reach the final floors."
Behind the pillar
Cedric clenched his fists, his eyes gleaming.
"Yes! That's it! A hero! A true hero!"
After conquering this tower, the hero will have conquered eight towers in total. EIGHT! An absolute monster. If the hero's lineage could join the royal family, it would be incredible.
He already pictured heroic grandchildren running through the palace.
Isabella stepped closer to Martin, her eyes sparkling with admiration.
Martin took a slight step back, instinctively.
Too close. Too close. Stay professional.
"What brings you to the palace?" Isabella asked with a smile.
Martin cleared his throat.
"Just passing through. I was hungry."
Isabella laughed softly.
"You're still sneaking into the kitchens, huh?"
Martin nodded.
"Yeah. There are good places to eat out there, but palace food is my favorite."
And it's free. That's important too.
Isabella's eyes lit up with an idea.
"Then you should eat with me!"
Martin blinked.
"Huh?"
"A famous chef is visiting the palace! Chef Renaud Delacroix! You've heard of him, right?"
Martin shook his head.
"Uh… no?"
Isabella's eyes widened, shocked.
"WHAT?! How can you not know Chef Renaud Delacroix?!"
She launched into praising the chef's accomplishments.
"He was the personal chef to the Duke of Dornan for ten years! He's won the Royal Gastronomy Gold Award three times! He even cooked for the Emperor of Ysvarra!"
She raised a finger.
"His food is the best I've ever tasted! All of high society raves about his dishes!"
She stepped closer, her eyes shining.
"He'd surely be honored to cook for the kingdom's hero!"
Martin backed up again.
She's too close. Way too close. Her eyes are gorgeous. NO. Stop. Stay focused.
Behind the pillar
Cedric grinned broadly.
"That's it, my girl! Keep at it! Don't let him go!"
Martin raised his hands.
"I was just stopping by for some snacks before heading out. If this chef is that famous, I don't want to bother him."
And honestly, I have no idea who he is.
Isabella frowned, then realized something.
"Oh, right. You spend your life in the towers. You probably don't have time to keep up with culinary trends."
She grabbed his arm.
Martin froze.
Her hand is so soft. NO. Stop that right now.
"Please! Just one dish! You won't regret it, I promise!"
Martin hesitated.
She's so enthusiastic. And honestly, I'm starving.
He sighed.
"Fine. One dish."
Isabella jumped with joy.
"YES!"
Behind the pillar
Cedric raised his fists in victory.
"PERFECT!"
A passing servant gave him an odd look.
"Your Majesty… are you alright?"
Cedric coughed.
"Yes, yes. Get back to work."
Isabella tugged Martin by the arm, leading him through the corridors.
"Come on! I'll show you to the private dining room!"
Martin followed, trying not to think about the fact that she was still holding his arm.
Stay professional. You're a hero. A role model for the kingdom. No impure thoughts.
But his eyes drifted to her.
Her hair shines so much in the sunlight. And her smile is… NO. Stop.
He shook his head.
Focus on the food. Just the food.
Isabella, meanwhile, felt her heart racing.
He agreed! He's eating with me!
She still remembered the first time she saw him, years ago.
It was at a royal ceremony. He had just conquered his first tower.
When their eyes met, she knew.
It has to be him. The man of my life.
Since that day, she seized every chance to see him again.
They reached a large, ornate wooden door.
Isabella knocked gently.
"Chef Renaud? It's Princess Isabella."
A deep voice answered from inside.
"Enter, Your Highness."
Isabella pushed the door open.
Inside stood a middle-aged man in a pristine white apron. His sharp eyes immediately assessed Martin.
"And who is your guest, Princess?"
Isabella smiled proudly.
"Chef Renaud, allow me to introduce Martin, the Hero of the Kingdom."
Renaud's eyes widened slightly.
"The Hero Martin? The one who conquered seven towers?"
Martin nodded politely.
"That's me."
Renaud bowed respectfully.
"It's an honor, Sir Hero. What may I prepare for you today?"
Martin hesitated.
"Uh… what do you recommend?"
Behind the door
Cedric spied through a small crack.
"Go on, my girl. Show him your charm."
Another servant passed by.
"Your Majesty… again?"
Cedric waved him off.
"Quiet and let me spy— I mean, observe my daughter."
Renaud thought for a moment.
"For a hero of your caliber, I recommend my signature dish: Roasted Wyvern Filet with a Red Wine Reduction and Seasonal Vegetables."
Isabella clapped.
"Oh, yes! It's delicious!"
Martin shrugged.
"Sounds good."
Renaud smiled.
"Excellent choice. I'll begin at once."
As Renaud prepared the meal, Isabella and Martin sat at a small table.
Isabella rested her chin on her hands, gazing at Martin with admiration.
"So, tell me about your latest expedition in the tower."
Martin cleared his throat.
Don't look at her eyes. Don't look at her eyes.
He looked at her eyes.
Damn it.
"Uh… it was… intense. We nearly died a few times."
Isabella tilted her head.
"Really? What happened?"
Martin began recounting, trying to focus on the story and not on how intently she was watching him.
Behind the door
Cedric muttered to himself.
"Come on, my girl. Get closer. Hold his hand. Do something!"
The same servant passed again.
He looked at the king, sighed, and kept walking without a word.
Thirty minutes later, Renaud brought out the dishes.
The aroma was incredible.
Martin took a bite.
His eyes widened.
This… is really good.
"Well?" Isabella asked with a smile.
Martin nodded.
"It's excellent."
Isabella clapped.
"I told you!"
They ate together, chatting about various things.
Martin started to relax.
Maybe this isn't so bad after all.
But every time Isabella laughed or smiled, his heart beat a little faster.
Stop it. You're a hero. Stay professional.
When the meal was over, Isabella stood.
"Thank you for agreeing to eat with me, Martin. It really meant a lot."
Martin stood as well.
"Thank you for the invitation, Princess."
She smiled at him.
"Next time you're passing through, let me know. We can eat together again."
Martin nodded.
"Maybe."
Or maybe not. My heart can't handle this.
As he walked away down the corridor, Isabella watched him go, her cheeks slightly flushed.
One day, he'll be mine.
Behind the pillar
Cedric wiped a tear.
"My little girl is growing up so fast. Soon she'll be married to the hero, and I'll have grandchildren."
The servant passed by again.
This time, he said nothing. He was used to it by now.