Royal Capital of the Human Empire.
Imperial Palace — Royal Study.
After finishing the afternoon's affairs, Emperor André III rubbed his slightly sore wrist and leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes to rest.
The northern war had entered the final phase of its first stage.
The beastman armies had launched fierce attacks for half a month straight, but were finally showing signs of fatigue. They had begun to withdraw and recuperate, waiting for the command to begin the next all-out offensive.
The human army, holding the Zhenbei Pass, Bestial Abyss Gate, and Snowfall Gate, enjoyed a clear advantage. Well-rested and entrenched, their condition was far superior to that of the beastmen.
In previous years, the first stage of the war typically dragged on for over twenty days. This year, however, the beastmen were driven back decisively in just fifteen.
The reason lay in a new explosive potion purchased days earlier from the Gemstone Trade Alliance.
At the northern front, a formation of one hundred fire-element mages simultaneously used the potion while casting Intermediate Fireball.
With the potion's enhancement, the spell transformed directly into a high-tier Firefall spell.
Fireballs that were once barely a meter in diameter expanded into massive spheres of destruction over five meters wide, devouring everything in their path.
The beastman army suffered catastrophic losses. Several tribes even defected outright, ignoring orders from the Beastman Court and fleeing toward the Forest of Freyst, seeking refuge among the elves.
Reports of these victories quickly climbed the chain of command and landed on Emperor André III's desk.
Along with them came detailed information about the new explosive potion.
"Purchased by the Gemstone Trade Alliance from pharmaceutical workshops jointly operated by several southern marquises."
"These marquises frequently donate to the Royal Capital Magic Academy, obtaining licenses for large-scale potion production."
"This time, they received authorization to produce a new explosive potion."
"The potion was invented by a goblin named Harper."
"Its core lies in a special stabilizing agent that suppresses volatility without weakening explosive power."
"The primary ingredient of this stabilizer is a rare plant known as the Crimson-Gold Chrysanthemum."
"The source of this plant—"
"—is Ron's Wonderful Flower Shop."
Emperor André III rubbed his temple, a headache forming.
Sending Ron André out of the palace to the City of Chaos—a land jointly governed by four races—had been meant to remove him from the political center entirely.
Ron's foxkin bloodline had always made his status as a prince controversial.
Because of this, André III had never granted him a noble territory, merely arranging for the Radiant Mercenary Corps to secure him a quiet life.
Had it not been for lingering affection toward that foxkin maid—and the fact that her sister Yuna had since grown into a sixth-rank assassin—André III could have eliminated Ron quietly on the road out of the palace.
Clean. Efficient. Problem solved.
But now…
Ron André was no longer just a mixed-blood prince.
He was the Chosen of the Goddess of Harvest — Hervesta.
The Acting Voice of the Goddess.
And the master of divine plants.
One of those plants had already altered the course of a war.
If word spread that the explosive potion relied fundamentally on Crimson-Gold Chrysanthemum, Ron would instantly gain favor within the military.
Especially among fire-mage formations.
If Ron returned to the Royal Capital, he would immediately attract loyal supporters.
That… was influence.
A knock sounded.
"Enter."
A silver-haired official in formal attire stepped inside and bowed.
"Princess Mia arrived earlier today. She instructed the royal kitchens to prepare a meal—she calls it hotpot."
The official paused, then explained:
"It involves boiling water at the table and cooking raw ingredients directly in the pot."
"She wishes to surprise you, Your Majesty, and requested that no advance notice be given."
"All ingredients have been inspected. Everything Princess Mia handled is safe."
Emperor André III nodded and rose.
City of Chaos — Second Floor Kitchen, Ron's Wonderful Flower Shop
"Alright. Let's begin."
----
Ron André took an apron from the wall and stepped behind Nora, looping the straps around her waist and tying them neatly.
Nora buried her face against his chest, eyes squeezed shut, cheeks burning red.
Ron's presence surrounded her, making her breathing unsteady.
"Don't freeze up."
Tap.
Ron flicked her forehead lightly.
"A-ah…" Nora rubbed her head, embarrassed, and obediently stood before the chopping board.
With the apron on, she looked less childish—her purple hair tied up, her pale neck exposed, sleeves rolled, full of motivation.
Dice the tomatoes. Crack three eggs."
Ron instructed calmly.
Nora lifted the knife and began cutting—awkwardly.
Ron sighed softly, stepped forward, and reached around her from behind.
"Yah—! Boss—!"
Her cat ears twitched as the knife trembled.
"Don't move. I'm teaching you."
Ron gently adjusted her left hand.
"Don't stretch your fingers flat. Curl them inward—like this. The blade presses against your knuckles, not your fingertips."
Then he guided her right hand.
"For soft vegetables like tomatoes, start from the middle."
He pressed down with her.
"Cut downward, then pull back slightly."
Slice.
Nora memorized every motion, her face redder by the second.
When Ron stepped back, she felt… strangely reluctant.
The rest went smoothly.
Heat the pan.
Scramble the eggs.
Set aside.
Oil, garlic, tomatoes.
Salt. Sugar. Eggs back in.
Stir. Garnish.
Tomato-and-egg stir-fry, complete.
Ron tasted it.
A little too sweet—but for a beginner?
Excellent.
Better than his own first attempt, honestly.
They cooked a few more dishes, called Yuna in to help carry plates, and the four of them sat down to eat.