When Beauty Destroys The BL World

First Dinner

Before leaving, Irene didn't forgot to tell them to inform her as soon as possible regarding about the young girl condition.

Inside the carriage, Irene lean her head against the window. The thought that she needs to meet Nickolai to asks permission, make her feel uncomfortable. After that awkward and unexpected moment, she plan to not see him for a long time.

The queen beside her, notice her expression. She then reaches her hand to hold Irene hand. Irene feel the touch, look towards the queen.

"You look trouble, dear. Is meeting with the crown prince, your own husband are more difficult than having you deal with that old, cranky and boastful physicians just now?" The queen teased.

"No, not at all. I was just feeling tired, that's all." Irene quickly readjusted her posture and smile towards the queen.

The queen just smiles as she shake her head, looking out at the scenery from the window.

"You finally know how to take care of yourself. In the past...you are easily riled, easily bullied by others. Seeing you arguing and acting haughty in front of the others, but then crying in a corner where no one can see you. My heart couldn't help but feel saddened. It makes me want to protect you." The queen said.

Irene raises her brow hearing that.

"You remind me of how I was back then. Weak, hopeless and powerless. Live only to follow others string. With no one to protect me. Women doesn't hold any power. Our words are deemed unimportant and unnecessary to men." The queen seems to be reminiscing her past.

"It seems that, I won't have to worry about you, anymore." The queen turn to look at Irene then stroke her head softly.

Irene didn't know what to said could only smile.

Back at the palace, Irene is boiling a soup, recalls back the conversation in the carriage with the queen. Everything about the original Dacia and the queen are different from the plot novel.

It mentioned that the queen was one of the antagonist character in the novel. But the way she treated her, so kindly and affectionately. Make her ponder a lot. And the villainess are only known for her cruelty and viciousness in the plot. Yet hearing the queen part of the story, it surprises her, to know that the original villainess was actually like that. Strong-headed in front the public but weak and fragile inside. Makes her seem human.

This only means the plot in the novel are getting more irrelevant. She no longer can depend on it.

While Irene was busy in her thoughts, she forgot to tend the fire as the soup boiling letting out steam and water. Libby who came by, saw it.
"Your highness, the soup!" She reminds Irene.

Irene who brought back to reality, in a panic reach for the hot lid.

"Ahh!" Irene scream in pain as she let go of the lid.

"Your highness!" Libby hurriedly to her side. She put out the fire then check Irene hands.

It became scalded red.

"We must have you treated." Libby said, worriedly.

"No, it's fine. Help me prepare the soup." Irene stopped her then asked Libby to help her scoop out the soup.

Meanwhile, Nickolai got back from the council meeting, with a grim face. Even Gulten didn't dare to said anything, fearing of offending him.

Nickolai took a rest on his couch. Gulten took his leave seeing that the crown prince seem to be exhausted. But then Orto came in.

"Apologies your highness." Orto greeted him.

"What is it?" Nickolai with eyes closes, asked.

"It's the crown princess, your highness."

The mentioned of Dacia, make him surprised. Nickolai quickly open his eyes then get up from the couch.

Irene was waiting outside with Libby. Both of them are holding some tool and 4 layers stainless steel food box. Nickolai came outside to see her.

Seeing him, Irene and Libby then bow down their head to greet him.

"Apologies your highness, I didn't mean to disturb your rest. I was hoping to share you the food I've made. Care to have some?" Irene asks.

Nickolai was a bit taken aback with her gesture. For the past few days, he hadn't seen her after that accidental moment.
Now suddenly seeing her, Nickolai couldn't any longer act domineering towards her.

"Sure." He reply.

Hearing his answers, Irene then set up her tools, with Libby assist her.
Nickolai become curious to see the tool that they setting up.

On the big circle table, Irene put a stainless steel tray in the center. Pour a appropriate amount of cooking oil inside, then cover it to put a charcoal in another layer of tray. Successfully making the fire, Irene put another layer steel stray on it, then put a big bowl on top of it.
Seeing that, Nickolai raises his brow even Orto grew curious for this is the first time they seen such preparation.

Irene instructed Libby to pour a jug of broth in the bowl.

She then spread out the stainless food box with each have different food inside. A wash clean vegetable, noodle, mushroom, a slice raw meat and seafood. Having a sniff of the aroma make anyone mouth water.

The preparation is done, Nickolai took a sit beside Irene.

"What are these?" Nickolai questions.

"This is called a hot pot. My favourite dish. This is a chicken broth. Let me show you how to eat this. First, place the noodle and meat inside. Then wait for it to cooked." Irene demonstrate.

A minute later she pull out the meat, then place the meat on a plate in front of Nickolai.

He then notice the gauze wrap on her hand.

"Now you can dip the meat inside this sauce before eat. Here, have a try." Irene pass him a fork.

Nickolai took it, then eat the meat with the sauce. He raises his brow as he tasted it. The food is indeed delicious.

"How is it?" Irene wanted to know his opinion.

Seeing her eager expectation, Nickolai nods his head.

"It's appetizing."

Hearing that, Irene scoop out the soup and place it in front of him.

"Here, have some of this too." She said.

Nickolai just accept it as he eats.

"What happened with your hand?" He asks.

"Ah? Oh...it was an accident. I already took care of it." She said, plainly.

Nickolai just nods his head.

"Have you eaten?" He asks again.

"Ah? Oh...no, not yet. I will eat after this." Irene was a bit surprised with his questions. She didn't expect him to asks her that.

"Place another set of plate, for the crown princess." Nickolai instructed to Orto.

Orto obliged, as he then carefully served another plate in front of her. Irene look at Nickolai, bewildered.

"Eat." Nickolai said.

Not wanting to offend him, Irene proceed to eat with him.

Seeing this rare moment, the two of them sitting beside eachother and eating, Orto and Libby couldn't help but feel happy.

Both of them had a smile on their faces, as they watch their master having their first dinner together.