"Your Highness, I apologize for keeping you waiting..." Niyah said with a slight hint of apology to Rynar. As she spoke, she gently clapped her hands, and immediately, a young centaur maiden approached gracefully, carrying a beautifully crafted wooden tray.
"Your Highnesses, please try these signature delicacies of the centaur tribe. I hope they suit your tastes." Niyah sat down elegantly.
Despite her tall stature and half-human, half-horse form, she did not appear the least bit out of place.
"Much appreciated." Rynar and Nyx nodded respectfully, their eyes filled with admiration.
The centaur tribe's craftsmanship did not disappoint! Even a simple honey-glazed rib was enough to completely win over Nyx.
The thick-cut wild boar ribs had been meticulously cleaned of any blood residue and then grilled over fruitwood charcoal. Just as the surface began to turn a slight crisp brown, they were coated with pure honey and sprinkled with the centaur tribe's signature seasonings.
By the time the dish was served, a rich aroma filled the air, and the combination of sweet and savory flavors made it incredibly appetizing.
"How is it? Does it suit your tastes?" Niyah asked with a bright smile upon seeing their satisfied expressions.
"Mmm! It's absolutely delicious! This must be a secret recipe of your centaur tribe, right?" Rynar asked, surprised. The taste of the honey-glazed ribs actually reminded him of the sweet and sour pork ribs from his past life, making him feel an unexpected wave of nostalgia.
"It's not exactly a secret recipe, but the seasoning is unique to our centaur tribe. However, because we frequently migrate, our stock of these spices is running low," Niyah said with a hint of sorrow.
"The most important ingredient in this seasoning is a herb called Hundred-Fragrance Grass, which must be cultivated by hand.
Unfortunately, due to our constant migrations, we rarely get the chance to harvest it properly," she added while cutting a piece of rib and chewing thoughtfully.
"If your people are willing to settle here, as long as you abide by the kingdom's laws and fulfill your obligations, the kingdom will ensure your safety," Rynar said amicably.
"That would be wonderful! If Your Majesty is willing to shelter us, I offer my deepest gratitude on behalf of my husband and all the centaur people." Niyah was visibly moved.
She understood that as a king, Rynar's words carried the weight of an unbreakable oath.
"If the kingdom ever goes to war… we can send fifty centaur knights to fight!" Niyah gritted her teeth and made the offer.
"Huh?" Rynar was taken aback. That was quite the repayment! Fifty centaur knights meant sacrificing nearly half of their adult warriors.
"No need for that. Your tribe already struggles to defend itself. Sending fifty centaur knights would be far too much of a burden," Rynar shook his head, rejecting her offer.
He had no intention of exhausting their resources. Even if he never personally needed a centaur army, his descendants might.
He could already imagine a future battlefield where hundreds, perhaps thousands, of centaurs charged toward the enemy in a suicide charge.
If that day ever came, his descendants would surely be grateful for his foresight.
"Thank you for your kindness… I am ashamed that we cannot offer more assistance." Niyah lowered her head, a mixture of gratitude and shame on her face.
"No need to worry. Oh! By the Dragon God! Nyx, you little glutton!" Rynar exclaimed suddenly, his gaze snapping back to the table. He was utterly dumbfounded by Nyx's eating habits!
It was hard to believe that someone as graceful and refined as Nyx, a noble lady, would directly grab a rib with her hands and devour it so voraciously. Thick honey sauce was smeared all over her cheeks.
"Mmm... so good! Way better than what the castle cooks make!" Nyx mumbled with her mouth stuffed, her face full of happiness as she continued to gobble down the food.
"Haha… forgive her," Rynar said awkwardly to Niyah, his eyes filled with indulgence and helplessness.
"Your Highness, perhaps you'd like to try some leaf nectar? It's very refreshing and helps cleanse the palate." Niyah chuckled as she gently pushed a clay jar forward, the sound of liquid sloshing faintly within.
"Much obliged." Rynar accepted the jar and carefully poured a cup of the centaur specialty for Nyx.
"Hmm? Centaur leaf nectar?" Nyx curiously lifted the cup and took a small sip. The moment the drink slid down her throat, her eyes widened in delight.
"Mmm… so good!" Nyx exclaimed happily as she leaned into Rynar's shoulder.
"Ah! My… my clothes." Rynar looked down helplessly at his shoulder, now smeared with sticky honey sauce.
"You little brat! You did that on purpose, didn't you? Using my clothes as a napkin?"
Rynar sighed, accepting a damp towel from a servant and tapping Nyx's forehead with a resigned expression. It was bad enough that she leaned on him—but did she have to rub against him too?
"Nuh-uh! It wasn't on purpose!" Nyx pouted, trying to act cute in an attempt to escape punishment.
"Ugh… you win! Next time, I'm wearing full plate armor!" Rynar pretended to be angry.
"Aww, don't be mad! Here, try this biscuit?" Nyx coaxed him as if she were placating a child, holding out a piece of biscuit to his mouth.
"Sigh…" Rynar let out a long sigh.
"Oh, and try this fried pheasant! It's really good!" Nyx said excitedly, pointing at a plate of golden, crispy fried young pheasants.
Unlike the artificially fattened poultry from his past life, these were naturally raised and had a tender, succulent texture.
...
After the feast, Rynar finally understood just how formidable women could be when it came to food. True food warriors, every single one of them!
He even suspected that Nyx had eaten more than he had!
"Your Highness, the guest quarters are ready. Would you and the Grand Duchess like to take an afternoon rest?" Niyah asked politely.
"Alright—" Rynar began, but before he could finish, Nyx jumped in.
"No need! I want to go to the creek with Rynar and catch fish! He never lets me play in the Rapid River, always saying it's too deep and full of magical beasts!" Nyx pouted in dissatisfaction.
"Of course, Your Highness. In fact, just outside the village, there's a creek filled with plump fish. I believe you'll enjoy it," Niyah said, pointing in the direction of the stream.
"Thank you for your guidance! Darling, let's go!" Nyx said, turning to Rynar expectantly.
"Oh! By the Dragon God…" Rynar wanted to protest that he was a grown man and way past the age of playing in creeks.
"What's wrong? Afraid it'll hurt your royal dignity? Don't you always say that 'men remain boys until they die'?" Nyx teased with a playful wink.
"Fine, fine… You win, you little troublemaker," Rynar relented with a wry smile.
This, of course, meant extra work for the knights and centaurs who accompanied them. They had to thoroughly inspect the entire creek area, forming a tight perimeter to ensure the safety of their two mischievous royals.
"Splash!" Nyx happily flung a handful of water into the air. The late spring creek was still a bit chilly, but for warriors like Rynar and Nyx, it was no issue at all.
Especially for Nyx, a water mage, who was a natural master of controlling water.
"Boom!" A massive water ball suddenly flew straight toward Rynar's head. Fortunately, he reacted in time, his divine holy aura evaporating the water before it could drench him.
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