Please Fall in Love with Me! – A Villainess on Her Second Loop, using 'Seduction' to Avoid Ruin! - Chapter 4.7

For the course structure, I chose Italian cuisine.

In the empire, French-style courses were the standard, so this was somewhat unconventional. However, no matter how many times I reconsidered, I remained convinced that this was the best choice for Lord Siegvard’s insomnia.

The dishes were carefully selected to include ingredients that promote warmth and herbs with calming effects, ensuring both satisfaction and minimal strain on the stomach.

Yet, when I noticed everyone exchanging glances in silence, unease crept in.

“U-Um… is this a bad idea after all? The flavors are still unfamiliar…”

As I hesitantly voiced my concern, the kitchen staff exchanged another glance before letting out quiet chuckles.

“Not at all. As we mentioned, even if the taste is new, it’s quite easy to accept.”

“I agree. I don’t think there’s any issue with serving it.”

“If anything, the fact that you put so much thought into it means it will surely be appreciated.”

“Really? I thought something was wrong since you all went silent and just looked at each other…”

“No, we were just taking your request seriously and giving it careful thought.”

“Yes, it had nothing to do with the dish itself.”

I blinked in surprise.

“Huh…? Because I asked for your opinions seriously?”

That… wasn’t anything unusual, was it?

As I tilted my head in confusion, everyone smiled warmly.

“You see, most noble ladies don’t treat their servants as equals.”

“…Huh?”

“Exactly. To nobles, servants are meant to be used, not consulted or asked for opinions.”

“Lady Adelaide, you never used to ask for our thoughts before, did you?”

“…Ah…”

That was true—for Adelaide, at least.

But in my first round, I had always talked with them like this.

And I wanted to build that same kind of relationship this time as well.

“For that matter, it’s unheard of for a noble lady to even step into the kitchen.”

“B-But isn’t it the host’s duty to decide the menu for a dinner?”

“That’s true, but noble ladies don’t personally create test dishes. They have the head chef prepare them until they’re satisfied with the result.”

That made sense. I understood that.

However, unlike in my first round, the current head chef had no experience working with Zipang ingredients.

Since I had only just obtained them, it was faster for me to prepare the ginger-simmered chicken myself.

“Did… did you dislike it? Is it bad that I’m not acting like a proper noble lady…?”

Would Lord Siegvard also find it improper and frown upon me for this?

“No, not at all! I can’t speak for Lord Siegvard, but we are truly happy.”

Seeing my concern, they reassured me with gentle smiles.

“Lady Adelaide, have you noticed? When you ask us to do something, you always look us in the eyes, clasp your hands together, and say ‘Please’. That makes us so happy.”

“And when we finish the task, you thank us. The first time you did that, I nearly fell over in shock. Nobles never do such things.”

“Me too. Whenever you leave the dining hall, you always say, ‘That was delicious. Thank you for your hard work.’ That one sentence is truly motivating.”

“You may think it’s just a small thing, but for us, it means everything.”

“Exactly. And we all know that such gestures don’t happen by accident. They come from a conscious effort—a habit ingrained in a person’s character.”

“Everyone…”

Their kind smiles and heartfelt words filled my chest with warmth.

It was sad to know that there were still people—like those at Duchess Smaragd’s salon—who twisted kindness and change into malicious speculation, assuming I was plotting something.

But at the same time, there were also people who noticed and appreciated my efforts.

Efforts do bear fruit.

That’s why I have to keep going, little by little.

I can’t let outside noise shake me.

No matter how loud or persistent their voices are, I must not give up.

I must not lose sight of my goal—of what I truly want.

And if I ever struggle to believe in myself, then I can believe in those who believe in me.

Because if I stop moving forward, I will never reach the future I desire.

Pressing a hand against my chest, I steadied my resolve.

It’s okay.

I have everyone here.

I have Claude, who I can always rely on.

And this time, even Lady Fiona is on my side.

I will keep going.

Because if I keep working toward my goal, the future I seek will surely be within reach.

“Oh! I heard from Claude! He said the reason you changed is because you’ve fallen in love with Lord Siegvard. Is that true?”

That’s not quite right—but…

Well, it’s not entirely wrong either.

“Yes. I want Lord Siegvard to fall in love with me.”