A piece of cheese passed through soft lips. It was chewed thoughtfully and then promptly spit out onto the floor. A servant quickly knelt down, cleaning it, keeping their head down.

"I remember asking for burrata cheese. What is this?"

"I-it's what you asked for my lady-"

"This is mozzarella. If you can not complete a task given to you, you will be dismissed."

"Yes ma'am!"

The servant scurried away, off to fulfill her order. Laying against a chaise lounge, a young woman relaxed against the soft seat, awaiting her snack. Her name was Nakiri Erina. Her illustrious family ruled their own dominion. Erina was next in line for the throne. Or rather, she would be if it weren't for her cousin, Alice. Her father, in all his glorious decision making, made it so they were equal heirs.

Only on his death bed would he say who the next queen would be. Until then it was an endless competition between the both of them. Alice liked to lay at nonchalance but Erina knew how much being queen meant to her. As for Erina, it was her birthright and she wouldn't relinquish it to anyone. Speak of the devil, her cousin entered, swaying around in some kind of dance.

"Did you hear the news?"

"If I have to hear it from you, it can't possibly be important." Erina stood, rearranging her flowing dress as she did, preparing to leave the room.

"There's a buzz about in Sumiredori~ Something about the royal family there."

Erina didn't look at Alice but also didn't move from her spot. Alice saw that she had all of her attention.

"I heard it through the grapevine that the harem is being rebuilt there. Members are being gathered as we speak." Alice didn't get to voice her opinion on the matter of anything else as Erina stepped off, exiting the room. She had heard all she wanted to know. Of all the things to occur... Erina had personal stake in Sumiredori. A long time ago, Yukihira Joichiro had come here and stayed.

He was jovial and gentle and kind. He was a stark contrast to Erina's distant father. And she had fallen in love. Back then, she had been a child, unable to act on her feelings but now...Well now she was torn. Becoming queen of Totsuki had meant everything to her. It would validate her entire life. But if she could enter Joichiro's harem, she would get the man she loved and have a chance to become queen of Sumiredori.

Going from harem to royalty was easy if you played your cards right. Erina could surpass the others in the harem with little effort and be the ruler of that place alongside Joichiro. And then the two of them could return to her homeland and assimilate it And then both lands would be hers. She momentarily fantasized about banishing Alice and her father as well.

A few days later, Erina decided she would be making a trip to Sumiredori with a grand procession. She would show Joichiro from the moment she arrived what a woman she had grown into and that she was the best choice.

Megumi was a bundle of nerves. An escort arrived in the morning to take her and her mother to meet the emperor and prince. She shook for the entire trip and walked on shaking feet when walking through the halls. They were taken to a room and seated on comfy cushions. Moments later, Joichiro and Souma walked in, dressed to hold an audience with their subjects.

Megumi and her mother bowed. when they entered. When they were allowed to sit straight again, her mother spoke first.

"It is an honor to be in your presence my lords. I apologize for my rude behavior before."

"Rude?", Souma echoed. "Don't worry about it. So, have you accepted my offer?"

Mrs. Tadokoro looked at Megumi who was still clearly in shock at being propositioned by the crown prince. "It would make us very happy to have our daughter join your household but...Megumi is our only daughter. Our family would like to deliberate."

"Take all the time you need", Joichiro encouraged her.

"In the mean time, I think it would be a great idea to have her stay here on a trial basis. Perhaps if the two grew to know each other, the transition would be easier." And with the bit of negotiation, Megumi found her things being moved into the harem. It was a spacious wing with several rooms, meant to accomodate each member. There were also rooms for lounging and entertainment, along with a garden.

"Make yourself at home", Souma said, leaving her to her new room.

Megumi looked here and there at the unfamiliar area, unsure of what to do. She sat down among her unpacked things and sighed.

"What am I supposed to do?"

She began to look around. Souma had said to make herself at home, after all. While going down the halls, Megumi found the kitchen and immediately felt at ease. Her stomach growled, reminding her it was around lunch time. With a dish in mind, she began to gather ingredients and tools. It was then that Souma entered, probably with the same idea.

"You already found the kitchen?", he grinned. "You don't have to coo for yourself anymore. You're practically nobility."

"Oh! Oh, well...even so...I just really like cooking. Not just for myself but for others too. It's really relaxing and fulfilling. Please allow me to continue." Megumi bowed her head to him.

"You don't need to do all of that. I was hoping you'd feel that way." Souma tied on an apron and stood before her. "How can I help?"

"Eh? You want to help me cook?" Megumi couldn't believe her ears. This whole situation was hard to grasp but now the crown prince wanted to assist her in the kitchen?

"Yeah. I've never cut up a fish like you did before but I'm not too shabby in here. So what can I do?"

Megumi looked to her tools and thought about what she wanted to do. Then she handed Souma a utensil and gave him an assignment. As they worked together, she kept an eye on him. He wasn't kidding when he said he wasn't shabby. He was great. He knew exactly what he was doing. It was a simple meal that had come together in a short time - oyakodon.

Megumi took her first bite and a delicious warmth spread through her. She had made this dish many times at home but something here was different. She looked to the young man beside her who was enjoying his own share. Something was definitely different.