Chapter 23 – "Zebub's Contract III" "Akujiki no Musume"

Food is the fuel of the soul.

Although there is always a limit

to which one can sustain,

there will always be some

who avariciously consume.

One spark of evil desire

Will engulf one filled with

Gluttonous fuel.

Muzuri ~ Beelzenia Empire's "Castle" ~

Banica will get married with Marlon's 3rd prince, Joseph as soon as Banica turns 16. I have already educated her into being a refined lady but I still cannot control her eating habits. I should ask Joseph to try break her eating habits.

For now, I must announce to the whole of Beelzenia that alliance made by Beelzenia and Marlon.

"Zebub, has the people of Beelzenia gathered in front of the castle?"

"Yes, my lord"

I do not know anything about Zebub's past. He was already here when I came into power. Basing on his butler skills, I think he has been serving the royal family since the previous king. Though sometimes he has an irritating attitude, he is very well versed in everything; language, literature, culinary and especially, archery.

Once, he showed his skills by placing an apple on Banica's head and promising to get the worm inside. We were surprised that he knew there was a worm inside even though it looks perfectly normal. As I warned him that if anything would happen to Banica… he took distance and aimed his bow and arrow almost effortlessly. I was sure the arrow was about to hit Banica's forehead but at the next second, we saw a hole in the apple and the arrow hit a tree behind Banica, piercing a worm.

Banica did not become afraid but was full of joy and excitement. She wanted Zebub to teach her archery and he replied to do so when the time comes.

On the top floor of the castle, I walked into the balcony, showing myself to the people of Beelzenia

" Beelzenians! I would like to announce that my daughter, the princess of Beelzenia, Banica Conchita will be engaged to the 3rd prince of Marlon, Joseph Crim. The wedding will be held at the 16th birthday of my dear daughter. This will benefit us as we will have a powerful alliance with the kingdom from across the sea"

The people cheered and yelled "Hail Beelzenia!"

Let's just hope nothing happens that will hinder this engagement.

Joseph ~ Beelzenia Empire's "Library" ~

I was tasked by King Muzuri to try to make Banica stop her eating habits. Even if she is a bit chubby, all the food she's eating is going to her bosom which is very sexy. But no one wants to have excess fat so I have to make her eat healthy and exercise too.

I have to convince her that although eating is one of life's pleasure, eating too much is not good.

For today, I'm researching on healthy recipes and some daily exercise routines Banica can do. All I know is that she loves sweet stuff and she is very good with archery. Although archery is a sport of precision and accuracy, it's not a very tiresome sport.

As for myself, I only liked to cook. Though I'm a prince, I'm not very good at swordplay. My father is supportive in my interest but my mother isn't.

I always loved my father but I'm afraid he will not live long…

Having an interest in cooking, I already have ideas what to serve to Banica but researching on Beelzenia's current cuisines is giving me some more ideas.

All I have to do left is find an activity that both of us will enjoy.

"I wonder what Banica is doing right now…"

Muzuri ~ Beelzenia Empire's "Conchita Mansion • Office"

It's been a week since I tasked Joseph to take care of Banica and two days since that day, he suddenly wanted to go back to Marlon. Now, he sent me a letter saying that he will be arriving tomorrow morning. I wonder what he is thought of?

I stood up from my chair and opened the door for the balcony behind me. I saw Banica having her afternoon tea time under a tree in the garden. She was wearing her mother's red dress and although she has long hair, I cannot help but imagine her mother in her.

As I inspected closer, although I cannot see her eyes because the leaves and branches were blocking my view, she was speaking with someone.

I do not see anyone…

(Ah!)

There's a shadow leaking out behind the tree. It looked like a girl with the same height as Banica and… had a cat on her head.

I rushed down the stairs and into the garden.

"What's the matter papa?"

Banica had a surprised expression upon my arrival.

"Banica… who were you talking to?"

"Ah! Let Banica introduce to you her friend, Abbi"

"…a cat?"

"Yes! She would often come by here and have some tea with Banica. Would you like some too, father?"

"No thanks… I'm good. I'll be heading back"

… I swear I saw that Abyssinian cat on top of a girl's head… I must be working too hard.

But this cannot be ignored. I ordered Zebub to keep an eye on Banica and report to me whenever she is talking to someone I don't know of.

As I headed for my office again, I had no idea of the plan being unfolded right under my nose.

The next morning, Joseph arrived with some packages full of clothes.

Joseph ~ Beelzenia Empire's "Conchita Mansion • Dressing Room"

I've been researching about recipes and activities as tasked by King Muzuri of Beelzenia. After finally realizing a painfully obvious activity Banica and I can do together, I came back to Marlon to fetch the necessary things needed. After a week of preparation, I came back to Beelzenia.

I wore a typical Marlon prince costume; a blue gentleman outfit and a crown. It used to belong to my older brother but he got to pump to wear anymore.

I pleaded Banica to wear a red outfit I ordered and made customized from Marlon Royal Family's tailor. At first, Banica was hesitant of wearing it but, without Muzuri knowing, I bribed her by promising to cook for her some of Marlon's delicacies. She grabbed the dress and went for her dressing room.

What happened next was unexpected.

Muzuri ~ Beelzenia Empire's "Conchita Mansion • Main Hall"

Of all things, Joseph had to pick an activity Banica was worst at… Dancing…

As a child, she would often be danced by aristocrats during dance parties but as she became more mature, I had to teach her proper dancing. I had Zebub teach her and after a month, he described her having "two left feet and a stiff hip". At dance parties I would let her eat to her heart's content just so that he wouldn't be asked by people to dance with her. It was a shame that she couldn't learn to dance properly.

I saw Joseph's painful face every time Banica stepped on his foot. I think he was trying to teach her Marlon's own style of dancing for I have not seen those dance steps before.

After sometime, Joseph finally grew tired; he sat on a chair and removed his dancing shoes only to see it aching. I ordered Zebub to grab a pack of ice for Joseph. On the other hand, Banica went directly to the kitchen rather than wiping off the sweat from her body. I grabbed a towelette from a nearby comfort room and headed for the kitchen.

Joseph ~ Beelzenia Empire's "Conchita Mansion • Main Hall"

Muzuri never told me Banica was not good at dancing. I always thought princesses would be good at dancing but Banica is no mere princess it seems. I even pleaded my mother to teach me Marlon's dance style. Mother was really pleased that awakened to my prince status. It even took me 3 days to master Marlon's dance style.

I never really took interest in dance parties or whatnot because I would usually be in the kitchen, helping and learning from my servants. But this is for my love's sake.

But who would have guessed that Banica had "two left feet"? My feet is red from being stepped on too much. Banica moved like an old lady with an aim on stepping on a cockroach AKA my foot. Though I have to admit that that tight red dress really brings out her figure and her body was rubbing on mine because of her clumsiness; I almost pitched a tent while dancing.

At least for the first try, we sure built up a sweat. Starting tomorrow, I have to teach her little by little and my hard work will soon pay off… I just hope my feet doesn't need to be amputated by then.

Later that night, I was invited to dinner by King Muzuri. I had to keep my promise to Banica so I got a head start on cooking. Though it was painful to walk or even stand, I mustn't show any weakness. I continued on my ordeal until supper.

Banica was pretty much pleased by my home cooking as it was an original Marlon cuisine.

"Banica is very curious to what ingredients did Joseph use. Please tell Banica" she asked.

It's rather cute to be talking in third person. She talks like that ever since I met her. King Muzuri said she was like that ever since she completed her first sentence. He couldn't straighten her way of speaking even with the help of a linguist. I guess she just has her own pace with life.

"It's a fish only seen in Marlon. We call it Mammon's Fish"

"Who is Mammon?"

"He was a fisher man who first caught this fish. It was said that he was the only one who could bait it. The taste it had was very exquisite that he horded and sold it at a high price that only aristocrats could buy. Not long he became a rich man and became the Royal Family's own fisherman. But he was a strange man. When Marlon's people got too greedy, he got tired of fishing, left his riches and told his secret only to Marlon's king. As soon as Marlon's king knew about it, he ordered other fishermen to catch the said fish but out of a hundred fishermen, only one got a catch. Not too long before we realize that the fish was already scarce or there was something missing in Mammon's secret. As of today, only one or two lucky fishermen bait the fish everyday and sell it at a high price… Are you even listening?"

Banica just continued to chow down as I told the story. Only King Muzuri was impressed by the story.

"I never knew Marlon had such a story to tell and the way you prepared this fish is extravagant! Not only is it delicious, it's also healthy! One day we will definitely go with you to Marlon."

"The Queen would be pleased"

I love to see the happy faces made by my cooking. This is why I dream of becoming a cook. Of all the smiles that was made by my cooking, only one was pleasant and innocent enough to fall for; Banica's smile. Since that time, I began immersing myself in cooking just so that I could see that smile again… but it seems impossible now. She hardly smiles or even gives thanks for the food made for her… But that's what makes it challenging!

As they finished eating, Banica stood up and headed out the dining hall.

"Wait Banica! At least give thanks to Joseph for the wonderful banquet"

Banica just stood there and was about to step out when she suddenly said, without facing me:

"…Mammon's fish is delicious."

With that, she walked out of the hall.

"I'm sorry for my daughter's bad manners. We will be glad to eat your dishes someday again"

"Thank you very much! Tomorrow morning I'll be heading back to Marlon."

"I shall wish for a safe voyage"

The next morning, I at least wanted to say farewell to Banica but she wasn't anywhere to be found in the mansion. Zebub said she went out for a walk. As I headed for my ship, I had hoped to at least cross paths with her but to no luck.

When I was about to board the ship, I saw a familiar silhouette on the port.

It was Banica wearing a pure red dress and hat, staring into the sea.

I ran up to her to at least say my farewells.

"Banica. I'll be back on your sixteenth birthday. Please wait for me until then.

It seems my words fell on deaf ears. She just continued to stare into the horizon.

I just let out a sigh and turned my back when suddenly she grabbed my hand and said:

"Banica wants some more of Mammon's fish"

"…Then catch it yourself."

Hmph. This is revenge for ignoring me earlier.

"Then Banica will come along with Joseph to Marlon"

"…What?!"

"Prince Joseph! We're about to set sail!"

A servant of mine shouted from the boat.

"Wait! Banica- Eh?! Where is she?!"

As I looked around, I saw her boarding on the boat.

"BANICA! WAIT!"

She really does follow her own pace.


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