Punishment

I was never picky and ate whatever was served to me from a young age. Even though broccoli is a common food that children detest, I didn't object when I was served it, no matter how bad it was cooked.

'Mom isn't a great chef....'

As I thought back on my mother's cooking, I smiled bitterly. Knowing that I won't be able to complain about her awful food any longer made me feel a little sad.

'It won't be easy forgetting about my past life, will it?'

As sadness started to fill my heart, I tried to focus my attention on something else but failed to do so.

*sigh*

My eyes began to overflow with feelings that I wished I could push away as an involuntary sad sigh came out of my mouth.

'Well, time heals all wounds....'

I pushed through the sadness as I made my way to the kitchen of the mansion.

"Good afternoon, young master."

An elderly woman graciously greeted me as I entered the kitchen. She had a stern face and dark grey hair, dressed as a traditional maid. In contrast to her expression, her voice sounded warm, which left me somewhat perplexed.

"Good afternoon!"

Per my age, I smiled broadly in response to her greeting.

"Does the young master need something to eat? In that case, I can deliver the food to your room." The stern-looking maid warmly suggested.

As I was about to nod my head, a question popped up in my mind.

"Uhmm...what will the meal consist of?"

Since I was still a young child, I asked the question as innocently as I could. Because they receive a wide range of training from an early age, noble children mature more quickly than typical children. However, I haven't gone through such things because I'm lazy, unlike other noble children, so it's suspicious that I act maturely.

"Today's meal consists of fish soup and a toast topped with honey from the elven Kingdom Le Monde"

The maid replied warmly.

'She seems like a kind person.'

"Sounds delicious!"

I gave an enthusiastic response. Since I had a firm belief that the food would be delicious, I didn't have to pretend.

After leaving the kitchen I went straight into my room and waited for the food to arrive.

I didn't have to wait for long to hear a knock on my room. I put an innocent smile on my face as I replied.

"Come in."

The elderly woman entered the room and placed the food tray on my desk after receiving permission. She then proceeded to the door, but before she left, she remembered to bow to me and wish me a good meal.

I got out of bed and went to the desk after the elderly woman left. I was met with a surprise as soon as I arrived at my desk.

The fish looked terrible. The grey and dry appearance of the fish soup makes it unpleasant to eat.

'I'm not picky, but....'

I groaned at the thought of eating this soup, but I'm not one to judge things based on how they look.

I put some soup on my spoon and carefully brought it to my mouth. My actions were full of hesitation and it took tremendous courage to finally put the spoon in my mouth.

It tasted.....

'Awful!'

I grabbed the honey-covered toast as quickly as I could to try to get rid of the taste in my mouth.

The toast's crispness and honey's sweet flavour made a wonderful combination. This toast goes great with elven honey, which has a distinct flavour from regular honey.

"Damn, there was just one toast, and I've already eaten it." I suppose it was meant to be dessert.'

Even though my body is similar to that of a young child, it still requires a fair amount of energy to function and grow properly. This hasn't stopped my hunger.

' I have to eat that soup, I guess.....I'll have to put learning how to cook on my list of future objectives because I can use it to attract girls while simultaneously satisfying myself.'

I picked up my spoon and began eating the remainder of the soup after taking a few deep breaths while making plans for the future to avoid this kind of punishment.

With tears in my eyes, I scream inwardly.

' I will learn how to cook delicious meals, damn it!!'