I Remember the Taste of Chocolate

Compared to that sharp tomato flavor, chocolate was indeed a much gentler kind of sweetness.

Aili covered her small mouth with her fingers, hiding both the motion and sound of chewing, presenting a composed and elegant demeanor.

“Do you like this?”

The sweetness of chocolate still lingered on his tongue.

Solor subconsciously licked the sharpest of his lower teeth.

It didn’t look like he had eaten candy—

more like he had tasted meat.

“It’s alright.”

Aili lightly brushed away the crumbs and looked at Solor with a smile.

“But if my royal brother is willing to give me some,

then of course I would treasure it dearly—”

“How much do you want?”

Before she could finish, Solor had already asked seriously.

“Do you prefer chocolate or biscuits?

Or cake? Cookies?

Or chocolate candy?

Do you need a chocolate workshop?

Or should I invite a few excellent pastry chefs—

the Kalai family should have quite a few.

He’s the young master of the largest chain restaurant in the capital.”

With just one sentence from Aili, Solor immediately slipped into work mode.

He beckoned slightly.

His assistant, who had been standing far away, rushed over like a gust of wind.

Arriving at Solor’s side, he pulled out a small notebook and pen, ready to record everything and propose options.

Seeing the assistant hurry over, Aili’s maid quickly followed as well.

Though not as fast, she reached Aili’s side just as promptly.

Without a notebook, she simply listened carefully, committing everything to memory.

“… ”

“There’s no need to be so dramatic, brother.”

Aili smiled at the two who suddenly appeared,

then waved at the man holding the notebook.

“No need for a shop, and no need to contact Kalai.

There will be many important things for him in the future—

no need to waste a favor on something so small.

Chocolate or biscuits, I like both.

And—”

As she spoke, Aili stepped half a step closer to Solor.

She could step back half a step behind him—

but she could also step forward.

“—as long as it’s prepared by you,

I’ll like it.”

At the end, she gave him a deliberately cute smile.

Perhaps for her, it was just a simple coordination of narrowing her eyes and lifting her lips.

But for Solor—

it was like a flashbang that blanked his mind.

“—”

He froze for a full three seconds.

Then he awkwardly lowered his chin and took a breath, glancing at his assistant.

“Reporting, Your Highness!

All ingredients in the royal kitchen are fully stocked!

No need to purchase dessert materials!

The head chef is currently available and can be consulted anytime!”

A true assistant could read his master’s thoughts.

Within those three seconds, he had already processed all relevant information and organized it clearly.

“Good. Then I’ll go find the head chef.

There’s still time before dinner—”

“There are five hours before dinner, but you have three meetings this afternoon.

The Marquis also scheduled tea with you.

And there is still unfinished work from His Majesty that requires your assistance!”

“…😧…”

“…😰 Ha…?”

Solor had been ready to rush to the kitchen with excitement.

But his assistant’s words crushed that plan completely.

He had the resources—

but not the time.

As the crown prince, he could do many things,

but time was always scarce.

“Brother’s schedule is completely full.

You’ve worked hard.”

Seeing him sigh, Aili wasn’t disappointed.

If anything, she felt a little pleased.

The more troubled he was,

the more it proved her importance in his heart.

“No, it’s nothing, Aili.

About the meetings this afternoon—”

“Brother.”

Sensing his hesitation, Aili stepped forward and shook her head.

“Don’t let me affect your schedule.

You are my brother, yes,

but you are also everyone’s prince.

You have more important things to do.

I can’t selfishly keep you to myself.

Just come see me occasionally—

and remember the taste I like, alright?”

—The sweet chocolate flavor resting on the tongue.

Because it was made for children,

there was no bitterness—

only a rich milky sweetness.

Aili wasn’t someone who thought liking bitterness made her mature.

A truly mature person knows what they like—

and what they don’t.

Aili stepped closer and placed the biscuit wrapper into Solor’s hand,

just like how he once gave her candy.

“… ”

“Ah… mm… mm…”

A few words.

A few exchanged glances.

Even through the thin wrapper,

he could feel the warmth of her fingertips in his palm.

Such simple concern—

yet he didn’t know how to respond.

Taking on great responsibility at a young age had distanced him from family.

He could navigate nobles effortlessly,

speak elegant words,

praise beautiful ladies,

and compliment others’ families.

But when it came to his own family—

his father, his sister, even his late mother—

he had never expressed such feelings.

It was like that saying—

a man’s love is always silent strength.

Now that he had grown up,

his ability to express himself was worse than when he was a child.

He could never quite let go of his pride.

“…I understand.”

He clenched the square wrapper in his hand,

as if holding onto the feelings he had nearly forgotten.

“When I’m ready,

I’ll bring my gift to you.”

Solor seemed to smile,

his eyes filled with warmth.

“But don’t go too far.

At least stay somewhere I can see, alright?”

“Mm, of course.”

Aili responded,

stretching out her little finger as a promise.

“I’ll keep waiting for you—

until you turn back and see me.”

Even if I am shattered—

please let me leave a place in your heart.