Warning Horn

She watched Black slowly approach—still scolding Goldie for “ingratitude“—her expression softened.
Karina, witnessing this—smiled warmly. After a long pause—she spoke:

“Your Highness—the lunch is ready. Time to eat.”

“Mm.”

Alice nodded—then glanced at Black—hesitant.

A faint pink spread on her pale face—as if wanting to say something—too shy.

Fingers behind back twisted into a knot—looking deeply conflicted.

Black was confused—why was the princess staring at him?

Could she be… eyeing him as lunch?

“Eat… together.”

After tossing this line—Alice turned—hurried away without looking back.

Eat together?

Black froze—did he hear right?

This isolated, cold princess inviting him to dine?

“Cough cough—Your Highness had me prepare two portions today.”

Karina said meaningfully—a hint of amusement.

Seeing her mistress’s awkwardness—she felt life complete.

So that’s what it meant.

Black was overwhelmed.

In rigid Dragonheart Empire—nobles never dined with commoners.
Especially royalty.

Unless—Alice already saw him as one of her own.

Then—her earlier reaction? Was she… shy?

Black was shocked—this princess… could blush?

But royal-exclusive delicacies—true heavenly dishes—free meal? Why not?

Moments later—Black sat opposite Alice.

Table filled with exquisite dishes—aroma wafting.

Each dish worth over 10 gold coins.

Truly a sinful capitalist society.

Black marveled—resisting immediate hunger.

But the hatchling beside him—drooling everywhere.

“Please.”

Alice, perhaps reserved—hadn’t looked at Black since starting.

Just said softly.

Of course—princess dining alone with a man—if too intimate—rumors would spread.

Black watched her elegantly pick up knife and fork—movements textbook-perfect.

Imperial style—clearly practiced deliberately.

Attention to detail—fit Alice’s character.

But Black didn’t get it—he came from a fishing village—was an Earthling in past life.
Give him chopsticks over forks any day.

Screw image.

We’re close now—Princess shouldn’t mind.

So when Karina walked in—she saw a hilarious scene.

One side—elegant lady—savoring slowly—swallowing silently—no sound.

Other side—hungry man and dragon—devouring wildly, cleaning plates, almost using hands.

Her mistress—who hated noise during meals—showed zero objection.

With others—she’d have drawn her sword by now.

“Your Highness—today’s soup is made with freshly caught sea fish—very fresh. Try it.”

Karina smiled.

A young maid behind her approached—carrying a soup bowl.

Alice nodded—reaching to take it—

“Ah!”

The maid tripped—plate tilted—scalding soup spilled on her hand.

Worse—splashed onto Alice’s clean face.

Room fell silent—tension rising.

Black’s eyes widened—mind tightening.

Now trouble!

He knew—Alice had severe obsessive-compulsive disorder.

With her villainess persona—would she…

The guilty maid—panicked—kneeled: “Forgive me, Your Highness! I’ll clean—”

Tears streaming—terrified. She heard—offend anyone but the Princess!

Now such a huge mistake—would the Empress behead her?

Karina’s heart chilled. She knew Alice’s temper and OCD—especially being splashed.

Just as she and Black desperately thought of ways to save the maid—

The situation exceeded expectations.

Alice set down utensils—stood—then squatted before the shocked maid.

“Are your hands burned?”

She asked softly—pulled out a handkerchief—gently wiping the maid’s soup-stained fingers.

Didn’t care about oily stains on her own face.

The maid froze—voiceless—staring at this usually noble princess.

“Be more careful next time.”

Alice’s voice remained calm—but eyes softer.

“Go apply medicine.”

Maid’s eyes reddened—nodding rapidly: “Th-thank you, Your Highness!”

Black and Karina stared dumbfounded.

Is this still the princess who put swords to my neck?

Black rubbed his eyes—unbelievable.

When did Alice’s character change so much?

“Why are you staring? Is there food on my face?”

Alice glared at Black—wiped her face with a new handkerchief.

There is food on your face.

“Your Highness—generous, kind to servants—truly our fortune.”

Black smiled—not forgetting flattery.

Alice sat back—hearing this—ear tips slightly red.

“Cough cough… just practicing that ‘equal treatment’ taming method you mentioned.”

Voice soft as a mosquito.

But Black heard clearly—heart stirred.

He did mention “equal treatment.”

Thought Alice would only use “equality” as a dragon-taming tactic—never expected her to extend it to human interactions.

From taming dragons to treating people—this princess’s growth seemed deeper than imagined.

Perhaps—deep down—she was never a proud princess—just a girl bound too long by status and duty—forgetting how to show kindness.

Karina stood aside—eyes full of warmth.

No one knew Alice’s recent changes better—this cold, isolated princess—growing more human.

And the reason? Likely that boy.

Though a small accident—dining atmosphere became lighter, happier.

Just as Karina thought it’d continue—

Outside—sudden change!

Woo—woo—

Alarm horns ripped through the room’s peace!

Almost instantly—Alice shot up—hand instinctively on her longsword.

Expression darkened sharply.

“Sea Dragon Tide?!”