I didn't like being compared to other people. Especially when I recognized the name, and knew for a fact that this Elf was around someone my age.

When I was amassing my power and growing in strength, from across another continent, she was also doing her best to achieve her goals and dreams. It was so off-putting to say the least.

There was only one thing that the princess could say to appease me.

I folded my hands together and smiled. "Tell me, princess… is this Gourmet Elf also dead?"

"By the gods, no!" Princess Eleanor said. "She's healthy and alive. Even though the kingdom of Luscinda is across the sea, I was given the opportunity to meet and dine with her when she traveled around the world to gather ingredients."

"Is that so? Is she really that impressive?" I asked. "If it's cooking you want–"

"Hmmm?"

For a moment, I nearly bit my tongue down but luckily stopped myself as I narrowed my gaze at the princess. A sneaky person, this one.

It was similar to the challenge that some of my lesser peers had gotten into, by presenting me a task or even mentioning a person more better than me–I was nearly focused on doing everything to make sure that I came out the winner.

I heard that Baron Barth Count actually died one time because someone had challenged him into counting the grains that came out from several bags.

The story actually came from a simple Farmer who escaped the brink of death by taking advantage of a Vampire's nature. Luckily, I was less inclined to be affected by mere compliments thrown in someone's way.

Although as I watched Eleanor eat and Rose poke the layer of pancakes with some incredulity... I decided to remind myself of what they were here for. Getting wood and stone was all good and well, but they could also be used for far more menial tasks–

"Lord Blackwell, pardon me, while Rose and I don't mind doing laundry, washing the dishes–isn't there a better use for our aptitude and skills?" Princess Eleanor said.

My jaw nearly went slack, but I caught myself and frowned instead.

"If there is anything better, perhaps it would be to stop preempting what I'll be saying, Your Highness. It's not actually well-appreciated when someone finishes your sentence for you."

"Understood."

I sighed and shook my head. Seers were the absolute worst at times.

You couldn't even hide secrets or be unpredictable because they tended to foresee them–although I presume that there was a limit to how many 'paths' the princess could see... but whatever the case, I was not interested in those abilities.

There were some prophecies that you couldn't escape even when you were made aware of it, of a king killing his own parents and then marrying someone–there were too many situations where being made aware of the future was not a gift.

I have no need for paralysis at all.

"Now, will Rose be actually eating the pancakes or are you still too cautious?" I glanced over my shoulder and caught the sight of her placing a berry in her mouth. "If you eat too slowly, I might have to feed you. While your princess proves to be inadequate with most tasks, I expect you to shoulder them."

She gave me a hard look, but then started to eat without hesitation. Reminding her of her duties along with teasing her was enough motivation for her to eat fast–a silly one.

"What do you want me to do?" Rose asked. "And if you're asking me to leave the manor, be prepared to have those Ghouls cut down if they dare attack me."

"They're barely a day old and you're already treating them harshly, how sad." I chuckled. "There's a river, at least I hope that the river is still there and you can collect some."

"Why not just redirect a river here?" Rose asked.

"For a Geomancer or a Hydromancer, that seems like an adequate response as to not leaving the house," I said. "Although, that's expecting water to travel upwards instead of stream downwards."

"Alright, I'll get water." Rose said as she pushed up to her feet. She gave a small curtsy towards Eleanor and said. "I will be back shortly, Your Highness."

Once Rose left to get some water, I looked over to see the reaction on Eleanor's face. There was no hint of opposition or dislike apparent at her face at all–it was hard to tell when her pale blue eyes stared at me blankly.

I glanced at the bowl of fruits at the table, made a blueberry float and then watched it fly over her head. She made no reaction, as if she hadn't seen or sensed it.

I scoffed inwardly and flicked another blueberry closer towards her–it bounced off her shoulder.

But to my surprise, she didn’t make a peep or sound… Until the faint hint of a smile crossed over her lips.

"Are you bored, Lord Blackwell?"

"What? Of course not." I frowned. "I'm simply expecting you to stand up and handle the dishes. I'm not washing them, and though I sent Rose on an errand to collect water, I'm sure that my storage has more than enough water for the dishes and other water-related itinerary."

"I see... my apologies then, I will start immediately." Eleanor pushed herself off the chair. She picked up the plate and then started to collect the one from Rose and then stepped towards me.

"If you're expecting me to be impressed by your character or resilience, I am not. What bothers me is that you appear to be quite two-faced, although I shouldn't be surprised because I'm dealing with a princess."

Eleanor paused and stopped from grabbing Rose's plate. Her gaze flitted over to me and she spoke. "I do not understand what you mean, Lord Blackwell."

"If you care about your maid, then I'm expecting some anger at least–but you do no such thing. Quite callous that I even notice it."