Steel Empire
What a Beautiful Night

Berengar entered the Great Hall of the Castle while holding Adela's hand; his cheeks flushed in embarrassment the entire time as he hid slightly behind Berengar's back, staring at her from behind. He didn't expect the day to play like this. But he was glad it happened. He would be beside himself if Berengar really was like a rumor describing him.

Sitting in the seat of royal power was Baron Sieghard von Kufstein who had a stern expression on his face. He did not expect his nephew's visit until tomorrow, yet here he stood in front of him. These complicated matters, he definitely needed to throw a party tonight in order to welcome a young lady from his position to his lowly territory. Sieghard was not a fool, and he knew why his Big Brother-in-law, Prince Steiermark, offered this proposal. Despite the Count's hidden intentions, looking down on Adela, and how she behaved, he could already tell that this was a suitable match.

When Baron's cold gaze landed on Adela, he shivered slightly, which did not go unnoticed. However, with Berengar's supportive attitude, he fulfilled his noble obligation as he bowed in front of his Uncle who greeted him respectfully. After all, it had been quite a while since the last time he had seen the man.

"Lady Adela von Graz would like to thank her for her hospitality during her visit."

Berengar bowed in front of his father as well; despite being the old boy, he still had to show respect for his father's position. Sitting next to Sieghard was his wife Gisela who had a much warmer expression on her face than her husband. He actually checked his daughter-in-law. Although she felt as if Adela was a bit young, the mature Baroness still nodded in agreement; the girl was truly a young woman who was a match for her beloved son. Deep down, he felt sorry for Lambert, whose fiancee was a rightful and sadistic brat who took pleasure from humiliating the boy; such behavior has evolved from a sense of superiority of unaccepted brats. It would undoubtedly be a difficult marriage for Gisela's second son. However, the feeling he got from Adela'

To be honest, Berengar preferred to work on his plans for the future of industry and agriculture. However, establishing relations with the nobility was crucial to his current diplomatic strategy. He may be safe while in his own territory because of the protection afforded by the people. However, if he were to travel outside Kufstein's borders, he might find himself plotted by his brother's allies. Being on good terms with his fiancee, whose father is the mighty Count, gives him the necessary level of security to deter those in similar positions.

Sieghard carefully observed the relationship between his son and his nephew. Apparently, the two had spent some time together this afternoon. Even though it was spitting common etiquette, he could forgive the young girl for being tied up with Berengar. Recently, his son had an aura of charisma that he had so much before. The boy seemed to be much friendlier than in the past. Sieghard had no idea what inspired the recent change in his son's behavior, but he was grateful for whatever caused it. Now, had Berengar been able to get along with the local nobility like he did with the commoners.

Despite the girl's lack of manners, the old Baron would still discuss the matter since he wanted to gauge the girl's character. After clearing his throat, Sieghard narrowed his eyes at the young girl. While standing up from his seat of power, he began to speak in a loud voice.

"It seems like you and my son already know. Tell me, is this why you did not come immediately and salute me, the ruler of this land?"

Adela immediately flinched after hearing her Uncle's words and looked at Berengar for help. As soon as he did, Sieghard smacked his fist into the armrest of the chair while his voice rose.

"Don't turn away from me when I'm talking to you! Answer the question."

Tears began to form in the eyes of the young girl he quickly removed, sobbing as she responded to the Baron's request.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean."

Seeing the poor girl's facial expression, Berengar couldn't stand her father's test anymore. She grabs Adela and drags her into her arms while punishing her father.

"Dad, don't you think your tone is a bit harsh? After all, if anyone is to blame, it's me; I'm the one who invited him to lunch before meeting you."

Upon seeing his son defending the girl he was engaged to, Sieghard's stern expression turned into a warm smile as he tried to calm the girl and her son down.

"Sorry, Adela, I'm quite rude.I just want to measure your character; I hope you can forgive me."

The young girl wiped away the tears from her eyes which finally started to dry up, and swallowed her excess saliva. He slowly began to understand why the Baron was testing him like that. Clearly, loving parents want to know whether Adela will shift the responsibility to their son or not. Although Berengar himself was to blame, if he had thrust responsibility onto his shoulders before he could do so, it would have been an act that greatly disrespected Berengar and his father. Evidently, Sieghard and his wife were very protective of their eldest son.

After regaining her dignified appearance, the young lady accepted her Uncle's apology gracefully.

"There's nothing to forgive, dear Uncle; you're just protecting your son and heir."

After he said that, the smiles on Sieghard and Gisela's faces improved. Furthermore, this young lady is much better wife material than women***** which they sell to their second son. In a few months Lambert will be married, and his fate will be determined. However, there was nothing they could do about it; rejecting their slaves because they did not approve of his daughter was an unwise game. If the relationship between the two can improve the relationship between their two houses, then so be it. For whatever reason, Lambert did not seem to mind the abuse he suffered at the hands of his fiancee.

Sieghard stood up from his seat and approached Adela, and greeted her with open arms. "Welcome to my humble home; I hope your stay is acceptable."

Knowing that the girl was from a wealthy family, the lowly Baron could not possibly believe that he would be happy with a simple inn in his territory. He had no idea that the young girl had fallen in love with the ancient old town where the locals were very friendly, and the culinary culture was unique. Adela was a big fan of the sandwiches she had tasted before. By the time he ate at the party at night, he would never want to leave the simple Baron territory.

However, for now, the family is engaged in small talk, stuck in recent years. Adela was very interested in how Berengar went from being a weak, lazy, and petty young master to being the man he is today. When she learned that the magical transformation had only begun a month ago, she could not believe her ears. Did the man before her really appear after the near-death experience? If Berengar had not confirmed it himself, he would have never trusted his aunt and uncle.

Finally, the table was set, and the party began. Adela sat next to Berengar, who was sitting at her usual desk. The only missing family member is Lambert, who did not escape Adela's attention. When she heard he was visiting her fiance, she was surprised by the coincidence. He never expected von Kufstein's two sons to come out with their fiancee simultaneously. Nevertheless, his thoughts towards the missing child disappeared as he smelled the scent of food served on the table by the servants.

Adela had never seen such luxurious cuisine before. Berengar had instructed the chefs to bring out all their new recipes. Schnitzel, spaetzle, wurst, rouladen, sauerbraten, all the staple foods of German cuisine from the Berengar world before, are served on the table. All but one, the most desirable Berengar as a side dish for his schnitzel jaeger. Cursed is his fate for being driven into this world a century too early for the discovery of potatoes! That was what Berengar had originally thought when he regretted their absence from his favorite dish. Even so, he was happy to be alive. He swore to himself that when he became rich, he would hire a fleet of explorers to discover new worlds and bring them back potatoes. Fuck the Aztecs and their huge gold reserves; he needs potatoes!

While her family had been used to eating such treasures for the past month, Adela's eyes sparkled with excitement as she tasted gourmet cuisine for the first time in her life. No matter what, when she finally returned home, she had to bring these recipes back with her for her father's cooking staff! Although she was overjoyed with the delightful meal, she still ate gracefully and politely as expected of a young lady in her position.

After enjoying the food for the night, the family finally parted ways; henrietta was assigned to take Adela to her room. The young girl also insisted that her future sister-in-law take a bath before she went to bed. At first, the young lady refused because she saw no reason, but the persistence of a girl younger than herself was not something she could avoid. After bathing together in an awkward silence, Adela finally reached her room where she could rest. As she lay on her stomach and hugged her pillow in a blue baby nightgown, she could not help but think of Berengar's actions all day long. The girl fell asleep shortly after with a loving smile on her face.

Berengar, on the other hand, was burning the midnight oil, toiling in his room devising a plan for the expansion of the mine. There was also another problem he wanted to solve as soon as possible—the textile industry. Unlike Adela, she did not think of the day she had experienced; instead, the young man thought of her plans for the family territory. Finally, after compiling some documents, and the blueprints of Berengar extinguished the oil lamp, which provided the illumination, and fell asleep; the only thoughts in his mind were about the delicious food he had at night and the lack of potato pancakes! The young master had no idea that Adela was already in love with him.