Kasumi bowed again, and bent to pick up one of the two towering boxes. They were usually used for picnics, but with as much food as had been requested, these had been the only containers that worked.

It was perhaps good that she'd brought plates. There didn't seem to be any here for her.

It took a few minutes, and she worked quietly, but soon the first course of rice and vegetables was laid out neatly for two.

She hadn't been able to find any turtleduck, and hoped the princess would not mind.

"Princess, would you prefer chopsticks or forks and knives?" she asked. "I brought both, if you need them."