Volume 3 Chapter 7 Part 1 (1/2)

Volume 3 Chapter 7 Part 1

Translator: Solaris Editor: Queenie

Steaming hot, white vapor rose from the pot. I mixed in one egg, scooped some of it up, and tasted it. The delicious taste of vegetables mixed with chicken soup stock and herbs went perfectly with béchamel sauce.

Because I had mixed in a lot of vegetables, the soup had a lovely color to it. My white stew was a great success, if I do say so myself. I let it simmer for a while longer, preparing onion garnish and marinated ham.The marinade was a mixture of lemon juice, herbs, and various condiments. Once I had marinated the garish and thinly sliced ham, I placed it into a bowl within my view.

Now, there was just one dish left to make: mushrooms sautéed in butter. Thanks to the royal kitchen, I had access to multiple species of mushrooms all at once.

As I thought about how that would have been impossible in my normal life, I stirred the frying pan and added white wine. I let it briefly cook a little while longer, and then it was finally ready.

The stew had simmered thoroughly and the marinade had in mixed well. I tested it once again to make sure there weren’t any problems. I then served the stew on silver dishes and placed them alongside some cutlery on a serving cart. The serving cart was also made of silver, of course.

「Is it ready?」

「Yes, will you prepare some bread for me?」

I nodded at the voice that had spoken to me. The owner of that voice began to gather some rye bread from a large dish.

「You know… I’ve been thinking, whenever there’s an occasion you’re always working in this kitchen.」

A few days before I became in charge of his Highness Klanven’s meals, I had met this cook. Before I knew it, he’d begun acting overly familiar. I unconsciously made a wry smile at his voice. It sounded like he was either very impressed or very exasperated.

「I’m not as skilled as you think, but I’m counting on you if I ever get divorced. 」

「Don’t say that. Look, I’m sorry. If it were known that I instigated Sir Agedilus’ wife to ask for a divorce my head would be chopped off!」

「Fufu, so what brings you here? Did you come to ask about dinner?」

I bowed once at his pale shaking face, pushed the serving cart, and exited the kitchen.

At the moment, I have no intention of getting divorced, but it’s just as he says, when the occasion arrives it might be a good option. If that man heard about this, he would probably say 「Don’t be stupid」and pinch my cheek. I thought about that as I hurried through the Purple Peony Court to Prince Klanven’s office, where he must’ve been making preparations for the grand festival.

I had been excused to go and prepare the midday meal, but since the noon bell had rung some time ago, I did not have the luxury of taking my time. Prince Klanven was eating my, well… it would be difficult to call it grand cooking. He was eating my homemade cooking without a single complaint. I don’t know what the food at the temple was like, but I would like to think that my cooking was somewhat to his liking. Because I had boldly declared 「I would like the honor of preparing your meals」, it would be a shame if I couldn’t prepare a decent meal. Well, enough of that.

「I have to hurry.」

As the serving cart clattered along I increased my speed. I wonder why Sir Klanven’s schedule is so busy. He doesn’t have much time for meals. I have to deliver the stew to him before it gets cold.

「Hey, the woman over there.」

「Yes?」

I stopped in my tracks as a deep male voice called from behind. Other than the two of us, there wasn’t a single person in the vast hallway. A figure cloaked from head to toe stood solitarily gazing at my direction… I couldn’t make out his face nor his physique. He looked like the “shadows” I’ve seen before. Honestly speaking, he looked suspicious right off the bat.

I watched that figure with caution as he walked in my direction. His imposing stride didn’t seem to belong to someone who was trying to conceal themselves. Scratch that. It would be more appropriate to say that he walked arrogantly.

「What seems to be the matter?」

He didn’t uncover his face but simply retrieved a small bottle from his chest and raised it so that it was at my eye-level.

「Mix this medicine in with the food.」

「What did you say?」

「I said mix this medicine in with the food. Nothing will happen to you. It’s easy, isn’t it?」

His tone sounded like someone who was accustomed to giving orders. Maybe that was the reason why he expected me to meekly obey him. A pair of lips forming a crescent-shaped arch could be seen from beneath his hood. An inexpressible discomfort began to well up inside me after seeing that smile.

「I understand. Will you hand me that bottle?」

「Ah. You’re you’re quick to catch on」