Chapter 58: Chapter 58 - Let’s Cook For My Babies!
Chapter Fifty Eight
"Y-Your Grace!"
I stepped into the kitchen, which was now a whirlwind of savory steam and clattering utensils. It was far cleaner and more organized than the chaotic mess I’d first encountered.
Lady Selia, who had been deep in consultation with a wizened woman hunched over a pile of root vegetables, nearly jumped out of her skin at my arrival.
Both, husband and wife, are incredibly competent.
"Oh, Lady Selia! I didn’t realize you were still here," I greeted her, trying to ignore the way the staff immediately stiffened.
"Ah! I was thinking what to cook for lunch. Is Your Grace hungry? Should I fix you something?"
Grrr...
The sound was loud enough to echo off the stone walls. My cheeks flared a bright, traitorous pink as I clutched my midsection. "Ah... that might be a good idea."
"It’s more than okay, Your Grace," Lady Selia said, her expression softening into that of a concerned older sister. "You missed breakfast entirely. Please, sit. I’ll fix you a bowl of the leftover wild rice and vegetable soup."
Creak.
The chair creaked as I took a seat and relaxed while all the servants relaxed and started bustling around once again.
"Here you go, Your Grace."
As I tucked into the bowl, the broth was earthy and rich, warming me down to my toes. "Mhn... this is incredible. May the gods bless your soul, Lady Selia."
"Umm... Your Grace..." She fidgeted with her apron, her voice dropping to a hesitant whisper. "I wanted to ask... about Elena. How did the talk go?"
I swallowed a spoonful of soup. "Oh, that? We had a bit of a spat."
Selia’s face went pale. "I... I’m so sorry. She’s a high-spirited child, Your Grace. She doesn’t mean any malice, she’s just—"
She began to sink toward the floor in a formal plea, but I caught her arm before her knees hit the stone.
"Stop that, Lady Selia. Please, stand up. I’m not saying she’s bad. You know... I’m over protective when it comes to Lily, and we simply needed to clear the air for once and for all."
"She didn’t offend you, did she? I don’t know how I’ll face Keiran when he returns if his sister has insulted the Duke..."
"Quite the opposite," I said, offering a reassuring smile. "We reached an understanding. In fact, I’ve placed her under Kaelen’s wing. She starts her sword training today."
Clank!
The ladle in Lady Selia’s hand hit the floor as I continued to gobble down the rice and soup.
"Sword training, Your Grace? B-But... She’s a lady."
Wow... even Kaelen hadn’t reacted this badly. This world is truly so so patriarchal.
"Lady Selia, I’ve come to you today as not the Duke but Elena’s friend. She likes swinging sword a lot. So, please convince Hans when he returns."
"But Your Grace," she stammered, her eyes wide with the weight of centuries-old tradition. "A lady... a knight? The Empire has no female knights. Women, at best, become healers and saintesses. Not knights."
"Well, for starters, this is my fief," I replied, my tone firming slightly. "And honestly? Talent doesn’t care about gender. So, neither should you, Lady Selia. A man can master the hearth, and a woman can master the sword. It’s all about where the passion lies."
Lady Selia let out a long, shaky sigh, looking toward the window as if imagining her sister in law in plate armor. "I suppose... I will try to explain it to Keiran. Thank you for the warning, Your Grace."
"Mhn." I leaned back, watching her trembling hands. "On that note, Lady Selia would be an amazing doctor."
She froze, a nervous laugh escaping her lips. "It’s not like that, Your Grace. I learnt first aid purely because of my concern for Hans. I have no formal training or makings of a doctor. I’d rather not put people’s lives in danger."
"Well, you can always learn. Either way, I’m thinking for opening a hospital for the citizens soon. It would be nice if Lady Selia who already treated so many people would think about joining and treating the citizens. You even took care of Vizen. I’m really grateful for that."
"I... I’ll think about it, Your Grace. I’ll let you know after I discuss with Hans."
"That’s good enough."
"Mhn." As Lady Selia’s gaze shifted to the ground, my mind instantly went to the real task that brought me to the kitchen.
Sysi, what dish should I make for Lune?
[Ping!]
[Host finally asking the important question. Let us quickly surf what’s a good snack to feed a teenage fox kin.]
Hurry up, Sysi. I’m about to finish my food.
[Ping!]
[Search complete! According to the Inter-Dimensional Guide to Mythical Appetites, fox-types possess a highly refined palate for sweetness combined with a satisfying crunch.]
Just tell me the dish...
[Ping!]
[Recipe Recommendation: Honey-Glazed ’Cloud’ Fritters with Toasted Nuts.]
[It’s basically a lighter, fluffier version of a beignet, drizzled in local wildflower honey and topped with crushed almond-like seeds. It’s sweet, warm, and comforting. Plus, the sugar rush will help her with her recent trauma from the attack!]
Mhn. Gimme ingredients list.
[Ping!]
[Shopping List for the Master Chef:]
[Fine White Flour, Fresh Eggs, Full-Cream Milk, Wildflower Honey, Crushed Almond-Seeds, A pinch of Salt]
"Lady Selia," I said, dabbing my mouth with a napkin as I pushed the empty bowl away. "I’m going to hijack a corner of your kitchen. I need to prepare a treat for Lune."
"Your Grace, this is your castle! You don’t ’hijack’ anything," she giggled, though she still looked surprised.
"Do we have fine flour, fresh eggs, honey, and almond-seeds in the pantry?"
"We do! Keiran and Sir Eatassh brought back several crates of high-end imports from Baron Vische’s estate yesterday. Let me fetch them for you immediately from the pantry."
I stood up, rolling up my sleeves and feeling a surge of excitement. "Thank you, Selia."
Let’s cook for my babies!
[Ping!]
[Yeee!]
----
Crunch. Crunch.
"Krrrh."