Chapter 186 A Culinary Adventure
Heart racing against her heaving chest, she peeked through the door.
Upon seeing her empty living room, she sighed in relief, though a question flickered in her mind: Was there any outfit better than the one she wore? Frowning and smiling, she walked to the table to discover the answer.
Catching the morning sunlight, a dark leather top, pants, boots, belts, and gloves greeted her.
Her eyes lit up, and her lips curled into a bright smile at their unfamiliar yet elegant designs. Curious, she picked up the top.
The cool leather caressed her palm as she turned it and observed the hole in the back in wonder.
Then, her smile broadened at the pants' lightweight and stylish belts. As she slipped her hand inside the boots, she giggled in delight at how comfortable they were. Finally, the thin, fingerless gloves warmed her palms.
Grinning, she removed her dress and put everything on before rushing to her room's mirror.
"Wow. Who designed them?!"
Her eyes widened at the reflection. They felt like a second skin, emphasising her beauty without seeming provocative.
She planted her fists on her hips and took a few poses before she clapped her hands, her delighted smile brightening the room.
However, she frowned the next second, feeling that a relationship had to go both ways.
"They're excellent, but I must give him something in return." She tapped her fingers against her cheek pensively. "What would he like?"
As if stuck in quicksand, the question stumped and made her realise that besides his character and goals, she didn't know what he liked.
She held her forehead, jolted by the situation's weirdness. How could she trust him so much without knowing?
She shook her head. "I know he enjoys honing his skills and good food. Food!" Determination ignited in her eyes as she remembered the lobsters he had brought last time. "I'll make that dish for him. Hahaha. I'm sure he'll jump in joy!"
She nodded before another concern furrowed her brows.
"I don't know how to cook, but I can find Lilia to teach me." She rushed to the door, grinning from ear to ear. "But I can't let him find out!"
Without wasting a second, she found the apprentice cook and dragged her to the farms.
Though confused, Lilia chuckled and followed, nodding eagerly once she understood the plan.
They met with Litia and Marc a moment later and retrieved a few milk bottles, then forced the poor man to give up on his precious cheese.
Intrigued and amused, Litia joined them in their quest to recreate the lobster Thermidor!
Together, they searched the farms and gathered a few aromatic herbs before returning to the town. Discover exclusive tales on empire
On their way, Laura and Miranda spotted them and, after a brief discussion, joined them in the fun.
However, the more females they crossed, the bigger their group grew. Although it warmed her heart to see so many excited helpers, many soldiers gazed at them suspiciously. And among them was the worst troublemaker!
"What's up, big sis Luna? Let me join in the fun!"
Zane rushed at her and smirked, his trouble-making detector working at maximum power.
"We're taking a walk and gossiping." She clicked her tongue, shooing him with her hand. "No man allowed, shoo."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
Instead of listening, Zane's shoulders dropped, and his lips quivered. Tears welled in his eyes before he wailed.
"Stupid, Luna. I wanted to tell you I liked your new clothes, but you're chasing me out." He turned, his legs bending to bolt away. "I'll tell big brother that you're a sexist!"
Before he could take his first step, her hand blurred and gripped his mouth, muffling his voice. She peered into his eyes, her solemn whisper resounding.
"I'll let you follow. But I won't forgive you if you ruin this. Am I clear?" She watched him gulp and nod like a chicken before she continued and released his mouth. "What's a sexist? Who taught you this horrible-sounding word?"
"The female lord we conquered. But I don't understand that well since it doesn't exist here." He pointed at her clothes and whistled. "I want the same... the male model, of course."
She rolled her eyes at him, cursing that among the six teenagers, he was the one who spotted them. Still, she told him to ask Laura for the clothes.
After she calmed him down, they retrieved lobsters and salt from the warehouse and invaded Adam's house to use his broad kitchen.
More serious than in a war council, the ladies scrutinised the piece of parchment she drew on. Soon, she recreated the dish, adding arrows and writing how each part tasted.
Once done, Lilia shared her insights before they all busied themselves with recreating the delicious sauce.
Flames danced in the heating oven for the entire morning as delicious smells permeated the air.
Attracted by them, Tiamat and Mab left their room, watched the females work together and listened to their delighted laughter.
They gazed at each other for a second, their solemn gazes sinking into one another before Tiamat shrugged.
"I'm the primordial goddess of chaos. I do whatever I want."
Mab rolled up her detached sleeves and smirked.
"A bit of fun never hurts, and I can't say I dislike their pure intentions."
Just like that, the two goddesses joined Luna's improvised cooking activity. With their vast knowledge and ignoring her wide eyes, they shared their divine insight and... claimed a part of the ingredients for themselves.
Finally, after many tries, someone's shout pierced the sizzling and stirring noises.
"The taste is so good! Try it, big sister!"
Zane shoved a gratinated lobster under Luna's nose.
Her mouth watered at the familiar scent, and her eyes brightened as she dropped her utensils and took a deep breath, savoring the exquisite steam.
Without wasting a second, she took a small bite. The taste of cheese and bechamel sauce filled her mouth as her hand met her cheek in delight.
"Yes! That's the taste. You did it, Zane!" She ruffled his hair, smiling from ear to ear.
Meanwhile, the teenager puffed his chest in pride.
"Hahaha. Silas always boasts about how he'll become the best smith. Now, I'll show him I'll become the best cook!"
Everyone gazed at him affectionately, the same thought echoing in their minds.
'Finally! With a job, he won't create as much trouble!'
After a few more words, she followed Zane's method and plated the dish. Then, everyone helped clean the kitchen before they separated in an excellent mood. In fact, they enjoyed the activity so much that they planned to meet again at Miranda's workshop.