Its been 5 years since I left with father and boy oh boy, I never knew life in the main branch would be this d*mn hard. In the first year I started working there as an official 'water boy', maaaaan was I treated as a slave, I cleaned everything in the off hours, I prepared everything needed for tomorrow, arranged the setting of the table, cleaned the plates and everything needed, scrubbed the pans, and watered the plants outside. My life was like a slave, but I didn't let it get to me because I know that they are testing my patience and see if I'll break under pressure.
In my 2nd year there, I was an assistant of Mr. Cairne, the head chef of Avalon main branch, he has an aura of beast sleeping inside of him, I was assisting in several task, was scolded, treated as trash, but I absorbed everything he taught me, he taught me how to lead the kitchen, how to deal with problem customers, how to efficiently minimize my errors and lastly he taught me life lessons which I ingrained in my heart. He didn't tell me all those life lessons just to brag, but to ensure that I won't make decisions I will regret for the rest of my life, he said that 'Use your predecessors' past to slowly shape your future'.
In the 3rd year that I was there, I was slowly working my way up the ladder as I'm going to handle the salad portion, then to soup, to fish dish, and lastly the appetizers, Mr. Cairne said that I need to experience all jobs inside the kitchen to integrate them as experience that'll help me in the future.
In my 4th year, I was the sous-chef of Mr. Cairne and I admit, it was one of the most difficult times I experienced. I was taught basic management aside from cooking, I handle ingredient stocks, contacting suppliers, and entertaining guests at the same time. Mr. Cairne said that it is important for a restaurant to have its own connections.
In my 5th year, I temporarily replaced Mr. Cairne as the head chef as he heads for a vacation himself which made some tick marks in my forehead but decided to let it go, since it was a once in a while vacation so I didn't mind it.
Even if I'm dedicating my time in the kitchen, I didn't neglect my education as I am studying at our vacation home or should I say mansion and even met some interesting people, one of them is Killua Zoldyck, I don't know his profession as he is studying combat practice with my butler Netero.
Netero is a butler hired by my mother's family to protect me and teach me more about the world. He was also 'once' a chairman but didn't ask much, he told me that Killua is the grandchild of my Grandfather's friend from my mother's side and is also John Wick's disciple. I've heard of John Wick and his weird fetish of dogs but didn't mind it as he is visiting us sometimes and even praised my cooking. I can sense the aura of blood surrounding him.
Mr. Netero's description of him was 'John is a man of FOCUS, COMMITMENT, and SHEER F*CKING WILL'. Grandpa was amazed by his talents and tried everything to save Mr. Wick's wife but it was fruitless, after his wife died, he came back to serve us and pledged eternally to be the one who will soil his hands for the sake of our family and he became the most notorious handyman in the organization with the codename: Baba Yaga.
I didn't mind the aura of blood around him as I once fought battles and was tired of it and I once asked him how can he stay focused and committed in a job? He was shocked but I cut him that I didn't mind his bloody aura which shocked him even further that he can sense it.
Mr. Wick explained to me on how he stays focused and committed in a job and told me the reason was his love for his wife, I muttered silently 'A woman can really change a man's heart huh.' but he heard it and smiled and said something that is gonna be a pillar of my cooking style in the future,
Mr. Wick: You know what Vali? Nevermind I'll change the perspective then, don't you think food tastes much better if you have someone to offer it to?
As he said that, the faces of Alice and Erina flashed in my mind and felt warmth that I've never felt before under my family. Mr. Wick looks at me and smiled and walks away so that he won't disturb me from my 'enlightenment' and from that day on, my style and perspective has changed from the domineering one and mellowed it down. My father when he learned of it smiled as I took my first ever step in the culinary world.
Time flew by and I was on the plane and was near at landing, when I got out of there I saw mother looking at me and a beautiful blonde girl, *sigh* a tsundere as ever. Mother hugged me and asks me about my journey there, and I answered all her questions. I looked at the blonde haired girl.
Vali: You've grown up Erina *smiles*
Erina: *Hmp* Of course, You think that you're the only one who'll grow up? Making me wait and all...
As usual the latter part was only heard by Albion and maybe Saya as she perked her ears up and she decided to fire the first punch
Saya: Ara~ making you wait for what Erina-chan?
Erina who heard Saya was blowing steam on her head and her face was red as well. I looked curiously and asked
Vali: Do you have a fever? Are you alright? You are so red and all
Erina: BAKA!!
She slapped me and ran to the nearest toilet station as she's still fuming steam, I looked at mother and narrowed my eyes
Vali: You said something to her right?
Saya: Ara~ I don't know what you're talking about.
We went home and accompanied Erina in the afternoon and was shocked of my stories from my journey and I told him about Killua and how interesting he is because he was always whacked by Netero for failing to follow simple instruction
Vali: How about you Erina? How was school?
She looked glum but answered me
Erina: Its fine but its normal we just learned cooking from the teachers and all
Vali: Is something the matter Erina? Why are you looking so glum?
I grasped her hand and I was shocked by her expression
Erina: DON'T TOUCH ME!
I was dazed and stared at her but she managed to recover first
Erina: I apologize for being rude. I'll take my leave now.
She left me there as I stayed there being in a daze and I can't help but feel like my heart was being clenched. It took me a while before I recovered and as I walked inside I saw my mother and she hugged me and caressed my silver hair
Saya: Don't worry child, she has her own circumstances that's why she acted like that to you, don't mind her. She just have a lot in her mind.
Vali: Am I still weak that I can't help her?
Saya: Vali, you are strong now. You are responsible now. Look at how manly you've grown up now but you need the strength to reach her heart before you can help her. Your father kept me in track of your progress and you are just at the starting point Vali. You need more time to grow and learn more about the world.
Vali: If I'm still unworthy, can you teach me mother? I hate this feeling of helplessness
Saya: Of course Vali. I'll teach you all you need to learn as I promised to you before you left Japan that I'll show you to the dark side of the world.
I nodded and was even more determined to grow where my words can't be declined. At that moment my Pendragon blood stirred once more but I didn't know until the future that this bloodline of mine would be a pillar as well in my cooking style.