"This is red tea with honey. We knew that you like simple sweets when it comes to what you drink"
"Thank you very much, lady Aubrey"
I took a sip from the tea cup.
The flavor of the tea blended well with the honey. It wasn't too sweet. The amount of tea and honey created harmony in my mouth which then brought warmth in my body.
"Baroness, I-"
Bam!
"Baroness! You are here!"
A man in his early or mid twenties barged in with great joy after kicking the door. He then sat beside lady Aubrey and hugged her tightly.
"You must be lord Julius"
"Yes, I am"
Bam.
Lady Aubrey hit Julius at the back of his head and whispered something.
"Forgive my rude my behavior, baroness. I was simply overjoyed that I am about to complete one of my fiance's request"
"I do not mind. Children like you are ought to live happily whilst not minding trivial things"
"Ahaha! I believe that I am older than you, baroness"
Yeah. But your brain is clearly way younger than I am.
"Ahem. Lady Aubrey"
"Yes, baroness?"
"Regarding about the recipe that I will teach you, do you have any particular ingredient you like and the method of cooking you usually use? If you have any, it will be easier for me to think of something that will suit you"
"In terms of ingredients I prefer using chicken. As for the method, it would be frying"
"I see... I now have five recipe in mind for you then"
"That fast?"
"Yes. If you would like, we can start right away"
The two of us headed to the kitchen, leaving Julius, John and Xavier who is still in his cat form since animals can't enter the kitchen.
Over the past several hours, Aubrey diligently absorb my teachings. Whenever a dish was done we would call Julius in so that he can taste test it.
"What is it this time?"
"It is chicken lasagna"
"It is my first time putting chicken in an oven so I am not really confident about this one"
"Don't worry. You followed my instructions correctly, have more confidence lady Aubrey"
"Thank you very much, baroness"
Julius took a bite and wasn't able to stop afterwards. Saying "Delicious" over and over.
"What will be the next one, baroness?"
"Actually, we are done for the day"
"Already?"
I pointed at the clock which clearly showed that it was past eight o' clock already.
"Besides, we will need to leave the marinated chicken overnight. So, do not be too upset lady Aubrey"
"Then, please stay for the night. My maid will lead you to your room"
"Thank you very much, lady Aubrey"
We left the kitchen, leaving the cleaning to the servants.
As I was tired already, I had John to bring my dinner here in the room that I am currently using.
"My lady, how come the recipes that you are teaching to lady Aubrey is better than the food you teach Jasper?"
"Sir Julius obtained a ticket which he bought for hundreds of gold coins. It is only natural for me to teach lady Aubrey some recipes worth that much money"
'Almas'
-Yes, master?
'Can you guard the kitchen tonight?'
-Of course. However, what should I do if someone were to mess things up there, master?
'Leave it be. Just tell me everything else tomorrow morning'
-Understood.
...
The next morning, me and Aubrey went to the kitchen to cook the final dish she will learn from me. She already learn how to cook stewed chicken, smoky spanish chicken, chicken lasagna, traditional french whole roasted chicken and today's chicken cacciatore.
-Master, someone sneaked in last night and poured some poison to the chicken and mix it.
'Is it lethal?'
-No. But it takes effect quickly. Based on the amount that was poured in, I supposed it will be painful to the one who eats it.
'If so, check the room if there are any container that holds this kind of poison. If there are, dispose it. And no matter what, do not let anyone enter afterward'
-Only if you give me some treat later.
Look at this brat. Asking for things now. Ah~ I'm so proud of him that he is expressing himself better than ever.
'Sure'
Almas disappeared to do as I say.
Ten minutes later, Aubrey was done with the chicken cacciatore.
"I'm excited to eat it already!"
"I'm sorry but that won't happen"
"Eh?"
Julius, Aubrey and the servants who were watching by the door were confused to my words.
"As the teacher, I would like to taste it first this time. It is lady Aubrey's last dish. That is, if you don't mind Sir Julius"
"Of course not. Go ahead, baroness"
Aubrey nodded, giving me her consent to eat the dish she made.
After taking a bite, I smiled as the food was indeed delicious.
Before Julius was able to taste the chicken cacciatore that Aubrey made he stop after seeing me vomiting blood.
"Call a doctor! Now!"
John yelled towards the servants and immediately catch me before I lost my balance.
My insides felt like it was being burned. It really does hurt.
John hurriedly brought me to a vacant room so that I can lay down. Soon after, the doctor that works for the Millers came in and took a check on my body.
The doctor then said, "Baroness Emond has been poisoned"
Hearing this, Aubrey unconsciously cried. Julius then took her out. Not to comfort her but so that she can let loose outside the room.
"Aaaaahhh!!!"
Aubrey yelled and began to order the knights to do an investigation about who was the one that put poison in the food that she made.
"I'm sorry, my lady..."
John began to tear up as well.
To comfort him, I used all my strength to pat his hand. My throat felt like it was being burned from the inside which is why I wasn't able to speak.
Seeing that, John cried even more.
He was unable to protect me which is his only job. And he, who have grown attach to me these past several months, is hurt to see the lady he is serving to be in such a state while under his protection.
...
I woke up.
The last thing I remembered before losing consciousness was the doctor trying to figure out the poison the symptoms of the poison and John who was crying beside me.
"Meow~"
The black cat at my right side was rubbing its head against my cheek. He was crying.
As if Xavier wanted to punch me, he kept on hitting my forehead with his soft paws without using his claws. Rather than getting hurt, it felt like he was massaging me as hard as he can.
"Hmm... my lady?... My lady! You're awake!"
John woke up and was happy to see me well.
"How long... was... I out... for?"
"It has been three days since. Now that I have answered your question, please rest and avoid talking if possible"
John opened the door and called for the maid that was nearby and went back in after talking with her.
A few minutes passed, the doctor and Aubrey entered the room.
"I am very sorry, Lady Aubrey, but please leave. The patient still needs to rest. The baroness barely gained consciousness so I would advise for you to give her some space first"
Aubrey nodded after taking a glance at me and reluctantly left the room.