Isabella put hair in a ponytail and tied her apron behind her back as her sister watched with an unflinching gaze.
"Now then...this is what's on the menu. Darling...his Majesty rather, likes fish the most. We will be serving him and everyone else one of the many giant eel-sharks that we caught a while back. It has been kept safely in our spacial storage like all the other ingredients. This will be served with a side of roasted vegetables, seasoned rice, and fresh fruit juice blended from multiple sources. This will he a fairly simple, yet very tasty meal to feed everyone and teach you the basics of cooking!"
"U-umm...how do you make fruit juice...?" Isabella asked.
Cassandra sighed.
"You have a lot to learn..."
At once, Cassandra strode over to the large vault on the side of the kitchen.
"Access ingredient storage. Clearance: Vice Captain Cassandra Iratus. Administrator."
[Access approved. Search for item?]
"Yes. Giant eel-shark, rice..."
Cassandra listed the ingredients necessary for cooking the meal and the vault door slowly opened. As the door extended and finally touched the floor, it formed a large plate with all of the assorted ingredients neatly sorted and ready for use.
"Ah! Do we throw these into a pot?" Isabella asked.
"Sister, how is it that someone so intelligent can be so stupid in the kitchen? What would happen if we just mashed all of these ingredients into a pot and boiled everything together?"
"Umm..."
"It would be burnt, possibly undercooked in some areas, full of fish bones, scales, and guts. Not suitable for consumption!"
"Ah...that makes sense... Those things don't just go away..."
"Of course not, you dummy!" Cassandra shouted.
She wacked Isabella on the head with a wooden spoon. Isabella placed her hands there and frowned.
"Now then, first things first, we need to get the fish chopped up. Pick up the fish and place it in the gutting pit," Cassandra said.
"Gutting pit? Why not on the counter?"
Cassandra felt her eye twitch.
"It's too big! That fish far bigger than the counter has room for. Besides, we don't want blood and entrails to leak onto the floor or the stove."
"Y-yes ma'am!"
Isabella grabbed the fish and lifted it over her head. She walked to the area specified by her sister and gently set it down in the enclosed area.
"Good. It's time to prepare it."
"How do we do that?"
"This fish is quite large. But I've done this numerous times since these are so favored by darling. Hang it up by its tail and start de-scaling it. Then chop off the head, make a cut on its belly, and pull the guts out."
Cassandra handed her a knife.
Isabella looked at the fish fearfully.
"Umm... Why can't I just use Bravery...?"
"Sister...you we're always known for being very smart... That would be a horrible misuse of that weapon! A longsword is NOT used for cutting meat!!! I'll show you how to de-scale it by doing the left side with a knife. You will do it after watching me. Okay?"
Isabella nodded vigorously.
Cassandra manifested a shadowy knife and walked over to her half of the massive fish.
"Watch closely...this is how it's done."
Cassandra slowly began to slice the scales off with precision. They fell to the floor in groups. She continued this until half of the fish was completely clean.
"There you go. Do you have a good grasp of it?"
Isabella closed her eyes and thought for a moment.
"I see... So it's like that? I understand the concept but the motion will require practice... Still, I think I can do this!"
Isabella took her knife to the other side and very slowly, yet carefully began trying to replicate what she saw. She felt somewhat clumsy at first, cutting into the meat by accident multiple times, but eventually got the hang of it.
Finally, the fish was de-scaled.
"Hm. Several mistakes, but not bad. You'll need more practice. Now then...we remove the head."
"How do we do that?" Isabella asked.
"..."
Cassandra created a sword from shadows and sliced the fish's head off in one swift motion.
"Oh!"
Isabella shouted in surprise as the fish's head landed with a loud thump.
Blood began pouring out of it as Cassandra quickly walked over and pressed a switch. Several sprinklers began dousing the fish in water to wash the blood away.
After a few moments, it stopped.
"Now then, let me show you the next part...gutting it. This part is rather disgusting to someone if they are squeamish."
"Well, it's likely nothing compared to the people we've killed in the past. It shouldn't be too bad."
"Very well. Let me see your hand. Take this longer knife to use for cutting the belly open..."
"Umm...wouldn't a chainsaw be more effective...? I mean, for something so large-"
Cassandra walked Isabella ln the head with a wooden spoon.
"NO!!!"
"Y-yes ma'am...!"
Cassandra took Isabella's arm and showed her the proper way to gut the fish. Using her sister's hand to cut the fish open and demonstrating the correct way of slicing to avoid the bones.
The guts were washed out and disposed of. Afterward, Cassandra helped her sister to cut two massive fillets off of the fish while avoiding the bones.
And finally...the fish was complete. The two fillets were placed on a large table near the gutting pit.
"Excellent, sister. I'll probably need to show you several more times, but that is how its done!" Cassandra said with a smile.
"You're so amazing at cooking, Cassandra..." Isabella said in awe.
Cassandra turned and covered her eyes for a moment as she felt tears well up in them, then turned back to her sister.
"Thank you! I appreciate your praise! Now then, the next part... We will marinate the fish and season it. Then we will prepare the rice and vegetables separately. After that, the fish will be ready to cook. Are you ready?"
Isabella nodded.
"I'm ready!"
* * *
After several hours of waiting at the table...and hearing Cassandra shouting in the kitchen, it seemed like the food was ready.
I had been sitting at the table listening to Nirani speak of her past experiences as an actress and singer. While she wasn't the only one in her line of work, she was by far the largest and most popular. I silently wondered if her or Isabella would be better at acting and singing...
It was a great time to get to know her better...since she was technically a mistress of mine. One of several, regrettably... But that didn't matter to me anymore.
She was greatly interested in my time on Ignitus. Especially the time I spent doing such things at the academy. I told her the truth. That I was only decent at best with these things...and that Isabella's acting and singing skills were far superior to mine. Nirani saw this as a challenge and vowed to have a contest with her. With the prize being the ability to take her place as my first wife.
I laughed at this. And informed Nirani that no one had the right to take Isabella's place. Not even her.
And Nirani got aroused from this...thinking it was some way of demeaning her and putting her in her place. Saying that it was wonderful to be put down and treated like a dog.
By the gods, this woman was bizarre...
Regardless, the door to the kitchen finally opened and the twins came out with many plates of food on several large trolleys.
"Isabella cooked...? I'm a bit scared..." Iris said.
"As am I..." Leiso mumbled.
The twins passed out plates to everyone and made extra sure to allow Isabella to hand me my plate personally.
Finally, after also setting their place at the table next to me, the two of them bowed gracefully. Isabella's apron was covered in blood...and so was Cassandra's.
"Everyone, Isabella and I have prepared tonight's feast. I believe that I have taught her well. If anything here tastes strange or improper, the blame falls solely on me. You have my sincerest gratitude. Thank you so very much!" Cassandra said.
"That was surprisingly human of her..." Iris said quietly.
"Iris. Please..." Johann quickly said...whilist trying not to laugh.
"Am I wrong or is she acting...normal!?"
"I uh...I guess-"
"Ahem..." I cleared my throat and glanced at the two of them.
Next, Isabella and Cassandra both began staring at me expectantly.
"Oh...right. Everyone, I want to thank you all for coming here. Today marks a celebration for a major accomplishment in the Corruption War. Valtheim, the Avatar of the Void has been defeated...and with that, we have a new temporary ally. Valsiel, the woman she used to be has joined our cause. She will help us get through the Void to finally end this once and for all. Additionally...I want to thank each and every one of you who has helped us along the way. You are all treasured allies and family members to me...and you have my eternal gratitude for all your help. It is with high hopes that I say...may this war finally come to an end soon. Please enjoy the feast my wives have lovingly prepared for everyone!" I said.
Everyone cheered and began eating. I also immediately dug into the large fish steak in front of me and...
My eyes went wide.
I looked at Isabella and smiled.
It was...delicious.
Unlike the cooking that Cassandra usually put out, it wasn't exactly perfect. But...it had a more human touch to it. With respects to Cassandra, of course.
Her divine cooking was so amazing that it made normal food taste rather vile at times.
But this was something new...an explosion of flavor unlike the usual. And it felt like it was full of love.
"She cut herself numerous times preparing the meal. You may not be able to tell due to her innate regeneration...but Isabella certainly struggled a fair share. How is it, darling?" Cassandra said.
"It's...wonderful. Thank you, Isabella. And thank you as well, Cassandra," I said.
Isabella began tearing up as she smiled wide.
"I'm so glad...I finally did it! I made a meal for my Mizik and he loves it!" Isabella said.
"This is so good! Wow! I'm impressed!" Iris said.
"That's surprisingly good! Can we get seconds?" Johann said.
"It is certainly wonderful..." Leiso said.
"Man...so she can cook now? That's freaking great!" Jallah said with a grin.
Everyone seemed to be enjoying the meal except...
"Hmm...is this edible? Is this what the above worlds consider fine dining...?" Valsiel said.
"Yes. Do you not like it?" Cassandra asked.
"I'm a bit...intimidated... Usually our race prefers the bones and exoskeletons of warped beetles or even the eyes of seekers. How do I eat this?" Valsiel said.
"With fork and knife...?" Iris said.
Valsiel looked at the cutlery and frowned. Actually, she seemed almost horrified.
"Baoketh...I am unsure of how to use such things... Forgive me!"
Valsiel's mouth split open in six parts as she leaned in. Multiple tentacles covered in bone fragments like teeth scooped the food pit and she devoured everything on her plate in one bite.
"Hmm...mmm! That is quite good! Glubshab! Delicious! Do you have any bones or entails I may feast on?"
"I think I'm gonna be sick..." Jallah said.
"Oh Jallah... It's okay..." Rune said.
"That was gross... Eww..." Masina said quietly.
"Umm...maybe the leftover pieces of the fish, perhaps...?" Cassandra said with unease.
"Yes! May I retrieve it?" Valsiel said.
"Go ahead...?" Cassandra said.
"I might also be sick after seeing that... Urp..." Rastair said as she covered her mouth.
Valsiel disappeared in an instant, presumably reappearing in the next room.
"Ah! I have to make sure she doesn't eat anything important! Be right back!" Cassandra said.
"M-me too!" Isabella said.
The two ran after Valsiel into the kitchen. I continued to enjoy the plate of food before me with a smile.
"What a strange life I've lived..." I mumbled.
"Master! Please allow me to tell you about the Peace realm!" Nirani said suddenly.
"Nooo! Big brother hasn't spoken to me that much lately! Tell me about your favorite books, big brother!" Masina said.
"Maybe later...?" I mumbled.
"Aww... Very well..." Masina said sadly.
"Ahn~! To be disregarded in such a way...so amazing..." Nirani moaned.
"Can you please act like a normal human being, Nirani?" Rastair said just before downing a tall glass of beer.
I heard a crash in the kitchen.
"No! Don't eat that!" Cassandra shouted.
"Man, the rice is great, too..." I said.
Several minutes went by and eventually Valsiel reappeared in her seat with a content expression on her face. Isabella and Cassandra also returned without their aprons. They sat down next to me. Isabella seemed slightly disturbed...and Cassandra looked upset.
"Everything okay?" I asked.
"That monster devoured the remains of the fish and unused garbage from the meal. This isn't a problem...but she somehow got into the spacial storage and ate many of the bones I use for soup broth..." Cassandra growled.
"It's okay. We can get more. There there..." I said as I patted her head.
Cassandra smiled and closed her eyes.
"Eheheheheheheheh...darling's hand... So wonderful! I feel better now!" Cassandra said happily.
"Can...can I have that too...?" Isabella asked meekly.
I patted Isabella's head and smiled at her.
"Good job on the meal, my love. I hope to have many more with you and everyone else," I said.
"Yes...I will do my best!" Isabella said.
* * *
That night, the three of us lay awake in bed cuddled up under the covers.
"Tomorrow is a big day...isn't it, my love...?" Isabella said.
"Yeah. We'll finally finish this cursed war. I hope everyone makes it out alive..." I said.
"With darling protecting everyone and leading our forces, we have nothing to fear," Cassandra said proudly.
"I hope so...but I will still use caution. We don't know what is waiting for is down there," I said.
"Mizik...what happens when everything is said and done? If we win...what is out next step?" Isabella asked.
"Free everyone trapped on the Abyss. And then...we can finally rest. I want to rebuild Avernia using this power of mine and set things right. To get back the home that we lost so long ago. Only this time, we will rule it together. We'll guide Avernia into a prosperous future. For all of us," I said.
"I want to...umm...if it's okay... I want to finally have a child with you, my love..." Isabella said.
I smiled and held her close.
"Me too! I also want darling's children!" Cassandra protested.
As I held them both, I thought about it.
"It sounds wonderful, you two. If we survive this, I'll give you as many children as you want."
"Yes!" They said in unison.
As the three of us cuddled close, I steeled myself for things to come.
Difar...we're coming for you.
* * *
As Difar sat on his throne surrounded by abyssal succubi, he scowled in rage as a figure appeared before him.
He recognized it as Valtheim's remote form...but something was wrong. More so than she had been lately after that cursd elven woman blasted her core with creation magic in that brief moment of time...
"What is the meaning of this?" He said.
"Lord Difar...no. Cain my love... Please...I'm begging you. Please stop all of this!" Valsiel pleaded.
He merely laughed.
"So it finally came to pass. They defeated Valtheim...and the false remnants of Valsiel came to light. It's too late for me, my dear dead beloved. You are wasting your breath," Difar said.
He now wore an eye patch to cover the large claw mark on his face...and to account for his missing eye as well.
Because Mizik had managed to permanently scar him in their last battle on Tanavol.
Valsiel frowned and looked at him with tears in her eyes.
"DON'T YOU DARE GIVE ME THAT LOOK!!! YOU ARE A DIRTY TRAITOR, VALTHEIM!!! I SHOULD EXECUTE YOU WHERE YOU STAND FOR ABANDONING YOUR POST!!!" Difar screamed.
"I...I just want to help you... Please Cain... Please just stop this. I don't want to see you get hurt... When Mizik arrives, he'll kill you... I don't want that..."
"LET HIM COME!!! WE WILL SETTLE THIS ONCE AND FOR ALL!!!!" Difar roared.
Valsiel dropped to her knees and wept bitterly.
"Please... Please no... I don't want you to get hurt... My beloved Cain...my... My master... Please..."
"Get out of my sight, Valtheim. I have made myself clear."
"Cain, please! It's me! Or...the remnants of me... Valsiel! Remember the love we shared? Please my love..."
"I REMEMBER YOU BETRAYING ME TO RUN AWAY WITH THAT FILTHY LOWBORN MONGREL CALLED CAIN!!! I AM NOT YOUR CAIN!!! I AM LORD DIFAR!!! THE ABYSSAL GOD OF CORRUPTION!!! GET OUT OF MY SIGHT BEFORE I ERASE YOU!!!" Difar screamed.
Valsiel lowered her head and disappeared.
Difar gritted his teeth in rage.
"My aspirations...crumble before my very eyes... All because of my arrogance in keeping my word... That disgusting 'honor' I tried to show by making an example out of him... Curse my foolishness..."
"Lord Difar! May we please help you ease this stress?" One of the beautiful ladies next to him asked.
Normally, such a question would be met with extreme violence in this situation. But...that would not entertain him.
After all, Difar knew that he might not even have long left to live.
"Yes...come to me. Let me enjoy what little time I may have left..." Difar said.
"We have our work cut out for us, girls. Our Difar needs us!" One of then said.
"Right!" The five others said in unison.
At once, they got to work pleasing their god.