With an exaggerated sigh and a small smile, I turn away from them, heading towards the kitchen. "Alright you guys, I'll go cook something. And you," I say, shaking Biana's pillow at her, "wake up already, you sleep all day long."
Flora and Kaida giggle at my theatrics, their eyes following me as I walk away. "Hey V, What will you be cooking?" Kaida calls after me. "Do you need my help?"
"No need," I call back, a chuckle escaping my lips. "I don't know yet, I'll decide after looking through the ingredients."
Stepping into the kitchen, the familiar smells of fresh ingredients greet me. I smile, my nerves settling. This is my domain. No matter where I am, a kitchen always feels like home.
I start by looking through the cabinets and the fridge, noting what ingredients I have to work with. Fresh vegetables, a variety of herbs, an assortment of spices, and... aha! Purple meat! A memory pops into my mind, something about purple meat being a delicacy in this world.
I retrieve the purple meat and give it a sniff, detecting a mild, sweet aroma. Interesting. After a moment of contemplation, an idea forms in my head.
I'll make a hearty meat stew with fresh herbs and a side of golden, crispy potatoes. It's been a while since I've had a good stew, and given the cooler temperature these days, it's the perfect dish. The side of potatoes will add some crunch to balance the tenderness of the stew.
I start by chopping up the vegetables, the familiar rhythmic sound of knife against cutting board calming my nerves. Onions, garlic, and a variety of colorful root vegetables are prepared and set aside.
I turn my attention to the meat next. Carefully, I trim off any excess fat and cut the meat into hearty chunks. I season it with salt, pepper, and a hint of ground cumin, rubbing the spices in to ensure every piece is well coated.
Next, I heat up a large pot, adding in a splash of oil. Once it's hot, I add the meat, letting it sear on all sides until it's browned and the pot is filled with the mouth-watering aroma of cooked meat.
Once the meat is browned, I remove it from the pot and set it aside, then toss in the chopped vegetables. I let them cook, stirring occasionally until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Then, I add a splash of wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen all those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
While the vegetables cook, I wash and chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. They're tossed in oil and herbs, spread on a baking sheet, and popped in the oven. I smile as I set the timer, the kitchen filled with a delicious, homey scent.
With the potatoes in the oven, I return my attention to the stew. The meat goes back into the pot, along with a generous amount of stock. I bring it to a simmer, stirring in more spices and a handful of fresh herbs. I reduce the heat, letting it cook slowly, the flavors melding together.
While the stew cooks and the potatoes roast, I clean up my work area, wiping down counters and washing used utensils. With that done, I set to work on the final dish, a simple salad of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette.
When everything is finally done, I ladle the stew into bowls, the meat tender and the broth rich and flavorful. I add a heap of crispy potatoes on the side and a small salad.
With a satisfied nod, I finish up the final touches of the meal. The stew is rich and hearty, the potatoes are golden and crisp, and the salad is fresh and vibrant. I can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment as I look at the feast I've prepared. Haha, I truly am the greatest.
Moving on, I remember that chocolate is unique in this world. I wrote something about it having an added flavor that can't be found anywhere else. Intrigued, I decide to make a batch of hot chocolate to complement the meal. I make sure to prepare enough for everyone, envisioning the smiles on their faces as they taste the rich and flavorful beverage.
With a touch of comedic flair, I gather the food and hot chocolate, making my way back to the girls. "Your food has been served, mi ladies~" I announce theatrically, placing the dishes down on the table with a flourish.
Flora and Kaida play along, giggling and thanking me for the food. Biana, on the other hand, is still half-asleep, seeming uninterested in my grand presentation. Feigning shock, I say, "Oh no~ It looks like there's only enough food for three people~"
Biana grumpily stirs, finally waking up to the smell of the food. The moment I lift the lid off the pot, the aroma fills the room, causing Kaida and Flora to gasp in surprise. Biana, however, has already poured herself a cup of the hot chocolate, sipping away without a care. I raise an eyebrow at her, surprised, but ultimately chuckle at her antics. How. I mean how the hell did she serve herself that fast!?
I serve each of us a portion of food, making sure everyone gets an equal share. Flora, taking a bite of the stew, grins at me. "Hehe, you're amazing V! I guess I understand why Biana wanted to wait. You're better than the chef we get for lunch. Maybe we should invite the others~" She says, glancing at Kaida.
"No no no no no," I quickly interject, waving my hands in front of me. "I won't be feeding everyone, no way. This is a special treat, just for us." I say with a grin, appreciating the mellow evening we're having. There's no way I'm doing free labor, I love cooking but I'm not some exclusive cook.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Meeting rooms - I hate them. Stiff chairs, cold atmosphere, and prolonged discussions that hardly ever lead to tangible outcomes. But as a professor at the academy and one of the most respected at that, meetings are a necessity.
"This year we have a lot of promising students, the nobles this year are quite exceptional," one of my colleagues muses, breaking into my thoughts.
"Yes, you're right. The kids from the dukes and duchesses are here as well as the prince and princess," another chimes in, the excitement palpable in their voices.
Professor Thaddeus, a man I've always admired for his fairness, puts a damper on the giddy conversation. "I understand you are all pleased with the nobles, however, remember we treat all students equally. Don't give any more attention to nobles than you do to commoners." He then turns towards me, his gaze unyielding, "There is quite a number of promising commoners as well. Professor Ayla, you are responsible for looking after all of the promising kids. What do you think of the students?"
Another professor pipes up before I can answer, "Oh! That's right, wasn't there a student that you took an interest in, Sir Thaddeus? This year we are truly blessed with students."
His question hangs in the air, heavy and begging for a response. But all I can think is, "Ugh, seriously, I never wanted to look after the students. You all forced it on me! Why!? Do you all think I have the energy to take care of those kids!? I don't have a single day off..." Inwardly, I groan. Not only do I have to work hard, but I also have to watch out for these 'Cultists' V mentioned. I felt something has been off for a while, but I didn't expect cultists. I hope he doesn't ask me for help.
Maintaining my cool, professional facade, I respond, "All my students are promising. You all truly went out of your way and left them all for me... thank you."
I run through the students in my mind. "Isadora, the Duke's daughter, will probably become the best human swordswoman of this era. Isabella, although immature, has potential to become a great mage. There is one that is quite... a hassle, as all she does is sleep. I'm sure you all know who I'm talking about. In all honesty, all my students will become important figures."
Then there's him, V. He's mature and composed, mmmh I don't think he'd like it if I get all these noses on him. "Sir Thaddeus, the student you took an interest in seems to be the most mature of the bunch. I'm not too certain about his talents since he has never trained the sword or practiced magic before."
There, I doubt anyone will take an interest in him now, Oh! I know I can set up a meeting with him whenever I need to take a nap, I'm such a genius. The cultists are a threat but given V's spiritual pressure he should have no issues...His pressure is truly one of a kind, I wonder why I've never heard of such a figure back at home.
"You are not wrong, however, that's why we as professors must teach our students well. V... That boy has quite a rare talent," he muses thoughtfully, then his gaze hardens, a sure sign he's about to lay down an order. "Everyone, these next few years we will have to work harder. These students require knowledge and experience. Since the students are quite remarkable, why don't we send them to the survival Island early this year?"
A collective gasp fills the room, followed by a flurry of whispers and side-glances. The survival island trip is traditionally meant for the later part of the academic year, a test of the students' abilities after they've had months of training. But Thaddeus's suggestion is not without merit. The quality of students this year is indeed exceptional.
While the others chatter amongst themselves, I nod, my heart pounding in my chest. Yes! This is my chance for some respite. These kids go off to that blasted island, and I get my well-deserved break. Brilliant!
"What a great idea," I say, trying to keep the glee out of my voice. "However, we should only send Class A and Class B to an island each. The other students are lacking compared to these two classes."
But inside, I'm rejoicing. "Yes! Let's do that! Then I would have two weeks off! Two glorious weeks! How can I let this opportunity slide? Haha! Should I buy my favorite wine? Maybe even plan a little getaway."