Once the stew began to simmer, she added the chopped potatoes and carrots, letting them cook until they softened.
Lastly, she stirred in the sliced bell-pepper-like vegetables for a pop of color and sweetness.
Athena tasted the stew, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. The flavors were warm and comforting, a perfect blend of savory and tangy.
Pouring the stew into a bowl, she glanced at the simple yet hearty dish she had created. For the first time since waking in this strange new world, Athena felt a sense of normalcy.
"If this body couldn't handle proper food before, it certainly can now," she murmured, taking a bite. The flavors danced on her tongue, and for a moment, all her worries faded away.
Athena glanced at the remaining ingredients and decided to try something different, two dishes she hadn't made in years, pork humba and pork siopao.
Both were comforting recipes that reminded her of her old life.
She started with the pork humba, a sweet and savory stew that originated in her past life's tropical islands.
First, she cut the pork belly into thick chunks, appreciating the marbled fat that promised a rich flavor.
She marinated the pork in an alternative soy sauce, a sprinkle of sugar, and a dash of alternative vinegar, letting the mixture sit while she prepared the other ingredients.
She minced garlic, sliced onions, and chopped dried fruits she had found in the market, similar to Earth's dried bananas or plantains, which added sweetness to the dish.
Athena also selected a few star-shaped spices, reminiscent of star anise, to enhance the aroma.
Heating a pot, she sautéed the garlic and onions until they were fragrant, then added the marinated pork, browning it on all sides.
She poured in the marinade along with water to create the base of the stew.
To deepen the flavor, she added the dried fruits, star spices, and a touch more sugar. As the dish simmered, the aroma filled her kitchen, making her stomach rumble.
While the humba cooked, Athena turned her attention to the siopao, soft steamed buns filled with savory pork.
She started by making the dough.
Combining flour, an alternative yeast, sugar, and warm water in a bowl, she kneaded the mixture until it formed a smooth, elastic ball.
Setting it aside to rise, she focused on the filling.
She diced more pork and sautéed it with garlic, onions, and a sweet-savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar.
Once the pork was cooked and the sauce reduced to a sticky glaze, she added hard-boiled beast eggs, slicing them into small pieces to mix into the filling.
By the time the dough had risen, the filling had cooled. Athena divided the dough into small portions, rolling them into flat discs.
She scooped a spoonful of the pork mixture into the center of each piece, folding the edges to seal them into neat buns.
Using a makeshift steamer crafted from items she found online, she steamed the siopao in batches until the buns were soft and fluffy.
The sweet scent of the dough mingled with the rich humba simmering nearby, creating an enticing aroma that made Athena smile.
Once everything was ready, Athena tested each dish with the radiation detector.
Satisfied that they were entirely safe, she portioned the humba into several food containers and packed the siopao neatly alongside them.
Her kitchen counter was now filled with meals, carefully prepared and stored. The sight of it gave her a sense of accomplishment.
Finally, she changed into more presentable clothes, ready to visit her family home for the first time since inheriting this body.
With the food containers in hand, Athena stepped out, her heart a mix of nerves and excitement.
"Let's see what kind of people the Demerins really are," she murmured, locking the door behind her.
-
Athena decided to take a public hover bus this time, a mode of transportation she hadn't experienced in this new life.
The bus was packed with people, their conversations creating a gentle hum that filled the air.
She found a seat near the window and settled in quietly, her gaze fixed on the ever-changing cityscape outside.
Despite her rising popularity over the past two years, it seemed her fame wasn't enough to make her recognizable to the average person in public.
No one stared, whispered, or even acknowledged her presence. It was oddly comforting, a rare moment of anonymity she hadn't realized she missed.
When the bus slowed to a stop at the X327 station, the one closest to her family's estate, Athena quickly disembarked, her heart pounding with anticipation.
The sight of the familiar streets stirred a mix of excitement and nervousness in her chest.
Stepping aside to avoid the bustling crowd, she activated her optical brain and called her brother.
The line connected almost instantly.
"Athena?" Her brother's voice came through, warm and familiar.
"Brother," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. "Can you send someone to pick me up? I'm at the X327 Bus Station. I… I plan to come home."
There was a moment of silence, then an unmistakable note of joy filled his tone.
"Really? You're coming home? Wait, let me pick you up myself! Stay there, I'll be there soon."
The sheer excitement in his voice made Athena's chest tighten with relief.
She hadn't been sure how the original owner's family felt about her, but this call eased her fears. Clearly, her brother cared deeply for her.
As she ended the call, Athena allowed herself a small smile.
I never had a family to call in my previous life.
The bustling sounds of the station faded into the background as she realized something important, this family, though unfamiliar to her, might just be a source of warmth in this new life.
Fate is truly good to me. I never thought I'd have a family in this life.
She stepped back into the shade of the station and waited, her nervous heart now a little lighter.
I just need to protect my life and my family in this life. I don't know what surprises await ahead of me, but I want to cherish the opportunity of having what I lacked.