Chapter 137
Chapter 137
Late afternoon, livestock shed storage room.
Lapin and I, both wearing aprons, stood in front of the kitchen.
“Lapin, do you know what’s most important in cooking?”
“Yeah.”
“Tell me.”
“Fire is the most important. If you don’t control the heat properly, the food turns weird.”
“……Right. Then why did you make a Lava Slime last time, if you already knew that?”
“It wasn’t a Lava Slime. It was something called a pancake.”
“No, anyone who saw that would’ve called it a Lava Slime.”
I recalled the dish Lapin had proudly served me not long ago.
The surface was darker than charcoal, almost like basalt, while the inside glowed red-hot like molten lava.
The spoon beside it had actually bent from the heat.
It was nothing short of a nightmare—something straight out of hell.
“Don’t worry, Villed. I’ll control the fire properly this time.”
“Don’t even think about it. I’m never letting you cook again.”
“……Hng.”
“Don’t ‘hng’ me. You’re the only person I know who managed to create food that self-combusts. Actually, that wasn’t even food. How could I possibly trust you to cook?”
“…….”
Lapin drooped her shoulders in silence.
……Maybe I went too far.
Scratching my head, I pushed forward a container full of potatoes.
“Prepping ingredients is just as important as the cooking itself.”
Lapin’s eyes moved toward the container.
“Skill matters, but in the end, the ingredients are what decide the quality of the dish.”
When I said that, she looked up at me, her eyes sparkling with renewed motivation.
“To make something delicious, I’ll need your help.”
“……Okay, I’ll help.”
As soon as she picked up the container and the peeler, she started working right away.
The brown potato skins peeled away swiftly in her hands, revealing the pale flesh beneath—it was almost mesmerizing.
Her speed and precision were impressive.
“Be careful not to hurt your hands while you’re at it.”
“Okay.”
Lapin replied without taking her eyes off the potato. She was completely focused.
She must’ve done this before; she handled it smoothly without hesitation.
Alright, at least when it came to prepping ingredients, I could definitely give her credit……
Turning to the countertop, I looked at the mountain of cheese piled up there, preparing to start the real cooking.
Cheese Blessed by the Goddess Lv.1
A cheese of superb quality. Just one bite will fill your mouth with happiness!
Made only from the pure milk of the farm’s cows. 100% sincerity! Goddess guaranteed~!
Since today’s main dish was cheese-based, I’d taken out plenty from the subspace.
The rich aroma of cheese filled the storage room.
‘If it’s Level 1, that must mean there are higher levels too.’
That thought crossed my mind as I read the description.
‘Even this cheese alone is of top-tier quality you can’t easily find anywhere. But if it could go up to Level 2 or 3……’
It would surpass even the fine cheese I was using now.
That would no longer be cheese of this world.
As a gamer who thrived on challenges, I couldn’t help but want to taste the ultimate version of it.
‘Since cheese comes from milk, maybe I can improve it by taking better care of the cows.’
Or perhaps it could be unlocked by opening new farm shop options.
‘I’ll find out eventually as I keep growing.’
Yeah, just like I always have.
‘First, let’s start with the Potato Cheese Gratin…… and Eggplant Lasagna.’
I’d already decided on several dishes.
I took out oven-safe dishes for the gratin, greased them with butter—
—and that’s when I heard footsteps outside the storage room.
The door swung open, and Karin came running in, wiping sweat from her forehead.
“Ah, you two already started! I’m not too late, right? What should I do?”
“You came just in time. Slice the potatoes that Lapin peeled. Before that, we need to add salt and pepper—they’re already portioned out in the cups.”
“Got it! You mean these little cups, right? I’ll pour them in!”
“Villed, I finished peeling the potatoes.”
“……Already?”
The three of us quickly worked together to prepare the gratin and lasagna.
Then we filled two oven dishes with neatly sliced potatoes and slid them into the oven.
“Mmm, smells so good…… It’s gonna be delicious, right, Lapin?”
“Yeah…….”
Karin and Lapin stood in front of the oven, watching eagerly as the dishes cooked.
‘Since they already helped with the prep, I can let them rest for a bit.’
While the food baked, I started preparing the next dish.
‘Shall I start with this one first?’
I poured olive oil and garlic into the pan, letting the aroma rise.
Then I added mushrooms and sautéed them before pouring in the prepared cream, letting it thicken.
I tossed in pasta cooked al dente, mixing it well and seasoning it with salt and pepper.
And finally… a garnish of parsley.
With that, the Mushroom Cream Pasta was complete.
I scooped a small portion into a bowl.
Then I handed the bowl and a fork to the two who were watching the oven.
“……Ah, really? Can we try it?”
“I need to check if the seasoning’s right, so go ahead and taste it.”
“Then, let’s see…… nom.”
“Nom.”
As Karin and Lapin twirled their forks and took a bite, I also tasted a bit myself.
‘……Perfect.’
Even though it was my own cooking, I couldn’t help but smile in admiration.
‘The recipe’s just an ordinary cream pasta… but since the ingredients are so high quality, the flavor turns out like this.’
The creamy sauce gently coated my tongue, and the rich scent of mushrooms filled my mouth.
The seasoning was perfect, and the flavor of the sauce soaked evenly into the pasta.
‘I guess my cooking skills have improved too.’
Thanks to Lapin, who often came by the livestock shed to eat, my cooking had gotten much better.
“How is it?”
I asked, though the lack of response from the two made the corners of my lips curl up.
‘……No words needed.’
Karin had clasped her hands together, tears streaming down her cheeks, while Lapin’s eyes sparkled as if starlight would spill out of them.
Wiping her eyes with her sleeve, Karin spoke in a trembling voice.
“……Villed, I’m scared.”
“What are you scared of?”
“If I keep eating food this good… I’m afraid I’ll never be satisfied with anything that’s not made by you……”
“That’s such a weird thing to be afraid of.”
Lapin’s emerald eyes gleamed as she chimed in.
“I’m not scared, since I only eat the food Villed makes.”
“Try being scared, just once.”
After that brief tasting, I was about to prepare the next dish.
Through the storage window, I glanced at the sky.
Evening had fallen, dyeing the sky in shades of navy blue.
I turned up the lantern’s light. The soft golden glow spread throughout the storage room, warmly filling every corner.
Noticing my gaze toward the window, Karin spoke up.
“Our guests tonight are Lady Elined and Keirin, right?”
“Yeah.”
Originally, I’d only planned to invite Elined.
But when Keirin overheard, she asked if she could come along too.
‘Since Elined seems to think well of Keirin, it shouldn’t be a problem if she joins.’
Besides, Keirin had asked so earnestly.
I had no reason to refuse, so I agreed.
“They should be here soon, right?”
Karin tilted her head and checked her watch.
I didn’t worry much and began preparing to make an omelet.
“Yeah, it’s about time.”
“Ah, then I’ll go greet them!”
Karin stood up energetically and left the storage room.
However, not long after, she returned in a panic.
“V-V-Villed……! What do we do……!”
Her voice trembled with urgency, her face pale and full of confusion.
“……What is it?”
An attack? Something happened at a time like this?
For an instant, all the worst possibilities flashed through my mind, and tension ran down my spine.
But Karin’s next words were completely unexpected.
“……H-Her Highness is here. The Princess!”
“What?”
The Princess……?
I couldn’t believe it.
“You must’ve mistaken her.”
“I-I’m serious! It’s Princess Arlhardt!”
Hearing that, I dashed out of the livestock shed, not even bothering to take off my apron.
Not far away, someone was walking toward us.
Golden hair swayed softly, and emerald eyes shone beneath it.
With an aura of noble grace befitting royalty, I recognized that familiar face immediately.
The Princess.
It was unmistakably the Princess.
The problem was that she hadn’t come alone.
Beside her stood Keirin—whom I had invited—and a brown-haired cadet.
‘Ren……?’
I had no memory of inviting Ren or the Princess. In fact, I hadn’t even spoken to them.
As they approached, lively voices reached my ears.
“So this is the farm where Mr. Villed works.”
“It’s much nicer than I expected. Curio told me it wasn’t like this.”
“Yeah, I drop by from time to time, and it looks prettier every visit. I think the young master built most of it himself.”
“Villed did……?”
Before long, the distance between us had closed.
Now, our eyes met.
As always, the first to speak was Keirin.
“Ah, young master! Thanks for inviting me~ Ahaha, what’s with that ridiculous outfit! Oh, and I brought Her Highness and Ren along! Parties are more fun with more people, right? I did well, didn’t I?”
So it was you, after all.
I felt an overwhelming urge to flick him on the head.
“Even Her Highness wanted to come, you know. I couldn’t exactly say no to that.”
The Princess flinched and forced a smile at Keirin.
“……Ke-Keirin. When did I ever say I wanted to come here?”
“Huh? You did~ You said, ‘I’m sooo curious how Young Master Dedenkman is doing~ I really want to go seeee him~’ Remember?”
Every time Arlhardt tapped Keirin’s back in a panic, his shoulders jolted, and his voice trembled comically.
Despite her silent plea for him to stop, Keirin spilled everything, leaving no escape from the Princess’s wrath.
“If you babble one more word, I’ll sew your mouth shut with a needle. Remember?”
“Eek!”
Keirin, terrified, hid behind my back, peeking at the Princess from over my shoulder.
‘Why is he hiding behind me?’
Probably no reason—just that I looked like a big wall.
I sighed and faced forward again.
My eyes met the Princess’s. Naturally, I lowered my gaze and bowed, following noble etiquette.
“Your Highness, I apologize for making you visit such a humble place.”
“Raise your head. This is Yggdrasil. You don’t need to follow court etiquette here. And that formal tone—it doesn’t suit you, so drop it.”
I raised my head with a faint smile.
Then, gesturing toward the livestock shed as if introducing it, I spoke.
“As you can see, this is how I’ve been living.”
“To think someone like you, who never got a speck of dirt on his face, is managing in a place like this. The Academy didn’t throw you out of the dorms, did it?”
“Living here feels… pleasantly rural.”
“……Rural? Have you ever even been to the countryside, after spending your whole life between the capital and Dedenkman Territory?”
“It’s just a manner of speaking, Your Highness.”
At my reply, the Princess sighed.
“You can tell me the truth. You still resent me, don’t you?”
“How could I possibly, Your Highness.”
“Liar.”
“Thanks to Your Highness’s consideration, I’m spending my days in comfort and grace.”
“…….”
Arlhardt pressed her lips together, seemingly exasperated by my polite evasions.
Meanwhile, Ren carefully stepped forward and spoke to me.
“Mr. Villed, um… would it be alright if I took a look around the livestock shed?”
Ren’s eyes sparkled like a child in a toy shop.
There was no reason to turn him down.
“……Do as you like.”
I decided to let him wander as he pleased.
The Princess watched Ren fondly and spoke softly.
“Ren, the night air is cold. Take a quick look and come inside.”
“Yes, ma’am! I’ll just look around a bit and head in!”
Ren walked briskly toward the livestock shed, while I entered the storage room with Keirin and the Princess.
Inside, Karin’s eyes widened the moment she saw the Princess. She bent her body ninety degrees in a deep bow.
Lapin, following Karin’s lead, also bowed belatedly.
“Y-Y-Your H-Hi-Highness……!”
Karin’s tongue tangled with nerves, unable to form words properly.
Seeing her pitifully tense, the Princess smiled gently, as if to ease her nerves.
“It’s nice to see you, Karin, Lapin. Raise your heads. This is Yggdrasil—you don’t have to be so formal.”
“T-T-Thank you for remembering my name……”
“We’ve spent a year together as classmates. Of course I’d remember your names.”
The Princess smiled naturally, then lifted her head as a savory aroma wafted from the kitchen area.
“You were cooking, weren’t you?”
At the question, Karin quickly shook her head.
“Ah, not us…… Villed made it.”
“Villed did?”
Just as the Princess’s gaze turned toward me, the storage room door swung open.
I thought Ren had returned from the livestock shed—but no.
Outside stood a woman with shimmering violet hair. A golden badge gleamed proudly on her chest.
Keirin raised his hands high and called out with a bright grin.
“Oh! Welcome, Lady Finjer!”