Chapter 86

Lelena, Chrona's younger sister, had arrived at the detached palace. After the initial greetings, I was in my room, going through the documents related to Lelena's acceptance.

"Lelena, you look so much like Chrona..."

That was why I felt a sense of nostalgia upon our first meeting. Lelena's hair and eye color were the same as Chrona's, and their facial features were similar.

The only difference was that Lelena's eyes were slightly droopy. In a few years, when she goes through her second growth spurt, she might look just like Chrona.

...However, the similarity was only in appearance. Unlike the laid-back Chrona, Lelena seemed to be serious and polite.

"...Given Lelena's circumstances, she probably couldn't remain as innocent and carefree as a child..."

"She lost both her parents at a young age and was separated from her sister Chrona."

Lucian, who had been standing by, narrowed his eyes at my words.

Lucian is an orphan with no family. He seemed to have his own thoughts about Lelena's situation, having lost his parents as well.

"Lucian, when you have a moment, could you observe Lelena? She must feel lonely in this detached palace where she doesn't know anyone..."

"I understand. I will make sure to take care of her so that she doesn't shed any tears in this detached palace."

"Thank you."

...Actually, I would like to take care of Lelena myself. Unfortunately, she seems to keep her distance from me. If I push myself too much, it might become a burden for her.

"...I will do what I can."

After finishing my paperwork, I decided to change and leave the room. My destination was the kitchen I often visited.

"Mr. Gilbert, may I use a corner of the kitchen?"

"Yes! The ingredients you requested are laid out, so please feel free to use them."

Mr. Gilbert, who was standing in front of the stove, answered. It was almost evening, and the kitchen was getting busy with dinner preparations.

"I hope Lelena will enjoy it..."

I muttered while checking the prepared ingredients. The dish I was about to make was to welcome Lelena.

Lelena was originally scheduled to arrive tomorrow. The welcoming dish was supposed to be served tomorrow night, which is why I was leisurely playing with the wolves today...

However, plans are just plans. In this world, where transportation is not well-developed, it's not uncommon for things not to go as planned. It's a far cry from the punctual transportation system in Japan.

The plans were moved up, but fortunately, the ingredients for the welcoming dish arrived today, so I decided to make it myself since I had free time.

"The main ingredient is this river fish."

I quickly filleted the fish, removing the bones and innards. I had done this in my previous life and have been practicing since coming to this detached palace, so I was confident. I cut the fish into 5 cm pieces, leaving the skin on.

The river fish is a white fish. Chrona had mentioned before that it was Lelena's favorite. Their hometown was near a river, and it was a place where even commoners could enjoy fresh fish.

"Add oil, then garlic, and then the white fish..."

The aroma of the garlic wafted up. I placed the fish skin-side down to sear it, then seasoned it with olive oil and wine. I gently sautéed the white fish, which sizzled, and added thinly sliced onions and crushed tomatoes. I then added a few types of herbs and covered the pan.

I simmered it for a few minutes, then slightly lifted the lid to check. After confirming that the alcohol had evaporated, I adjusted the seasoning with salt, and it was complete.

"White fish in tomato sauce, complete...!!"

Steam rose, carrying the scent of tomatoes. The simmered tomatoes clung to the white fish, giving it a shiny red color.

I took a taste, and the tender flesh flaked apart. The white fish, infused with the umami of tomatoes, melted in my mouth. As I swallowed the fish and the sauce, the aroma of herbs and the acidity of tomatoes passed through.

"Yes, it's delicious. I hope she will enjoy it..."

I had made white fish in tomato sauce before in my previous life, but I adjusted the seasoning and the types of herbs to suit this river fish. I had done several test runs for today. I hope Lelena will like it.