Chapter 70

It's the second day off from work.

Today, I was able to wake up at my usual time, so it seemed I could take it easy.

When I opened the curtains, a beautiful blue sky spread out before me. There were no clouds, and even though it was morning, the sun was already strong. It was going to be a hot day.

The letter that had arrived in the morning came with a canterbury bell. The vivid blue-purple flowers looked as if they would ring like a bell if shaken. The flowers were so cute, and they were my favorite.

When I placed them in the vase on the desk, I was delighted that the room had become lively with the flowers I had been receiving every day. The bouquet I received yesterday was on the bedside table.

When I opened the light purple envelope, neat letters lined the page.

As I traced them with my fingertips, it felt as if the warmth of the words was being transmitted, and I was filled with a sense of happiness.

"Even though we just met yesterday. But I want to see you too."

As I muttered, I traced the words "I want to see you."

I spent the morning organizing the closet.

After having a leisurely lunch with my mother, I wondered what to do next and decided to make some sweets.

I chose to make tea muffins.

These would keep for a while, and they weren't difficult to make. The fact that I had made them many times before was also a deciding factor.

Dorothea, who was preparing dinner, was in the kitchen, and I couldn't help but watch her as she worked so efficiently.

Since childhood, I had always been curious about this, and no matter how many times I asked, the answer was always "I'm used to it."

"Hey, I can eat anything without being picky, thanks to Dorothea, right?"

"What is it, Alicia?"

While mixing the softened butter with a whisk, I spoke about something that came to mind.

Dorothea, who had been stirring the pot, turned around and smiled amusedly.

"Because everything tastes good. Even vegetables with a strong bitter taste or fish with many bones, I could eat them because Dorothea made them delicious."

"You always ate everything, so it was rewarding to cook."

"I could try new ingredients because they looked delicious."

"Thank you. ...I'll be sad when you get married, Alicia. I might get the amount wrong."

That's right, I won't be able to eat Dorothea's cooking after I marry Noah.

I've been eating it since I was a child, so it's understandable that I'll feel a bit sad.

When the butter turned pale, I added the measured sugar in two parts. Each time, I mixed it well, and the gritty sensation gradually blended in.

I also mixed the beaten eggs in two parts. Then, the tea leaves.

"I'll be sad too. I learned how to make these muffins from Dorothea."

"You're better at it than I am now."

"No, I still can't match Dorothea's taste. I need to keep learning from you."

"I'd be happy to teach you anytime."

When I opened the tea can, a wonderful aroma spread, and I inhaled it deeply, making me want to drink tea.

I'll enjoy iced tea for today's snack. A slightly stronger brew would be nice.

I added the tea leaves to the bowl of mixed ingredients. I might have added a bit too much, but it's fine.

While stirring, I added the milk. It was fun to watch everything mix and come together. Delicious things are made by layering various ingredients.

I sifted the dry ingredients and mixed them in two parts.

I remembered Dorothea's repeated warnings not to overmix at this stage. At first, I didn't follow her instructions and mixed vigorously, so the muffins didn't rise properly.

Even though my family, Dorothea, and Marc said they were delicious, there are still steps that must be followed.

"Alicia, the oven is ready."

"Thank you."

The muffin tins were lined with paper cups.

I wanted to fill them to the brim, but the batter should only be three-quarters full. This is another rule I must follow.

Using two spoons, I carefully spooned the thick batter into the cups.

I might have made a bit too many because I wanted to eat plenty. I planned to make thirty-two in total.

If they turn out well, I'll send some to Noah.

Come to think of it, this might be the first time I'm giving him something I made. I've never had the opportunity before, but if he likes it... I might keep making them until he says he doesn't need them anymore.

I couldn't help but laugh at the thought of such a scenario.

I put the filled tins into the oven one by one.

Because it was hot, I always let Dorothea do this. I wonder when I started doing it myself. It must have been when Dorothea started thinking I wasn't a child anymore.

"All we have to do now is wait for them to bake."

"Thank you."

Just standing next to the oven was unbearably hot.

Even though the windows were open, the cool breeze couldn't compete with the oven's heat.

"I've prepared iced tea for you."

"Thank you! I wanted iced tea today."

"That's good to hear. Would you like to have it in the salon?"

"No, I'll have it here."

"As you wish."

A chair was brought to the edge of the counter, and a tall glass and a plate of macarons were placed there. When Dorothea poured the iced tea into the glass filled with ice, the ice cubes collided and made a clear sound.

There was still plenty of iced tea in the large glass pitcher. Dorothea placed it next to the glass and left the kitchen.

She's always busy, taking care of all the household chores in this mansion. I've never seen her look flustered, even though she's always smiling.

I immediately picked up the glass and took a sip of the iced tea.

It was a bit stronger, just as I wanted.

My hot body slowly cooled down.

The cool breeze from the window and the cold iced tea. I thought this kind of leisurely afternoon was nice too.