Chapter 51

The talks about contracts, profits, and revenues have finally ended...

The amount was so large that I got scared and cried, and Kiri encouraged me twice. I tried to run away from the negotiations three times and got caught. "How many first-prize lottery wins is this? I don't even know how to use this much money as a commoner. Hahaha."

Still, I didn't know that the procedures would be so complicated. Now I understand how amazing Barry is. He was handling so many troublesome tasks simultaneously—what a genius! Thank you always, Barry. I made sure to let Kiri know that Barry is reliable, just a little bit. I think Kiri's eyes will be a bit gentler when he comes back.

Before I knew it, Jin and the others are scheduled to return today. Well, it's not just a schedule; we've been communicating daily through messenger magic and ear cuffs, so it's certain they'll be back today.

I was scared as Jin's voice grew darker every day.

Every day, I would receive messages like, "5 more days, currently in Ador Street," or "3 more days, currently in Rutas Village." It reminded me of some urban legend.

Barry said, "Thanks to Lady Shina, we made a small fortune," but I wonder what he meant by that.

Today, Kiri is helping the maids. The royal family and guests from other countries are visiting, so the palace is in a frenzy.

Although he was reluctant to leave my guard, he was dragged away by the maids, who looked very determined. If anything happens, I'll let you know through the ear cuff, so don't worry.

Anyway, since Jin and the others are coming back, let's prepare a welcome party!

I put on a cute apron with lace that the maids made and got ready to cook!

When I went to the kitchen, the head chef, Narito, and the other chefs welcomed me. There are a lot of muscular chefs. In Marita Kingdom, are chefs always muscular? Narito is slender, though.

"I've been waiting for you, Lady Shina. What kind of dishes will you teach us today?"

"I'm not going to teach you anything. I'm just making food for Jin's welcome party, okay?"

"Hahaha. Lady Shina is so humble."

Narito laughed heartily. No, it's not about being humble; it's the truth.

By the way, when I asked Jin what he wanted to eat when he came back, he said, "Shina's meat, Shina's salad, Shina's soup, Shina's Zaros (rice), Shina's..." and it went on endlessly. It's scary; when Jin comes back, will I be the one eating?

Anyway, let's go with a general party menu.

I decided to use a whole bird-like something for a roast chicken.

I removed the innards, washed it thoroughly, seasoned it with salt, pepper, and herbs, and stuffed it with seasoned Zaros (rice). In the past, I used to cheat and stuff it with frozen pilaf. I did 20 of them. Is that too many? But the soldiers eat a lot, so Narito said it's better to make more.

This time, there are guests from other countries who make my stomach hurt, but Narito will prepare traditional Marita Kingdom dishes for them. My cooking is for a simple, fun family party.

All I need to do is put it in the oven at the right time. The royal kitchen has five large ovens, after all.

Next, I prepared the roast beef. I marinated it the day before. I took out the chunk of red-flame beef, rubbed it evenly with salt, pepper, and herbs, and let it rest. I asked the other chefs to sear it in a pan and put it in the oven. It takes a long time, so I need to start cooking it now!

When I said I would continue the next day after seasoning it, the chefs let out a voice of despair. They were looking forward to tasting it. Today, they are enthusiastically cooking it for me. Tasting is fine, but no snacking, especially Narito. He eats everything. He's a skinny glutton.

Then I made Jin's favorite stew, fried chicken, and potato salad. I mixed the mayonnaise for the potato salad in a jar. I stirred it above my head. What's wrong with that?

For color, tomatoes and broccoli would make it look more festive. I think these two are essential when a beginner makes party food. Bell peppers also add color easily.

Let's ask the appraisal magic. Tell me, appraisal magic!

There are! The image in my mind showed broccoli-like things growing on trees and tomato-like things floating in water. Broccoli and tomatoes, right? I was surprised by the unfamiliar sight.

I read the explanation from the appraisal magic.

Caluno (Broccoli)

The fruit of the Caluno tree. It tastes and feels like broccoli and is very nutritious.

Ryukuri (Tomato)

It grows in clean water and floats to the surface when it separates from the stem. It must be harvested immediately as it spoils within a day. It tastes and feels like a tomato, can be eaten raw, and is very nutritious.

Wow, that's great.

I immediately asked Narito. He looked very puzzled but told me.

"Caluno and Ryukuri? They're in the garden."

I found the Caluno (Broccoli) right away. Whoa! Broccoli growing on trees! It's a huge shock to see it directly. It has a silhouette like a bonsai pine. It's a surreal scene.

I asked the gardener to harvest it and check its condition. Yes, it's fresh! Great. It grows quickly, so it needs to be pruned every three days to maintain its shape.

Next, I went to look for Ryukuri (Tomatoes). There is a stream in the palace garden. When I peered into the stream, hahaha! There were tomatoes in the water! Near the bottom, about ten tomatoes were swaying in a cluster.

The stream flows very slowly, and this slowness seems to suit the growth of Ryukuri (Tomatoes). They keep growing even after being harvested. Every day, new fruits float up, and if left alone, they rot and pollute the water, so they are scooped up with a net every day. It's a lot of work.

When I asked what they did with the scooped Ryukuri (Tomatoes), they said they were incinerated. Burned Ryukuri (Tomatoes)?! No way! Such a waste! They should be enjoyed by the staff!

Caluno (Broccoli) and Ryukuri (Tomatoes) were not considered food. What a waste. Caluno (Broccoli) was only recognized as an ornamental plant, and Ryukuri (Tomatoes) were avoided because their color resembles blood.

I asked the gardener to stop throwing away Caluno (Broccoli) and Ryukuri (Tomatoes) and bring them to me. He looked puzzled but agreed.

When I returned to the kitchen, Narito was frowning.

"You're going to eat those?"

I smiled slyly.

"When I first cooked Zaros (rice) in Kailot Street, your father said the same thing."

At those words, Narito was startled and looked at the Caluno (Broccoli) and Ryukuri (Tomatoes) with a chef's eye.

I cut the Caluno (Broccoli) from the plant and blanched it quickly. Today, it's just for color, so I sprinkled a little salt.

When I put the raw Ryukuri (Tomato) in my mouth... It was rich and delicious! It was sweet like a fruit!

Maybe because I was making a delicious face, Narito decided to try the Caluno (Broccoli) and Ryukuri (Tomato).

"...It's delicious, and it can be eaten normally."

"See, it's delicious! Now, let's decorate."

I decorated the potato salad with Caluno (Broccoli) and Ryukuri (Tomato). The colors improved dramatically. Caluno (Broccoli) and Ryukuri (Tomato) are always helpful in a pinch.

Since I still had some Ryukuri (Tomatoes) left, I peeled them and made a paste. I added chopped vegetables and a little herbs, then minced meat and cooked it with the Ryukuri (Tomato) paste, seasoning it with salt and pepper. A light meat sauce was ready. I mixed it with pasta... It looks delicious!

As soon as Narito tasted the pasta, he went straight to the pot with a serious face, and the other chefs had to stop him.

Narito was about to eat the whole pot of meat sauce. He had the same look when he ate a whole pot of congee before. I don't think he can eat a whole pot of meat sauce...

"I'm an idiot. I've lived this long without knowing how delicious Ryukuri (Tomatoes) are."

Narito covered his face and slumped in front of the pot.

Is it that good? I see.

"Ryukuri (Tomatoes) are delicious raw or cooked. You can put them in salads or sauces. There are still many recipes to try, so make them, Narito!"

"Yes! Lady Shina, please lead us to the heights of gourmet cuisine!"

I tilted my head at Narito's amazed face.

"I don't think I've reached such heights myself."

I exhaled in satisfaction, looking at the finished dishes.

All that's left is to serve them hot and fresh when Jin and the others return.

"This time, I didn't make anything particularly new, but it turned out pretty well, right!"

"Two new main dishes and you're cooking Caluno (Broccoli) and Ryukuri (Tomatoes)? What are you talking about?"

Narito looked exasperated, and I tilted my head.

"I just seasoned and grilled the meat."

"Using herbs for seasoning is a new technique, and Zaros (rice) is a new ingredient. Stuffing it into the bird... And that Ryukuri (Tomato) pasta. Oh, who would have thought Ryukuri (Tomatoes) could turn into such a sauce?"

The bird-like meat is called Zaros. The fried chicken was also made from this. The rice that absorbed the flavor of the bird is very delicious.

Ryukuri (Tomatoes) are just delicious on their own, so the ingredients are good.

"As long as it's delicious and everyone is happy, that's all that matters."

"Thinking that way, Lady Shina, is amazing. Since it's a new ingredient, of course, I'll report it to His Majesty and Her Majesty!"

Narito is saying something ominous, but I don't care.

This is just a welcome party.

At that moment, cheers could be heard from somewhere.

I instinctively approached the window and saw a flag with a lion on a red background in the distance. It's the flag of the 4th Prince.

The flag of the Crown Prince with a lion on a purple background and a flag I've never seen before, with a golden eagle on a white background, must be from the neighboring kingdom of Naris.

I turned pale.

I remembered that the maids told me to go back to my room as soon as the cooking was done because I needed to get ready.

I left the kitchen to Narito and the others and dashed back to my room.

While running, I naturally smiled.

Jin has returned.