Chapter 24

"Shall we make lunch, Chana?"

"Sure. What shall we have today?"

"Today, I'll try to make the 'Peti' I read about in the library before."

Chana is reading the notes I wrote in my drawings.

"Hmm, you mix mashed potatoes and flour, and wrap the filling, right?"

"I'll fry them in coconut oil. I made the filling last night."

The filling is made of coarsely chopped chicken and assorted vegetables, seasoned with a sweet and spicy flavor, and spiced with herbs and a little chili.

"Since it's for eight people, we need twenty-four pieces, three each, but let's make thirty to be on the safe side. Ethan and Hakim are growing, so they might need more, right?"

"Growing, huh? Alesia, you sound like you're already an adult."

Chana giggles. Her smile is like an angel's, blindingly beautiful. Peti is made by frying the dough made from potatoes, but I forgot what we sprinkle on the surface. I'm in a bind.

"Alesia, why don't we sprinkle some crushed bread on it?"

"I have some bread that's a bit hard, which I was going to use for chicken feed or porridge."

The two of us crushed the bread in a mortar to make a coarse powder and sprinkled it on the outside.

While Chana is frying the Peti, I make Peté. I knead flour with salt and water.

"Excuse me, does this farm produce nectar?"

A voice called from outside the door. Since Chana can't leave the stove, I opened the door with my elbow, my hands covered in dough.

A tall, red-haired young man stood there.

"Yes, who are you?"

"Sorry for the sudden visit. My name is Gil. If this farm produces nectar, I'd like to buy some."

"We do produce nectar, but I'm a bit busy right now. Could you wait a moment?"

I showed my dough-covered hands.

"I'm sorry to bother you during lunch."

"No, I'm the one who should apologize for my appearance."

I offered him a chair at the table and returned to making Peté. I need to finish baking it quickly, or the texture will change. The red-haired young man watches us work with interest, making me a bit uncomfortable.

"Would you like to try some Peti?"

"Peti? Sure, I was thinking it looks delicious."

"Be careful, it's hot."

I placed the freshly fried Peti in front of him, and he picked one up with his fingers, saying "Hot!" as he ate it. I heard a crunch, and when I turned around, he was eating it with his mouth wide open, huffing and puffing.

"Delicious! I've never had this before. Is this a dish called Peti?"

"Yes. I read about it in a library book, and this is my first time making it. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Would you like another one?"

"Well, I can't resist the temptation of Peti. I'll have one more."

Chana and I exchanged smiles and turned to look at the young man, still smiling. He picked up another Peti and smiled at us.

Finally, I finished baking a large amount of Peté.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. I'll go pick the nectar right away. How many do you need?"

"Ten, maybe. Can't I pick them myself?"

"I'm sorry, but we don't allow entry into the farm."

We decided this after a previous incident, following a discussion with my father.

"I see. That's a shame. Um, could I have a glass of water?"

"Oh, right, I'm sorry for not noticing."

I feel a bit nervous about giving him our water. It's so delicious that it might even cure illnesses. But the young man looks healthy, so he probably won't notice the water's effects.

"Wow, this is delicious. What is this? Well water? Spring water?"

"No, it's filtered rainwater."

"Really? It's been raining a lot lately, I guess. The rainwater is surprisingly delicious."

"It might be because we use a lot of charcoal for filtration. I'll go get the nectar now."

I ran to where the nectar was, picked ten of the best-looking ones, and put them in a basket, then ran back. I was worried about leaving Chana alone with a stranger, but it seems I was overthinking it. They were chatting and laughing happily.

"Sorry to keep you waiting!"

"Thank you. How much?"

"Five large copper coins for ten."

"That's cheap."

"Our nectar is also supplied to the fruit stand run by Mr. and Mrs. Ben in the market. Please support them as well."

"Sure, I understand. Thanks. The Peti was delicious."

The red-haired young man politely said goodbye and left. When I saw him off, he was riding a very fine horse. He looked like a commoner, but maybe he's wealthy.

Everyone soon returned, and it was time for lunch. The Peti was a big hit.

"You can even research recipes at the library?"

"If you want to look up anything, just let me know. I'll do the research."

"I want you to find more delicious recipes."

"Leave it to me!"

It was a peaceful, joyful, and happy time. The rain nourishes the crops, the mulberry trees, and the silk Chana weaves, which Isabelle uses. The rain I bring is taking shape and helping people.

Every night, I go to sleep thinking it was good to be born.