The busy kitchen paused when Armand household maids brought in trays of seasoned raw monster meat. The slabs were thick, marbled with delicate veins of fat that shimmered under the magical glow of the stove lights.
A sous-chef noticed the beautiful meat slabs, wiped his hands on his apron, and stepped closer. "Where did this meat come from?"
The maid who brought the meat smiled, glancing at the slabs with a hint of pride. "It's from young master Javier."
"Oh." The sous-chef nodded, his eyes lingering on the marbling.
The Head Chef calmly walked over, his gaze sweeping across the trays. He picked up one of the slabs, turning it over in his hands. His eyes widened slightly before he nodded. "This is high quality Orc General meat. And that one," he gestured to another tray, "that's King Boar. I wonder where our young master got this from. This slab alone is worth quite a fortune."
Then his eyes fixed on one glowing, marbled piece. He muttered in awe, "Dr... Drakespine..."
The sous-chef's eyes widened as he stared at the beautiful slab. The other chefs lowered the flames on their magic stoves, the fire crystals dimming as everyone turned to look.
"Drakespine? I thought that was gone from the northern forest years ago."
"Yeah. I've only read about Drakespine in old recipe books."
The Head Chef pinched the bridge of his nose before letting out a weary exhale. "I'll handle the rarest cuts myself. The rest, get to work! We're serving a feast tonight, and it better be perfect for Lord Garius and his family!"
"Yes, Head Chef!!"
The kitchen roared back to life. Knives flashed. Fires surged. The air thickened with smoke, rendered fat, and the sharp, green bite of fresh herbs hitting hot oil.
A younger cook approached the Head Chef as the old man tied his apron strings with quick, practiced tugs.
"Head Chef?"
"Hmm? What is it?"
"How are you planning to prepare the Drakespine?"
The Head Chef smirked, sharpening his knife with confident strokes. "Pan-sear it with honey and citrus glaze, finish with a light herb crust. Drakespine is already delicious with just salt and a good sear, but with a perfect glaze and a near flawless cook, the flavor becomes something else entirely." He paused, glancing at the glowing slab. "Ah. Since young master brought a large slab of this rarest meat, I might as well enjoy a little taste."
"Wow... Can I..." The younger cook bit his finger, eyes fixed on the meat as the Head Chef heated a large copper pan on the magic stove. "Can I have a taste too?"
"Hah!" The Head Chef grinned, wiggling his eyebrows. "Can't. This is for the lord and his family. And I can only taste a little myself, just enough to make sure the meat is perfect."
The maids standing at the doorway exchanged glances.
"Miss Liana really has her hands full with young master Javier."
The other stifled a laugh and pulled her back into the hallway.
By the time the sun began to set, the kitchen was filled with a feast fit for royalty. Golden crusted roasts glistened with herb butter. Delicate slices of pan-seared Drakespine rested on beds of citrus glaze, the honeyed edges caramelized to perfection. King Boar steaks sat beside mounds of roasted vegetables, their juices pooling in rich, savory sauces. The air was thick with the scent of seared meat, fresh bread, and fragrant spices.
The Head Chef walked the line, hands clasped behind his back, inspecting every plate. He paused at the Drakespine, leaned in, and inhaled deeply. A satisfied smirk spread across his face as he pressed two fingers to his lips and kissed them, gesturing toward the dish like a master artist admiring his finest work.
"Perfect." He glanced at the group of maids standing nearby. "Bring the full meal to the main dining room and serve the lord and his family."
The maids curtsied in unison. "Yes, Head Chef."
Meanwhile.
In the main dining room.
Francesca entered with her personal maids trailing behind her. She took two steps past the doorway and stopped.
Her eyes swept the table. Maids were busy arranging the feast on the long, polished surface, platters of roasted meats, bowls of glistening vegetables, and sauces in silver tureens. She turned to the maid who accompanied her.
"Stella?"
"Yes, my lady?"
"Since when do we have this expensive meat? I never recall approving a budget for such purchases, nor do I remember ordering anything of this caliber."
Stella clasped both hands in front of her apron and bowed slightly. "I am not certain, my lady. Perhaps it would be best to call the Head Chef and ask."
Francesca tapped her chin, her gaze lingering on a platter of perfectly seared steaks. "Get the Head Chef. I want to know before we eat."
"Yes, my lady."
Stella curtsied and slipped out.
Francesca took her seat at the right side of the head table. She smoothed her skirts, folded her hands, and studied the feast with narrowed eyes.
The Head Chef arrived moments later, his apron clean, a sheen of sweat still glistening on his forehead. He stood straight, hands clasped behind his back, head bowed slightly.
"You called for me, my lady?"
"Yes. Where did all this come from? I don't recall authorizing such an expensive meal."
"My lady… the meat was provided earlier today by Young Master Javier. He entrusted the cuts to Miss Liana with instructions that they be prepared for tonight's dinner."
Francesca blinked. "Javier? My youngest son provided all this?"
He nodded. "Yes. Young Master Javier asked Miss Liana to ensure it was used for tonight's dinner."
"Monster meat?" Francesca frowned, leaning forward. "What kind?"
"Orc General, King Boar, Drakespine, among others."
Francesca pressed her fingers to her forehead and exhaled slowly.
"What am I going to do with that boy?"
Stella, standing at her side, leaned in and murmured, "It seems the young master has been quite resourceful, my lady."
"Clever isn't the word I'd use. Reckless is more like it."
She straightened, smoothing her expression back into calm composure.
"Well. We shouldn't waste it. Let everyone in the household enjoy this tonight."
"Yes, my lady."
Stella and the Head Chef bowed and withdrew.
That night.
The dining room filled with the clink of cutlery and the low murmur of conversation.
Garius leaned back in his chair, a rare softness softening the hard lines of his face as he chewed a piece of grilled King Boar steak. He closed his eyes briefly, savoring it.
"This is excellent." He nodded at the Head Chef nearby. "You've done a great job."
"Thank you for your kind words, my lord," the Head Chef replied, keeping his head low.
Marcellus and Cedric were deeply engaged in the meal. Cedric held up a forkful of meat, eyes wide. "I don't know where this came from, but it's the best we've had in weeks!"
Marcellus nodded, more reserved. "Yes, not often we get such high quality meat."
Garius looked at Francesca, who was unusually quiet during dinner. Her posture was perfect as she cut her meat into precise, delicate pieces, bringing each bite to her lips with measured grace. She chewed slowly, savoring the flavor without a hint of haste.
"It's from our reserves," Francesca said smoothly, her tone calm. "The kitchen staff found some cuts we hadn't used. I thought it would be nice to serve them."
Cedric raised an eyebrow. "Reserves? We've had this in storage all this time?"
"Yes." Francesca's reply came quickly, her gaze steady. "I asked the staff to prepare something special. Is that a problem, Cedric?"
"N-No, Mother." Cedric looked down at his plate.
Garius chuckled, cutting another piece. "Well, it was a good choice. Excellent meal. The kitchen staff, as always, did a perfect job cooking this."
The Head Chef bowed deeply. "Of course, my lord."
Francesca put down her fork and knife, reached for her wine glass, and took a small sip before giving a subtle glance at the Head Chef.
I already made sure to remind them not to reveal where the meat came from. I don't want them to know about it for now. It would raise too many questions about where he got such rare ingredients. They will know about it, but not now. I believe it's better to let everyone know when Javier is ready.
While the family enjoyed the meal, Francesca's eyes met Liana's, who stood quietly behind Javier's chair, before she glanced at Javier.
Javier caught his mother's eye and offered a bright grin. He savored each bite, his eyes closing briefly in pleasure as he chewed, looking utterly content.
Francesca smiled softly, her heart warming as she watched her youngest son.
Sigh… this youngest son of mine. He might be a handful at times, always causing trouble and sneaking off, but he has a good heart. He provides for the family without being asked, shares his fortune without expecting anything in return.
Well… at least tonight's dinner is peaceful.
Francesca glanced at all her sons, then at her co-wives with their children, before her eyes landed on her husband, who sat at the head of the table.
After all, nights like this, filled with good food and family, were what made every moment worth it.
( End Of Chapter )