Chapter 13
1073 Words
Geraldine’s Point of View
Hands on my waist, I admired my work with a bright grin.
“Hmm! Done as perfect!” I said proudly.
I glanced at Sister Cooker, who was practically drooling while staring at the dish.
“Ate, you can taste it,” I offered.
She turned to me with eyes that practically begged, Can I? I nodded, amused, and she slowly gave in with a shy smile.
“Get your plate, Sister.”
She wasted no time, grabbed a plate, and handed it over. I served her a portion, and the moment she took her first bite, her eyes widened as if she had just discovered heaven on earth.
“Wow, it’s delicious!” she exclaimed.
“Really? I’m glad you think so,” I replied, hiding my smirk.
Of course, it was. Cooking wasn’t just a casual skill of mine. It was one of the talents drilled into us during our training as agents. Everything had to be perfect, no mistakes, no flaws. Even food.
“Teach me the ingredients, okay,” Sister begged.
“You already know them. We made this together,” I reminded her.
“Still, teach me.”
An idea flickered in my mind. I leaned closer, smirking mischievously.
“On one condition.”
Her eyes widened. She coughed softly, looking around as if someone might overhear. “What is it?” she whispered.
I leaned in, whispered my ridiculous request, and raised my brows as if daring her to protest.
“Impossible,” she muttered, stunned.
I only grinned and clung to her arm playfully. “I didn’t say you had to believe me. Just forget it then.”
I released her arm, scooped some of the dish onto a plate, and set it aside, making sure no one noticed. I’d piled it high. I planned to devour it later.
“I’ll rest for a bit, Ate.”
“Alright, I’ll handle things here.”
I waved goodbye and skipped away, humming as I went. But just as I rounded a corner—
Bam!
“Ouch! Since when was there a wall in this hallway? Look at that, my poor brain cells, all shaken up.”
A cold voice cut in. “Why don’t we just take your brain cells out so nothing gets disturbed?”
I froze. Slowly, I looked up and saw him. Mike. Standing tall in front of me, frown etched deeply on his face, his expression unreadable.
“O-oh, never mind. My brain cells are fine. Perfectly lined up, no need to worry,” I said quickly, forcing a nervous smile.
His eyes narrowed as he leaned closer. “So what am I now? A wall? Because I think I heard it clearly, in my mansion, someone telling me to watch where I’m going. Did I hear it right, Miss Girlie?”
I swallowed hard and shifted my gaze away. Where was the Mike from earlier, the one who couldn’t stop eating the food I made? Now he was back to being terrifying.
“M-Master, since when did you become a wizard? You weren’t here a second ago. Did you teleport?” I asked, trying to change the topic.
He straightened but never broke eye contact. “Watch where you’re going.”
The words sank deep. I remembered what Manang and Sister Cooker told me earlier. One mistake with Master, and you’ll be thrown out of this mansion.
“M-Master, am I… nominated to be kicked out?” I asked in a trembling voice.
“Why? Do you want to be?”
My eyes widened. I shook my head frantically. “No! Absolutely not!” I shouted before realizing I’d been too loud.
His eyes shut tight, as though I had just ruptured his eardrums. “Minimize your voice.”
“Okay, master,” I whispered quickly. “But don’t worry, I’ll make it up to you with lunch. I promise you’ll love it.”
“Make sure of that.”
With that, he turned and walked away. I couldn’t help but smile and nod eagerly. “Yes, Master. I’ll try my very best.”
He disappeared down the hall, and I sighed in relief until his voice called out again.
“Miss Girlie.”
I froze mid-step. Seriously? What now? I was about to rest!
Forcing a big grin, I spun around. “Yes, Master?”
“Don’t smile like that. You look like a killer.”
My eyes bulged. Another jab. “May I ask, do you need something else, Master?” I muttered, lips pouting.
“Follow me.”
My heart skipped. Was this it? Was this the sign he’d finally make me his personal maid?
I followed him all the way to the back of the mansion, where a small, dusty structure stood. The moment he opened the door, I realized it was an old dirty kitchen, abandoned, cobwebbed, and reeking of neglect.
“What are we doing here, Master?” I asked cautiously.
“Make it good as new,” he ordered flatly.
I blinked. “Ha?”
“It should be spotless before lunch,” he said, raising one brow at me.
My jaw dropped. This wasn’t what I signed up for. I stared at him, desperate.
“Are you tired? Do you want this job, hmm? You’re done cooking for lunch, right? So clean this dirty kitchen, and when I return, it better be spotless.”
I bit my lip, swallowing down my frustration. Then, with forced enthusiasm, I bowed slightly. “I’m not tired, Master. I’m fit as ever. So as you wish, your command is my mission.”
He nodded in approval and turned to leave.
I picked up a broom, tempted to smack it over his head. But when I raised it, his eyes flicked back at me. Startled, I pretended to sweep dust off the ceiling. Bad move, because the moment I touched the beam, a cloud of dust rained down all over me.
“Damn it!” I coughed, covered head to toe.
And of course, of course, he smirked before finally walking away.
I clenched the broom tighter, fuming. “Out of all the people, it just had to be you! If only I hadn’t helped you that day! Your attitude is the worst.”
I glared at the trail he left behind. “You’ll get your day, Mike. You’ll see. Damn it!”
******
LMCD22
- Writer
- chap_listContents
- likeADD