The Rise of the Exiled Villainess

Chapter 5: Basket in a Sea of flowers (Part II)

“I didn’t know little Eka could cook… Where did you learn it?” Of course, she would ask.

I need to dumb myself for a bit, “I learned from reading books! I actually learned from the veggie section that spices add more flavor to food. Since potatoes don’t have flavor, why not add more to it?”

The maids were convinced with such a simple logic. It is true that vegetables are often overlooked because not everyone is fond of eating it. However, it would be stupid to say that these things can only be used as a side dish.

Nanny Katalina frowned, although my reasoning was convincing, she is somewhat doubtful, “it’s obvious that potatoes have no taste, but I’m curious as to how Milady knew what spices to use.”

Fuck… I forgot about that…

Wait, we do have a book about that. In the library, there are numerous recipe books that revolve around butters including cooking meat using butter itself. The salt and pepper is just a basic thing to explain… My problem now is the gravy… How in the world am I supposed to reason that one out?!

My lips are fumbling for a bit but I somewhat managed to speak, “Books! And Curiosity!”

“Ohh, our little Eka has a knack for alchemy just like Momma! HAHAHA” Momma is cheerfully accepting every word I say.

Nanny replied with a bit of satisfaction, “Milady is indeed smart for her age, so it can’t be helped that she wants to explore a bit more. However, please be careful not to get into trouble. Your mother blew up one of the magic tower’s facilities for trying out a new potion.”

Momma stiffened upon hearing those words, “Katalina, shhhhh! We don’t do that here!” Momma replied while being embarrassed.

We all enjoyed the mashed potatoes I’ve prepared. Plus, due to popular demand it was added on the list of recipes for tomorrow. Just in time, Daddy arrived with a carriage full of beasts that he hunted along with several Umbral natives.

First thing he did was trace the aroma coming from the kitchen. He caught us enjoying the food while talking about the things that I’ve read in the library. The maids gave daddy a bowl of mashed potatoes the same way I made them and we had a blast trying to talk about food and tomorrow’s list of participants.

It was almost three in the afternoon when we finished tidying up the place in preparation for the meat that just came in. A few of our neighbors came by to help cutting the meat into several parts. Daddy insisted that they also take a portion of the meat to take home since we have enough supplies to even last three days’ worth of stock.

I went back to my room to rest and think about my plans… My birthday is going to be extremely important in the list of things that I need to do right if I want to survive. This is where I would meet one of my prized allies in this life and of course, gain the mark of Heirship of the Bathory house.

The one adversary that I need to be aware of it’s the heroine and of course the crown prince himself… Those two will ironically first meet in my birthday and I supposedly should be the third wheel in their blooming relationship.

Personally, I don’t give a damn if they smooch in front of me! Just get lost and make sure not to come back nor see me ever again. I hate hearing other women brag about their relationships in my previous life to the point that I wanna crawl like a worm and chew my hankie in disappointment… (P.S. I’m punching my pillows to ease stress)

Anywho… There’s no point trying to deflate myself over something that hasn’t happened yet. But, I gotta make sure I’m prepared. My birthday party could either be a walk in the park, or a stroll through hell. 

(To Be Continued)