Kays Translations

Chapter 267: The Head Chef’s Approval

The fine teacups clinked as they were placed inside the dishwasher-dryer magic tool. It was only a prototype and therefore not very large, but it should still be sufficient for an ordinary household.

“All the dishes are loaded.”

“Then I only need to pour the liquid detergent in here…”

I poured the dark-blue liquid into the inlet at the top. It flowed smoothly, so clogging should not be a problem. Everything was ready.

“All that remains is to press this button.”

Rosalia looked expectantly at the head chef, clearly hoping he would do the honours. He noticed, nodded and pressed the start button on the side.

Ping-piro-pin! The dishwasher-dryer magic tool began operating. Through its small window, we could see water and foam surging over the dishes.

“Now we simply wait. It should take about twenty minutes.”

“Twenty minutes… Then let us have tea while we wait. I have prepared a new kind of dried fruit.”

“New dried fruit!”

Rosalia, Mira and Lelie's eyes sparkled. Lelie seemed to have become quite fond of dried fruit too. Good.

The head chef's latest batch had a texture remarkably similar to gummy sweets. In fact, it was practically a gummy sweet already. We might be able to sell it as a separate product.

Thinking of sweets reminded me that I ought to make an offering to the spirits. They might enjoy dried fruit. We should offer some before winter truly arrived—but where?

“Head chef, is there a temple or altar dedicated to the spirits anywhere in the Heine Margraviate?”

“Hmm. I have never heard of one.”

He looked around at the gathered cooks, but none of them knew of such a place. Perhaps there was no shrine to the spirits anywhere in the territory—or even in the kingdom. I should ask Sister-in-law Daniela. She might know.

While I considered it, the completion melody—ping-pong-pan-pon—rang out.

“It seems to be finished.”

Rosalia's expression tightened. This was the moment we would learn whether the machine had truly cleaned everything. Her nervousness was understandable. The cooks had already gathered around the dishwasher-dryer magic tool, their faces filled with equal parts hope and anxiety.

“Let us examine them.”

Representing the kitchen staff, the head chef carefully removed each teacup and inspected it for any trace of dirt.

It did not take long to unload everything.

“Every dish is perfectly clean.”

“Ooh!”

The kitchen erupted in cheers. The head chef took great pride in his craft, and everyone knew he would never offer false praise merely to please us. His approval therefore carried tremendous weight—perhaps even more than mine.

“We did it!”

“You did it, Rosalia. Now we can produce a proper dishwasher-dryer magic tool for restaurants and large households.”

“I must tell Mother at once!”

Rosalia hurried from the kitchen with Lelie close behind. Mother would surely scold them for running indoors.

“This magic tool will give us more free time. What shall we do with it?”

“Head chef, please use it to teach us new recipes!”

“Head chef, I have devised a new dish. I would like your opinion!”

The cooks immediately crowded around him. The head chef of House Heine was exceptionally skilled, and his apprentices understood that better than anyone.

“It appears you will not have much free time after all, head chef. I look forward to tasting your new dishes.”

“Indeed. At last, I shall have time to pass on everything I have learned over the years.”

The normally stern head chef smiled with genuine happiness. He and the other cooks must have wanted to share their techniques for a long time but lacked the opportunity. Now they could devote themselves to it. Rosalia had created a truly wonderful magic tool.

After leaving the kitchen, I went directly to find Sister-in-law Daniela. Nero said she was probably taking tea in the garden at this hour. He really did know her habits well.

“Brother Alex, Sister-in-law Daniela, may I disturb you for a moment?”

“Of course. Have you caused some new trouble?”

“What sort of person do you think I am, Brother Alex?”

Sister-in-law Daniela hid a laugh behind her fan as she watched us. I hoped she saw us as close brothers. At present, at least, we truly were.

“Sorry, sorry. What is it?”

“I was wondering whether there is a shrine dedicated to the spirits anywhere nearby. I would like to make an offering in gratitude for their blessings.”

“I see. You are a special existence to the spirits, Julius, so expressing gratitude and reverence is certainly important. But I have never heard of a shrine devoted to them.”

“Neither have I. Spirits are said to dwell throughout nature, so perhaps people have never worshipped them in a particular place.”

Sister-in-law Daniela furrowed her brow. She had probably never considered the question before. Until recently, most people did not truly believe spirits existed. I had been the same; I had thought they were merely superstition.

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