Kays Translations

Chapter 311: Gifts for the Chefs

At this time of day, the kitchen was probably bustling with dinner preparations. It felt a little awkward to intrude, but if I was going to distribute the basic stamina-recovery potions, now was the time. After dinner, I might not get another chance because Father was expected to summon me soon.

"I could carry this by myself…"

"Don’t worry about it."

Nero and I shared the load, carrying the box of stamina-recovery potions between us. House Heine’s territorial knights had heard what they were for and supplied slightly more than usual. Since the knights and cooks both served House Heine, there was probably a strong sense of camaraderie between them. That was a good thing.

"You called for me, Lord Julius. Is something the matter?"

The head chef came out as soon as we arrived, allowing the other cooks to remain in the kitchen and focus on their work.

"I’m sorry to call you out when you’re so busy. These are a small gift for everyone—basic stamina-recovery potions. Please have one when you get a chance to catch your breath."

"It is no trouble at all. If Lord Julius calls, I will come immediately. I’ve heard rumours about these potions from the knights. So these are the ones everyone has been talking about."

The head chef picked up one of the bottles of red liquid and examined it closely. The potion seemed to have become a popular topic throughout House Heine. Perhaps the knights wanted to do something kind for the cooks who prepared their meals every day.

"The knights supplied a little more than usual, so please use them without hesitation."

"Thank you for your thoughtfulness. I will make sure to thank the knights later."

The head chef smiled warmly. The cooks called him the ‘Demon Chef’, but none of that severity showed when he spoke to me. Oh, I nearly forgot.

"Chef, thank you for the dried fruit. The Snow Spirit seemed to like it too. The bags vanished in a flash of light, so the Snow Spirit is probably enjoying it by now."

"That is wonderful to hear. We’re glad our efforts paid off. It truly is an excellent product. I’ve heard that the Marchioness is very fond of it as well."

Mother seemed to have become quite taken with the dried fruit. She was probably praising it to the other noble ladies. Once the production system was ready and it went on sale, it might fly off the shelves among the nobility. In that case, we could probably charge a slightly higher price. It should be profitable.

"I shouldn’t keep you any longer. I’m looking forward to dinner."

"Yes, leave it to me."

The head chef answered in a strong, confident voice. Perhaps he was preparing new dishes. Now I was looking forward to dinner even more.

After handing the basic stamina-recovery potions to the head chef, I returned to the workshop. Next, I needed to make the improved magic-stone hand warmer.

"Hmm? Rosalia, what are you working on?"

"It’s a magic-stone hand warmer. Father asked me to make one."

"I see."

News of the magic-stone hand warmer seemed to be spreading throughout the mansion. Would I receive the next order, or would Rosalia? She looked enthusiastic, so this was a welcome development.

"Rosalia, teach me how to make it, too."

"Of course. Well, this is the blueprint…"

I learned how to make the improved version from Rosalia, who smiled broadly throughout the lesson. The magic-stone hand warmer I made had a switch on top that turned it on and off.

That was not all—it could also be adjusted between two heat settings.

"Nice job, Rosalia. This temperature adjustment feature is really great."

"Hehe."

I patted Rosalia on the head in praise. Mira thrust their head forward too, so I patted them as well. The design needed no changes from me. I would negotiate with Brother Alex to have the ‘Rosalia Model’ magic-stone hand warmer sold through the Heine Trading Company.

The magic-stone hand warmer for Lady Fabienne was complete. Its basic structure was the same as Rosalia’s model, but I engraved patterns into the metal surface. The cloth covering would hide them, so this was mostly a matter of personal satisfaction, though it did make the item feel more luxurious.

The design consisted of creeping vines and small birds. It was subtle enough not to be obtrusive.

"That's such a cute pattern… I wonder if I should add it too."

"Maybe it would be better not to put that pattern on Father’s magic-stone hand warmer."

"That's true."

Rosalia agreed, albeit reluctantly. A cute design on Father’s hand warmer might produce some awkward reactions from the people around him. Father would probably boast about it without caring, but I was glad I had stopped her.

Adding decorative designs might be a good way to give each model its own identity and strengthen the brand. I would have to discuss that with Brother Alex.

While I was thinking about that, word arrived that dinner was ready. I stopped working and headed to the dining room. Lady Fabienne’s gift was complete; all that remained was to pack it neatly in a box.

"After dinner, I might be called by Father. I'm feeling a bit anxious about it."

"I don't think you'll be scolded since you haven't done anything wrong."

"That's true, but I'm worried about how they'll react to the use of magic. I didn't expect the snow to melt over such a large area."

"If anything is said, it will likely be about that. The effects of your magic are quite remarkable, Lord Julius."

Nero smiled wryly. From his perspective, I probably appeared to be using extraordinary magic. It was manageable while only the family knew, but if outsiders had witnessed it, keeping the matter quiet would be difficult and the commotion could become enormous. I needed to be careful.

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