Test (2)
"Here are the dried fruits."
I arranged small portions of the grapes, oranges, blueberries, and bananas on a plate.
"So, these are dried fruits…? Just dried fruits? Isn’t that a mistake?"
"Can you even eat dried-up fruits?"
Neither Father nor Brother Gene seems convinced.
"Yes, of course, it’s not a mistake, and yes, they’re edible."
"Joan, what’s the point of drying fruit?"
Ah, good question, Mother.
"Well, by drying fresh fruit, the flavors and nutrients are concentrated, and they can be preserved for a long time. Depending on the type of fruit, it can also help prevent wrinkles, aging, and even be suitable for diets—"
"What? Wrinkles? Anti-aging? Diet-friendly?"
Wow, Mother practically lunged at the plate, her eyes glued to the dried fruits.
"Y-yes. For instance, brapes promote healthy skin, milanges help with fatigue recovery, pluberries reduce eye strain, and nababas are good for relieving constipation."
"”Fatigue recovery..." “
Father and Gray seem particularly interested in that part.
"Healthy skin!?"
Mother, you already look young enough, though...
"With this, my eye strain might improve. Maybe I can even ditch my glasses."
Brother Noel, you’re such a bookworm. But sadly, it only helps with fatigue; it won’t restore your eyesight.
"Constipation relief..."
Brother Gene, just like ulcers, that’s because of your lack of vegetables.
"Now, please try them."
*Chew, chew.* "”””!!!"”””
"This is delicious. Even though it’s dried, it’s perfectly moist and has a more concentrated flavor than when fresh."
"Healthy skin, healthy skin, healthy skin..."
Mother, you’re scaring me.
"I can eat these while reading books."
"Yum! The nababa is so crispy and tasty!!"
Does this mean I’ve passed?
"Phew. Joan, this is excellent. The cookies offered a variety of flavors, and the dried fruits are great as both snacks and accompaniments for drinks."
"Joan, you worked so hard to make all this. Every dried fruit was delicious."
"It was amazing, Jo. Not only is it handmade by my beloved little sister, but it’s also incredibly tasty. I’m so lucky."
Brother Noel, shouldn’t you be saying that to your girlfriend?
"Really, it was so good. Jo, can you make more cookies for tomorrow before I head to the academy? Oh, and I’d love some dried nababas, but… that’s probably impossible."
Brother Gene, just eat your vegetables.
He really shares Ruta’s (grandson) dislike for vegetables.
"Gene, of course, it’s impossible. The sun’s already setting, and there’s no way she can dry them that quickly."
Oh, right, I didn’t mention using my skill.
"Actually, um… I didn’t sun-dry these. I used my skill."
"WHAT~~~~!?"
"What do you mean, Joan?"
"How did you do it? How is that even possible?"
Brother Noel’s intensity is overwhelming.
"Ah, then I’ll show you. Please wait a moment."
I fetched a bunch of grapes from the pantry.
"Dry.… and it’s done."
"An extraordinary skill..."
Father has gone into full "Gendo pose" mode.
"Amazing, Joan! My sister is the best!!!"
Brother Noel, there’s no need to shout and stand up like that...
"So, Jo, can I have those dried nababas after all?"
"Yes, I’ll have them ready by tomorrow."
With both the cookies and dried fruits receiving rave reviews, our afternoon tea ended successfully. Father also gave me official permission to continue cooking.
Afterward, I mass-produced dried fruits for the family and the servants who had caught wind of the treats.
Little did anyone know, the dried fruits I made would lead to something much bigger down the line…
What do you think about this chapter?
