Aunt’s Family
“Well, let’s start preparing. First, let’s check the inventory.”
I checked the fridge and pantry to decide what to cook.
“Alright! Karaage, jagato salad, vegetable omelet, tamaon gratin soup. For dessert, sherbet!”
“Onion gratin soup?”
“Sherbet?”
“The onion gratin soup is made by frying tamaons, adding soup, topping it with bread and cheese, then baking it. Sherbet is frozen juice. Oh, and the karaage will be salt-flavored and garnikku-salt-flavored!”
“””Got it!”””
“Mr. Abe, you’ll handle the karaage. Arthur, you’ll take care of the salad and omelet. Master, you’ll do the soup and dessert. Please and thank you.”
“””Understood.”””
“Oh, Mr. Abe, let’s use this too for a taste comparison.”
I took some Rufu bird meat out of storage and handed it to him.
“Missy, did you swipe this from the dormitory?”
“Don’t say such misleading things! I asked and received it properly. Oh, Master, slice the tamaons thinly and sauté them in butter until they turn brown. Don’t let them burn.”
“Got it!”
“Then I’ll start making the sherbet.”
I poured Mirange juice into a tray and placed it in the freezer.
“Huh? Miss Joan, is that all?”
Ben asked as he watched.
“Yep, once it’s semi-frozen, you just stir it and freeze it again, repeating the process. Easy, right?”
“Way too easy. Can you really call that sherbet?”
“You’ll see. Oh, the tamaons look good now. Okay, heave-ho… let’s add this.”
I pulled out a stockpot containing chicken broth I had made earlier and forgotten about, adding it to the sautéed onions.
“That was quite a granny grunt.”
“Quiet, you. (I may have a child’s body, but I’m still an old lady.)”
Ignoring Master’s comments, I seasoned the soup with salt and pepper.
“Alright, it’s done. Here, try it.”
I handed Ben a small bowl.
“This is amazing.”
“Right? Mr. Abe, Arthur, want a taste?”
“Yes, please.”
I handed them small bowls as well.
“This is delicious!”
“Unbelievable. This was from those bird scraps?”
“They’re not scraps! Poultry bones make excellent broth.”
“We’ve been wasting such good stuff… What a shame.”
“Well, now you know. Don’t throw them away next time—it’s economical too.”
“You’re right, Missy. Let us know if there’s anything else we’re wasting that can be useful.”
“Sure, I’ll let you know when I notice anything.”
＊＊＊＊＊
After finishing the preparations, I returned to my room and changed.
“Sarah, how’s Anny doing?”
“Yes, the doctor examined her, and it seems to be just a cold. She’s taken a fever reducer, so her temperature should go down by tomorrow.”
“That’s good to hear. Thank you.”
ーーーReception Room
“Sorry we’re late. Both Gil and I were swamped with work…”
Finally, my aunt’s family arrived.
“No worries. Gilbert, it’s been a while. You look as busy as ever.”
“It has been a while, Brother-in-law. Well, it is the year-end season. Let’s take our time catching up today.”
Father and Uncle seemed happy to see each other after a long time.
“You must be Joan, right? It’s been so long since I visited after your birth. I’m Juliette, Stanley’s sister, and your aunt.”
—
[Juliette Longest]
Countess of Longest, Stanley’s sister.
Former Vice Captain of the Magic Corps. Currently a professor at the Graduate Academy.
Attribute
Water
—
“And I’m Gilbert Longest, Juliette’s husband and your uncle. Pleased to meet you.”
—
[Gilbert Longest]
Head of the Longest family, Juliette’s husband.
A civil officer at the royal palace.
Attribute
Earth
—
“And these are… Come on, introduce yourselves.”
“I’m the eldest son, Arandolph. I’m 15 years old. I should’ve visited sooner to meet such a cute princess. Joan, call me Aran, okay?”
—
[Arandolph Longest]
Eldest son of the Longest family, 15 years old.
Royal Academy, Knight Department.
Attribute
Water
—
“I’m the second son, Vince Longest. I’m, uh, 9 years old. You can call me Vee. Since I’m older, I’ll help you out if you need it—ouch!”
Arandolph smacked him on the head.
—
[Vince Longest]
Second son of the Longest family, 9 years old.
Attribute
Lightning
—
“Nice to meet you. I’m Joan Lampail, the eldest daughter of the Lampail family, 5 years old. I’m delighted to meet you all. Aran, Vee, please take care of me.”
I curtsied gracefully as I introduced myself.
“Girls really are the cutest.”
Aunt Juliette said, stroking my head.
“I wish I had a cute little sister like Joan instead of my brother. Hey, Noel, Gene, how about we—”
“”Not a chance!””
Before he could finish, Brother Noel and Brother Gene shouted, holding me protectively from both sides.
“Fine, how about she becomes my sister instead—”
Vee started to say, but—
““Not happening!””
[Ahahaha~~~]Everyone burst into laughter at their exchange.
“Now, now, shall we have dinner first?”
Mother suggested, and everyone headed to the dining room.
As I was about to follow, Brother Noel scooped me up, and Brother Gene stayed close as if guarding me. Sighing softly at their overprotectiveness, I noticed Aran and Vee smiling wryly at the sight.
Ah, they’re just too overprotective. Aran seems like a gentleman on the surface but might be a bit of a flirt. Vee has a bossy streak but seems kind-hearted deep down.
Still, Brother Noel, Brother Gene, Aran, Vee… the boys here are ridiculously handsome. Even my personal guard is full of attractive men. Is this otherworldly realm just packed with good-looking people?
Wow~ what a feast for the eyes~
What do you think about this chapter?
