"Ta-da! Here you go. Its hot mattang." Cecilia serves a big plate of sweet potatoes pieces, which coated in translucent hot brown syrup made by caramelized sugar, to Mary who look so surprised about her employer's cooking ability.
"Wow! How can you make three kinds of dishes made from this fruit, Young Miss? First you plain steamed it, then you baked it and now, you turn it into some candies!"
They are on the back kitchen. The Baron's servants aren't using that kitchen anymore because the building is a bit old. But after Mary clean, tidying it up, and filling it with the cooking utensils, this place is perfect to be her private kitchen. Now, Cecilia can freely use it without any intervention.
"It is sweet potatoes, not that kind of fruit. Try it while it still hot."
Mary nodded and take the fork to eat it. She slowly blows it to cool it down.
The candied sweet potatoes or according to her employer called mattang, tasted like caramel candy and the texture was super crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. It is perfect for light snack before the dinner come!
"I like this better than baked or steamed, Miss. However, I feel ashamed about my cooking knowledge and made you work in the kitchen. Please teach me to be a better cook, Young Miss!"
Cecilia laugh cheery, "It's okay, Mary. Not everyone knows about this. That's why, I want to serve this too for the Baron. So he will know about sweet potatoes existence."
"Yes, you are right! They have to acknowledge your capability to create and making a new invention!"
"It is not my invention, Mary. I was just copying thing from the book I once read before. So, the credit isn't mine."
Mary blinked twice, "Wow! I wonder why do people despised you, Young Miss! You are talented, humble, and kind too."
"Mary, flattery doesn't bring you anywhere, remember that."
"No, Miss. I'm being honest! Please let me, this lowly maid, to always stay and serve you!" Mary bowed deeply in front of Cecilia. Then she remembered the first time she worked at Lancia's household.
Back then, everybody complained about that Cecilia's attitudes. Cold, arrogant, mean, and selfish. One day, the rumor of her behavior spreading. Cecilia destroyed her own mentor's reputation so badly until she can't find another job in this Empire, make everyone afraid just to make eye contract with her.
That's why when Mary assigned as her new maid, everyone cheered her up and give advice to not messing with her.
But, after knowing her better, Mary know that it just a stupid rumor. Cecilia is not bad as they think. It must be a mistake.
"Now, now, Mary. Don't be like that, okay. Please bring these to the knights too. It's not much, but I want they enjoy this." Cecilia said while she gave her a alumunium tray of sweet potatoes dishes and a big jug of cold lemon tea. It must be enough to serve a dozen people.
"Yes, Miss! I will be right back after giving this!"
Cecilia waving to Mary until she disappeared to the exit door.
"You look so busy from this morning, Chili."
Cecilia turned around and smiles when saw the voice's owner. "You come at the right time! Take a bite of this!"
Max took a piece of candied potato sweet and eat it with curious feeling.
"What do you think?"
"Hmm, not bad. Actually, I'm not a fond of sweets. But, this is good. Don't forget to brush your teeth after eat this."
"I know that. Do you think I'm a child?" Cecilia said while she open the cupboard on the kitchen and give a jar to him. "Chili pickled. Wait for a week before you eat it."
Max took it in awe, "I don't know that you can make pickles from chilies."
"Now you know. It was made from green chili, vinegar, salt and soy sauce. Put it on the closed lid jar and done. It is still spicy, but you got an additional taste like salty, sour and bit sweet. Isn't it amazing?"
"You look so enthusiast when talking about food. Good thing that Baron lend you this kitchen."
Cecilia shook her head, "It is not just a kitchen for me. It is my own laboratory!"
"Yeah, yeah. Oh, I remember about your father departure to Cadia's kingdom. I heard he wants to negotiate something about the pandemic that spreading in that kingdom. That's a brave move, I think. To walk straight to pandemic sources."
"It is not contagius. Everything will be fine."
Max crossed his arms, "Don't tell me you are behind of this?"
"You are exaggerating. My father told me everything about his conquest plan."
"Hmm, is that so? Well, I'm just feeling bad to the Emperor. That bloodthirsty tyrant's must be itching because he didn't see any bloody war."
Cecilia's purple eyes widen, "Hey! Watch out with you word, Max! As long as I heard, the Emperor isn't like that!"
"Does your father said it to you?" Max rolled his eyes. "Or you just making it by yourselves, since I know that Duke Lancia hates the Emperor."
Cecilia tilted her head and try to remember the face of His Imperial Majesty. But, she found nothing.
Cecilia never met him, but she is so certain about his kindness.
"Ah, forget it. My stomach got sick if talking about that old geezer."
"Hey! Don't be so imprudent! What if someone heard you?"
"Then, let them heard. I'm glad you gave up on that stupid election. You know, the crown princess is already chosen from the beginning. But, that emperor just want to play around, so the nobles can give him so many gift as a bribe… hmm, I mean, as a proof of loyalty."
Cecilia cleaned the table and put the dirty plates to an empty wooden bucket, "I don't think we can talk about this matter."
"Why?" Max walked approaching her and help her to wash it, "You didn't want to know about the chosen one?"
"I have no interest of that topic."
Max sneered,"It is Aileen Silver. The same women who burn your hand in her stupid tea party."