Chapter 76

Chapter 76

Translator: Yonnee

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Everything must have been Blanc’s first time. Staying with someone for a long period, talking to someone else, living together and bonding together.

Through the time he had spent with me, Blanc might have realized just how lonely he was before.

Exactly like me, when I had been alone.

After my parents died, I still couldn’t forget the emptiness that was digging so deep into me. I realized just how precious the time I had with other people, and it was all the more painful when I lost them.

Blanc seemed to be happy with me now, but was that really a good thing?

I promised to spend the rest of the year with Blanc. Getting closer to him like this and letting this child know how to feel more emotions… After this, will I really be able to let him go?

Even now, I was already sympathizing with him so much.

Blanc whined softly.

“I want to eat something yummyyy…”

When feeling depressed, it was natural to crave food. It was the same for me, too.

“I’ll whip something up for you right away.”

I nodded quickly.

Here’s one more reason why I should make this sujebi delicious.

But it’s a little difficult to cook when Blanc was in my arms.

Just in time, Schubert came back to the kitchen. His previously beet red face turned back to his original complexion.

Great! Perfect timing! I walked up to Schubert with Blanc.

“I have to cook now, Baron, but I can’t keep Blanc with me. I’m really sorry to impose, but would it be alright if I entrust Blanc with you for just a little while?”

“…Me?”

“He likes being in your arms. You played with him a bit earlier, but if you help me again this time, I won’t forget your kindness.”

I spoke sincerely and slowly held out Blanc towards Schubert, who then cradled the baby dragon in his arms. At first, he was holding him awkwardly, but he soon hugged Blanc comfortably not even a few seconds later.

I heard that there’s no such thing as a bad animal lover. I looked at Schubert again.

“Then, I’ll get started!”

After washing my hands again, I took out a deep bowl and poured some flour into it. Pouring water into the bowl as well, I started kneading the dough hard.

I could feel the gaze on me while I was punching the dough. I looked up and met Schubert’s eyes as he was staring blankly at me.

Observing my actions with a bit of curiosity, Blanc also looked up in the baron’s tight embrace. Then, Schubert asked an earnest question.

“Is that really for His Highness? That lump of flour?”

“I’m not done cooking it yet. There’s also some seafood to prepare.”

“This isn’t part of a hex, is it? I’ve read in some old books that there’s a way to curse someone though handmade dolls.”

Um. Cursed dolls and dough are kinda different.

“I’ve never heard of anything like cursing someone through food. How could you say such a cruel thing…!”

I widened my eyes and shook my head. It was a bonus effect to show a bit of shuddering. It’s better to get rid of this misunderstanding first.

“Baron. Would it be possible if you reserve such imaginations after I’ve finished cooking? I’m afraid that my loyalty for His Highness is being distorted by you.”

“Loyalty…”

“I’m the one who makes His Highness’ favorite food, so please trust me even for just a moment. If you don’t trust me, then it means you don’t trust the Prince.”

Schubert’s tainted impression of me was worse than I thought, so I poked at his loyalty towards Albert instead. Maybe this was a good method, since Schubert became quiet and instead turned to Blanc.

Finally, silence ensued in the kitchen. I was absorbed in forming the dough.

It would be nice to let it sit more, but there’s no time for that right now. I placed the lump of dough back into the bowl, washed my hands and immediately started making the broth.

I couldn’t find any anchovies, so I decided to look for more vegetables. I added scallions, onions, garlic and some peppers to season into the pot and left it boiling over high heat. Then, I started prepping the seafood.

The pile of seafood available to me was pleasing to the eye.

A while ago, I followed the chef into the pantry and saw all the fresh ingredients being kept there. They were all so fresh that you’d think they’d just been plucked out of a beach a few minutes ago.

Liam seemed to be really serious about seafood.

I might incur Liam’s ire if I cook this recklessly, but I did hear that it’s not a big deal since the pantry was refilled almost every day.

I picked out some huge shrimp, squid and an octopus. There were some mussels, too, so I took some big ones! I never thought I’d be so elated just choosing ingredients to cook.

After washing all the seafood under running water, I stretched my neck for a bit. It felt stiff because of the way I was bowing down to make sure that the mussels were washed thoroughly.

Next, I removed the heads of the shrimp and I peeled off their skin. I got the hang of it as I did it more, so towards the end, my hands got fast. Then, after I finished preparing the shrimp, squid and octopus, I finally rose from my seat.

“Uugh…”

A pleasant scent permeated the air. I’m almost done cooking.