The busy kitchen suddenly stopped when the maids brought in trays of seasoned raw monster meat. The sight of unusual cuts raised eyebrows.
"Where is this from?" a sous-chef asked, eyeing a marbled piece that shone faintly.
"It's from young master Javier."
The Chief Cook, a stout gray-haired man, stepped forward and picked up a piece. His eyes widened. "This… is Orc General meat." He lifted another piece and inspected it closely. "This one is King Boar. And this… Drakespine. Do you know how rare this is?"
The team gasped, murmurs spreading.
"Isn't this worth a fortune?"
"Where did he get it?"
"This is my first time seeing cuts like this. I've only read about Drakespine in old recipe books."
"Enough chatter!" the Chief Cook barked, silencing them. He pinched the bridge of his nose. "I'll handle the rarest cuts myself. The rest, get to work! We're serving a feast tonight, and it better be perfect."
"Yes, Chef!" the cooking team replied in unison, quickly getting to work.
The kitchen turned into a whirlwind. Pots clanged, knives chopped, and the air filled with the scent of searing meat, herbs, and bubbling sauces.
A younger cook approached nervously. "Chef, what's the plan for the Drakespine?"
The Chief Cook smirked, a rare look of pride. "Pan-sear it with honey and citrus glaze, finish with a light herb crust. Drakespine is already delicious with just salt and a good sear, but with a perfect glaze and a near-flawless cook, the flavor becomes something else entirely."
Meanwhile, the maids stood at the doorway, exchanging glances.
"Miss Liana really has her hands full with young master Javier."
By the time the sun began to set, the kitchen was filled with a feast fit for royalty. Plates of perfectly cooked meat, accompanied by roasted vegetables, fresh bread, and fragrant sauces. The scent wafted through the estate, drawing curious looks from the maids and workers.
The Chief Cook surveyed the dishes and nodded in satisfaction.
"Perfect. Now." He glanced at the group of maids standing nearby. "Bring the full meal to the main dining room and serve the lord and his family."
"Yes, Head Chef." The maids curtsied and began carefully arranging the dishes onto serving trays.
After a while.
In the Main Dining Room.
Francesca, who had just arrived accompanied by her maids, glanced at the feast on the table. She turned her gaze toward one of her maids.
"Stella?"
"Yes, madam?"
"Since when do we have this expensive meat?"
"I'm not sure, madam. Perhaps we should ask the cooks?"
Francesca tapped her chin and glanced at Stella again. "Get the Chief Cook. I want to know before we eat."
"Yes, madam." Stella curtsied and left.
Francesca took a seat on the right side of the head table, looked over the feast again, and narrowed her eyes.
Stella returned with the Chief Cook. He stood straight, his apron clean, a sheen of sweat on his forehead from the kitchen heat.
"You called for me, madam?"
"Yes. Where did all this come from? I don't remember authorizing such an expensive meal."
The Chief Cook cleared his throat, a nervous smile on his face. "Ah, madam, this is from young master Javier."
Francesca blinked. "Javier? My youngest son provided all this?"
He nodded. "Yes. The young master brought us monster meat earlier today. He asked Miss Liana to ensure it was used for tonight's dinner."
"Monster meat?" Francesca frowned, leaning forward. "What kind?"
"Orc General, King Boar, Drakespine, among others."
Francesca put her hand to her forehead and sighed. "What am I going to do with that boy?"
Stella, standing next to her, whispered in a low voice. "It seems the young master has been clever, madam."
"Clever isn't the word I'd use. Reckless is more like it."
After a moment, Francesca straightened and regained her composure. "Well, we shouldn't waste it. Let everyone in the household enjoy this.'
"Yes, madam." Stella and the Chief Cook bowed, returning to their tasks.
The dining room buzzed with the clink of cutlery and happy chatter.
Garius leaned back, a rare softness on his stern face as he enjoyed another bite of grilled King Boar steak.
"This is excellent." He nodded at the Chief Cook nearby. "You've done a great job."
"Thank you for your kind words, my lord," the Chief Cook replied, keeping his head low.
Marcellus and Cedric were deeply engaged in the meal. Cedric held up a forkful of meat, eyes wide. "I don't know where this came from, but it's the best we've had in weeks!"
Marcellus nodded, more reserved. "Yes, not often we get such high-quality meat."
Garius looked at Francesca, who was unusually quiet during dinner. Her posture was perfect as she cut her meat into precise, delicate pieces, bringing each bite to her lips with measured grace. She chewed slowly, savoring the flavor without a hint of haste.
"It's from our reserves," Francesca said smoothly, her tone calm. "The kitchen staff found some cuts we hadn't used. I thought it would be nice to serve them."
Cedric raised an eyebrow. "Reserves? We've had this in storage all this time?"
"Yes." Francesca's reply came quickly, her gaze steady. "I asked the staff to prepare something special. Is that a problem, Cedric?"
"N-No, Mother." Cedric looked down at his plate.
Garius chuckled, cutting another piece. "Well, it was a good choice. Excellent meal. The kitchen staff, as always, did a perfect job cooking this."
The Chief Cook bowed deeply. "Of course, my lord."
Francesca put down her fork and knife, reached for her wine glass, and took a small sip before giving a subtle glance at the Head Chef.
I already made sure to remind them not to reveal where the meat came from. I don't want them to know about it for now. It would raise too many questions about where he got such rare ingredients. They will know about it, but not now. I believe it's better to let everyone know when Javier is ready.
While the family enjoyed the meal, Francesca's eyes met Liana's, who stood quietly behind Javier's chair, before she glanced at Javier.
Javier caught his mother's eye and offered a bright grin. He savored each bite, his eyes closing briefly in pleasure as he chewed, looking utterly content.
Francesca smiled softly, her heart warming as she watched her youngest son.
Sigh… this youngest son of mine. He might be a handful at times, always causing trouble and sneaking off, but he has a good heart. He provides for the family without being asked, shares his fortune without expecting anything in return.
Well… at least tonight's dinner is peaceful.
Francesca glanced at all her sons, then at her co-wives with their children, before her eyes landed on her husband, who sat at the head of the table.
After all, nights like this, filled with good food and family, were what made every moment worth it.
( End Of Chapter )