AT THE SAME TIME
ISABELLA
I set the basket of ingredients on the counter, letting the morning sunlight highlight the sheen on the fresh chicken breasts. Rice sat patiently in its sack, waiting to swell into warm, tender grains. I tied my apron tighter, rolling up my sleeves.
"Alright… today, something hearty. Simple, but satisfying. Chicken cutlets… rice… a meal that fills the belly and steadies the soul." I murmured, reaching for the chicken.
I rinsed the breasts carefully, patting them dry with a cloth.
"Moisture is the enemy of a crisp cutlet." I muttered to myself, placing them on the board.
I sprinkled a pinch of salt over the surface, tapping in just enough to draw out flavour without overpowering. Next came the breading: flour first, then egg wash, and finally, a coating of breadcrumbs I had lightly enchanted. Not enough to scream magic, just enough to whisper courage into whoever bit into it. I tapped each piece gently, feeling the energy pulse faintly through my fingers.
"Proteins give strength. Not just for muscles… but for spirit." I whispered, arranging the cutlets carefully on a plate.
I heated oil in the pan, listening to the sizzle as it kissed the surface. The aroma hit me, rich and promising. I laid the first cutlet down, letting it brown slowly. Each turn was deliberate, a rhythm of care and precision.
"Golden, crisp, but tender inside. Every edge matters… every bite counts." I murmured, almost to the cutlets themselves.
While the chicken cooked, I moved to the rice. Rinsing it until the water ran clear, I set it to soak, then placed it over gentle heat. A pinch of salt, a whisper of divine energy, and a lid to hold the steam. I let it breathe, allowing the grains to swell evenly, plump and ready to cradle the cutlets. I flipped the chicken again, the pan releasing a soft hiss of heat and oil.
"Patience… careful… respect the ingredients." I murmured.
A faint pulse of magic lingered in the air, warming the room, subtly weaving stamina and courage into the aroma. Once golden and crisp, I lifted the cutlets from the pan, letting them rest on a small rack. Juices settled, flavor deepened, and the faint magical hum still lingerer enough that the first adventurer to bite would feel more than just satisfaction. I plated the rice, fluffy and fragrant, then set the cutlets atop it, garnishing with finely chopped herbs and a small drizzle of lightly spiced sauce I'd prepared.
The final touch: a whisper of blessing, just enough to let anyone who ate this meal find courage, energy, and a warmth that lingered longer than taste alone. Stepping back, I surveyed the plate. Simple. Honest. Powerful in its quiet way.
"Alright… now… let's see who's hungry enough to appreciate this." I murmured, rolling up my sleeves again and wiping my hands.
The bell above the door jingled, and I looked up to see a group of three adventurers stepping inside, armor scuffed, boots dusty, and expressions ranging from tired to hungry.
"Morning." one of them greeted, a tall swordsman with a crooked scar across his cheek. "You're open already?"
I nodded, gesturing toward the tables.
"Yes. Stew and chicken cutlets today. Sit wherever you like."I said.
The second, a short rogue with a hood down over her messy hair, plopped onto a chair near the window. "Chicken cutlets? That's… actually perfect. I didn't expect anything this early."He said.
The third, a mage with a long staff, frowned slightly.
"Stew too?"He asked.
"Both." I said, sliding a plate of steaming rice and cutlets toward them. "And fresh stew, simmered all morning. Take your pick… or both."
The swordsman raised an eyebrow.
"Both, huh? Well, can't complain about that. Been a rough run through the dungeon. My stomach's earned it."Swordman smirked.
I poured them each a small cup of water, setting it beside the plates.
"Eat slowly. Enjoy it."I said.
The rogue dug in first, biting into a cutlet. Her eyes widened slightly, and a small, impressed whistle escaped her.
"Wow… that's… really good. Crispy, juicy… like it's got magic in it or something."He said.
I shrugged, smiling faintly.
"Nothing fancy. Just cooked with care."I said.
The mage spooned some stew into her bowl, sniffing the aroma first.
"It smells… comforting. Really good." She took a sip and blinked, tasting the flavor. "Oh… that's… really good. Like… full of energy."
The swordsman laughed, stabbing a piece of chicken with his fork.
"Energy? I'll take all the energy you've got. This is perfect… seriously. I feel like I could run another dungeon today."Swordman said.
The rogue grinned between bites.
"I didn't think a meal could actually make me feel… stronger. But wow… it does."He said.
I busied myself plating another batch of cutlets for the next arriving guests, glancing over at them occasionally.
"Glad it's working." I murmured.
Another bell chime brought in two more adventurers, a pair of twins from a nearby guild. They glanced around nervously, like they weren't sure they'd be welcome.
"Uh… can we get… one stew and two chicken cutlets, please?" One of them asked.
"Of course." I said, sliding the plates toward them. "Take your time."
They sat together, forks clinking against plates, tasting carefully at first. Then the older twin, who looked a little worn from dungeon work, let out a satisfied sigh. "
"Man… this is… amazing. We should've come here yesterday."He said.
The younger twin nodded eagerly.
"Seriously. The cutlets are perfect… the stew too. I feel… alive again."He added.
The first twins exchanged a glance, grinning.
"We're coming back tomorrow." The older one said, voice full of conviction.
By midday, the tavern was full, adventurers chatting across tables about their runs, trading tips, and comparing how the stew or cutlets made them feel.
"You did this all yourself?" One young fighter asked, cheeks stuffed with chicken. "No helpers?"
I shook my head.
"Just me. Simple meals. Careful cooking. A little… encouragement in the seasoning."I explained.
The fighter blinked.
"Encouragement, huh? Well… it works. I feel like I could fight a whole squad of goblins and still have energy left over."He said.
They laughed, clinking their mugs together, swapping bites of stew and cutlets, sharing smiles and stories. The chatter was lively but relaxed, a tavern full of adventurers finding a small moment of peace in the chaos of Orario. I moved between tables, refilling water, serving fresh cutlets, and ladling more stew. By late afternoon, most of the plates had been cleared, the customers leaving with smiles, thanks, and promises to return. I finally leaned back against the counter, brushing flour from my hands. The tavern smelled of fried chicken, simmered vegetables, and fresh rice a warm, comforting smell that made me sigh with satisfaction.
"First full day feeding adventurers… done." I murmured. "No magic show, no chaos… just food. And somehow… that's enough."
The sun had shifted low in the sky, casting long shadows across the alley. Outside, Orario roared on, but inside, my little tavern had held a quiet victory: full bellies, brighter eyes, and just a little more courage in the hearts of the city's wanderers.