NEW COMPANION: PART I

… My name is Lirius, a great magician you may call me. To be honest, I praise myself a lot for being so talented and smart. The fact I am so talented at such an age. If ever I were to go to the empire and announce my identity, the whole empire will bow to my great name and talent. But, of course, I'm not the type of person who would want the attention of some useless, disgusting people.

Anyways, despite that, I'm currently working on my studies and experiment. My mind is constantly thinking of other things. Things that a great mage such as I should never be worried about.

"Damn it, what should we have for lunch?"

Lirius was so distracted by what he should prepare for lunch that he was not looking at the experiment he was doing and that the chemicals had already overflowed.

"Damn it!" He shrieked annoyedly as she scratched his head, frustrated that he was that distracted to forget what he was doing. "I really need to have a word with them."

During that lunch time. Lirius has again prepared a delicious meal for the three of them, I mean five of them to partake.

It's been a week already since Arthur and Gran decided to stay at the manor. However, Gran would not stay for the night since he has siblings to take care of. Technically, they aren't his children. But, he has taken responsibility for them with the help of one of the elder women. The children were orphans of the war, and for over a year now Gran has taken good care of them.

"Thank you for the meal Lirius."

"Yeah, nerd, what will we do without you."

"Master Lirius, you are indeed a great cook."

Arthur was just placid as he enjoyed the meal.

"Good that you like it, but we all need to talk."

Athena was dumbfounded as to why Lirius was suddenly so serious during the meal. "Is something wrong?"

"Yes, there is something wrong!"

"Chill nerd, you don't have to be so angry all of the sudden. Tell me, did one of your experiments blow up again."

"Why you..." Lirius gathers a small amount of his energy as he creates a small fireball. It was small indeed, but it can really hurt.

Serfred choked on his food as he recalled that fateful night when the man blasted him off causing him to lose his consciousness. "I'm sorry, calm down. Tell me, what can I do?"

"Lirius, calm down. Please, tell us what's wrong?"

"We need to take turns in preparing the meal."

Athena: "Meal?"

Serfred: "You want us to cook?"

Gran: "Good thing this is not my house."

Arthur looked frozen and silent as he tried a good excuse: "..."

... This idiot, did they really forget that I am the master of this house. Well, technically it's the girl now since I gave her power to do whatever she wants. But still, have they didn't realize how exhausting my work is.

"Lirius, didn't you decide you'll be the one cooking?" Athena said as she recalled how it came about that Lirius had been cooking all the time.

... Now that I think about it, I did decide I'll start cooking since the idiot can't cook and the girl could barely walk.

Lirius sighs as he realizes he was the cause of his own misfortune.

"But, actually, I don't mind cooking. I'm quite good at it." The girl stated since back in her world, she used to help with the kitchen staff and her nanny preparing her meal. She was always left all alone at home, so she normally enjoys working with the staff. However, his words caused everyone to almost laugh. "What's so funny?"

"Lady Tina, do you even know how to use a pan?" Gran couldn't help it but laugh at the girl. He was already aware of the fact she is a noble's daughter. But, precisely which noble family she's from, he still has no clue.

"My Lady, there is no need for you to dirty your hand. I can do it." Serfred said, which caused Lirius to react immediately.

"I'll rather cook than you cook you idiot."

"Then why are you asking us to cook then?"

"Cause I need time to focus on my work!"

As the two continue to argue with each other. Athena has been in deep thought.

... Indeed, it must have been exhausting and quite a stress for Lirius to prepare the meal all the time. Hmm, since my body is feeling much better now. I can technically do more physical work. But honestly, doing housework is quite a hassle. What we need is some maids.

"Don't worry Lirius, I can prepare dinner tonight. I have nothing much to do apart from blessing the lands later."

"Fine, I'll be in my study if you need me." Lirius responded as he finished his meal since he needed to redo his experiment again.

Gran and Arthur went to wash the dishes, Serfred left early as he needed to go and train the men in the village.

"Fuji, let's go gather some herbs."

... This world has many things similar back to mine. Even so, this world is still a new world for me to discover and understand. The biggest difference is some of the things I am familiar with have different names here. It took me a while to realize it and figure them out. But, with the help of Lirius, I was able to slowly classify and categorize them.

At first, Lirius was quite shocked and surprised. I had a hard time explaining myself. Telling him I'm from another world would be a good excuse, a very unbelievable excuse.

"Fuji, why don't you get a basket."

... Fuji is quite well trained now, he may be still a puppy, but Lirius insisted that I must treat him like a wild beast that needed to be trained and tamed all the time. He said, I must be dominant and show authority, despite him having acknowledged me as its master, the fact I don't really go to war and emit my aura, he might someday change his mind in regards to me being his master.

"Should I prepare some herb stew? I recall, we still have some rabbit left from last time.".

..Back in the empire, it was easy to store food since they own quite a lot of elemental stone. But, of course, the almighty Lirius has one which is why he always has a lot of food stores.

An elemental stone is like a crystal which has a specific element's power. Its shape, color and size will also vary depending on how rare and powerful the stone is. A person may possess a very large stone, but its power can only last for a month.

For an elemental stone to work, it needs to be activated by an alchemist. At the same time, the same alchemist would even scribe rune symbols on them to boost its effect. However, doing such would greatly damage the stone. That is why, if one is to scribe such symbols, the stone must be very rare for it to handle such enhancement.

Fuji has returned to the basket accompanied by Arthur.

"Can I help?" He said.

"Sure, can you pick some Calycanthus and Sinensis, I'll go gather some Angustifolium."

... By the way, the things I asked Arthur to pick our common herbs back on earth. is similar to parsley, the color is different, but it's fragrant and taste is similar to dill, and last is similar to basil, however, the plant is an enchanted plant which color varies depending on the season. But, its taste and smell does not fade at all. It's just for making potion or elixir, only winter and spring Angustifolium are used. Since, its effect is much better than the rest of the season. Also, one needs to be trained in picking such plants, since it can release poison pollen in the air as it's defense mechanism.

"I think this should be enough, I better go check on Arthur." The girl gave her basket to Fuji for him to carry as she went ahead and check on what Arthur was doing.

"Lady Tina, I'm all done." The young man smiled please with what he has accomplished.

"Let's go, we need to prepare everything for tonight's special meal prepared by yours truly."