Chapter 46: A Culinary Surprise

After returning home, Alia changed into casual attire and tidied up her belongings, her mind already working on plans for the next day. Glancing out the window, she saw the darkening sky dotted with faint stars, as if encouraging her to move steadily forward with her mission.

The next day, at the break of dawn, Alia rose swiftly from bed. She knew how important this day is—not just for her plan but also as an opportunity to showcase herself. Opening the window, she let the cool morning breeze invigorate her.

After washing up, she headed to the kitchen and found Elise already bustling around. Hearing footsteps, Elise turned and was startled to see Alia.

"Livia, you're up so early? I am preparing the breakfast. I've got the kitchen covered," Elise said, a touch of concern in her voice.

Alia smiled and shook her head. "No, I want to personally prepare something for Marcellus and my father. It's my way of expressing gratitude."

Elise's jaw dropped. "Livia, you can cook? That's news to me!"

Suppressing a chuckle, Alia knew Elise's perception of her as a pampered noble was deeply ingrained. Feigning nonchalance, she replied, "I've been reading cookbooks and practicing recently and decided to try my hand at it. Turns out I've got some talent."

Though skeptical, Elise nodded. "Alright, then. I'll help with the prep."

Alia inwardly sighed. Skills like hers weren't born of mere "talent." In her past life, her culinary journey had been one of hardship and resilience. In her early days, she scavenged for wild greens and scraps of meat, making do with whatever she could find. Her cooking wasn't about technique—it was survival.

Later, under her mentor's guidance, her circumstances improved. Her mentor's training was merciless, encompassing stealth, disguise, and infiltration. Surprisingly, cooking was also part of the regimen. "A skilled thief," her mentor had said, "can blend seamlessly into a noble's household, often under the guise of a cook." Over time, Alia honed her craft to perfection, developing a style all her own.

In the kitchen, Alia worked with practiced ease. While Elise washed vegetables, Alia selected ingredients and spices, her movements fluid and confident. Once the stove was lit, she deftly handled the spatula, and the aroma of her dishes soon filled the room.

Before long, a feast materialized: a platter of tender, sauce-drizzled roast meat; a bowl of fragrant mushroom soup; a crisp, vibrant salad; and a delicate dessert—a honey and berry cream cake. Each dish showcased her precision and artistry.

Elise stared in awe at the spread, her voice filled with disbelief. "Livia, this is incredible! If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed you made these."

She cautiously sampled the cake and her eyes lit up. "This is delicious! Even better than what our chef makes!"

Alia knew Elise had some doubts about why she is so good at cooking, but she trust her loyalty.

Alia chuckled. "Looks like those cookbooks paid off if even a picky eater like you approves." Carefully packing the dishes into containers, she mentally rehearsed the steps of her plan.

Once everything was prepared, she tied a ribbon around the basket of food and turned to Elise. "Let's go. Time to deliver these."

Elise, admiring Alia's composed demeanor, couldn't help but express her admiration. "Livia, you're amazing! Marcellus and the lord are going to be so happy."

Alia offered a faint smile, her true thoughts hidden. Whether they'd be pleased wasn't her concern; she was more interested in the opportunity this visit presented.

Alia and Elise set off, the basket of food securely in tow. As their car neared her father's grand manor, its imposing structure loomed ahead, a testament to the power it symbolized within the city.

Upon arrival, the guards opened the gates with deference. Elise carefully carried the basket while Alia walked ahead, exuding an air of calm authority. Servants paused to greet her, their expressions a mix of respect and curiosity. Her rare visits to the manor made this occasion all the more noteworthy.

In the main hall, Edgar and Marcellus sat amidst stacks of documents, engrossed in discussions about the city's expansion. Their focus shifted when Alia and Elise entered, surprise flashing across their faces.

"Livia?" Marcellus rose first, his gaze flitting between her and the basket Elise carried. "What brings you here? And what's that?"

Edgar set his pen down, his composed demeanor giving way to mild curiosity. "Is there something urgent you need?"

With a graceful smile, Alia replied, "I heard you've been busy lately, so I thought you might not have had a proper meal. I prepared some dishes myself and brought them for you to try."

"You… cooked?" Marcellus echoed incredulously, his eyes narrowing as if trying to detect a hint of a joke.

Edgar's expression grew more pensive. As someone who knew his daughter well, the idea of Livia cooking seemed entirely out of character.

Elise quickly interjected, "It's true. Livia has been experimenting with recipes these past few days. She put so much effort into this."

Marcellus, still unconvinced but intrigued, stepped forward and took the food from Elise. He placed it on the table and lifted the lid. A wave of rich, inviting aromas washed over him, leaving him momentarily speechless.

"This… you really made this?" His voice was tinged with disbelief as he looked at Alia.

Maintaining her composure, Alia replied, "Of course. Surprised I can cook? Elise helped a lot—I'm still learning, after all."

Marcellus raised his hands in mock surrender. "Not disbelief, just… pleasantly surprised! Let me give it a try."