Chapter 24: Lunch Lady's New Job

I haven’t really decided on a set of rules or morals for myself. I do what I want without attracting too much attention and smash people that a reasonable person would say are bad guys. I’ll put more thought into it once my training is done, but I still suck at baking. I need to make some moves with Jen.

School reopened a week after the Princess was kidnapped. I got more attention than I wanted on the first day, but I successfully made Eric the hero and mastermind behind keeping the Princess safe. I imagine he’ll play along.

I make my way to the dining hall, planning to chat with Jen. I spot her placing bread out and walk over. 

“Hey Jen! I missed you last week!” I call out, and she looks up from her creations.

“Alfred! I heard you were hurt!? But you seem alright?” she says while walking over and looking me up and down.

“I’m completely fine. The whole thing got exaggerated, it was just a few idiots with swords attacking a school that teaches sword fighting. I think they were dropped on their heads as babies,” I say jokingly, but Jen looks like she wants to hit me.

“You shouldn’t be so relaxed about it!” Jen nearly shouts, “The academy is making some changes, so eat all the bread you can this week, ok?” she adds with a sorrowful smile. 

My heart drops.

“Wait- what!? Are you leaving the academy?” I ask in a panic.

“The academy is shifting more funds into security, and a shop in the capital offered a great deal on breads, so I won’t be needed here..” she says listlessly.

“That’s awful,” I reply. My bread.. and my bread teacher. I’ll never replicate pizza without her. I have to hire her today

“Jen, do you have plans for what to do next?” I ask.

“I’ll probably head back home and work at my parents’ inn again. It’ll be hard to find another job that pays well enough to live in the capital,” she says.

“Would you stay in the capital if you could?” I ask, lifting an eyebrow at the opening I see.

“Of course, but it’s not realistic, Alfred,” she replies.

“I’ll match what you would’ve been paid through the end of the school year. In exchange, I want you to tutor me in breads and baking,” I make my offer with confidence.

“Wha- Alfred, I can’t ask you to do that for me, I’m aware the students here come from well-off families, but that’s too much..” Jen says, but she trails off like she’s considering it.

“It’s not charity, Jen, I am an awful baker. You’ve already improved my abilities just by giving me some light instructions, but I’m a remedial student at best. I would be grateful if you accepted the position as my tutor,” I say with a polite bow.

“Ah Alfred.. don’t bow, people will stare..” Jen replies with a blush, but my eyes don't leave the floor.

“I will lift my head as soon as you accept,” I say, grinning from ear to ear.

“AH ok ok I accept! Please stop, we’re attracting attention..” Jen says with crimson cheeks.

“We have a deal. I live in the old dorms down the hill, so I have a full kitchen. If working there is ok then I’ll register you as an attendant with the school so you maintain access to the grounds,” I say.

“Oh, you have a kitchen? I wasn’t sure where we would cook, that’s perfect,” she responds as her face returns to a normal color.

“When would you like to start?" I ask, "I’ll be available on weekdays after classes, starting roughly two hours before the campus dinner bell.” 

“I can start this Friday, I’ll be done at the same time!” Jen says. She looks happier by the second.

“Then we’ll meet here. Thank you Jen, I will work my hardest,” I say with another evil grin and deep bow.

“AH stop please, you said you’d stop,” the blush returns to her face, “Friday it is, go talk to your friends before everyone thinks you’re weird..” Jen adds and pushes me lightly in the back.

***

Friday comes fast, and my first day in Jen’s baking school is set to begin. We meet at the main campus dining hall, then head down the stone path towards my dorm.

“It’s the last one right here, please come in,” I say while opening my door and gesturing for Jen to follow me. Her eyes scan the room from the staircase on the left to the separated kitchen on the right.

“Wow, it’s huge, are all campus dorms this big??” Jen asks.

“I don’t think so, but this one is further from classes, so no one wanted it,” I reply.

“How could they pass this up? You have a house and- is that a garden entrance?” she asks.

She must not see noble society outside of the dining hall.

“It’s not kept as a garden anymore, but it used to be. I’ll give you a full tour - on the right is the kitchen, the oven and burners can run on wood fire or magic, past that is a magic ice box and walk-in pantry. It’s stocked with everything we should need for baking,” I explain.

“Wha- wait, you have magic appliances of your own?” Jen asks in shock.

“Oh, right, maybe keep that to yourself. I installed them without permission,” I respond with a whisper, and Jen nods.

“There are servants' quarters and storage up these stairs, past them is the bath and toilet, and past that is my bedroom. To the right of my bedroom is the living area, beyond which used to be an outdoor garden that I repurposed, follow me I’ll show you” I say leading Jen through the dorm to the garden entrance, “it’s fenced in, so I have a little private yard area for sword practice, and on the left is an outdoor oven I use for cooking meats with a smokey flavor”

“I didn’t know dorms could be so impressive,” she says, her eyes darting from place to place, “do you have a servant that lives with you?” she asks, looking to the stairway at the front of the dorm.

“No, I don’t. I’ve liked taking care of myself since I was a kid,” I reply with a soft smile.

“I see..” she says, looking at me like I’m a very strange creature.

“Anyways, please look at the pantry and ice box and tell me if I’m missing anything you would normally have for baking,” I request, gesturing back to the kitchen area. Jen settles her curiosity and walks over to the kitchen.

“Right, let’s see you have various grains.. hmm this one would be best for bread..” Jen says, pulling a bag of grain from the pantry, “dry yeast, sugar, salt, olive oil!?” she yells.

“Oh right, I don’t have much, but apparently it’s found in the northern continent. I like it, so I’ll try to get more over winter break,” I say.

“It’s expensive, not even the academy could afford to use it,” Jen adds, bewildered.

It was a present from the King for helping his daughter, so it makes sense that it’s pricey. It’s not as good as my old world’s olive oil, but it’s probably better than using animal fat for everything.

“Alfred, do you have eggs?” Jen asks.

“Yes, I keep them in the ice box,” I reply.

“I’ll take a look.. they’re on the smaller side, so we may deviate from the recipes I gave you.” Jen’s eyes scan the ice box and land on the line of cider bottles before turning to look at me, “You’re a little young to be drinking so much..” she says.

“Aha, it’s not what you think, well, it’s alcohol, but it’s my own brew made with apples. Even the Princess approved of the taste, you’re welcome to have some,” I say, making Jen's eyes grow wide to their limits.

“The Princess!? You have drinking parties with the Princess!?” Ooooh boy, I forgot there are people who like her.

“It’s nothing so scandalous, Jen. Several of us came here for a cold drink when it was hot outside. Then the Princess asked me to cook since I had just harvested a paddle horn,” I explain.

“PADDLE HORN!?" Jen shouts, "The delicacy animal only found in dangerous parts of the eastern forests??”

I’m too excited about baking, but I can probably be more honest with Jen.

“Well, yes, I’ve been hunting since I was quite young, so the eastern forests have been fun. If we can make a decent bread in time for dinner, I’ll make you a paddle horn steak,” I say, trying to hide my excitement at sharing the type of cooking I'm good at.

“You would!?” Jen yells and brings a hand up to cover her mouth, “but it’s so valuable.. but I may never have the chance again..” she mutters through her hand.

Jen comes back to her senses, and we start working on the dough needed for dinner. She has me use more eggs than I typically would, knead the dough significantly longer, and cover it with a warm, moist towel while it rises.

With those tips alone, I’m over the moon. It would’ve taken a lot more experimenting to figure out what I learned today. So, I’m going all out for dinner.

Paddle horn steaks go on the smoker while I make a batter to toss french fries, and for a finishing touch, I break into my lobster reserves to make two tails in garlic butter.

Jen and I confirm the bread dough has doubled in size before placing it into the oven.

“Now we just wait,” Jen says, wearing a satisfied smile, “can I help you with any of the dinner preparations?” she asks.

“Not a chance, you’re my teacher, not my servant," I reply, "you can try some of the brew in the ice box, just be careful with it. It tastes very sweet, but it will get you drunk the same as any beer.”

I always give this warning, but it’s rarely listened to.

“Hah, I’m not a lush, Alfred, though I do like sweets..” she trails off.

I pour us glasses of hard apple cider and return to the smoker.

“WHAAA- it’s so good! Alfred!” Jen stomps out of the dorm and into the garden area, “I’ve never had alcohol with so little bitterness, you really made this!?”

“I’m glad you like it. I read about similar brews when I was a child and experimented for years before I arrived at this. I call it hard apple cider,” I say.

“Hard apple cider, does your family sell it? You could make a fortune..” Gold coins spin through her eyes like a slot machine.

“I’m not sure if they’ve started making it yet," I say and think about how quickly father would've started working on it, "I gave my father the recipe before I left for the academy, but it takes a little time to brew, and you need a skilled wind magic user to make it more bubbly.”

As we talk, I place a pan with garlic butter and lobster tails on the smoker, before starting to heat boar fat on the side for french fries.

“Everything is looking good, should be done just after the bread,” I say and turn to Jen with a beaming smile on my face.

“What’s the meat in the shell? Do paddle horns have shells?” she asks, tilting her head.

“Oh no, those are lobster tails. It’s a type of seafood that’s incredible as a side with paddle horn. I can’t show my teacher a mediocre meal,” I answer with a teasing smile.

“It feels weird being called a nobleman’s teacher.. maybe don’t say it in front of other people. It’d be better if people think I’m your attendant or chef at school,” Jen says with a concerned look.

“You worry too much about appearances. Birth being more important than talent will eventually make this world burn,” I reply, only half joking.

“That’s an odd thing to say for someone born into a noble family, doesn’t your family have territory they govern?” Jen asks.

“Yes, my father is the domain lord for the southern lands. He’s dedicated to improving the lives of everyone there, so I’m proud to be his son, but I doubt he’s the most qualified person for the job..” I say.

“He’s qualified by birth, just like you are. I think you’d do well governing the area when you’re older..” Jen says shyly.

“Maybe, but I’m not interested. You’ll understand better once we eat,” I say with a conflicted smile.

With the oil hot, I fry the battered potato sticks to a crispy texture before using the hot burner to sear the paddle horn steaks. I plate everything and bring it to the living room. I place two plates at the table while Jen carves the fresh bread for us, and before we sit to eat, I refill our ciders.

“The bread looks just like yours, Jen, I’m excited to try it,” I say as I watch her work.

“Aha, thank you, everything you made looks and smells great. The potatoes are especially interesting..” Jen says with a curious expression.

“They’re just battered, I can show you sometime if you like them. But let’s dig in while it’s hot!” I say.

I prompt Jen to sit and start the meal with me.

“Yes, thanks for cooking,” Jen says.

“Happy to, please enjoy,” I reply.

I start on my meal while Jen delicately cuts her paddle horn steak, then brings it to her mouth. I catch myself staring, as her lips are the same color as the inside of the steak.

“OH wow, it really melts in your mouth.. I heard these steaks were good, but they’re better than I expected,” Jen says with glimmering eyes.

“The steaks are great, but the stew meat is delicious as well. I made a large neck roast stew and ate it for an entire week,” I say.

“I see why the animal is so valuable. Was it difficult to hunt?” Jen asks.

“Somewhat, the animal was very aware of its surroundings. I had to approach it with the wind at my face and without making a sound, or it would have run off. It’s a good hunting strategy for most any animal,” I explain.

“That makes sense. I have to try the potato next, the texture looks great,” Jen says.

“Please dig in,” I say with a smile, and Jen brings the next part of the meal to her lips.

Crunch

“Ahh, it’s as crispy as it looked, but the inside stayed soft. I’m going to need this recipe,” Jen says with Liara like puppy dog eyes.

“Haha, not a problem, that potato recipe isn’t a big secret,” I reply.

“What about the seafood – lobster you said? Did you buy it somewhere? I haven’t seen it in the capital,” Jen asks while poking at the strange dish with her fork.

“That’s a long story, but it’s not a well-known seafood. They’re caught with traps along with some other shelled creatures. I opened the top of the shell already, so you should be able to pull it out and slice into it easily,” I explain.

Now that I think about it, I haven’t seen any other shelled seafood since I’ve been to the capital. Not that I go out much.

Jen uses her fork to remove the lobster tail from its shell, then cuts a piece off and runs it through the garlic butter sauce it’s served with. She raises it to her mouth and takes a bite.

Her eyes light up.

“No, really, where did you get this?" Jen asks seriously, "It’s so soft, and the butter sauce adds to the flavor and creaminess.”

“If I tell people where to get them, they’ll be hunted to extinction, and I enjoy them too much to let that happen..” I reply.

“Between the paddle horn and lobster, this is really a luxury meal. I was surprised that you held a dinner party for the Princess, but if you served this, I understand,” Jen says with a pleasant expression that only good food can bring out.

“I didn’t share the lobster with the Princess, please keep that secret," I request, "I was afraid the royal family would want my entire supply..”

That would be a real concern. Though the Princess probably wouldn’t screw me with how I helped her escape a kidnapping attempt. She’s still a Princess though..

“I get to try something the royals haven’t even had!? Is that ok!?” Jen yelps without stopping her knife from slicing through another piece of lobster tail.

“Why wouldn’t it be?" I ask, "There’s no law that says every new recipe has to be given to the King. People normally do things like that because it will earn them the favor of the royal family. And I have no interest in that..”

“Huh.. so you like to cook and hunt.. and you don’t like royal politics.. are you sure you’re a noble..?” Jen asks with a serious face.

“I don’t really have a choice in the matter, though I could run away to a different country..” I reply with a hum.

Before father agreed to disinherit me, I was most definitely going to run away and live as Sio forever.

“You’d really run away from such a privileged position? Most people in the kingdom dream of being a noble..” Jen says with a solemn face.

“Every position is different, but my future as a noble would be living like a tree stuck to the ground in the southern territories. If I had never left, I wouldn’t have eaten paddle horn or discovered lobster. And I wouldn’t have the opportunity to learn from such a talented baker,” I say.

The mood got weird, let’s try flattery.

“You’re kind Alfred, but you don’t sound happy with your life,” Jen says and gives me an even sadder look.

“Not exactly.. I would be unhappy if I had to live like my father. But we’ve already reached an agreement that will grant me the freedom I desire,” I reply with a warm smile.

She shouldn’t be concerned for me. Life is going better than I could’ve imagined.

“Oh? So, you won’t have to move back to the southern region?” she asks.

“I’ll visit, but I want to travel across the world. Imagine all the different plants, animals, and recipes out there, I want to learn about them all,” I say like a child imagining his life as an astronaut.

“Do you think there’s that much we don’t have in this country?” Jen asks curiously.

“Of course, I used to read all kinds of adventurer travel logs. The things they describe are so different from what we have on this continent. I’m actually hoping we can try making something described in those books after the winter break,” I reply.

I’m so used to that bullshit story, I almost believe it when I say it.

“What is it you’re thinking of making?” Jen asks.

She looks really curious.

“It’s called a pizza – you make a bread dough as a base and roll it into a thin circle, top it with a cooked red sauce using a fruit that can’t be found here, then cover it in cheese and cook it in a woodfired oven,” I reply.

“Hmm, it sounds good, but do you know where to get the fruit?” Jen asks.

“I’m hoping the northern continent has it. I’ll be going there over winter break to look for ingredients,” I say.

“Is winter break even long enough to make the trip? And how will you bring supplies back so far? I’m sure you’re strong from hunting, but that place is across the ocean..” Jen says.

It feels nice to be honest with someone, and Jen shouldn’t have the ability to screw me, but I don’t want to ruin this.

“Not to worry, I’ve secured the fastest horses and a private boat. I’ll be back in time for classes with quite the haul,” I say.

“Right, I’m sure the expense isn’t a big deal for nobles..” she says sadly.

Oh, I should figure out how much I owe her.

“That reminds me, I’m matching the school’s pay for you. How much is it?” I ask.

“I get two silver a week, and an extra two to help cover living expenses at the end of each month,” Jen replies.

So 10 silver a month, that’s basically one gold, 7 months left to the school year would be 7 gold. I should throw in some bonuses, too. And maybe an expense budget so she can bring cooking materials that would be useful.

I reach into my fake chest pocket to pull 10 gold coins and 10 silver coins from storage. I place both on the table in front of her.

“Here, the gold is your payment for the instruction, and the silvers are an expense budget if you want to buy anything to show me or to help with cooking. If you run out, just ask for more, don’t dip into what I’m paying you,” I say with a stern expression.

“That’s more than we agreed on.. and you have most of the ingredients already..” Jen says shyly.

“I never would’ve placed a moist, warm towel over the dough while it was rising. My family chef back home never did that either. You have valuable knowledge that I’m interested in learning, so please accept the money,” I say seriously.

“Right.. but should I take one gold and one silver now? Maybe for pastries I’ll need to buy fruits.. but I shouldn’t need so much so soon,” Jen replies.

“If you’d prefer it, I can pay you over time, but I’d rather you take the payment in full now. Oh, and if you want to do other work, I don’t mind, so long as you can make time Monday through Thursday at similar hours to what we did today,” I say.

“That’ll be less than two days of work per week.. can I prepare bread or other things for you to have during the rest of my time?” Jen asks, probably feeling guilty that she isn’t providing more.

“Nope, you don’t cook for me anymore, you teach me how to cook for myself," I reply, "that’s far more valuable than you giving me food. It’s also a harder job.. maybe I should be paying you more..” I add and fake ponder, hopefully she’ll stop arguing about the money.

“Th-That’s ok! This is plenty, I will humbly accept” she says, bowing her head quickly.

“Perfect, let’s keep working on bread and maybe pastries until winter break, then we’ll experiment with the ingredients I bring back,” I reply.

I’m really looking forward to it. Finals should be easy, then I’m free for a few weeks so long as I stop by my family’s estate for a day or two.