Chapter 59: Chapter 59

Kaleela's jaw dropped when she saw what is Cecilia cooked for her. For the first time in forever, she never knew that a soup can be more intimidating than her potion.

It makes her wonders if Cecilia doing in purpose. Is she want to kill me? She asked herself. I never thought that she is still angry with me because of our previous conversation.

"I shouldn't let a noblewoman cook the dinner. Why did this soup is redder than the blazing fire? Is it even edible?"

Her reaction was different with Max and Grant who already take a seat, casually fill their bowl with that soup.

"This is kimchi-jjigae or kimchi stew. Please take a seat, Miss. We have to eat while it hot. I specially made this as a token of apologize for my rudeness before."

Kaleela know that this Duke's daughter is being sincere. But, she gulped when saw some red bubbles popped out on the soup. "I'm so disappointed to you, Grant. You used to have a high standard for your meal!"

Grant shrugged, "It is because she can cook well."

"Sir Grant was right. Chili has a unique and creatives instinct on cooking." Max said while he refilled his bowl.

"Mister Max, please just call my name. It's really feel so weird." Grant narrowed his brow with an awkward smile.

Kaleela let out a heavy sigh. She thought that they must be crazy or something.

But, her curiosity raised while she notices that neither Grant nor Max passed out even they already eat their second bowl.

Cecilia added a boiled potato to her bowl. It wasn't a match because the stew is a perfect pair with steamed rice.

"Well, I guess I have no other choice." Kaleela said while she filled her bowl.

"Did you hate spicy food, Miss?"

"I'm not a picky eater like your uncle. I can eat everything as long as it is edible." Kaleela gulped before she tasted it. Here we go, she thought to herself.

And then, a familiar sensation filled her mouth. Regardless of its appearance, the soup is so delicious. It's spicy yet savory with a hint of sour taste.

The combination of chicken's meat, chopped garlic, and cabbage was blended so well. The more she chews, the tastier it gets. Not to mention, the warmness from the soup filled in her chest. This dish is perfect for dinner!

"Ahem!" Max cleared his throat and sneered when Kaleela refilled her bowl.

"What? I'm j-just hungry! You know, everything tastes exquisite when your stomach is empty!"

Max rolled his eyes and continue to eat.

"However, this soup reminds me of something." Kaleela said while she stirs her soup. "This almost tasted like ramen."

Cecilia flinched and stopped her movement. Ramen, or ramyeon in Korea, originally was created in China. The noodle made from wheat flour and differences is on the range variety of the soup.

Usually, the ramyeon in Korean was spicy. Sometimes they add an egg, green onion and of course, kimchi as a side dish. Truly, Koreans can't live without that.

"Where did you hear that?" Cecilia's eyes was wide as saucer.

"Hongport. I live there for several months. Their food's variations was unique. Instead of potato or bread, they eat rice and sometimes noodles. Why did you ask?"

Cecilia smile widely. Rice is the best word she ever heard today. "Really? Can you show me the way?"

"Wait, what is rice and noodle? I never heard of that." Grant asked while notice his niece's excitement.

Kaleela shrugged after she takes a spoonful of the soup. "Rice is grain. It's shaped like a white seed. They cook it by steamed in big pan. One bowl of it can make you full for a day. Noodle is like our pasta. Instead of sauce oil, they made it with meat's broth or thick soup like this."

"I heard rice is cheaper than wheat. The Emperor almost cultivated it in this empire. But, it cancelled. Because planting rice is harder than wheat." Max added.

Kaleela snickered." Oh, I'm impressed you know about this. Rice fields must be irrigated, which requires the sharing of water.

Rice paddies are bordered by dikes and canals that require frequent maintenance. And they took longer time than wheat to harvest."

"Ah, I really want to see and eat some rice!" Cecilia said it with visible

She shrugged, "Why don't you ask your boyfriend about it? I'm sure he knows that place."

"Boyfriend?" Max's brow raised,, but his gaze locked on Cecilia's purple eyes. Demanding an answer.

"Miss Kaleela always thought that you are my boyfriend. I'm tired to explained that you aren't."

Max blinked twice before he focused on his food. Hoping that Cecilia didn't notice his blushed face.

"I'm sorry. I know that you have someone you like. So, don't be angry, Max."

"WHAT!!!" This shouted wasn't came from Kaleela or Max. But Grant who look so surprised at that word.

"Didn't you know? The one who Mister Max lo--,"

Before he continues his word, Kaleela who sits beside him, kicked his leg. Strong enough to make him passed out.

She quickly grab his arm and help him stand. "Oh, someone tried! Ha-ha. Don't worry, I will put him on the bed. You should go now. I will wash the plate. So, don't worry. Oh, don't forget to enjoy the scenery, Lovebirds."

With quick movement, Kaleela take Grant to the room upstairs.

Max let out a sigh of relief, but, he kept wondering if she's doing this in purpose.

"Oh, that's weird." Cecilia said confused.

"Do you want to go now?" Max asked with faint smile.

Suddenly, her heart beat so fast, "W-well, do you think it wasn't too late?"

"Late? Hongport never sleep, Chili. It was the busiest city on the East Island. Countless merchants going to that place for doing some business."

"Well, okay."

"Then, hold my hand."

Cecilia squinted, "Why? I thought you don't like it."

"Like I said before, Hongport always filled with countless people. You can get lost easily." Max said while he stretched out his right arm.

"Allright. If you insist."

When Cecilia take his arm, they already left the room.