NOVEL NEXT Chapter 36 - Chapter 36: Potato Full Course
Chapter 36: Potato Full Course
The next day, Professor Kabaneru and I started cooking practice at the viscount’s mansion. Of course, Carol-san joined us.
“Oh my! Potato Pomme de Terre is so delicious!”
She cheered for the French fries.
“Unlike sweet potatoes, which have less sweetness, it’s more suitable as a staple food.”
“As long as you avoid the sprouts and green skin, there’s no worry about poison. You’re really knowledgeable.”
“Um, well, it’s just that our regular merchant told me…”
I pushed all the troublesome things onto the “regular merchant.” Sorry, Mr. Haimo. By the way, when I first obtained them, I sourced them from his familiar trading company, but the story doesn’t match. Is he genuinely unaware, or is he pretending not to notice?
I had cultivated potatoes and sweet potatoes as emergency crops, but it seems I had only baked or steamed them. Moreover, with potatoes, there were occasional cases of poisoning, so after trying them once, they never touched them again.
“But that’s not all. Alexi-kun has surprisingly various cooking ideas. I want everyone to try them.”
“That’s wonderful! Alexi-san, you’re excellent in every way!”
“Um, well, it’s just that our regular merchant told me…”
“Alexi-boy, the onions are cooked. What will you do?”
Corinne-san called out to me.
“Then, put the fried potatoes back in the pan with butter and salt and pepper.”
Potato Lyonnaise. There’s no Lyon here. Once, when I said, “Isn’t this just German potato without toppings?” at a BBQ, I was scolded, “Shut up, this is Potato Lyonnaise.”
After that, steamed potatoes became steamed sweet potatoes, topped with butter became Jagabata, mashed with butter and milk became mashed potatoes. Also, croquettes. As knowledge, I knew the concept of cooking methods but had never actually cooked them. However, Carol-san, Corinne-san, and the chefs accurately reproduced my rough explanations. It was like a lie that while Professor Kabaneru and I were struggling with sweet potatoes, potato dishes lined up one after another.
“This is truly amazing, Alexi-kun!”
“Yes, it’s truly wonderful, Alexi-san!”
After the tasting, everyone praised me.
“Um, well, it’s just that our regular merchant told me…”
Afterward, the prototypes were handed over to the servants, and the same dishes were served at the dinner table.
“So, this is that Potato Pomme de Terre?”
The viscount exclaimed. The taste of freshly harvested new potatoes is exceptional. Well, even though the purpose was a presentation, the table was full of potatoes. A carb treasure chest.
“Well, well, I thought you guys were just fooling around with hobbies, but this is something.”
Carol-san’s father, the baron, also seemed impressed.
“All of this is thanks to Alexi-kun’s cooperation. He is my student, but he has remarkable knowledge and ideas. Also, the Appel Trading Company, his family’s business, is one of the leading stores in the Marol territory. As I suggested in my letter, I believe we should welcome him to Charlois.”
——Huh?
“Carol. I think you’ve understood this yesterday and today, but he is an extraordinarily capable man. Although he’s a little younger, he will undoubtedly be a reliable partner for you.”
“Yes, um, certainly, I think Alexi-san is a wonderful man, but…”
“That’s right! And Alexi-kun, what do you think of Carol? Even from the perspective of my cousin, she has grown into a splendid lady.”
“Um, what does that mean…?”
I’m not the only one confused. The viscount, the baron, everyone present is going, “Huh?”, “What?”, “Wait, what?” Is this okay, Professor?
“Carol is like a precious younger sister to me. Because I got her involved in my research, she has missed her marriageable age, but I can’t give such a wonderful lady to an unworthy man. That’s where you come in. I don’t know any man more suitable for her than you. What do you say? Can you support her and Charlois?”
Professor Kabaneru took my hand and passionately spoke.
“Um, well, wouldn’t Professor Kabaneru be a suitable husband for Miss Carol…?”
Everyone except Professor Kabaneru nodded.
“I’m just a commoner now, and I’m nothing more than a humble teacher who hasn’t achieved much. She deserves a more suitable partner.”
“No, Professor, you’re already in love! Just go out with her!”
Everyone except Professor Kabaneru nodded. Starting with the viscount muttering, “Well said,” applause erupted, including the servants, and it turned into a storm of applause. The professor stammered, “Uh, well, because,” but Miss Carol covered her mouth with her hand, shedding tears. And so, this evening’s dinner turned into an impromptu engagement party.
By the way, what on earth am I being dragged into? Exploding with romance, give me a break.