[B1] Chapter 22: When Life Gives You Tomatoes, Make… Four Dishes?
After finishing his meal, Theo leaned back in his chair, a calm look in his gaze. "Where do you keep our rations?" he inquired casually.
A surprised look passed over girl's delicate face. "In the storage room, Master," she replied with her usual sweet tone. "Is there something specific you're looking for?"
"I was thinking of using some potatoes and tomatoes," he said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
Elena's eyes sparkled with curiosity, "Oh! For that, there's no need to visit the storage room. I have some right here in the kitchen. Just give me a moment." She stood up, her dress rustling gently.
Deciding to accompany her, Theo followed her swaying form into the kitchen. He was curious about their supplies; he couldn't just use up everything without a thought.
In the kitchen, Elena bent down to open a low-set cupboard. As she did, her dress hugged her curves, highlighting her voluptuous figure and her pulpy butt, showing her well-sculpted form.
The position unintentionally presented her tantalizing silhouette to Theo, causing him to momentarily lose his train of thought. With a slight cough, Theo quickly averted his gaze, trying to focus elsewhere.
She stood up with two full baskets, one brimming with juicy tomatoes, the other filled with potatoes. Setting them on the counter, "These are the potatoes, and here are the tomatoes. Is this enough, Master?" She asked with a questioning look in her eyes.
Theo peered into the baskets, quickly estimating there were around 22-24 potatoes and 16-18 large tomatoes - more than enough for his experiment. Yet, he didn't want to deplete their supplies carelessly. "Do we have extra in storage?" he questioned, his voice tinged with genuine concern.
Elena nodded reassuringly. “We have enough for a month. But Mister Leonard should have returned by now with more supplies. His delay is... unusual." She looked at the boy, her eyes filled with worry. "Master, may I ask, though, what you plan on doing with them?"
Theo, with a mysterious glint in his eyes, leaned in as if to share a secret, but then pulled back. "That, is a secret. But maybe, you'll know soon enough." Holding his secret farm close to his chest, he left her in wonderment.
Theo picked up a box filled with tomatoes from the counter. Beside it was a sharp knife, which he took along with the box, heading toward the dining table. As he settled into his usual seat, he made room on the table to spread out the tomatoes. While he contemplated fetching the box of potatoes, Elena was already a step ahead. She carried it over, her brows furrowed in puzzlement, clearly curious about her master's intentions.
Unpacking the box, Theo laid out the tomatoes neatly on the table, then began slicing into them carefully. Elena's eyes widened in realization as Theo started extracting the juicy centers – the pockets brimming with seeds. The seeds glistened, surrounded by the tomato's gelatinous pulp, as Theo set them aside separately.
Seeing his intent, Elena gently offered, "Can I assist you, Master?"
He met her eyes and nodded gratefully, pointing towards the kitchen, "I need a bucket. I'll be right back."
When he returned, water sloshed gently in the bucket he carried. Working together, they continued separating the seeds from their pulpy encasements. From the 16 tomatoes, they managed to extract approximately 2,400 seeds, given that an average tomato can contain around 150 seeds.
As they neared completion, Theo advised, "When you prepare meals, try to save the seeds like this. And let's use these tomatoes for dinner tonight – wouldn’t want them to go to waste."
"As you say, Master." Elena nodded obediently. She might not understand her master's actions fully, but she respected his wishes.
Once the seeds were all extracted, Theo submerged them in the bucket, using his fingers to gently swirl the water, removing any lingering pulp. Elena, always eager to assist, began helping him.
Eventually, after cleaning all the seeds, Theo went back to the kitchen and brought a large bowl. He transferred the seeds into the bowl he had just fetched, handling them with care. Given the number of seeds, the large bowl was appropriate to contain all 2,400 seeds without overcrowding. Taking a deep, relieved breath, he exclaimed, "Ah... This is done."
Elena looked at the large bowl, brimming with seeds. "What will you do with these, Master?" the girl asked in her sweet tone with a gleam of curiosity in her eyes.
Theo responded calmly, explaining, "We have extracted tomato seeds. Once you take them from ripe tomatoes, you need to remove the gel-like substance surrounding them. Then you place them in water for fermentation. In a few days, they'll be ready for planting, but I'll need to dry them first." He shared his method, recalling the lessons he learned from his grandfather. He hoped he hadn't missed any steps, considering he'd never put the knowledge into practice before.
Elena looked surprised at his explanation and began gathering the leftover tomato pieces.
With the tomato seeds now prepared, there was nothing left but to wait for them to be ready. Meanwhile, Elena went to the kitchen, taking the leftover tomato pieces her master had instructed her to cook for dinner.
When she emerged from the kitchen, she noticed Theo leaning against the dining table, eyes shut, lost in thought. Her voice was soft, tinged with concern, "Master, do you need anything?"
Theo opened his eyes, his demeanor calm. "No, I think I'll take a walk outside. Don't worry about me."
Elena nodded, "Then I'll see to some other chores, Master." Her voice was warm with no nervousness, reflecting the comfort she now felt around him. She no longer felt the need for formalities, bows, or the stiff noble courtesies of the traditional maid around Theo.
Her interactions with Theo had become more relaxed over time. Now, she moved with a comforting familiarity around him, no longer bound by the strict conventions of the nobility.
Their location, distant from the kingdom's watchful eyes, certainly helped, but what truly bridged the gap was Theo's approachable nature, especially when he invited her to dine with him and share meals. It made her feel valued, and that warmth now displayed in every interaction she shared.
Theo watched as Elena moved towards the kitchen. Holding the small bowl with tomato seeds and the box of potatoes, he left the mansion. Reaching the garden, he cast the portal and entered his demonic farm.
Inside, the scenery was painted in a silvery hue of moonlight. Near the abyssal well, Lilith sat, her eyes showing some deep emotion. She appeared different from the lively girl he knew – the same girl who once drank his blood and flung him around like a rag doll during their amusing first encounter.
Her face, usually full of mischief and playfulness, now gazed at the sky, resembling a child lost in a bustling market. This was one of those rare moments when she wasn't trying to bewitch or poke fun at him. The ghostly atmosphere of the farm only added to her current eerie allure.
Pushing her momentarily from his mind, Theo made his way to the abyssal well, carefully laying out the potatoes on the opposite side from where Lilith had been. Reaching for a nearby watering can, he gently watered half the potatoes, mumbling to himself, "Let's see if this helps them sprout faster."
With that half task done, he moved to the obsidian shed, placing the other half of the potatoes from the box inside, believing this spot might be just right for sprouting.
Moving on, he carefully placed the bowl of the tomato seeds atop the golden vault. Dusting his hands, he looked around, feeling pride of finishing his task. "I wonder how long this will take," he whispered, pleased with his efforts.
As he was done, he glanced back at Lilith again, noting she still seemed lost in thought. Approaching her, he asked in his usual calm tone, "Planning to stay here a while longer?"
Lilith's eyes shifted to him, softening for a moment, and she simply nodded.
Preparing to cast a portal to return outside, Theo hesitated. He considered asking her more about her mood but then decided against it.
He remembered how unpredictable girls can be. After all, back on Earth, his cousin Alina Lewis had given him enough experience with the roller coaster of feminine emotions. He had often heard that such fluctuations might be tied to monthly cycles, but Theo doubted that was the sole reason.
He mused humorously, ‘Women seemed to possess the superpower of mood shifts just based on... well, mood.’
Theo shook his head, dispersing the amusing thoughts. Activating his portal, he stepped out of his demonic farm. The outside world welcomed him as he diligently began his routine, focusing on his daily quests and physical exercises.
While he was exercising, Elena, as usual, came over to keep him company. He couldn't help but muse, 'I wonder if Lilith is enjoying being cooped up in that demonic farm?'
<<<<
[Quest Complete: "The Weight of Destiny"]
[~ Congratulations! You've successfully tackled the challenge to counteract the mysterious bug's poison. The sweat-soaked clothes and aching muscles are proof of your will power. Your determination and commitment have paid off.]
[Reward: +1 Basic Elixir of Stamina Gained]
[Quest Complete: "Trailblazing Beyond Limits"]
[~By pushing your body beyond its limits, you've unlocked untapped potential within. Your perseverance has yielded results that go beyond mere physical strength.]
[Reward: +1 Agility Point Gained]
>>>>
After an intensive eight-hour regimen, with the evening sky spreading shadows across the landscape, Theo turned to Elena, a sheen of sweat glistening on his brow. "Elena, I'll head to my room for a shower. After that, how about we have dinner?"
Elena nodded with her innocent smile, "Okay, Master. Dinner will be ready by then."
Post-shower, Theo sat down at the dining table. Before him, an array of dishes stared back at him – all tomato-based. He counted one, two... three... four tomato dishes.
"Looks like it's tomato festival today," he commented. Theo blinked, then, without a word, began to eat, granting Elena a playfully exasperated smile.
It was a tomato overload, and while one might expect a bland taste, each dish was of unique flavors. There was an amusing irony in the tomato-dominated dinner, but the boy wouldn’t complain; the dishes were undeniably delicious.
Elena caught Theo's slightly exaggerated exasperation and suppressed a giggle. After all, it was at his insistence they use the tomatoes. She had half a mind to apologize for the tomato overkill - four dishes, no less!
However, watching him savor each bite with evident pleasure, she decided against it, and instead focused on enjoying her own meal. Two shared a peaceful and happy meal, surrounded by a a lot of different dishes all singing praises of the humble tomato.
After dinner, Elena softly hummed to herself as she retreated to the kitchen, immersing herself in washing the dishes. On the other hand, Theo marched to his room, giving off every impression of a man preparing for sleep. However, once the door clicked shut behind him, he opened a portal to his farm.
[B1] Chapter 22: When Life Gives You Tomatoes, Make… Four Dishes?
After finishing his meal, Theo leaned back in his chair, a calm look in his gaze. "Where do you keep our rations?" he inquired casually.
A surprised look passed over girl's delicate face. "In the storage room, Master," she replied with her usual sweet tone. "Is there something specific you're looking for?"
"I was thinking of using some potatoes and tomatoes," he said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
Elena's eyes sparkled with curiosity, "Oh! For that, there's no need to visit the storage room. I have some right here in the kitchen. Just give me a moment." She stood up, her dress rustling gently.
Deciding to accompany her, Theo followed her swaying form into the kitchen. He was curious about their supplies; he couldn't just use up everything without a thought.
In the kitchen, Elena bent down to open a low-set cupboard. As she did, her dress hugged her curves, highlighting her voluptuous figure and her pulpy butt, showing her well-sculpted form.
The position unintentionally presented her tantalizing silhouette to Theo, causing him to momentarily lose his train of thought. With a slight cough, Theo quickly averted his gaze, trying to focus elsewhere.
She stood up with two full baskets, one brimming with juicy tomatoes, the other filled with potatoes. Setting them on the counter, "These are the potatoes, and here are the tomatoes. Is this enough, Master?" She asked with a questioning look in her eyes.
Theo peered into the baskets, quickly estimating there were around 22-24 potatoes and 16-18 large tomatoes - more than enough for his experiment. Yet, he didn't want to deplete their supplies carelessly. "Do we have extra in storage?" he questioned, his voice tinged with genuine concern.
Elena nodded reassuringly. “We have enough for a month. But Mister Leonard should have returned by now with more supplies. His delay is... unusual." She looked at the boy, her eyes filled with worry. "Master, may I ask, though, what you plan on doing with them?"
Theo, with a mysterious glint in his eyes, leaned in as if to share a secret, but then pulled back. "That, is a secret. But maybe, you'll know soon enough." Holding his secret farm close to his chest, he left her in wonderment.
Theo picked up a box filled with tomatoes from the counter. Beside it was a sharp knife, which he took along with the box, heading toward the dining table. As he settled into his usual seat, he made room on the table to spread out the tomatoes. While he contemplated fetching the box of potatoes, Elena was already a step ahead. She carried it over, her brows furrowed in puzzlement, clearly curious about her master's intentions.
Unpacking the box, Theo laid out the tomatoes neatly on the table, then began slicing into them carefully. Elena's eyes widened in realization as Theo started extracting the juicy centers – the pockets brimming with seeds. The seeds glistened, surrounded by the tomato's gelatinous pulp, as Theo set them aside separately.
Seeing his intent, Elena gently offered, "Can I assist you, Master?"
He met her eyes and nodded gratefully, pointing towards the kitchen, "I need a bucket. I'll be right back."
When he returned, water sloshed gently in the bucket he carried. Working together, they continued separating the seeds from their pulpy encasements. From the 16 tomatoes, they managed to extract approximately 2,400 seeds, given that an average tomato can contain around 150 seeds.
As they neared completion, Theo advised, "When you prepare meals, try to save the seeds like this. And let's use these tomatoes for dinner tonight – wouldn’t want them to go to waste."
"As you say, Master." Elena nodded obediently. She might not understand her master's actions fully, but she respected his wishes.
Once the seeds were all extracted, Theo submerged them in the bucket, using his fingers to gently swirl the water, removing any lingering pulp. Elena, always eager to assist, began helping him.
Eventually, after cleaning all the seeds, Theo went back to the kitchen and brought a large bowl. He transferred the seeds into the bowl he had just fetched, handling them with care. Given the number of seeds, the large bowl was appropriate to contain all 2,400 seeds without overcrowding. Taking a deep, relieved breath, he exclaimed, "Ah... This is done."
Elena looked at the large bowl, brimming with seeds. "What will you do with these, Master?" the girl asked in her sweet tone with a gleam of curiosity in her eyes.
Theo responded calmly, explaining, "We have extracted tomato seeds. Once you take them from ripe tomatoes, you need to remove the gel-like substance surrounding them. Then you place them in water for fermentation. In a few days, they'll be ready for planting, but I'll need to dry them first." He shared his method, recalling the lessons he learned from his grandfather. He hoped he hadn't missed any steps, considering he'd never put the knowledge into practice before.
Elena looked surprised at his explanation and began gathering the leftover tomato pieces.
With the tomato seeds now prepared, there was nothing left but to wait for them to be ready. Meanwhile, Elena went to the kitchen, taking the leftover tomato pieces her master had instructed her to cook for dinner.
When she emerged from the kitchen, she noticed Theo leaning against the dining table, eyes shut, lost in thought. Her voice was soft, tinged with concern, "Master, do you need anything?"
Theo opened his eyes, his demeanor calm. "No, I think I'll take a walk outside. Don't worry about me."
Elena nodded, "Then I'll see to some other chores, Master." Her voice was warm with no nervousness, reflecting the comfort she now felt around him. She no longer felt the need for formalities, bows, or the stiff noble courtesies of the traditional maid around Theo.
Her interactions with Theo had become more relaxed over time. Now, she moved with a comforting familiarity around him, no longer bound by the strict conventions of the nobility.
Their location, distant from the kingdom's watchful eyes, certainly helped, but what truly bridged the gap was Theo's approachable nature, especially when he invited her to dine with him and share meals. It made her feel valued, and that warmth now displayed in every interaction she shared.
Theo watched as Elena moved towards the kitchen. Holding the small bowl with tomato seeds and the box of potatoes, he left the mansion. Reaching the garden, he cast the portal and entered his demonic farm.
Inside, the scenery was painted in a silvery hue of moonlight. Near the abyssal well, Lilith sat, her eyes showing some deep emotion. She appeared different from the lively girl he knew – the same girl who once drank his blood and flung him around like a rag doll during their amusing first encounter.
Her face, usually full of mischief and playfulness, now gazed at the sky, resembling a child lost in a bustling market. This was one of those rare moments when she wasn't trying to bewitch or poke fun at him. The ghostly atmosphere of the farm only added to her current eerie allure.
Pushing her momentarily from his mind, Theo made his way to the abyssal well, carefully laying out the potatoes on the opposite side from where Lilith had been. Reaching for a nearby watering can, he gently watered half the potatoes, mumbling to himself, "Let's see if this helps them sprout faster."
With that half task done, he moved to the obsidian shed, placing the other half of the potatoes from the box inside, believing this spot might be just right for sprouting.
Moving on, he carefully placed the bowl of the tomato seeds atop the golden vault. Dusting his hands, he looked around, feeling pride of finishing his task. "I wonder how long this will take," he whispered, pleased with his efforts.
As he was done, he glanced back at Lilith again, noting she still seemed lost in thought. Approaching her, he asked in his usual calm tone, "Planning to stay here a while longer?"
Lilith's eyes shifted to him, softening for a moment, and she simply nodded.
Preparing to cast a portal to return outside, Theo hesitated. He considered asking her more about her mood but then decided against it.
He remembered how unpredictable girls can be. After all, back on Earth, his cousin Alina Lewis had given him enough experience with the roller coaster of feminine emotions. He had often heard that such fluctuations might be tied to monthly cycles, but Theo doubted that was the sole reason.
He mused humorously, ‘Women seemed to possess the superpower of mood shifts just based on... well, mood.’
Theo shook his head, dispersing the amusing thoughts. Activating his portal, he stepped out of his demonic farm. The outside world welcomed him as he diligently began his routine, focusing on his daily quests and physical exercises.
While he was exercising, Elena, as usual, came over to keep him company. He couldn't help but muse, 'I wonder if Lilith is enjoying being cooped up in that demonic farm?'
<<<<
[Quest Complete: "The Weight of Destiny"]
[~ Congratulations! You've successfully tackled the challenge to counteract the mysterious bug's poison. The sweat-soaked clothes and aching muscles are proof of your will power. Your determination and commitment have paid off.]
[Reward: +1 Basic Elixir of Stamina Gained]
[Quest Complete: "Trailblazing Beyond Limits"]
[~By pushing your body beyond its limits, you've unlocked untapped potential within. Your perseverance has yielded results that go beyond mere physical strength.]
[Reward: +1 Agility Point Gained]
>>>>
After an intensive eight-hour regimen, with the evening sky spreading shadows across the landscape, Theo turned to Elena, a sheen of sweat glistening on his brow. "Elena, I'll head to my room for a shower. After that, how about we have dinner?"
Elena nodded with her innocent smile, "Okay, Master. Dinner will be ready by then."
Post-shower, Theo sat down at the dining table. Before him, an array of dishes stared back at him – all tomato-based. He counted one, two... three... four tomato dishes.
"Looks like it's tomato festival today," he commented. Theo blinked, then, without a word, began to eat, granting Elena a playfully exasperated smile.
It was a tomato overload, and while one might expect a bland taste, each dish was of unique flavors. There was an amusing irony in the tomato-dominated dinner, but the boy wouldn’t complain; the dishes were undeniably delicious.
Elena caught Theo's slightly exaggerated exasperation and suppressed a giggle. After all, it was at his insistence they use the tomatoes. She had half a mind to apologize for the tomato overkill - four dishes, no less!
However, watching him savor each bite with evident pleasure, she decided against it, and instead focused on enjoying her own meal. Two shared a peaceful and happy meal, surrounded by a a lot of different dishes all singing praises of the humble tomato.
After dinner, Elena softly hummed to herself as she retreated to the kitchen, immersing herself in washing the dishes. On the other hand, Theo marched to his room, giving off every impression of a man preparing for sleep. However, once the door clicked shut behind him, he opened a portal to his farm.
