MTLNOVEL Chapter 73
I let the butter soften at room temperature and mixed it with the flour that would become the dough.
Then, I combined sugar and eggs, placing the mixture into the refrigeration box to rest.
“Master, weren’t you supposed to be resting today?”
Eve’s exasperated voice rang out.
(Yeah, that’s why I’m resting.)
We were in the academy’s kitchen.
Most students at the academy used the cafeteria or other dining facilities, but there were some who preferred to cook for themselves.
This kitchen was provided for those students.
Since it was a holiday, the kitchen was fairly busy.
Some female students were making sweets and having tea parties, and I could feel their curious glances directed at me.
They were probably wondering why I, the only male student in the room, was here.
“You went shopping at the market in the morning, buying all sorts of things, and now you’re making something suspicious. I really think you need time to just do nothing, Master.”
Eve seemed a bit overly worried about me. It was as if she thought working 24/7 was normal for me, so I decided to correct her.
(This is how I spend my days off.)
“Mmm… so, what are you making?”
While we talked, I continued preparing the syrup and peeling various fruits from my [Farm], soaking them in the syrup.
The female students across the room were staring, seemingly drawn in by the fruit.
(I’m making a fruit tart. Baking sweets is my hobby.)
It wasn’t a lie. In my previous life, I didn’t have money or friends to go out with, so I took up cooking and baking as hobbies.
“Oh… you’re really skilled. You’re moving so quickly—it looks kind of cool.”
(…Thanks.)
It was the first time someone had told me that, and I felt a little happy.
“Now, I just need to pour the dough into the mold…”
While I worked, I finished preparing the fruit and jam, and the dough was ready to go.
I placed it in the oven and waited.
“Master, why don’t you spend your day off playing with Roberto and the others? I heard they’re all gathering to play sports.”
I knew that a sport trending in the capital had become popular among my classmates, and they often formed teams to play on the academy grounds during holidays.
(If I joined, I’d stand out too much…)
Since I had eaten a Kaiser’s egg and delved into high-ranking dungeons, my level was drastically different from theirs.
If I joined, I’d likely dominate the game and ruin the fun for everyone.
Roberto would probably let me in if I asked, but I didn’t want to disrupt his social life.
“Then what about Angelica? She looked like she wanted to invite you.”
(No, that’s just your imagination. I already dragged her to the castle for two weeks straight, and royalty probably isn’t free on holidays. She’s likely busy with noble gatherings.)
Just as we talked, the tart crust finished baking.
Ignoring the female students who were completely fixated on my work, I spread jam over the crust, sprinkled it with my special powder, and began decorating it with fruit.
I made three tarts in total, carefully ensuring each had a unique flavor.
Finally, I brushed them with a glaze to finish.
“Wow! I want to eat it, I want to eat it, I want to eat it so bad!”
Eve was practically vibrating with excitement. Yeah, I had to admit, these turned out really well.
In my previous life, fruits were expensive, and since I was eating alone, I never went out of my way to make such visually appealing tarts.
I almost wanted to take a picture and post it somewhere.
“Alright, time for a taste test.”
While ignoring the female students practically drooling in anticipation, I cut a piece and took a bite.
“Mmm. The crust is crispy, but the fruit is moist, letting its natural sweetness shine. This might be my best one yet.”
Using ingredients from my [Farm], I had expected the tart to turn out well, but it exceeded even my expectations. This was better than any tart I’d ever eaten in my past life.
“Um… do you need something?”
Before I realized it, I was surrounded by the female students.
Two groups of three who had been chatting earlier now stood silently, staring at the tart.
“Master, these girls look like predators eyeing their prey.”
(You think so too, Eve…)
My instincts told me that fighting was not an option. With a resigned sigh, I made a decision.
“Um, if you’d like, would you like to try some?”
“Huh?”
I couldn’t give away the other two tarts, but I didn’t mind offering this one.
The six girls looked up at me in unison, their eyes wide.
“I already ate one slice, but there are still some left. If you’d like…”
There were seven pieces remaining, so there was enough for everyone.
“Thank you! We’d love to have some!”
The girls smiled happily as they accepted the offer.
Seeing them enjoy something I made felt nice.
“Alright, I’ll be heading off now.”
I quickly used a Clean spell to tidy up the kitchen, stored the remaining two tarts in my room, and stood up to leave.
“They’re eating your tart like carnivorous beasts, Master. I’m so jealous!”
If I stayed any longer, they might go after the other tarts, so it was best to make my escape.
“What will you do with the remaining tarts?”
Eve’s question was met with my predetermined answer.
(Of course, I’m bringing them to Roberto and the others as a treat.)
That was the whole reason I made these special tarts in the first place.
As I exited the kitchen, Eve suddenly remembered something.
“Wait… there were seven slices, and six girls. What’s going to happen to the last piece?”
As soon as I stepped out, I felt an ominous aura from the kitchen—something akin to a D-rank monster’s killing intent…
I decided not to look back.