My Servant System

Chapter 433 432: Making Decisions (2)

?

With the broth for the vegetable stew simmering on the stove, I turned my attention towards the chicken and steaks, making sure each of the meats were cooking thoroughly and that the seasonings weren't getting burnt off.

I - of course - had extra portions cooking as well, since I could almost guarantee that the Marquess would be lured over here by the smell, and if she wasn't then Jahi and Anput would devour the extras like the gluttons they could be.

"I do think we should remain at the cottage in the Capital, so that we can have access to the Academy and Zhu'Rong Caverns. If we need to, we can always journey out for a few days somewhere else. Since we need to study and practice in equal amounts, that would be the most ideal location."

Jahi nodded, though her focus was mainly on the uncovered steak that I was poking with a needle, trying to make sure the juices saturated the rest of the meat besides just the outside.

"Of course we have to remain in the Capital. Mom said that we'll be training with the Knights if we want to get stronger, while Lady Theresa and maybe the Empress' other wives could give us some pointers as well. I mean, isn't Lady D'Arcon a Light Mage? That sounds like someone I should be getting to know."

"Aunt D'Arcon would teach you a lot, but she's always preferred being a Support Mage instead, with her repertoire of spells focusing on buffing and healing her comrades. Though, she might have something in store for offense... She might not be the greatest teacher for you, actually, now that I think about it."

We all looked at the Vampire in confusion, and she chuckled as she spoke in a wry voice, her lips tugging upwards.

"Well, she is technically a Priestess... Her magic works based on her faith to her Goddess. Since mana can be... 'changed' from person to person depending on how they want to use it, she found that treating it like some holy power she was being blessed with resulted in her having stronger magics. And well..."

The Demoness became the center of attention after that, and she snorted as she said "Yeah, I don't particularly believe in or put my faith into Gods and Goddesses. I don't think they aren't real, but I personally believe they don't care about what happens down here... I'll still see if I can learn something from her though."

"Would Lady Theresa be willing to teach us all about magic? Or is she... selective with who she teaches?"

Leone was about to answer my question when another voice entered the kitchen, speaking for her.

"When she trained me, it was because she was selective. Now, however, with the threats looming over the horizon? I imagine she'll take the time to tutor you all a little, before passing you off to someone else. Funnily enough, each of you likely has a respective tutor already planned at the Palace."

The Countess strode in, her warm smile barely hiding the joy she felt as the Marquess and Mother walked beside her; like I had expected, the Marquess made a beeline to the steaks, while Mother came to stand beside me, looking into each pot and pan before nodding.

"Kat, Lady Yusa will likely show you a thing or two about Ice Magic. Just like Duchess Klaki and her daughter Draka, she was born with inherent Ice Magic, and she is also rather adept at wielding it. Draka will likely be joining you in the Capital to learn from the Snow Woman, since the way she wields her magic is different from Duchess Klaki.

Anput, your tutor... well, Lady Fenryas could be your full tutor for everything. She has an obsession with blades, wields Metal Magic, and is one of the best blade fighters in the world. The problem is that -"

"She's a hard bitch to please, and will likely take great pleasure in taking you apart piece by piece until you almost break, before forging you anew. She won't be a fun mentor to have, Anput."

The Marquess interrupted the Countess, but the Countess didn't seem to mind as she nodded, staring at the dark blue Demoness who shuddered slightly and muttered "Crazy wolf..."

"That is the problem with her. So... yeah. Then, Leone, you would be a perfect fit for Lorelei, Lady Igna, and the Empress since all three utilize Fire Magic, as well as some... others. And Jahi, if you can't learn anything beneath Lady D'Arcon, I am sure Lady Theresa could guide you in how to improve your Light Magic in other ways. She is... an encyclopedia of knowledge, and a genius when it comes to the arcane. Living multiple millennia would certainly help in that..."

"Anyways~! Kat dear, did you make extra portions or no~?"

I gave the Marquess a small smile as she continued to inspect the kitchen, her hunger obvious as her stomach growled.

Even after the Countess swatted her arm, the Demoness smiled unabashedly at me as she waited for an answer.

"I did, Marquess."

"Good~! Good! I'll be back in a moment... This calls for some good wine~!"

Before the Countess could even stop the Marquess, she was gone, rushing down the hall for wherever she stored her good wines.

Sighing, she looked at me and gave me an apologetic smile, which made Mother chuckle slightly beside me.

"Ria, what did you expect? Chordeva has the appetite of four or five people most nights, and after... well, she certainly has enough for six."

Mother blushed slightly, cueing us all in on what happened - not that there was any confusion on that front, since Jahi was almost a carbon copy of her Mom - which made the Countess smile wryly as she nodded.

"Well, is there anything I can help with dear?"

The kitchen felt even warmer as Mother and I began to cook up some additional meals just for the Marquess, keeping it simple yet filling as we moved around the kitchen, all while the others watched at the tables, chatting about the future to come, as well as the here and now.

It felt perfect being back here, cooking for my family as they chatted nearby.

I missed this warm, cozy feeling, and I swore to never take it for granted ever again.