Chapter 199: Chapter 199: Get-together

Watching the normally elegant Duke Cecilia lose all her composure in her anger at her daughter, Lu Xiao couldn’t help but think that both her aunt and her grandmother were quite adorable.

’If Cecilia hadn’t given Selena so much love and a sense of security, she never would have raised an aunt like her—so confident and bold. She was nothing like some of the other females in the Empire, who were all bluster on the outside but brittle within.’

Watching Cecilia chase Selena out, looking as though she wouldn’t rest until she had disciplined her personally, Lu Xiao couldn’t help but laugh.

’The Duke Garieldo Mansion is a wonderful place,’ she thought. ’It really feels like a home here. Everyone is so loving and kind.’

Lu Xiao didn’t disturb the mother-daughter “interaction.” Instead, she returned to her room, changed her clothes, and went straight to the kitchen.

The chefs in the Duke Mansion were startled to see her, and they were left utterly dumbfounded when Lu Xiao announced she would be cooking dinner herself that evening.

The head chef had someone confirm with Cecilia before he dared to believe that Lu Xiao was serious.

In truth, they had all heard the stories about Lu Xiao. There had been so much news about her recently it was impossible to ignore, especially since they worked inside the Duke Garieldo Mansion itself. With the person in question living right under their roof, it was even more unlikely they would miss it.

So, naturally, they knew she enjoyed cooking; they just never expected it was actually true, or that they would one day see it for themselves.

They watched the young woman tie on an apron, looking quite professional.

The head chef couldn’t help but step forward. “Allow me to assist you.”

“Of course. Thank you for the help.” Lu Xiao didn’t refuse, accepting with a gentleness and ease that immediately put the chef at ease.

The head chef’s heart stirred. He suddenly understood why someone as particular as Duke Cecilia treated the young woman before him so exceptionally.

’Lady Lu Xiao truly is worthy of it.’

’She has none of the arrogance or willfulness common among the females of the Empire. You can really feel that she treats everyone as an equal.’

’It makes being around her an incredibly pleasant experience.’

When Lu Xiao had moved in, she’d brought the jar of pickled vegetables Robin had given her, planning to cook for everyone and let them have a taste of her handiwork when she had the chance.

And now, that day had finally come.

When the head chef saw what Lu Xiao took out, his eyes widened in surprise. “This is…?”

Seeing the chef’s confusion and remembering that Robin had said it was a specialty from his hometown, Lu Xiao briefly explained.

The head chef’s eyes lit up after her explanation. “I would love to meet this master chef you speak of, if I ever get the chance.”

“Next time I have a chance, I’ll ask him. If he’s willing, I can give him your contact information. Then you two can connect.”

The head chef was delighted by her offer. “Thank you, Lady Lu Xiao! That would be wonderful. But… would it be too much trouble for you?”

“Not at all. It’s an easy thing to do. Once it’s ready, you can try the Fish with Pickled Greens.”

“In that case, I won’t stand on ceremony.” Lu Xiao’s friendliness helped the head chef relax. In truth, no one in the Duke Mansion was difficult to get along with. While Duke Cecilia seemed stern most days, she treated her staff very well. Working in the Duke Mansion was better than working elsewhere by a long shot.

That was why they always put their all into their work.

You could tell Lu Xiao genuinely knew how to cook just by watching her deft movements; that sort of skill was hard to fake.

The head chef watched in admiration as she expertly stir-fried and seasoned the ingredients. “You look like you cook often,” he remarked.

Lu Xiao laughed. “These are just simple, home-style dishes. I can’t compare to a master chef like you.”

“Not at all. I couldn’t make these dishes.” ’It was true,’ he thought. ’The dishes Lu Xiao was making might look like simple home cooking, but the aroma alone was incredible. He couldn’t even imagine how delicious they must taste.’

He knew how to prepare some of them, but they never tasted like this. Seeing Lu Xiao’s seasoning techniques firsthand felt like a door opening to a whole new world. ’So this is another way to do it!’

Whenever he had a question about something he didn’t understand, Lu Xiao would explain it patiently, completely unafraid that he would steal her techniques.

By the time Lu Xiao finished cooking, the head chef was thoroughly won over.

As the dishes were brought to the table one by one, Lu Xiao washed her hands. “I’ll have to trouble you all with the cleanup,” she said.

“It’s our job, of course. You even set aside some food for us. Thank you.”

“It’s nothing, don’t worry about it.” Lu Xiao waved a hand dismissively and left with a smile. She meant it. After all, they had helped her quite a bit. It wouldn’t be right for her to finish cooking and then expect them to clean up while hungry. That just wasn’t how things should be done.

Everyone was already seated around the dining table, staring at the magnificent spread but not yet daring to pick up their chopsticks.

Selena gulped. “I knew Xiao Xiao could cook, but I had no idea she was *this* good! And it smells amazing!”

Cecilia looked at Selena’s pathetic expression. “What are you making such a fuss about? Did you think Xiao Xiao was like you—useless at everything?”

“You’re right, Mother. Xiao Xiao really is amazing!” Selena wholeheartedly agreed on that point.

Kelin didn’t say anything, but the fact that he was standing there recording everything spoke volumes.

The calmest ones at the table were the few who had eaten Lu Xiao’s cooking before.

The two little cubs were drooling nonstop, constantly glancing toward the kitchen. ’Why isn’t Big Sis here yet? The cubs are hungry, hungry!’

Lu Xiao walked over with a platter of cut fruit. “The final dish! Everything’s served!”

Selena grabbed Lu Xiao’s arm. “You’re finally back! Any longer and we would’ve flooded the place with drool! Xiao Xiao, you’re just too amazing! If you ever want to open a restaurant, just say the word, and your aunt will invest in you!”

“Stop spouting nonsense. As if our Xiao Xiao would ever lack the money to open a restaurant!” Cecilia was clearly on the warpath with Selena today. The memory of being called “Big Sis” made her want to smack her daughter a couple more times.

Seeing that everyone was starving, Lu Xiao sat down and said, “Please, don’t hold back. Let’s eat.”

Cecilia looked at her. “Aren’t you going to say a few words?”

Lu Xiao let out a small laugh. “No need, Grandmother. We’re all family here, what is there to say? Let’s eat!”

At her words, everyone broke into laughter.

As soon as they heard they could eat, the two little male cubs shot to their feet, worried they wouldn’t be able to reach some of the tastiest dishes.

No one at the table stopped them.

Clearly, in this household, males and females were treated equally.

You can tell a lot about a family’s values just by watching the children, as they are especially sensitive to such things.

The fact that the two little male cubs could behave so freely was proof that the Duke Mansion usually gave them such latitude.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep