Chapter 20
The Servant Turns the Tables on the StaffThe Servant Turns the Tables on the Staff
“How do you like it? Isn't it amazing? Doesn't it make you curious?”
Flipping through the book, John Johnson's voice buzzed incessantly beside me. Was he always this talkative? I thought he was supposed to be a straightforward, manly dwarf.
I just flipped through the pages absentmindedly, but John Johnson eagerly provided an unsolicited rundown of the book's contents. He was genuinely enthusiastic about it, almost giddy.
'It's definitely a useful book. I didn't expect it to have such detailed recipes.'
The book contained basic recipes for baking, as advertised. It included a wide variety, from simple cookies and bread to more advanced desserts like puddings and handmade chocolates.
"Why the sudden gift?"
I looked up from the book, feeling a mix of gratitude and suspicion. It was a helpful gift, but his intentions were clear. He wanted me to make him desserts.
But I kept a smile on my face.
"Why? Because you'll be serving these ladies for a long time. You need the basics, right? And you can't even access the old library, can you?"
John Johnson stroked his beard, speaking as if the answer was obvious.
"Well, that's true."
I couldn't argue with that. His explanation made sense, and I found myself nodding in agreement. Even if his reasons were somewhat superficial, it was true that I needed this knowledge.
'Honestly, with my current skills, I wouldn't last long...'
I was in a precarious situation. I had barely survived a day. What I needed most was knowledge.
If I had successfully charmed Sophia yesterday, I might not have been in this situation at all. Having a dragon ally would have been a game-changer. But for now, I was on my own, except for Derke, who was just a beginner.
My current skills were basic at best. I needed to survive, and that required me to acknowledge my reality and move forward.
If I didn't improve, I wouldn't be able to handle the challenges ahead. This book was a golden opportunity to gain the knowledge I needed.
"Thank you very much. I needed something like this."
"You're welcome! Remember, I'm probably the only one looking out for you."
John Johnson beamed, satisfied with himself. He was probably already anticipating the desserts I would make from the book.
"By the way, sir, don't you have any work to do? You've been here for two days straight..."
Since the semester started, John Johnson had been showing a lot of interest in me, giving me tips here and there. He was like a bearded, curly-haired tsundere.
"At the beginning of the semester, things are pretty relaxed. The budget's set, and most of the paperwork was handled before the students arrived."
"I see. Well, thanks to you, I've figured out what to make next."
"Oh? And what might that be?"
"Cake!"
"Cake? Are you sure you're not overreaching? Starting with such a fancy dessert..."
John Johnson looked skeptical. He was probably doubting my ability to pull it off.
Even if it seemed impossible, I had to do it to satisfy Sophia. There was no way I was making something as simple as raisin bread.
"If it works out, you'll be the first to try it. You've always been so helpful."
"Really? You'll let me taste it first?"
His eyes sparkled with excitement. If I hadn't declined his bond earlier, a notification about increased affection would have definitely popped up.
"Of course. Look forward to it."
Because what I'm really going to make is a mint chocolate cake. And when you taste it, your expectations will plummet, and you might never come back in the morning.
Sophia will be satisfied, and John Johnson's affection will be dampened. Two birds with one stone.
Still, I appreciated his help, so I made him a special morning coffee with syrup.
"This is nice. Thanks, I'll enjoy it."
John Johnson downed the coffee in one gulp, as always.
"Wow, this coffee is refreshing and smooth. It's great."
"Really? I'm glad you like it."
Don’t go into detail about the taste. It makes me nauseous.
‘Wait, if he enjoys this coffee, could he also like mint chocolate?’
The thought made my skin crawl.
"Anyway, I'm looking forward to the cake."
He seemed satisfied, jumping off the chair with a satisfied sound.
But I couldn't let him leave just yet. He was still useful.
"Sir, are you heading to the administration office?"
"Yes, even though it's relaxed, I can't stay here forever."
He was lying. He had nothing to do yesterday and even took some of my biscuits.
"Can I ask you for one more favor before you go?"
"What more could you need?"
"You know the kitchen isn't equipped for proper baking. We lack ingredients too."
"Hmm? That's true. The equipment is old, and it's been 50 years..."
"So, could you help me order some ingredients? At least for now?"
"Ordering ingredients? Isn't that your job every month?"
It was my job, but I had a reason for asking him.
"We need premium ingredients like chocolate to satisfy the girls. We don't even have baking soda."
"Then just order it."
"I'm just a servant. Anything I request gets cut by the administration office."
I explained why I needed his help. Premium ingredients were hard to come by, especially since I was just a servant.
"I don't handle every order myself."
"That's why I'm asking you."
"Even so, the budget's already set..."
"If you can't help, then I understand. I just wanted you to try my special cake first..."
"Hmm..."
I played the sympathy card, and he stroked his beard, deep in thought.
He couldn't let the opportunity pass. After all, he'd gone out of his way to give me the book.
"...Alright. I'll see if there's room in the budget for some extra orders. If you need any equipment, let me know. I'll make sure you get it."
He finally agreed. Now I could renovate the kitchen with new equipment.
"Thank you very much!"
"Make a list of what you need. I'll make sure you get it."
Things were going better than expected.
I could overhaul the entire kitchen.