Chapter 696: Cuisine
Chapter 696: Cuisine
Three days later, the accumulated snow on the streets of Jostrana began to melt. Interestingly, the moment the snow started melting was also the coldest time in terms of temperature.
Jostrana's winter was even colder than the northeast region of Chulae. Venturing outside had become an extremely challenging task.
Along the way, the only establishments that remained open were sushi restaurants and small fish vendors. Cheyenne sat in the car, stealing a quick glance outside. She noticed many types of fish she had never seen before.
Yvonne couldn't resist her professional inclination and began to give Cheyenne an impromptu geography lesson.
"Starting in December and continuing until March of the following year, the Current passes through the western coast of Jostrana. This convergence of warm and cold currents stirs up the seafloor, bringing about abundant food sources and making this area rich in fishery resources."
Cheyenne wasn't particularly interested in these details. She sat quietly, her mind already wandering far away. She thought about the dirty wild man she had encountered in the Dead Forest, the mysterious and fearsome base, and even the man with the silver mask she had seen a few days ago.
Lately, she found herself recalling fragmented memories, as if they belonged to someone else, leaving her feeling estranged.
As her thoughts wandered, time continued to pass gradually, and the luxury car eventually stopped in front of a two-story wooden building.
They'd arrived at the Miller Residence.
Yvonne was the first to exit the car. She opened the door for Cheyenne and considerately reminded her to take it slow and be cautious of her stomach.
The sight before them brought about a shared expression of confusion and disbelief.
They had assumed that the Miller family, who seemed wealthier than most, would live in a grand and opulent mansion similar to the ones they had seen in Chulae.
However, the two-story, wooden house before their eyes was rustic. Upon entering, they were greeted by a long corridor with eaves and intricate roof corners. In the middle, a curved bridge connected the two sides, leading to a small lotus pond that had been dug out, with a hot spring flowing into it.Têxt © NôvelDrama.Org.
The pool housed some goldfish and a few blossoming pink and purple water lilies. Even in the cold winter, during a season of hibernation for most living things, the Miller family's courtyard still showcased lively goldfish and blooming lotus flowers, showcasing their extravagance.
As they walked through the wooden house, the servants wearing wooden clogs and uniform dark-colored robes greeted them with nods.
"Ladies, may I ask whom you are looking for?"
"We are here to see Mr. Miller."
Yvonne presented an invitation card adorned with a gold-embossed peony. This was the highest level of invitation from the Miller family, usually reserved for esteemed members of the royal family, high-ranking officials, and wealthy merchants.
Upon seeing the invitation card, the butler's attitude towards the two of them became even more respectful and sincere. He bowed ninety degrees, expressing his gratitude. "Are you both honored guests? Please follow me."
He led Cheyenne and Yvonne from the side of the courtyard, through a long and winding corridor, until they reached the largest central building.
Upon opening the door, they were greeted by a spacious and brightly lit room, decorated in authentic Jostrana traditional style. Several people were kneeling on the floor, gathered around a stove.
This stove was a heating device
used specifically by the people of Jostrana during winter. Due to the scarcity of resources, most households did not have central heating, as it was also a risk for the easily flammable wooden houses. Instead, they would typically install an electric heating device under the table, covered with blankets, allowing the whole family to sit
together and chat.
Surprisingly, a prominent family like the Miller family seemed to live an ordinary life just like regular people. At first glance, they appeared to be a harmonious family without any arguments. However, the true nature of their relationships was something only they knew.
Seeing Cheyenne's arrival, Rohan waved her over with a smile, his demeanor kind and amiable, resembling an ordinary elderly person.
"Miss Lawrence, please have a seat."
Cheyenne looked at the remaining seat next to the table and hesitated for a moment. The round table was quite large, with Rohan's eldest son sitting to his left and the flirtatious Elias continuously casting glance's towards her on his right. The third and fourth young masters were seated next in line. However, the seat diagonally across from her, which should have belonged to the mysterious Master Darren, remained empty.
The women of the Miller family were dressed in various exquisite robes, kneeling on the other side of the room, waiting to serve them. Judging by their age and the robes they wore, Cheyenne speculated that the slightly older ones were Rohan's concubines, while the younger ones, distinguished by the style and color of their robes, were his daughters-in-law and daughters.
One woman in particular caught Cheyenne's attention, and she
couldn't help but take a few more glances. She was simply stunning, with an oval face, curved eyes, fair skin, and delicate features. Her long chesthut hair cascaded like a
waterfall, flowing down her back, and she was dressed in a pink robe adorned with dancing cherry blossoms. It accentuated her gentle and sweet temperament, making it hard to look away.
It was rumored that this woman was Rohan's beloved youngest daughter, Charlotte Miller, who was only eighteen years old.
From the moment she entered, Cheyenne could feel the woman's gaze on her, assessing her, but it was not filled with malice. It was filled with kindness.
She knew that women in Jostrana had low status, but she didn't expect them to be denied even the privilege of sitting at the table to eat. Cheyenne and Yvonne hesitated for a moment, as they were also women.
"It's fine, please sit," Rohan reassured them.
It was only when Yvonne whispered in her ear that Cheyenne found a relatively secluded spot to sit. Just as she was about to take her seat, her arm was grabbed by Master Elias, who was beside her. Her gaze met his eyes that were shimmering with a mischievous glint.
With his eyes fixed on Cheyenne's fair face, Master Elias warmly suggested, "Miss Lawrence, if you don't mind, you can sit next to me."
"Thank you."
As she took her seat, she caught a glimpse of the figure opposite her, and her mind went blank. The man was dressed in a well-fitted black suit, with a matching overcoat draped over it. He sat tall and imposing. What caught Cheyenne's attention were the visible scars on his hand, which marred his otherwise flawless appearance, evoking a sense of pity.
The silver-white mask on his face reflected a dazzling light under the lamp, and his deep-set eyes stared at her, a trace of a smile appearing on them.
Why was he smiling?
Cheyenne lightly bit her red lip and turned her head away, avoiding his gaze.