Between Cooking and Alchemy
Carmen showed up with a basket full of snacks, saying it was her way of thanking me for helping with training.
Her hobby was cooking, or so she claimed, but...
Every single one she brought looked and smelled... intense.
Unfortunately, in a bad way.
Haha. So, Captain? What do you think of my cooking?
Go ahead, try one—whatever catches your fancy.
Uh... what is this nasty-looking green lump?
Oh? Nasty?
That's a pudding made with Romarin herbs, which only grow in the northern mountains of Monastir.
It's really good for you.
It helps relieve bruising and reduces inflammation.
That's nice and all, but I'd rather eat something that tastes good.
Oh, it tastes good too.
Here, I'll take a bite first to prove it.
I added lots of fruit jam and sweet seasonings, so it should be—
...
Carmen took a big bite of the green pudding, and her expression immediately turned grim.
...
I knew it tasted bad!!!
It's not bad... it just... has a special flavor.
Haha. You can eat it if you just power through the first few bites.
They say the most nutritious things taste bitter, right?
Come on, say ahh.
One bite, and I promise that sore muscle pain will vanish.
...Fine. You made it for me, after all.
I shut my eyes and took a bite, and instantly let out a gasp.
It was... remarkable.
In the worst way possible.
So? How was it? Pretty special, right?
I think I'm going to be sick...
But soon after, the pain from my training injuries began to fade.
The taste was awful, but the effect was very real. I couldn't help but be amazed.
Honestly, this felt more like alchemy than cooking...
How do you feel? Your body feels lighter now, doesn't it?
...I'll admit it.
Haha. I told you it was good for you.
Now, now. No being picky.
I brought plenty more to try!
Here's a crepe with thin slices of Guru Guru fruit...
And these cookies are made with calming herbs to help you sleep better at night.
The taste is... a little sour, but it's got a kick. Give it a try.
...
So, Captain?
How was my cooking?
It's interesting...
That just leaves this one totally unremarkable cupcake.
Oh, but don't get your hopes up for that one. Haha.
I just tried out a new recipe, so it came out a bit plain.
In the basket, one last cupcake remained. And it actually looked quite decent.
I took a big bite, and it tasted...
Not bad. It's generic, but it's tasty.
Oh, really?
All I did was follow the exact recipe...
Doesn't it taste bland? Uninspired?
I might've gone a little overboard with the sugar...
It might not be good for your health.
Nah, this is perfect.
Well, if you liked it, that's all that matters to me.
Let's share a meal again sometime, okay? Haha.
The next day.
I ended up writhing on the floor with stomach cramps until lunch.
I might've gone a little overboard with the sugar...
It might not be good for your health.
...
There's definitely something seriously wrong with her cooking.