He had left for about twenty minutes… that was just enough time for the Mountain Beast Hearty Stew to fully cook down, thicken, and let every ingredient melt together into the real stew.
During that same period, Bella had already finished steaming the rice to fluffy perfection.
As for Azel… he had somehow managed to turn those twenty waiting minutes into an impromptu lesson.
Bella, the two older sisters, even Sylus despite his bandages… he had spent the entire time teaching them how to cut properly, how to angle the knife for clean slices, how to avoid bruising vegetables, how to avoid overworking meat, and even simple timing tricks with the pan.
Everyone was excited to learn how to cook suddenly, well except Sybil.
Now, as Azel returned to the stove while Sybil and her mother were behind the counter with their hands clasped together.
They were looking to see the end result.
"It's the moment of truth…" Sybil muttered.
Azel lifted the lid.
