Aiden entered the royal kitchen behind the head butler, and the moment his feet crossed into the chamber, his eyes widened in admiration.
The kitchen was akin to a grand hall, bearing no less majesty than the palace’s own chambers; long tables of gleaming white marble, massive stone ovens emanating a gentle heat, and meticulously arranged cabinets housing the finest flours, rustic butter, aromatic herbs, and rare spices brought from various regions of the continent.
Throughout the kitchen, a number of servants continued their duties in silence and discipline, yet they could not conceal their curiosity as they observed the human youth who had become the talk of the palace since his arrival.
The head butler came to a halt in the center of the hall, then gestured with his hand toward the ingredients lined up before Aiden, speaking in a tone that blended testing with challenge: “Everything is prepared before you…
and now, show us your creativity, and prove to us that the pride you spoke of before the Great Mages was no mere collection of words.” Aiden raised his gaze to him, then offered a confident smile as he dusted off his hands, preparing for labor.
He spoke with steadfastness: “I promise you…
I shall make you addicted to the pastries and sweets I craft today.” A brief silence blanketed the kitchen, and faint smiles graced the faces of some servants, while the head butler maintained his stern features, as though he awaited deeds rather than words.
As for Aiden, he advanced toward the workstation, examining the ingredients one by one with the eye of an expert chef, selecting each variety with care before beginning his first journey within the royal kitchen—in a trial that could determine his entire future inside this grand palace.