Chapter 4

Prinz gave me a good-natured smile as our gazes met.

“The young master got all of his test questions wrong so... In any case, it wasn’t too bad today. I did his homework and submitted it myself.”

Hmm, seems like a pretty good time to clarify some things about my current family, the Rodelines. My father, Leonard Rodeline, was originally from the Golden Ivory Tower of Alchemist. Though he was one of the best, he was kicked to the curb when he got on the wrong side of someone higher up. Count Gilete found my dad and hired him for cheap, devaluing his worth by considering him just as a single dad shackled with two kids.

Dad… Hmm, it’s still kinda awkward. Mr. Alchemist here is rather ignorant of the ways of the world and continues to renew this one-sided contract, slaving away at the count’s service. Prinz and Ailette, being dependents of Leonard, naturally became servants at the count’s castle.

Prinz became the good-for-nothing master’s attendant, who was always punished in his stead, while Ailette became a maid. Mr. Alchemist and Prinz only appear as minor characters in the original storyline. The young master of the castle abused his savior, the protagonist, upon returning from his knighthood training.

Prinz was the one that provided the protagonist with a bed to sleep in, while Mr. Alchemist shared some potions with the protagonist before he left in the morning. I had paid close attention to where Prinz and the protagonist first appeared together in the story.

Prinz guided the protagonist to the Alchemist’s room, as it was the cleanest and, therefore, the nicest room available. When the protagonist came across Ailette’s things, he asked Prinz if this was a woman’s room. Prinz smiled and assured the holy knight that there was nothing to worry about.

“Those things are my late sister’s belongings.” My transmigration host had lost her way deep inside a dungeon hidden underneath the castle...

This was Ailette Rodeline’s inevitable future. This awful castle was on some bad land. Not only was Gilette Castle located right on top of a dungeon, but it was also near a dungeon burst that would become the source of an outbreak.

Getting back to where we left off, I took another look at Prinz. Even though he was my older brother, he seemed very young. Maybe twelve years old at most. I felt a surge of anger at the thought of his bloodied hands and calves.

Prinz returned after scrubbing his hands and took the churn handle from my grasp. The sight of his hands really bothered me.

“How about you put some ointment on first? Go ask Dad to give you some.”

Prinz jumped out of his chair and began to panic. “No way! Dad’s going to worry if you tell him.”

“Dad doesn’t know about this?”

“No, he doesn’t. He’ll forbid me if he finds out. I-I’m really okay with getting punished. I want to listen in on the young master’s lessons, even if it means I get whipped and beaten.”

“Even so…”

“But Allie, why are you acting like you don’t know about this all of a sudden? You promised to keep it a secret in exchange for all of my pudding...”

I suppose if a deal had already been struck, I couldn’t go back on it.

Prinz smiled warmly as he looked at me. “Oh, that’s right. Dad stepped out for a bit. He said there were some issues with the herb merchants.”

“Then let’s try to find some ointments in his lab later. I’ll help you put some on, Prinz.”

I tried to comfort him, partly because I pitied him and because he finished the churning for me. Calling him by his name seemed pretty natural for someone who just transmigrated today. It might be because my older brother from my past life still lived on as a child in my memories.

Prinz’s eyes began to unexpectedly tear up. “Allie....”

“W-what’s wrong?”

“Working in the kitchen must’ve really worn you out. This is the first time you’ve called me by my name since you were four.”

“Huh?”

“You used to say you’d never acknowledge me before... You said I was dense and that you didn’t even want to talk to me.”

It seems like my host wasn’t all that good-natured either. My heart began to ache a little. I hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Oh, um, that’s right. I think I’ve matured a little after working so hard in the kitchen. I’ll call you by your name from now on. You can forget all about the past me.”

Now that I’m Ailette Rodeline, things are going to be different for this kind-hearted older brother.

“R-really? No take-backs!”

“Yes, yes, whatever you say Prinz.”

“Wow, it feels like I have a real younger sister now. N-not that I had a fake sister before! I just like this new you.”

And really, it’s all the better for me if he thinks that. Eventually, the churning was complete, thanks to Prinz’s help. Now all that was left to do was wash up.

“Wrap up what you’re working on and gather around for some snacks.”

Seems like there are some great perks to working in the kitchen.

“Let’s finish things up and grab something to eat.”

“M-me too?” Prinz asked.

“Of course. You helped out too. If they don’t give you any, I’ll share some of mine.”

“Allie...”

For some reason, the moment felt very moving. I could feel my cheeks blushing as this one-sided brotherly love enveloped me.

“Hmph seems like working in the kitchen suits you well.”

I followed the sudden voice back to its owner. A familiar brunette stood in the exact same pose as the head maid had.

“Nellie.”

The other girl looked me up and down. Her small lips puckered as soon as she found something to belittle me over. “Oh my, are you in charge of doing the dishes? How pathetic. I’m preparing the mistress’s tea and snacks.”

“Good for you. Have fun.”

“Your hands are probably going to get chapped and wrinkly from washing all those dishes. Too bad.”

Her attitude was a bit annoying. Just as I was finishing up my chores alongside Nellie’s endless blathering, a message popped up before me.

⟬«System» Mission [Butter Making and Clean Up] is complete. Distributing experience points.⟭

⟬«System» You’ve received 400% bonus experience points from the effects of [Blessing of Extreme Growth].⟭

⟬«System» Congratulations! Maximum exp. reached. Your Cooking skill is now Lv. 2. You have now unlocked the skills [Sugary Fruit Snack], [Basic Snack Crafting], and [Brewing Rich, Savory Tea].⟭

Sweet! Fast-leveling! While I was reveling the feeling of growing stronger, one of the skills that was listed caught my attention. Hmm, tea brewing?

Nellie continued to babble on and on. “Well, I guess you have no choice but to strain your body since you have no other skills. Menial tasks are perfect for both of you ignorant siblings. Hey, are you listening to me? What are you staring at— Ahh!”

I headbutted Nellie’s chin as I resolutely shot up out of my chair.

“Hey! What do you think you’re doing?!” Nellie exclaimed.

“C’mon, that hurt me too.”

“Are you kidding me!? Y-you dumb bonehead!”

Nellie continued to scream her head off as Prinz tended to the bump on my head. The commotion drew the attention of those in the kitchen.

“Nellie, don’t be so ill-mannered. We can’t have someone so headstrong serve the mistress, now can we?”

“Madam Isela...”

The stern-looking middle-aged woman was measuring out tea leaves as she scolded Nellie. It seemed like she was in charge of the countess’s tea and refreshments. This was perfect. I peered over at Nellie and gave her a big smile.

“W-what is it? Why are you smiling like that?” Animals tend to be good at sensing danger.

I casually asked her a question. “You said your dream was to become a tea-serving maid right?”

“Huh?”

“You just stay put and watch me.”

Nellie wore a foolish expression as I walked away, striding quickly over to the head chef. I tried to look serious, but as a ten-year-old, the best I could manage was to appear very earnest.

“Ailette Rodeline?” The head chef, who had been directing the other maids, turned to face me.

I opened my mouth to speak, keenly aware I had the attention of the entire room. “Head chef, do you think I could brew the tea for this afternoon’s tea break?”

“You want to brew the tea?”

“Yes ma’am. I want to serve everyone that has taught me so much today.”

The other maid chimed in enthusiastically.

“Gosh, Ailette’s going to brew us tea?”

“Let’s have a taste of Ailette’s tea!”

“Of course! I’ll serve up some delicious tea for everyone. Please, can you give me a chance?”

The head chef gave an indifferent nod. I carefully measured out the black tea leaves that were set aside for servant use as I waited for the water to boil in the large kettle. I could feel a sharp gaze as I stood atop the stool and fidgeted with the tea.

I assumed it was Nellie, only to be taken aback by the head housekeeper, Isela. She was quietly observing what I was doing. After giving it time to steep, the pot of savory, black tea was finally ready. I heaved up the large kettle and served everyone their tea.

“Oh my, the aroma is exquisite.”

“Are you sure this is the tea we’ve always had?”

“I can’t believe it. Did you switch up the tea leaves?”

I glanced up at the head chef to find her quietly enjoying her cup of tea. Of course, before anyone could spot her pleasant expression, she quickly reverted back to her stern, steely demeanor. Isela approached the head chef. The two were close in age and were good friends.

“Look here, Peisha. Let me have a taste of that tea.”

“This is our tea.”

“I just want a taste.”

“Get permission from Ailette.”

Isela turned to face me. Thanks to the excellent social skills I honed in my previous life, I caught on quickly and served her some tea.

Isela began sipping the tea with unparalleled grace. As soon as she tasted the tea, she swung around and shouted, “You!”

“Yes…?”

“You’ve been truly foolish!”

Did I do something wrong? I was a little intimidated by Isela’s sudden change in demeanor. I found myself slouching my shoulders as someone stood protectively before me.

It was the head chef. “Isela! Just what do you think you’re doing? Did you go crazy from the tea? Get out of my kitchen if this is how you’re going to behave!”

“I’m perfectly fine, Peisha. What else could I say when such valuable talent is wasting away in the kitchen?”

Oh, I didn’t realize she was just expressing herself. I was relieved, but the people around me didn’t seem to share that feeling. Nellie’s expression was quite amusing, to say the least. Her jaw had dropped to the floor, as she had expected to watch me get scolded instead.

“But Nellie is already learning how to brew and serve tea!”

“Nellie has no talent!”

Nellie’s body began to tremble as she was publicly humiliated, but neither Isela nor Peisha was interested in Nellie. The two women continued to argue as they each grabbed hold of my left and right arm.

“Ailette Rodeline was your name, was it? Starting tomorrow, report to me every day around this hour. I shall teach you the ways of serving tea.”

“No way. Ailette is learning the ways of the kitchen. This child has the potential to become a great, renowned chef. I’m going to teach her what I know!”

“Then she can do both!”

And like that, my position was decided.

“I look forward to working with you, Nellie.”

“Urgh!”

I gave Nellie a charming smile as she bristled at me.