Dragon Loves Me

The kitchen is filled with a nice garlic smell, it is not heavy, just mild and perfect. Everyone in the kitchen already started feeling hungry. Their mouth watered just with the smell.

In a few minutes, the kitchen is filled with different aromas and the smell wafted over the mansion. By the time Ronald and Simon returned home the mansion was filled with mouth watering smells.

"Wow, today the chef is cooking something." Simon commented.

"Yeah dad, I am already feeling hungry," Ronald added.

They went inside hurriedly to freshen up and come to have dinner. Ivy already left the kitchen to freshen up after giving instructions to the chef.

Everyone gathered around the dining table and waited for the dinner. Simon even opened the wine bottle from his collection to add flavour to the day.

"Simon, you seem to be in a happy mood" Allora inquired.

"Yes, today's aroma makes me feel hungry and the way they smell I feel like it's time for a small celebration." Simon said happily while rubbing his hands in excitement.

"Yes mother, we need to give a bonus to Joseph." Ronald added as he was also looking forward to tasting the dishes.

"Brother. Remember what you said now. You need to give a bonus or gift to the person who cooked" Ivy said.

Ronald, who was not aware of the situation, patted his chest proudly and said "Of course. I will surely do that."

"Okay then. Paul please bring the dishes" Ivy informed Paul.

Paul along with other maids brought the dishes and placed them on the table. Ronald stood up eagerly and opened the lids one by one.

"Woah, Crabs, chicken, potato, beans, eggplant rice." Ronald's eyes twinkled with excitement.

"Ronald, is it your first time eating a feast? Why are you excited?" Simon inquired but deep down he is also excited to see the dishes.

Ronald sat down on his chair and said "Dad, this is not my first time but the smell is different from every time and just by looking at them I feel hungry."

"Young Master. These dishes are prepared by Young Miss" Paul informed with a smile.

"Yeah. Who? What? Ivy?" Ronald looked at Ivy as he saw the ghost.

Ivy raised her brows and inquired "What? Am I a ghost?"

Ronald came out of his trance and denied hurriedly "No No.. You cooked all these?"

"Well, yes. With the help of kitchen staff. Any problems?" Ivy inquired.

Simon and Allora also looked at Ivy with surprise. They heard that she wanted to try cooking but they feared that she may hurt herself and the smoke won't be good for her health.

Today all their fears disappeared into thin air. They saw how their daughter is growing into a fine lady, they are very proud of her.

"Yes, Ivy also made Jasmine Tea for me today," Allora added with a smile.

"Really?" Simon looked at Allora. Allora nodded her head in approval.

"Ivy, I want to try it. Please make tea for me also" Simon requested.

"Sure dad," Ivy smiled.

"Me too. I want" Ronald raised his hand.

Ivy chuckled and placed her hand in front of him before asking "Before that give me a gift for this feast."

"Sure. Even the taste sucks. I will give you gifts. This is your first time cooking" Ronald stood up and bent to pat her head.

Ivy slapped his hand and said "The taste is also good. Try it"

"Alright. Stop fighting. Let's dig in" Simon said and raised his glass.

As Ivy is still not reached adult age she took the juice glass and raised it to toast.

"For Ivy cooking. Cheers" Simon said and clinked their glasses.

Ivy took a sip and looked at Paul who stood quietly behind them.

"Paul, Come and Sit here. Dine with us today" Ivy invited.

The trio also looked at Paul and did not show any discomfort. They all smiled and nodded their heads. Paul is working for them from their birth and his place in their heart is irreplaceable. He is their family.

"Thank you for inviting me Miss. I will eat with others. Please carry on" Paul hoarse voice heard as he is struggling to keep his emotions in check.

"You wont get that chance. I informed Joseph to eat after sending our portions. I prepared for them as well. Don't stand on ceremony Paul. Come and join us" Ivy insisted.

"Paul, come join and enjoy with us. You're like a father figure for us" Allora also added.

Paul moved by their words and dapped the cloth to his eye corner. Like an obedient boy, Paul came and sat beside Ronald. Ivy sat in front of him.

Simon handed a wine glass to him and Ronald, Ivy served dishes on his plate. They didn't let him object to their serving.

Paul felt helpless in front of them but his heart was welled up with happiness. They toasted again for Paul and started eating.

Ronald took the chicken piece and had a bite. He closed his eyes in content to savour the taste.

"Umm.. Ivy, this chicken is fantastic. The garlic is not overbearing, the spices are perfect and the taste is really fantastic." Ronald commented.

Simon peels the crab for Allora and hands the plate to her. Allora took the sip of the gravy and her taste buds awakened with the spiciness combined with coconut milk.

The crab meat is also soft and tasty. It just melted in their mouths. Paul scooped the eggplant fried rice with his spoon and ate it.

The eggplant is smooth and tender, the species are smudged perfectly which add flavour to the rice. It is just heavenly. Simon also had chicken and he also felt mesmerized by the taste.

"Ivy, this Crab dish is marvellous. I loved it" Allora stated.

"This chicken is tender and perfectly cooked. I never had this kind of dish before. Ivy you are truly gifted" Simon praised his daughter.

"Miss, this rice, smashed potato, beans and chicken are cooked well. It is like being cooked by a top chef from another world. I never tasted these flavours" Paul also praised Ivy.

Ivy smiled and thanked them for their comments and praises. She was afraid that maybe her skills have changed after coming into this body but to her relief they are intact and she felt happy to cook for her family. She dreamt of having a hearty meal with her family which was cooked by her. Now her dream has come true. She didn't ask for more.

***

Zdravo (Pronounced as ZDRAH-voh)

Hello in Bosnian.. Bosnian, a south Slavic language of the Indo-European family, is the official language of Bosnia and is essentially the same language as Croatian and Serbian.