Tori slowly narrowed her eyes as she watched the smiling face of the Empress pass to get to the last row. Maybe she was overthinking it, but did the Empress request for the judges to start at the end because she was the fourth person theyd judge instead of the seventeenth? She decided to pretend it wasnt even if it was.
She looked towards her group of friends. Several had returned, as the event was long. Many spectators ca in and out, usually only staying at the beginning and end. Ilyana had a folding chair and Tori didnt rember her arriving with one.
Two rows behind her, the competitors presented their dishes. One was a rhubarb pie and the other was a chicken pot pie. Tori silently decided to try to trade for so chicken pot pie. She looked at the food shed baked and frowned. She didnt make enough. Shed have to barter for so sort of I.O.U. or perhaps invite them to Cafe Fortuna for a private tasting.
It didnt take long for the judges and Instructor Lange to get to her.
Now, I was watching during the last hour, and I could not take my eyes off of this pastry wrapped at, Instructor Lange said. Tell us what youve made, Miss Guevera.
Esteed judges, Instructor Lange, this is a seared beef tenderloin seasoned with mustard, wrapped in a layer of mushrooms and prosciutto, then baked in a puff pastry. In addition, it is paired with what we call duchess potatoes, which are creamy mashed and seasoned potatoes, and then baked to get these nice brown peaks. For dessert, Ive prepared a dessert that has a frozen, creamy center, which was baked beneath a layer of ringue, I call it an ice mountain cake.
Tori took a carving knife to the beef Wellington and sliced off one end to reveal the layers of pork, mushrooms, and pink center of the at. She heard several people praise it and Headmaster Laurents eyes widened.
Miss Guevera, is this a larger version of the beef puff bites sold at Duel Cafe?
I was trying to figure out a way to plug the cafe, so thank you, Headmaster. Yes! This is indeed a larger version. This is more for serving at ho. In the interest of making sure you have enough room to try my fellow students goods, as well, I will serve you each a small slice.
Tori cut another slice about as thick as her finger, then cut it as she would a pie so that everyone had at and crust. She then carefully placed them on each of the small, ward plates. The judges took the forks provided and tried the at.
Its tender...juicy...very savory. The crust is flaky, with just the right amount of flavor...its rich. Very well done, Miss Guevera, Madam Hawkins from the culinary departnt praised.
Lyces head chef nodded. It goes well with the potatoes...these are imported vegetables, arent they?
Yes, from the Pacha Empire. They will be opening a restaurant for our Cosora Cultural Exchange Program in Viclya this coming sumr, along with restaurants from the Varsha Empire and the Tona Empire, Tori said. That covered advertisents for her deltas new restaurants.
I can certainly go for another slice, Instructor Lange chuckled. But what about dessert?
Tori removed the beef from the counter and replaced it with the mound of ringue. She took a clean knife and cut it down the middle, moving the sides apart so the inside was visible. She then took careful slices and placed them in clean dishes for the guests.
There is a base layer of sponge, which was then topped by a creamy frozen strawberry mixture, then topped with ringue-
Its cold! The Empress hand flew to her mouth as she stared at it wide eyed. I didnt expect that!
Yes, the layer of fluffy ringue keeps the frozen contents frozen for the duration of ti it takes to get the burned peaks of the ringue.
Wonderful contrast, Miss Guevera. Truly, you prepared an entire al for us. Mr. van Beek, another instructor for the culinary departnt, told her.
Tori thanked them for their ti as they scribbled notes and then moved on to the next table. Tori looked towards her friends. Ilyana gave her a hopeful nod, as if to reassure her, while several others had their hands clasped, as if praying.
Tori shook her head and sighed. She turned back to the tent to listen to the other competitors. Most of the food prepared were pastries and pies, both sweet and savory. Soone even made a rather lovely two-tiered cake.
Montan was the only one who made a souffle and, as expected, it was perfect. The instructors from the culinary departnt praised him and were even hesitant to cut the souffle.
I was right to add the dessert. Tori watched carefully as the judges tried the souffle and nodded in approval. Dammit.
When the judges left, Montan seed to look relieved. He looked towards Tori and gave her a hopeful smile. Tori returned a small one.
Alessas cheesecake was also warmly received. Everyone loved the way it jiggled.
The judges then went off to discuss their findings and tally the points. That ant one thing: food trade ti.
Miss Guevera!
Senior Tori!
Godsister, I brought you a slice of souffle. You always cook for us, so please have this. Montan squeezed through the eager students to present her with not a slice, but the remaining souffle.
Tori tilted her head back. Even if she didnt win, shed get free food. This wasnt bad at all. She put on a bright smile and held up her hands. There are so many of you and I want to fulfill all your trades, but this ti, Im afraid I dont have enough-
Countess Guevera. A voice spoke up behind her and Tori turned around. She jerked her head back when she saw two imperial knights in uniform. They bowed their heads towards her, but Toris attention was focused on the heating box gripped in each of their hands. Suspicious.
Can I help you with sothing? Tori asked as her eyes narrowed.
Her Majesty has requested to take your competition al back to the imperial palace. His Majesty the Emperor also wishes to try what youve made.
Tori furrowed her brows, but nodded. Of course. Let slice so pieces-
You do not need to trouble yourself, my lady. The boxes were placed on the table and opened. The knight smiled brightly. Her Majesty will take the entire thing.
Tori could almost feel the disappointnt behind her as the knights carefully took her beef Wellington, tray of potatoes, and even the baked Alaska.
She took a deep breath. If the Empress wishes, I can simply cook these for a private dinner.
The knights faces lit up. We will let Her Majesty know of your offer, my lady!
As they marched away, gripping the heating boxes with all her painstakingly prepared food, she heard one of them say that the beef puff bites were his favorite at Duel Cafe.
Tori pursed her lips and steeled herself to face her schoolmates. She turned around and saw a wall of sad and disappointed faces. The food that was being offered to her was lowered and the overall mood was as if everyone had lost the contest.
As I was saying, Tori said as she took the remaining souffle from Montans hands. Thank you, Montan. His face imdiately lit up. She looked back at the others. I dont have enough to serve everyone today and I want to give everyone a proper trade, so, in two days, I invite you all and one guest to Cafe Fortuna across the street. I will have it closed for the evening for our private event and I will personally cook this al and dessert for you then. Just give your nas at the door.
I knew she wouldnt fail us! Thank you, Senior Tori!
Thank you, Senior!
I cant wait, Miss Guevera.
Students still carefully placed samples of their baked goods on Toris counter, as if in offering, and she thanked each of them individually. She turned around to the group of people who had an equally disappointed, and horrified, look on their faces when the Empress knights took the food.
Tori still had to stay within the cordoned off area around the tent.
Ilyanas face was ashen. My potatoes....
Ill make it up to you, Tori said. Tiff, announce to the Sword Association that they are invited to the escape room grand opening. I will have this al served as the main al for both clubs.
We love you.... Tiff whispered before whirling around and yelling into the crowd. Well get it at the grand opening!
The boisterous mbers of the association let out yells. Roughly seventy percent of the Sword Association were also part of the tabletop gaming club, and the remaining thirty percent had no problem getting food and hanging out with other club mbers on a weekend.
Ilyana, dont be sad. Youre my guests for dinner at Cafe Fortuna in two days.
Yes! Ilyana almost pumped her hands, but Alberts face fell.
Just Ilyana?
She said guests, so she ans all of us, Sonia sighed. Can we eat in the room upstairs?
Yes. Ill let Piers and Axton know.... Tori trailed off and sighed.
JP snickered. If you tell them not to invite their brothers, they wont.
Montan is a competitor, so hell be there. Its just Prince Gideon-
Its not an ergency, but the Countess says that shell make the food she made at todays competition for everyone in two days at Cafe Fortuna. The second prince was holding his comcry in his hand as he looked excited. Tori hadnt noticed him a few paces away until the crowd began to thin.
Everyone? Piers unimpressed voice asked from the comcry.
Well...she said the competitors, but if its at Cafe Fortuna, then youll be invited, so I can-...Piers? His comcry dimd. Piers ended the call.
JPs brows rose. Well...you can seat him in a separate room.
Tori sighed and slowly turned around, walking back to her station. Alessa seed to have been waiting and offered her a slice of cheesecake.
Dont forget. In two days at Cafe Fortuna, Tori said as she accepted the cheesecake.
Alessas eyes widened. Im invited, too?
Tori took a fork to the cheesecake. She raised her brow and brought the cheesecake to her mouth. It had a familiar texture and taste. Still had a bit of a jiggle. This was a patisserie quality cake.
Are we not trading? Anyone who is trading with today is invited, Tori said. In fact, everyone had traded with her, so all the competitors were invited. Even if its a weeknight, the first years will be able to attend. The location is close.
Alessas smile filled her face. Thank you, Countess!
Of course. As she skipped off, Montan approached her once more.
You are going to let her co? he asked in a sowhat worried voice.
It is fair. I wont discriminate unnecessarily for such a small thing, Tori told him. Dont worry about her. Im also keeping my eye on her to make sure it doesnt happen again.
She already asked for another charm, Montan said in a soft voice as he leaned forward. I told her I could not make them because Master prohibited .
Was she upset?
She was very disappointed, but did not seem angry. Montan furrowed his brows and glanced at Alessas back as she walked back to her baking station. I am unsure how to face her.
Hold your ground and dont say more than is necessary. You did what you had to do to ensure that no one else was hurt, Tori replied as she put a hand on his shoulder. You did nothing wrong in canceling it. Montan nodded, but still appeared uncomfortable. If you dont want to see her, you can go sit upstairs. Prince Gideon invited himself and so von Dorn will also likely be there. If you dont want to co, youll still have a chance at the escape room opening.
Montan smiled a bit, a glint of relief on his face. Thank you, Godsister.
You dont have to call that, you know. You can just call Tori like everyone else.
Montan shook his head. He looked away, sheepish. It is to remind myself that you are an extension of my family. One that wanted .
Your father was a dick and Mama was right to want to spit on his grave. I make it a personal goal to be good to those who are good to . She patted his shoulder as she heard the crowd beco lively, signaling the return of the judge. Get back to your station. Good luck.
Congratulations. Montan rushed back to his station and Tori cocked her head to the side.
She chuckled a bit. The crowds quieted down as the judges stood on the elevated platform. Instructor Lange stepped forward.
To all of this years competitors, you have done an excellent job, far surpassing what we expected. Our students have always been the best of the best, and you have been exemplary in showing that. But unfortunately, we can only have three winners this year. There was much deliberation, as the foods presented to us made it difficult to decide, Instructor Lange said. In third place, representing the sailing club, first year student, Lana Varga, for her seafood...casserole.
The petite student with the wavy dark brown hair in a braid jumped up and looked excited as everyone clapped. Instructor Lange beckoned her over to receive her prize.
Thank you very much! the girl said. She turned around and held up her little plaque. The seafood casserole is one of the most popular dishes in my hotown of Viclya in the Cosora Delta! It was developed by my Mama and Countess Guevera. Thank you, Countess! She bowed in Toris direction. I invite everyone who has the chance to visit Viclya this winter break for our open period. The seafood casserole will officially start to be served for the table at Sapphire-by-the-Sea on the Pronade and as individual servings at Fishermans Grotto at the Fishmonger's Plaza.
She looked back at Tori and Tori nodded her head in approval. Lana flushed and happily skipped back to her station.
Tori, did you plant people in the competition? Albert asked.
No, Lana tested in this year. She ranked sixty-two as an academic student, Tori replied. She paused and shifted her eyes. I may have encouraged her to contact the head of the sailing club to join and participate. She was one of the first children who signed up to learn to sail.
My gods, JP said in a low voice. You planned it.
I did not.
In second place, representing one of our newer clubs, the Tabletop Gaming Club-
Yes! Tiffs scream of triumph sounded from the sidelines.
Montan Alvere for his cheese souffle! Everyone clapped as Montan walked towards the platform to receive his award.
Tori, are you sure you didnt plant people in the competition? Albert asked.
Tori rolled her eyes. Hes not one of my people and even if he was, I didnt plant anyone.
He thanked the judges and turned around, holding the plaque in front of him. Souffles are a difficult dish to bake, and I hope to make it more for my family and friends. The difficult part is finding a place to make it; however, the Lunar Pavilion offers a fully professional kitchen and beautiful courtyards and balconies to rent for private events. It is scheduled to open next year, but tours and bookings can be made now.
Tori could feel several eyes on her, judging. She kept her eyes straight in front of her and refused to glance towards her friends. She didnt know how Montan was even able to awkwardly connect his souffle with an ad for the Lunar Pavilion. He returned to his baking station and looked towards Tori for approval. She swallowed her awkwardness and gave him an approving nod, as well.
She tried to remind herself that Axton was also an investor in the Lunar Pavilion, so Montan probably did it for Axton, too.
And coming in first place, well-deserved, for her entree and dessert, representing the Sword Association of Lyce du Soleil, Miss Victoria de Guevera!
This ti, both Tiff and Ilyana scread with triumph as Tori thanked people as she passed them to get to the platform. She kept her business smile on her face as she accepted her award and thanked the judges, shaking each hand individually and formally curtseying to the Empress. If she had more sha, she wouldnt advertise any more of her stores considering the third-place winner invited people to the restaurants in Viclya, and the second-place winner advertised her yet-to-be-opened luxury shopping pavilion.
But she didnt put all her effort into baking ice cream that shed back out now.
If youre interested in a taste, the bite-sized versions of the beef puff pastry are available at Duel Cafe in the Fourth District every day, but sell out quickly. You can get a plate of six with a scoop of the duchess potatoes at lunch and at dinner. For those interested in the Ice Mountain, we plan to serve it as a sumr-only dessert at our cafes in Duel, restaurants in Viclya, and in the Lunar Pavilion, once it opens. She then gave the crowd a small bow of her head. As it is my last year and therefore, my last year baking here, thank you all very much for making my final baking competition a morable success. My fellow bakers, a well-done competition. I have been in good company. To our excellent first-year students, welco to Lyce du Soleil, and to all my schoolmates, may this school year, and the future, bring you success in whatever your endeavors are.
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