Formidable Challenges

Mei's POV

We're done our little bonding and we're now eating Vinca and Rola's donuts, under my guide if course.

***Earlier***

"Here then you dip them in the chocolate and freeze it then it's done."

I told Rola and Vinca but they have no clue what is freeze or how to do it. Yeah, it kind of medieval age so there no freezers. Clara sometimes glanced at me while she's making a bread I told her to.

"Alright, I'll use my magic to freeze them then."

Clara's ears twitched then she looks at me, waiting for me to demonstrate.

"You can use magic?!""

Both Vinca and Rola yelp in surprise. They ask me so I nodded. Then I concentrate my mana into my palms then projected it onto the donuts that we've made. The chocolate slowly solidified, ready for serving.

"Its...... wait? It is not dripping all over?"

Vinca said as she takes one donut and looks at it. She surprised that the solidified chocolate won't drop and make a mess.

"C-Can I taste it?"

Rola asked me and Vinca also give puppy eyes secretly. I sighed.

"Of course! You can! It is your work after all."

""Thanks!""

Whew! I hate those puppy eyes! I can't resist it. I look away from them.

"It's not bitter?"

Vinca asked surprised by the lack of bitterness of chocolate.

"Not every chocolate bitter you know."

I told her and she kept eating the donuts

I saw Clara give me a strange look but I know what she wants.

"Clara, you can eat you know?"

She nodded and started to munch on a chocolate donut. I take a look at the bread she made. It good, I expected her to ask me for some direction but she has done the butter-bread on her own and it looks wonderful. There is a total of 22 donuts and 12 butter bread that we've made, but the three ate three donuts already.

***Present***

They enjoy these, especially Belic and Jack who cannot stop stuffing their mouth with donut and bread.

"ai...Om! leally lide Om! teese!"

Belic speak while still munching a mouthful of donut. He could use some etiquette here.

"Belic, you shouldn't talk while eating! It is impolite."

Sylas told Belic. He only nods in response. The others enjoy it as well. Later I found out that the donut and butter bread is not common to this world. It's unknown. The bread is kinda explainable for them but donut, they had no clues.

"Yeah! It's delicious! I never ate anything like this! Where you learn it form?"

Risa commented donut. The recipe its self comes from the internet, never underestimate the internet.

Back when I'm still on Earth. I used to has a lot of free time, so I spend those in learning new things. Donut is such an example.

I look at the other's face as they happily enjoy the moment. It's full of fun and mixed with emotions, warm.....................

Louis's POV

I was strolling on the way to Baltik Bastion in the Polange district. It is surprisingly isolated here. Not even single people have seen here.

It is suitable for my further plan but it still felt suspicious. Does he know it? After we've arrived in the capital. Wiela and I have parted way. She was doing her own business so do i. its good that we parted way, she would've been a burden to me. 

Then I have arrived at the Baltik Bastion. The building is on the hill, overwatch the lower forest and grassy field.

The surrounding are quite perfect for hiding the building. I walk to the gate that already unlocked and take a further walk until at the building's front door.

It may have been abandoned but it is still preserved as new. The prince must've ordered someone to clean it for me. There not much I can do right now so I take a look inside the building. It has a large hallway and a corridor left and right at the end. There a total of five rooms on the first floor one for a dining room, bathroom, storage room, kitchen and a staff's restroom that can hold 30 peoples. I go to the second floor and greeted by a large window that overlooks the front yard till the gate, very convenient. On the second floor there a corridor that leads to a different part of the building. There another five rooms. There is Office, bathroom, library, and two-bedroom. There a guest room but it is not in the main building.

There still left and right-wing to explore but I'll leave it is for now. That guy said there an event held at the palace right? I guess take a look will do. Also, I could use some personals to maintain this building too if I were to stay. This building is too big for my personals aide and subordinates. I left the building and close its door and out of the gate. There is plenty of work yet to be done.

The first state has flawlessly successful now it is only left to gain the trust of the royalties so I can interfere with its governing. Even if we're on ceased fire treaty. The Roland has made the first move on us. They might still hide some facts behind this treaty.

***

It takes me half an hour to get back to the civilized area of the capital. There more people than at noon. They're attending the palace's event.

From what I heard the event will officially start at 18:30, and it's kinda interesting too. Its Roland is the tradition to choose the best of the best fit for a king of a glorious nation such as Roland. Even every aspect of it must be exquisitely chosen. From the furniture to personals. I make my way to the palace, there a lot of peoples from many different social standing. From high ranking nobles and others from another nation. Many come with their families too, possibly come to see their kids doing in this event.

I walk past the guard post and they guided me another way. I followed then and now it appeared that I've in the balcony that overlook the large hall that there still people preparing the official opening. There I greeted by Ralies de Crestale himself. He gestured me to take a seat next to him so I followed.

"Glad that you've come, Mr. Louis. I assumed you already visited Baltik Bastion?"

I nodded then look at the busy scene below. Ralies chuckled he then speak up.

"Has anyone you eyed yet? The official event will soon begin."

Then their many participators come in my view. I look at them, tries to find the suitable for filling the lonely bastion that isolated from society.

"Pleased to welcome everyone that attends this important tradition!"

The woman with bun black hair stood at the podiums as she gives us a speech, announce the ceremony has begun.

"Participators! Enter the palace!"

Then there a row of people come and fill the hall. There so many participators.

"Has anyone yet?"

Ralies ask me as he smirking at me. I shrug it's off and continue to observe the ceremony.

"Everyone! Please welcome his highness! Prince Ralies de crestale!"

Then the people below bow at the balcony that I and Ralies are on. Ralies stood up and waves at them.

"I'm glad that there so many peoples attend one of Roland's important traditions."

Ralies give them a speech.

"I am pleased to officially announcing that the ceremony has begun!"

Then there an orchestra playing as the peoples cheer for the prince's speech. I cannot find any enjoyment in this event until the woman who at the podium announces once again.

"Then the prince shall give them their first task of the day!"

I look at Ralies and he looks at me and smirks again. He already stood so he replied.

"I congratulate you on your effort to get here. But there is more to it."

"For tonight! I have an important guest! Louis Estatec!"

I saw this coming but its too late now. I stood and give them a wave. I feel like someone is glaring at me, very intense.

"He shall be the one to assign your task!"

I don't know what to do? I don't know how to act right now. So let's go with finding people for Baltik bastion first.

"I may make myself official. My name is Louis Estatec, founder of Calamity Defender Guild."

There a surprising sound fills the air as I mention the guild. I continue.

"I just moved here and I'm looking for a person to work."

"If you could pass the task given you, I'll be considered you qualify."

I must know each first. I needed the information.

"The task for today is simple. 

You'll have to go on a background-check and magic analyst."

"Louis? Isn't it too simple?"

I shake my head. And reply to him.

"There is more to its."

He then shakes his head and then declared.

"Then Mrs. Claudia will give you tonight's extra task!"

The woman at the podium Ahmed then announced.

"May the participants move to the banquets hall."

Then every one of them slowly makes their way out of my view. Ralies chuckled then ask me the usual question.

"Has anyone you eyed yet?"

I keep silent then stood from the seat and out of the balcony to get outside, I need some air now.....

***

Mei's POV

"Tonight's task is where you put your teamwork into the display!"

"Every team did good, except for team 50 and 13. I expected you to get along soon!"

Kevin's team? I saw them get along pretty well but why there is his team?

"For the task...."

I look up to look at Mrs. Claudia who I just know her name.

"Every team must arrange the food for the guest tonight, each team may only do differently from another team."

"Now before chaos breaks, let's everyone hear it's here!"

"I'll give you 10 minutes to think and plan. Take your time."

Then the murmurs fill the air. Other start gathering in a circle and discuss their plan and menu. We also do that, in fact, it like a political discussion than a normal one.

"Anyone suggested anything?!"

Gales ask. Only Jack answer.

"Donuts! Only that will do! Tch!"

That guy must like it.

"I'd like to agree but, it prefers bread more. Butter bread is an ideal choice."

"Tch! Donuts are the best! Tch!"

If this keeps going. The fight over one's favorite will break! Then Sylastah nervously joins the heat.

"Uhhh.."

But her little voice gets buried by the two's.

"I said bread is better."

"Hah?! It is good! But not over my donuts! See? Everyone even agreed with me! Tch!"

What?! Who agreed with you? And please! Don't look at us like that! Sylas tsked and then ask us.

"Do you?"

Sylastah inhales then she burst.

"Please! Listen to me!"

Both guys and we surprised by her. We listen to her at last.

"We're not here to fight! Why not we think of something that goes well with the banquets?"

"For I, I think doing food cocktails is perfect."

That sounds very good to me. It can be eaten right away and does not require cutlery. Also, we can make them in high quantities.

"W-what is that?"

Gales asked, not knowing what is cocktail food is.

"Ummm? It's the food that served in a small portion. It can be eaten while navigating though the banquet."

"Ohhh that convenient! I liked the idea."

Sylastah blush for a moment then everyone comes to agree that we'll make cocktails. She'll be a good leader if she can be more confident.

***

Mrs. Claudia clapped. Gained the attention of the participants.

"Now, sent the team's leader and discuss with me on the stage."

"While they're discussing please don't make any ruckus."

Sylastah is taken over by nervousness. She never is in front of the large crowds before. Especially when she alone.

"Sylastah? Aren't you going?"

Belic asked her. Making her more nervous In process.

"Um? I-I I mean..... Ye-"

I know she going to deny her opportunity to be a leader. She must overcome that and be confident.

"Please. Sylastah, you're our leader since you able to unite us from the very first time."

She listens to my words.

"You tried to initiate the conversation with us, the strangers. If it's me I'd to keep silent."

True if it's me I'd keep silent.

Others seem to agree too. Yeah, she the only one who starts to bond after all other than her is Gales.

"Yeah....... I think you'd make a good leader."

Carloe whispered loud enough for Sylastah to hear. She means it even if she seems to space out every time.

"I'd like you more when you're confident! Mrs. Riole."

Belic speaks happily. I liked this Sylastah more. It is like she is a Sylastah known to this team. I don't know her nor met her before but I could tell how she acts. She wants to change.

"T- ahem! Thank! I mean... Thanks for making me realized."

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"From now on, please count on me and I promise I'll not fail this team as its leader!"

Now, this girl is filled with confidence and determined. She then confidently strides her way to the stage.

Whew! She may look weird but it is alright now. Is it?

"....."

"Huh?"

"Uhmmm? Who could you be?"

Gales noticed certain someone and surprised by his presence.

"..."

He still looks confused but Cherock being Cherock. His lip sealed as tight a-

"Cherock........ pleased to make myself official."

What?! This time he's talking? His voice fits his mysterious character.

"Ohhh! Then, pleased to meet you too! Cherock."

Gales extended his hand asking for a handshake. Cherock takes it gladly. Cherock looks at me with the tail of his eyes, his mouth curls upward.

Is it only me or he' smirked at me?! It creeps me out!

"Mei? Are you feeling bad? I see you sweat heavily."

Vinca asked me. I flinched a bit then come up with a good cover.

"It's just too many peoples in here, it is hot."

Jack seems to agree and crossed his arm together.

"Yeah! Hot like hell! Tch!"

Vinca seems convinced then proceeds to lend me her handkerchief.

I-its her! Her handkerchief! She instead rubs it softly against my skin. Careful clean the sweat of my face.

"Now you look better! Let's ease up!"

Vinca smiled brightly. Then Sylastah came back with paper and twelve badges that have a team number on it.

"Here! She said to make sure to clip it above your heart! And for our Idea....... it eligible!"

"Yeah! That the team! Tch!"

Then the air surrounds us getting lively and more. It's filled with joy and guilty? I look to where I felt it. Kevin's team before me is emitting that aura? Despite their faces, it seems that something missing. 10 11? Where the other guy?

"Now! You'll have one hour to prepare the food for at least 200 servings!"

Then "what" could be heard through the hall. For others, it's absurdly many. But reality. This is the nation's tradition and only 10,000 serving is not enough. Each can take more than one. But it is reasonable to surprise. If they made something that hard to archive. For us, the cocktail is the best in this situation. Thanks to the leader.

"You can only use the palace's pantry. They will provide you with the supplies you need."

"But make sure you gather enough if not its will be disastrous."

"Now! The clock is ticking! Move out!"

***#1 Perception, insight and teamwork test.***

Then there a chaos break in the palace. It's absurd how less we care about where we'll prepare food rather than gather its ingredients.

Our team assessing the situation and Sylastah come up with a plan.

"We'll split in three!"

"Mei, Clara, Vinca, and Rola will decide what to make and take the ingredients."

"Got it!"

I replay.

"Jack, Risa, Sylas and Belic will find the place to prepare the food and will gather the possible equipment."

"Hah? Wh-"

"Right!"

Risa interrupted jack. Sylastah moves on.

"Me, Cherock, Carloe and Gales will be the messenger. We'll connect you two and make sure that none missed out."

Oh? I guess using magic would be easier but is it okay to use or is it count as cheating? Yeah, I almost forgot that its told in the paper I've read earlier so no magic........ so Sylastah has planned for this? Knowing that there will be chaos.

Then every one of us started to do as assigned. I don't know where the palace's pantry is. So let's ask Vinca.

"Vinca? Where is the palace's pantry?"

She then looks around and pointed to the left of me and spotted the archway.

"Though there. I'll take a lead."

Yeah, it's convenient that she was assigned to us. Sylastah knows how to run a team. We pass many teams and people who still not know where the pantry is. They're like a lost herd of sheep. We come through the archway then take many turns.

***

After some time in the royal labyrinth called royal pantry. We finally found the supplies. I don't know what to do then I felt a presence behind us and look back. I saw a hairy mess guy stand behind me. I almost squeal but he shuush me. It's Cherock. He followed us to the pantry.

"Don't get it the wrong idea. I come here to deliver a message. "The area is set and ready, please tell us what you need." That its."

I nodded then thinking about what to make. A savory dish? Let's ask them out.

"Uh, Girl... I could use some ideas here. What should we make?"

Every one of them turned from their doing and look at me. Rola is the one to suggest her idea.

"How about we make sweet? Like the donuts!"

I don't think that fits the cocktails category.

"Um... How about....bread?"

Clara, you too not get what is cocktails.

"I guess to make an omelet?"

Jeez...... I guess she no cooker. But egg? That ring the bell! I've decided. I look at Cherock and he looks at me amusingly.

"I need a large crock, a bowl, and a spatula. Also a large tray and cutting board too."

He nodded and then walk away, vanishing in the corner of the room. I heard a footstep coming this way so that means people are getting the way now.

"What are you going to do Mei?"

No time to answer that.

"Get at least 150 eggs."

"""What?!"""

The three of them yell in unison.

"Yeah I know it absurd but trust me, it going be good."

They nodded and Vinca takes a large basket while Rola and Clara gathering the eggs in the basket. I too take a basket but a small one for the spice and another thing. There is no mayonnaise and mustard. I could make it but magic is prohibited. I swoop some salt, pepper, and some garnish.

"Mei! We're done! Is there something you need?"

Rola ask me. She helps Vinca hold the 150 filled basked of eggs. Ummm I could use some bacon? Is there?

"Bacon?"

Then Clara grabs five strips and puts it in her basket. That may be a bit over but it is better safe than sorry. I almost there is a crucial ingredient! The white wine vinegar, oil, and lemon! If those not acquired I'll doom this team! Then the horde of people come rushing in the pantry.

"You three get back to the rest I'll follow shortly."

""Okay!""

They rush out carefully making sure not to crack an egg.

I look for the remaining ingredients but all I saw is people. Damn it, Mei! You gotta kidding me. Then I saw a similar bottle so I go there and use "Keen eyes" to identify it.

White wine vinegar.

Got one! I'll take two just in case.

Then lemon and oil left. I look around the vast pantry and soon found a place with the most people gathered. I once again use "Keen eyes"

Sunflower oil

Crap! Its getting snatch away! If this continues I'll be left with nothing to make! Then I found a familiar brunette. It's Kevin! I could use his help! I tapped his should that I needed to tiptoe to do so.

"Wh- Oh! It is you, Mei! i-"

"Can you get two oils for me?"

His face heated up then proceed to do as told. I take two of them and put them in the basket.

"Umm... How are you doing?"

he asked me while making his way out of the crowds. I saw he needed a lot of oil. That insane! Its ten bottles of oils! How much that needed?

"Um? I guess it is okay?"

"But why that many?"

He scratches the back of his neck and sheepishly answers.

"I guess if it even enough to make two-hundred fried-fish sticks?"

Fish stick? That interesting. If I could taste it would be good. If only he cook it of course.

We then part our way with a wave. I go to a corner which is fruit and vegetables.

I take ten lemons. Just in case...... Then its all gathered. There a clock over the pantry entrance/exit. Its only 6 minutes into the test. 

There still plenty of time. I make my way back to the area where my team has set up. There a large round table with three stoves and large crocks on it. There is plenty of areas and it looks easy to navigate around. There is everything that I need to make this menu. Even the knife is there. I must praise whoever brings it here.

"Okay, Mei! We already boiled water! Boil the eggs?."

Risa asks me whether to boil the eggs or not. I guess that is all thanks to Sylastah and our great communication system. The guy is now lazing around except for Jack who was carrying the large set of bowl and tray.

"Hell, none come to help me! Tch!"

"Chuckled~ That only if you have done your part as told, Jack."

Sylas told him. That must be Jack lazing around and in turn, he does the rest? That a fit sentence for lazing around.

"Please put six tablespoons of salts into the water and boil the eggs for twelve minutes."

Then Vinca, Risa, and Carloe start to as told while Clara and Rola are nowhere to be found.

"Oh! and leave the remaining fifty for me. I'll need that for later part."

Then they start to boil a hundred eggs in three crocks and Rola and Clara come. They come with a frying pan and a small stove. How could she able to move that stove anyway? It's like a laundry machine in size and she carried it like a stuffed teddy bear!

"There! You need to fry these right?"

Clara talk to me for the first time! The first time! I nodded and started the stove to high heat. I continue to instruct them.

"Rola and Clara."

""Yes?""

"I need you to help me separate the egg yolk and white for me."

"The egg is on the basket. Done it all."

"W-Wait! I don't know how to separate the egg! could you teach me?"

Rola told me nervously. Yeah, I know since the modern cooking method includes the separating technique and there not required a tool.

Sylastah comes next to Rola and looks at me.

"I could teach her. So please continue your work."

I nodded. Will, she has done it right or not? I take a glance at her and found that she skillfully separated the eggs. They're not even single yolk break. So they're in a good hand. I continue to heat the pan and pour some oil in. I seared the bacon until it becomes very crispy. 

There is no oven? So? How will I bake it? There is an oven in the equipment room so I guess I could use the boy's help then.

"Hey! "

"""Me?!"""

Belic, Gales, and Sylas pointed to themselves and look at each other afterward.

"Please, anyone can do. Please bake this for me. Bake it for twenty minutes."

"..."

None. Good, none able to do this simple task for me! Guys are so capable!

"Tch! Your guy is a bunch of idiots! I'll do it then Tch!."

Jack hastily takes the pan from me and walk his way back to the equipment room. I go to the boiling eggs and scan the eggs. It's in the right heat, none is a break. Then I take a look at the yolk and saw it all done. Perfectly.

"Thanks! for your hard work!."

""Y-Yeah.""

"Separating the eggs is fun! I never know egg can be separated!"

Rola chirped happily. Then let's move on to the mayonnaise. I'll make it from my knowledge from the 2D world.

"Do you know how to make mayonnaise?"

The three give me a confused look. Even Risa and Carloe took interested in it.

"W-What is that? Mayonnaise?"

Risa asked so I'll do some explaining.

"It is a sauce that goes well with almost anything and its easy to make."

""""Ohhhhhhh~!""""

I guess that new? Let's not waste time.

"Okay! Then first! I need you to whisk the yolk till it blends."'

""Okay!""

Rola and Clara start to whisking the yolk.

"Then two tablespoon of salt and a spoon of pepper in and whisk it."

They did as told and blend the salt and pepper with the yolk.

"Ohh its looks like cream!"

Risa chipped in. First time I make it I thought I was making cheese.

"Then slowly pour the sunflower oil in while whisking it. Pour it until the eggs are thick and sticky."

Sylastah slowly pours the oil in the yolk and the two whiskings ruthlessly. I glance at the timer and saw it already pass another 7 minutes from where it was from the pantry. The eggs will be ready at any moment!

"Risa, Vinca, and Carloe! The eggs will be ready in three minutes! Please, not to over boiled it."

"Got it!"

"Um."

"A-Okay!"

The yolk is now more like mayonnaise. Still, it lacks the characteristic taste.

"I'll cut the lemon. While I'm at it add two spoons of white wine vinegar and keep whisking it."

I cut several pieces of lemon and then squeeze its juices into the yolk. And now! the mayonnaise is done. I take a spoon and taste it but then they make a surprised expression.

"Eh? Isn't it raw?!"

Sylastah asked me. Cleary is raw but its taste like mayonnaise, I mean yeah like mayonnaise.

I offered her a spoon. She hesitantly takes it. By the time her mouth closed. Her face is filled with delight and ecstasy.

"It........................ It is delicious! Never in life has ever tasted this before!"

I chuckled and then give the other taste. While they're having almost the same expression but I found Carloe one is the most interesting....... She is like when your imouto gets to eat a delicious thing that onii-san make and demand more but choose to goes for tsundere instead.

"Chuckled~ You girls can have it later, right? This is for the test so no more than that."

Their faces filled with joy some fill with sad. Why sad when you get to eat it from now on? Another team wouldn't have the luck to have me in their team you know?

The guy still lazing around not acknowledge anything nor contribute anything other than lending us their strengths.

I look away from the team and noticed that many teams are having some difficulty and struggle. Some are making a big mess while others have not yet begun.

"Only 45 minutes remaining! And do not forget to manage the cleanness of your area. If the guest comes in and complains about the mess. The responsible team will be disqualified!"

The guys still lazing around while another group was thrown into chaos as they organizing their space and take care of cleanliness.

"Hey, you guy! At least help us by clean the area will you?"

They look at me confused.

"Oh! Ok..... I'll do as you told."

"Ok!"

"Hmph!"

They said as they start to do whatever that related to the task.

Now let's focus on making the egg. The eggs will rest for 15 minutes and then we'll slice in half and separate the yellow.

"Mei! It passes for 3 minutes. How should be so next?"

Risa asked me for further instructions. I tried to find a way to make the menu worth one hour. Maybe a gorgeous decoration will do.

"Okay take the eggs off the water and rest then in the bowl for 15 minutes."

"Okay."

"I'll go take a look for some decoration."

"Okay!"

"Oh! And if Jack returned, please chop the bacon into small bite for me."

"Got it!"

Then I head back to the pantry. There is less crowd there now. Most of them are now focusing on their food and cleaning the stations.

I look at the pantry and found that there is cheese. I wonder it is cheddar or not.

"Hey........."

Who?! I look to the source and found a brown head leaning against the archway. Crossing his arm as he glances at me.

"What're you needing that for? Because I have already eyed for it."

"Uh-"

He can't claim these cheese?! Who do you think you are?

"I need it in my menu so-"

"I also needed it and its mine."

He said as he walks closer to me. I take a slow step back away from him, making sure to space some distance.

He looks at me and then scans my whole body.

I kinda hate that glaze. It burning a hole at where he looks.

"You're quite good looking. Wonder why you'd be a maid where you could use your natural gift to its full potential."

"Wh-"

"There an event that will be held at the palace this night. It's for the princess candidate to enjoy their time while getting to know with the prince."

"We only serve them for qualification. They wouldn't bother to give us crap."

Isn't the test? I only do this because its the test!

"N-No I mean its the test right?"

"We only do this only to pass and become a full-fledged personal worthy of the title."

He raises his eyes brow. He spaced himself away and turned to look at me sideways.

"I see. Then have it if you must."

He takes leave and disappeared. Hell! I tried to act cool and seduce me! Hmph! Not by any chance!

Let's take these and get back.

***

"Half an hour left and I couldn't see anything!"

"If you aren't prepared then you'll have to goes home tonight!"

Mrs. Claudia keeps pressing the participants while they're panickily done whatever they do right now.

For us, we've left to add the remaining and mix it with the yellow.

"Okay! Then add the mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and cheese into the mix."

"Then keep mixing it till its cream-like textures!"

"Ah hah!"

They do as I told while Sylastah and Sylas were preparing the area for the upcoming guests. Jack, Belic, and Gales take the used utensils and clean them in the equipment room. Risa, Vinca, and Carloe are mixing the eggs and the rest are cleaning the tray, except for Cherock who keeps standing by the way to the equipment room.

"Okay! Is this done?"

I look to see the egg. The results are excellent! If it is not Risa. I would have my arm cramp from whisking those thick ingredients.

"It's beyond what I expected! Excellence job girls!"

They high-fived. I notice there is no- what was that called again? Never mind let's use a spoon instead.

"Okay! I need you to help me fill the white with this cream."

"Each spoonful. Then bacon in."

"""Right!"""

***

They worked hard. Even there some minor failures but they managed to get around that.

When there one time that Carloe peels the egg by peeling piece by piece. It's slow and inefficient. So I told her to rolled the egg then the shell came off as easy as peeling a banana.

"""Anddd! Done!"""

We cheered as the last egg was filled. I scan the work and quite satisfying. It's better than I thought.

The first impression for this group. Okay, I guess? I look around and found out that there only my team that finished.

The team opposite us is followed in hot while Kevin's team still frying the fish stick.

Oh, I forgot to mention that brown-head earlier. He is in team Kevin. I saw him work with them after I gathered cheese. So he hiding in the pantry all the time or he is late? 

There is 10 minutes left and there nothing we can do while waiting for the time our.

"Oh! Look delicious! C-can I eat it?"

Gales stared at the food and wiggle his finger like a perverted bastard. I just said NO!

"No can do Gales. It is for the guest after all. They deserve the best from us, and we deserved to be the best."

Risa waved at the hungry Gales as she takes the bowl and a spatula away to wash.

"Aw..... I finally get to eat..... but I can't afford to doom this team ah ahaha!"

He walks away while scratching the back of his neck and sat next to Cherock that stands nearby the entrance to the equipment room.

"Sigh~"

I sighed. That actually me who is the leader right now. No. It's more like I'm the head chef who in charge of all cooking stuff.

Rola approaches me and looks at me concerned.

"Mei? You worked hard! I'm so sorry that I couldn't help much......"

I look to her and see her look at her feet while fidgeting her fingers.

"Uh? No, I mean we worked hard and everyone in this team has does their best, for this team."

Rola looks at me.

"Every individual in this team makes us a team. Without them, we wouldn't be a team."

"Ohhhh! We're the best team and its because of you and everyone! Thanks for helping me and this team this much!"

She clasped her hand with mine.

"Ah! I-Uh Yeah, we're the best. Thank you also....."

Then the rest has returned.

Rola leans onto me and whispering.

"After this can, I have the recipe? The mayonnaise is the best..."

Oh! I nodded and then Mrs. Claudia announced.

"Every team! Cease what you're doing right now!"

Everyone halted. The door burst open then there a row of people come in.

"The judge will examine your work."

"..."

The air is filled with tensions. 

Some judges shake their heads disapprovingly. There they're! They get disqualify! Oh no! The judge uses some kind of magic and deducted the food and turns them into the ingredient?! I WANT THAT MAGIC! 

"Hey....... Do you think we'll be able to impress them?"

"Of course! They will be impressed! Its Mei's after all!"

"Tch! do we clean the area enough or not?! Tch!"

"Why not you check it before the time ran out?!"

"Huh!? I'm not the guilty here Tch!"

"Shuush! Here he is!"

The judge comes and inspects out food. He nodded and then scripted something down on his clipboard. 

"I see your work obvious! Its excellence and worthy of the grand banquets."

"Keep up the good work."

That means......... Do we qualify?!  The judge moves on to the next station and that station is disqualified in the process. I see how many teams have to go home in this test. it's a really hard test. 200 serving and only given an hour to make it.

*Clap!*

My teammate hive-fived. gained the attention of the nearby participants and the judges.

"Team 33! It's far too early to celebrate your victory!"

Mrs. Claudia called out our team and the silence filled the room. Yikes!

"Now the remaining shall continue the test."

"Serve 200 servings to the guest and  that is your final task for tonight!"

Then the door open. People of many different classes walk in and take a glance at the qualified station. Some take and some just not bother to gift a second glance. 

Then there is a man who comes to our station and took interested in our food.

"Is Its egg? I mean it looks appetizing."

"Yes! Please have a try."

Gales gestured the man to eat the egg. He accepts it whole hearty and his face is now decorated with flowers and there an imagine rainbow over his head.

"It is delicious! I must tell the other!"

"HEY! COME TRY THIS!"

He politely calls for his friend in the crowds and making the crowds curious about our food as well. Not long before we realized that we were surrounded by people.

"It is an egg?! UNBELIEVABLE!"

"NO KIDDING! IT IS TRULY AN EGG!"

"What the recipe?"

"Can I take a second one?"

Many people commented on our food. I was pleased by the positive feedback of the people. It looks like this is a success. 200 eggs and a half went just a blink of an eye. 

I look at my team. They're cheering and happily talk about how good our team was. Then there a familiar presence.

Purin-Chan?

'Uh! Yeah~! I just overslept and forgot to check up on you~.'

Oh! By the way Purin-Chan.

'Huh? What is it~?'

About the earlier, I sorry for not value you.

'Nah~! Its Okay~! Sometimes one can forget right~?'

Yeah, I think so.

'I see your team is a success~! So congrats~!'

Thanks!

"Hey Mei! Mrs. Claudia said left ten serving for the judge and his highness!"

"Choose the best and give them that."

I told Gales and he did as told.

'There a lot happens in one day~! I can't remember how we first met but this is fine I guess~.'

Neither I did. It's fine I guess.

'Yeah~! From now on I'll keep you in good shape~! And your little teases cannot be done any damage to me~!'

Fine~ fine~ sleepy head godness~.

'Whatever~! I'll take a stroll then~'

You can? Without me?

'Of course! I' m a spirit and a god at that~! And I don't need you to traverse~.'

'Purin's out~!'

Then her presence disappeared. I guess having her around making me feel more... Like myself. More at ease.......

***

Now the guest is left the banquets hall and it is 21:10. The judge line up in front of us. Mrs. Claudia stood at the podium still look at elegant at the noon.

"Congrats all the participants for getting past the first test of the day. But according to Mr. Louis's given task. We'll have every team goes on the background check up and magic analyst."

That guy..... I saw him sat with his highness. He's must've been plotting something. The judges then start split into two teams. The one for background check-up and other for magic analyst.

There fewer people than the entrance round so this time its less time on waiting.

Vinca did her turn and it's mine.

"Place your hand on this seal till I said so."

I placed a hand on the seal. The seal shine and I felt the warm emitted beneath my palm. The examine's eyes widen and he keeps rubbing his eyes.

"Your name?!"

He asked me hastily.

"M-Mei Sakumo."

He quickly chanted some magic and there a panel appeared. He input my name in and there no result showed up.

"Are you perhaps? Foreigner?"

I nodded and he sighed loudly.

"I see. Then take a magic analyst to the right."

I nodded and thanked him lowly then proceed to take a magic analyst.

"Please pour your mana into this Seal."

"O-Okay."

I do and the seal starts to glow white. It also feels some chill and heat so.

"You got every attribute in every mana nature?!"

"Ahem! Then place your hand on this mirror till it shows the sign."

I placed my hand on the mirror's surface and it shows nature. There are flame and ice also wind in the picture, and a sign that I cannot read it even with "Word translator".

"Elements?"

"You're quite talented. Then good luck with tomorrow's test. Also, the egg is very delicious and if not bother you." 

"May you tell me the recipe?"

He comments about the food and I can't help but smiled.

"Sure!"

He smiled back then gesture for Gales to take a test next.

The day has come to an end as we proceeded to the inn that was prepared for us to sleep.

They separated men from the female. And each room may have only one team staying.

I stare at the star and remember how I met Purin-Chan. I was alone, in the dark place where I could be at ease. But it does not matter now.

What matters is present, and I'll make sure to overcome any obstacles, together with the team........

felt sleepy right now...

*slept ZzzzZ~*