NOVEL SIMPLE ‘Four sisters’ No 26.
Mo and I were sunbathing by the pool.
Everything was prepared: the deckchairs, the lemonade, and the warm sunlight. We only needed to hang out and relax.
‘Slurp’
“Too bad the others got lovey-dovey today.” (Mo)
“I already feel like the dean will be begging us to stop the mayhem that is about to occur.” It didn’t actually matter, since Wisky will calm down after beating the c* out of New Jersey.
‘Slurp’
I really love it when I can just lie down and relax. There are no lessons, no homework checking, no gatherings and parties, and no noise.
‘Slurp’
Only the two of us were noisy here but it is alright.
‘SLAM’
The gate opened, and somebody entered the pool area.
“Finally! Why do I have to search for you? Couldn’t you be somewhere close, so I would not have to waste my precious time searching for you?!” I turned around and saw the newcomer girl with a couple more girls in tow.
I sighed, and turned my eyes to Mo. My silent plea was confirmed immediately.
“What? You’ve got any problems?” (Mo)
“Yes, I do!” (CPF)
“Then go f[ly] yourself! We’re resting!” (Mo)
“First, I want that vixen to stop approaching my husband!” (CPF)
Mo turned to me with a smirk.
“Big Sis~?” (Mo)
“It. Is. Misunderstanding.”
“Doncha worry, I’ll always support you~!” Haaaaaa…
The fiancée did not quit bothering us.
“I challenge you to a duel!” (CPF)
I had to turn around again, and stare at this bothersome girl. Meanwhile, Mo was trying not to laugh. The fiancée’s entourage was pale but did not explain why this is a bad idea.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes!” (CPF)
“Well…”
“Big Sis, don’t waste Mk 7’s rifling on this one. Ma Deuce will be more than enough.” I followed Mo’s advice and aimed the .50 cals.
“Wait…? What are you doing…?” The fiancée was confused.
“Were you not challenging me to a duel?”
“I was, but I challenge you to a culinary duel?” Seriously…?
We went to the culinary class. Everyone, except for Missouri. Sunday is a sacred day, and she will be moving out of the pool only if we set up another one here.
The ingredients were already put on two of the tables.
“We will be making cakes! The cake which my husband likes more will be the winner!” (CPF)
“What would happen if you win?”
“Then you will be forbidden to approach my husband!” (CPF)
“And if you lose…?”
“Then… Nothing? Why would I concede to someone like you?” I facepalmed.
“And what’s the point then…?”
“The point is to once again confirm that I am infallible!” I facepalmed again.
While the two of us were discussing the terms and conditions of this contest, one of the entourage girls approached me and whispered.
‘Miss Iowa, Her Highness must win, otherwise her father will make your life much harder.’
‘Let him try.’
Of course, there is an option to deliberately lose and let this girl have the victory, however, both my pride as the best cook and Big Sister, as well as the Iowa-class’ pride, are at stake.
Right after the contest began, I smiled bitterly.
I approached the fiancée’s table and stood behind her, then I grabbed her hands with mine.
“Look, you must crack the eggs like this.
…
Don’t pour all of the flour at once!
…
Keep mixing it like this...
…
Good, you’re making good progress.
…
Now, let it rest.”
“Erhm, are you not going to cook yourself…?” After the fiancée reminded me, I trembled. I was too focused on saving this rookie, that I forgot about my own cake.
Of course, the cake would only be finished a bit later, but I am happy that the contest itself will not be a once-sided massacre with my ultimate cooking on one side, and a pile of burned mash on the other.
While I was making my own pastry, the fiancée timidly asked me.
“H-how do I bake it now…?” (CPF)
“F-first, please pour the dough out of the bowl… You don’t want to be baking in the bowl itself.
…
Now, put it here, and close the door. Every five minutes check the condition of the cake. Don’t forget, it should have a nice brown tint but don’t make it too dark. It should be like New Jersey’s hair.” The fiancée nodded, and I returned to my station.
“I-is it ready?” (CPF)
I looked.
“Not yet.”
A few minutes later I finally finished with the dough.
“Is it ready?” (CPF)
I looked.
“Not yet.”
I finally put the cake in the oven, and approached the fiancée’s oven. I took a look inside.
“My-my! Somebody, pass me potholders!” The cake was almost burnt. Luckily, it is almost, not completely.
“Don’t worry, it is still in acceptable condition.” I soothed the rookie chef.
I just checked my cake, and when I turned around, I saw how the fiancée started decorating her own. It was a disaster. I once again started guiding her hands.
“Do it like this. Don’t worry, the cream can be spread out later. Focus on making it somewhat evenly distributed.
…
Now, let’s make a small cream rose. Relax your hands and watch how Big Sis is doing it.
...
Now try it yourself.
…
Good, just like this.
…
Good girl~! I am sure the prince will be happy to eat such a pretty cake~!”
I made it in time to take out my cake, and decorated it.
The two cakes were not on the plates, and the fiancée was in tears.
“I… Is it fine to show my cake to my husband…?” (CPF)
“Don’t worry~! You just need to give him the cake, I am sure he will like it~!”
“T-thanks… Big Sis…” The fiancée took her cake, and ran off.
‘Ufu-fu~, Mo must still be by the pool.’
At the pool.
“Oh, you’re done? How’s it… Oh, cake~!” (Mo)
“Have a piece~!”
“Thanks a lot~! How did the duel go?” (Mo)
“… Wait, I completely forgot…”
Meanwhile…
“T-take this, you dummy! I… I just happened to go past a patisserie!” (CPF)
“Oh, cake?” (CP)
“What? Is it all that you are going to say?!” (CPF)
“Thank you very much~!” (CP)
“Hm! I just gave it to you! I don’t need your thanks!” (CPF)
“Erhm… Understood, I will be going then.” (CP)
“Are you not going to invite me for a cup of tea…?” (CPF)
“Of course, let’s go then.” (CP)
‘Dummy…’ (CPF)