A Villainess For The Tyrant

What? First time seeing pie being made? Maggie asked in disbelief. Did your mother never make some for you before?

My mom passed away early.

Then, what about your father?

Hes someone youre better off without, you see, Cecile said. It was the first time shed thought about the king of Navitan in a long while. A man whom she resembled, except for the color of their hair and eyes.

Maggies face darkened as she said, Im sorry. I didnt know Hang on for a bit! Disappearing into the shop, she emerged seconds later holding something in her hands which she thrusted towards Cecile. Now, put this on, will you?

Whats this?

What do you mean whats this? Theyre work clothes obviously. After all, a clean outfit is the first step to making pies. Come, come. Put on the hat first. Quick! It wont do to let any hair fall into the pies now, will it? And change into the work clothes. Make sure to put on this apron good and proper too!

Moments later, Cecile found herself perfectly decked out in work clothes. She looked to the side with a troubled expression, where Estian stood, also dressed in the same outfit as her. He was even wearing a mask to boot.Th-this isnt what I wanted!Shed only wanted to enjoy some freshly baked pie, so how did she suddenly end up having to work?

Whatre you zoning out for? Lets get right to it. Now, watch and follow exactly as I do.

Maggie picked up a sack of flour, poured it slowly into a large sieve placed on the workbench, and then began setting about to strain the flour. In an instant, the flour was piled into the shape of a mountain. Using her hand, she stirred to form a hollow center in the mound.

The next step is to add butter! Its our shops motto to put in enough to shock other people. After her explanation, Maggie took a butter the size of a head from the box next to her and plopped it in the middle of the flour.

Having observed up to this point, Cecile walked over and attempted to lift up the flour sack. Oof Ack! I-I cant lift it? Cecile stammered. Though she tried her hardest, the sack wouldnt budge.

Whatre you talking about? How could you not lift that up?

Hearing Maggies confused tone, Cecile tried again. However, the flour still didnt move an inch. Before she could struggle again, Estian stepped in from behind Cecile and said, Ill do it. With one hand, he easily lifted the flour sack shed been struggling with all her might and began pouring it over the workbench.

Maggie, whod been watching with a look of surprise, handed Estian an iron scraper. Now, scoop some butter in too! From here on, youll need skill, not strength. Watch closely.

After Estian added some butter to the mound, Maggie used both hands to hold her iron scraper and began to finely dice up the butter. A series of light and pleasant sounds could be heard from her steady movements as the scraper hit the wooden workbenchtatatatatatat!

Did you see that? You have to chop a piece of butter until its a cube about this size on top of the flour. Itll be a little hard for a beginner, but

Before Maggie could finish, Estian jumped into action. The sound of his chopping was even faster and more rhythmic than her movements. When he finished, he asked, Is this good enough?

Maggie and Cecile were speechless at the sight of the perfectly chopped butter.

I didnt expect hed cut it so well!Cecile exclaimed inwardly, before her eyes lowered to look at the sword that hung from her husbands belt.Then again hes good at dicing up other things, so I guess its not that different from butter.

Meanwhile, Maggie was wearing a vexed look. Collecting herself, she shot back, Hah, but I dont think youll be able to easily copy this! But contrary to her expectations, Estian completed the pie dough faster than she did.

T-then what about this! Maggie exclaimed, brandishing a peeler. However, a little while later, there were more peeled apples piled in front of Estian than Maggie.