Esper Story: Ginny

Oh...

Ginny, how are you doing?

Ahhh?!

Sorry, Alexa... I was lost in thought.

You seem to have been in a daze in the kitchen a lot recently. Something on your mind?

All Hallows' Eve is approaching, and I'm contemplating how to create the surprise candies...

Why not use the last year's recipe?

Where's the surprise then? Changing things up and keeping them surprising is a crucial element of the festival.

Maybe make them salty licorice or musk lemon flavors? Hmmm, that doesn't sound right...

Everyone will regret eating the candy if our head chef ends up exhausted though.

If you're always shut away in the kitchen, you're gonna run out of inspiration. It's important to find a balance between work and rest.

Inspiration... Right! That's it!

Perhaps I should step outside for some fresh air. It might just be the source of inspiration I need!

Thank you, Miss Alexa!

Well, I'll plan a trip to Tangton! I heard they have a wide variety of unique spices. Maybe I can incorporate some of those to create some unexpected flavors.

Oh my... I didn't intend for her to travel so far for her work...

Never mind, it's probably good for her.

Going out was a wise choice. The air is so refreshing and smells so unique!

Wait... Is that... Yes! It's the smell of food!

Are these chilis? They look different.

Hello!

This isn't spicy enough! I want more!

H-how is he able to put so many chili sauces into the dish?!

It's an art!

Each ingredient has its own unique flavor and requires specific seasoning methods. Adding chili sauces to all of them will only disrupt their original textures and flavors.

Sounds like you know quite a bit about cooking.

Of course, I'm Ginny, a chef from Utgard.

A pleasure to meet you. I'm Li Ling.

However, even if you are a chef, you can't deny my skill in the chili arts!

This is a special chili sauce in Tangton. You'll know how great it is as soon as you try it!

If you're serious about cooking, you should understand the charm of our special chili sauce!

Special sauce? Let me try...

Argh!

There's a hint of sweetness initially, followed by an explosive burst of overwhelming spiciness...

It's so spicy! And tasty too!

Right! I told you no one can resist the temptation of Tangton's special chili sauce!

Glad to see you like it. You can enjoy all the chili sauces!

(Maybe I can use these to make the surprise candies for the festival!)

Thank you, Li Ling! Your chili sauces truly are an art form.

Five candies per pack, four with regular candies, and one spicy surprise candy...

The surprise candies for this year's All Hallows' Eve are ready!

(Li Ling and Alexa should have received the sample candies I sent in advance...)

(It's a message from Li Ling.)

What? Even the spiciest chili sauce in Tangton can't satisfy Li Ling?

I made a special spicier one for him, and a standard one for Alexa...

Wait... Don't tell me I...?!

Oh... Are these the surprise candies Ginny prepared for me?

Well, let me try.

Yeah...

Aaaaaah!!! Sooooo spicy!!!

Is that because of more Miramon attacks?

Everyone's face has such a solemn expression...

Is that the Union's medical officer? She appears to be fixated on the food laid out on the table.

Hi, I'm a chef. You seem to have some worries about this food. Can I help you with anything?

If it's a food-related issue, I think I may be able to offer some help.

Thank you for your kindness, I actually do have a food-related problem...

I'm sure you've noticed. The people here have lost their homes due to Miramon attacks. Many of them can't seem to let go of the painful memories of destruction and despair...

It's been so distressing for them that they've lost their appetite and don't feel like eating anything anymore.

I've attempted various medical methods, but none of them seem to have any effects.

If I don't find a way to help them, their physical and mental health will only deteriorate further.

Well... they gotta eat something for sure. I don't know about treatment, but I do know about cooking...

If I can prepare some highly aromatic dishes, I believe it could stimulate their appetite.

Unfortunately, this is just a temporary camp. We're lacking in good ingredients and cooking equipment...

Don't worry about all that. Just leave it to me!

That would be wonderful. You can cook over there.

Oh, there's one thing I must do first before I start cooking.

Let me see, hmmm... these will do.

All right, let's begin!

Wow, that smells amazing! It reminds me of the dishes my mom made!

That aroma carries a special spice from my hometown too. The streets used to be filled with this scent every night...

The girl who's cooking... She looks familiar... Isn't she the girl who inquired about my hometown earlier?

Excuse me, please make way...

Whoa, Ginny, how'd you do it? The crowd is getting lively!

It's easy. I just asked them for the names of their hometowns.

I always carry a variety of spices gathered during my travels. So, I added the spices from their hometowns to the dishes.

Like basil leaves from Woodville and rosemary from Geran...

These scents remind them of the times they went home and shared meals with their families, or the aromas that wafted from the shops across the street.

No one can reject the scent of home, can they?

Thank you...

You're welcome! I'll use spices from another area after making this one...

Ouch!

Nooo! Ah-choo! What, how could it... Ah-choo!

Ahhh, I need to adjust the temperature and add more ingredients to the wok... Ah-choo!

Hey girl, take a rest. Let me help you.

Hey!

Well, am I doing well?

Can't leave a little girl to make all these dishes. I was a master chef back home.

Thank you, the rice smells great. Here, I peeled some garlic for you.

Everyone...

Hahaha... Great! Let's cook together!

What's this?

It's the spices used yesterday with an improved recipe.

Now everyone can enjoy food with the aroma of their hometowns in the future.

I don't know how to thank you…

I never expected to see such a profound impact from simply making good food.

You're welcome. It's our duty as chefs to bring joy to everyone through our dishes!

Our reporter has learned that there is a new popular dish among the locals known as "healing stew."

It is said that this dish emits a complex aroma that can awaken anyone's appetite and heal spiritual traumas.

Legend has it that the dish was invented by a mysterious healing chef...

Healing chef, huh... It seems that this chef shares a similar philosophy with me. I hope to one day become a legend like them!

The journey to mastering the art of cooking never ends. Keep working hard, Ginny!

That concludes today's session. Tomorrow, we will be hosting a creative cooking class. Be sure not to miss out!

Class dismissed.

Hey, Lily. Do you have a minute?

Oh, me?

Okay…

Lily, the bread you made last time was pretty good. The garlic and butter blended just right.

The pork chops were also fantastic!

Really?... Thank you, teacher.

I still remember the first time you tried cooking, you knocked the wok over.

But I must say, you've come a long way since then. Now, you're becoming quite the model student in class!

I'm just curious, why don't you ever attend my creative cooking classes?

Sorry, teacher. I'm...

It's okay. Don't be nervous.

I'm here to help if you need me.

Well...I always wanted to attend the class.

B-but... I just don't have creativity in me.

In the previous classes, I simply followed your instructions. In a creative class though, I'd have to share dishes that I created myself.

I'm worried that... they might not like the creative dishes I'd make.

I see. Hang on a second.

Come, try this and tell me how it tastes.

Hmm...

The sauce... it's quite tangy. Oh, and there's a strong fishy odor to it.

Tastes awful, right?

This is the original recipe for the Golden City's signature dish, braised deep-water fish.

What?!

It's a popular dish even in Utgard.

People love it because of the sweet and tangy sauce, and the fish being so fresh and flavorful... I never imagined it tasted like this in its original form.

If I'm not wrong. This dish was created by you...

Yes, I created this dish, and I made the dish before you now.

How could that be... You're the esteemed chef of the Golden City, renowned for creating numerous innovative dishes. They say even the gods would be delighted by your creations!

I've admired you for a long time. I thought you could never fail...

Hahaha. No matter how skilled I am, I'm still human, and humans make mistakes.

In fact, I've made many failed dishes in addition to this one.

There was a time when I tried my own dish, and I had to quickly drink some water just to get it down!

......

Does it sadden you to know this?

Not at all! Utgard wouldn't have so many delicious dishes without all your efforts!

Then what are you afraid of?

Talent is important on the path to becoming the best chef, but passion matters even more.

We all experience failures. However, if we don't try, we won't discover the path to improvement.

Every great dish is the result of countless failures, just like this one, which is now the signature dish of the Golden City.

Thank you, teacher... Now I understand.

Hahaha, that's great!

I'm looking forward to seeing your creative dish in tomorrow's class.

Well everyone, what do you think?

If it's not good, don't hesitate to tell me your thoughts...

Hmm, there seems to be something not quite right. Perhaps it was cooked for too long?

The meat is slightly tough, and the flavors haven't fully blended.

But the taste is quite unique! I actually like it.

Lily, did you use an orange blossom? Could you teach me the technique for blending the sauce in the dish?

Yes, you're right. I did!

It struck me one day while I was experimenting with desserts, that adding flowers could enhance the aroma...

Great job!

Have you prepared the files for my next meeting?

Yes, they're ready.

Okay, let's go.

Alexa has been occupied recently. She doesn't even have time to enjoy a freshly prepared meal...

I wonder if there's anything I could do for her...

Oh, that's right! The Solstice Festival is coming!

All of the Golden City will celebrate the festival. I'm sure Alexa will have time to enjoy a break then.

I'll prepare a fine meal that night to treat her!

Cod, fennel, beef... Hmm, and some ham.

Good! These should be enough to make a luxury meal for the Solstice Festival.

Heh heh heh, Alexa, just you wait!

Hey, Ginny. You look quite happy, any good news?

The good things are yet to come... Oh, Alexa!

I-I'm just experimenting with some new dishes.

...Really? Are you sure?

Yes, yes!

Have you finished your work?

I'm taking a short break. I'll have another round of negotiations to deal with soon.

The guests have arrived? Good, I'm on my way.

Ginny, I look forward to your new dishes!

Phew, thank goodness she didn't find out.

Why are there so many guests this year? Alexa might be concerned about maintaining order in the city and end up returning late.

Ginny! All of the halls here are full of guests!

Okay, leave it to me! I'll get the food ready in a minute!

I'll need some beef next... Huh, we ran out of ingredients?

I just asked the guy in the storage room. That was our last batch of ingredients.

Arrrgh, some guests might not get anything to eat now...

*Sigh* No one wants to see that happen. I'll send the waiters to explain everything to the guests.

Wait! I have some spare ingredients!

These should be enough. Did you bring these from your own fridge?

I remember you said you wanted to use them to...

It's okay. We should've prepared more ingredients in advance.

Our guests must've been expecting this festival meal for days. We can't let them down.

I only have... just a few ingredients now.

Alexa may not return anytime soon, but still, I won't be able to prepare a fine meal for her...

Ginny, why are you still in the kitchen?

I...

Let me guess. I know you want to surprise me. Well, what is it?

Well, you've been working tirelessly for weeks, so I wanted to prepare a luxurious meal as a treat for you.

Only we were overwhelmed by guests today, so we don't have enough ingredients now...

Thanks, Ginny, but don't worry about it.

It's always best to put the guests first. You did a great job.

No need to comfort me. I should've prepared more...

Well, what do we have now?

Let's see... flour, butter, some eggs, and a few apples.

Good, I love eating apples.

Could you bake an apple pie for me?

I'm sure a sweet and warm dessert like that will wash away my weariness on this winter night.

Alexa...

No problem! I'll do it now!

I can help you slice the apples.

It's okay, I can do it...

Why are you so nervous all of a sudden?!

...Please, just let me do it!

What now? You think I might slow you down?

No! I just don't want to see you get hurt...

I'm used to cooking for you. I never thought we would cook together.

Ouch, that stings. I thought we were close friends, but it seems you see it differently.

Alexa, please stop making fun of me!

Look! It's snowing outside! So beautiful!

Yeah, what a Solstice Festival!

Shall we celebrate the festival like this next year?

Yeah! I want to celebrate with you every year!

I promise I'll treat you to an amazing meal next year!

Hmmm... what should I prepare for next week's meal?

...Huh? Two dogs are sitting in front of my door.

Woof! Woof! Woof!

*Whine*...

Poor doggies, they look hungry. Must be hard for you two to have come this far.

Wait just a second for me.

Come on, doggies! It's dinner time!

Woof! Woof... Woof!

*Whine*...

Hold on, I'll make another one for you.

Woof, Woof, Woof! (Mine, all mine!!)

Hey, bad dog! Don't be so greedy!

Shhhh, go away! Gimme the bowl!

*Whine*...

Don't take your friend's food!

Understand? I'll give the bowl back to you if you understand, okay?

*Bark*

Hey! You're stealing food again!

That's not gonna work. You'll get weaker if you don't eat enough food.

I need to find a way to teach that bad dog to share food.

Woof! Woof! Woof!

Arooo! Woof!!!

Oh, you two are here again?

Smart enough to know where to get food, huh?

Come, here's your food.

*Whine*...

Woof! *Whine*

Humph, it's bitter, right?

That's because I added bitter melon. Here's a bowl of water.

Hey doggie, this is your food.

Woof! Woof!

*Whine*

Not happy, right?

Promise me you'll share the food next time and I'll give you the bowl, with no bitter melon added, okay?

Woof! Woof! Woof!

All right, I'll take that as a yes. Come over here.

That's the spirit. Sharing food is better than eating alone, right?

Huh? Where are the dogs?

Are they in danger?

Woof! Woof woof! (We are here!)

Oh, there you are! You had me worried for a bit... Huh?

Meow––

Whoa! So many kittens!

Woof! Woof! Woof!

Haha, I see. You're telling me you learned to share food with your friends, right?

That's a good doggie!

Wait for me... I better go make some more food!

Meow! Meow! (Hungry, so hungry.)

Woof! Woof! (Can't wait, can't wait!)

Hahaha, hang in there. Your food will be ready in a minute!