A steady, rhythmic beat resonated as the knife met the cutting board, chopping fresh ingredients.
The rhythm was consistent, and the sounds were similar. If it weren't for the different textures and diameters of the sliced ingredients, it would have been almost impossible to distinguish each chop from the next.
There was something mesmerizing about the fluid grace of a practiced hand wielding a kitchen knife, turning whole pieces of a plant into a multitude of julienned strips.
Each piece was the same thickness, the same length, and the same width, regardless of the fact that they each came from a different plant, even if the ingredients seemed at first glance to be similar.
A sizzling sound rang in the background, mixing with the repetitive and relaxing sound of chopping until one or the other vanished.
Then there was a smell. A pleasant smell that invaded one's senses in a manner that left one dizzy and craving more, regardless of how little one had ingested.
Aromas and spices worked together, but when placed in opposition, they formed an equilibrium that would not allow one to stand out more than the other.
The longer it took, the more time the person inhaling the air would wish to prolong that wonderful mixture.
The one who was cooking was focused. Their entire being was at peace, in sync, in the moment.
It was a woman with green eyes and long brown hair, all tied together into a single braid that hung over her shoulder.
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Her curvaceous figure was clad in a black maid's outfit that reached just a few inches below the upper thigh. She also wore black thigh-high stockings with lace trim that framed her thick thighs.
With a white apron tied over her waist, she moved gracefully across the kitchen, adjusting the fire of the burners, removing certain ingredients, and adding more seasoning with a masterful ease that seemed at odds with her youthful appearance.
A beautiful smile hung on her face as Maria continued her cooking, humming a merry tune while she worked. Her pale, supple skin seemed to glow in the warm light of the kitchen, which gave her already attractive features a somewhat ethereal beauty.
She was quite familiar with the layout of the kitchen, a fact that could be attributed to the number of times she had graced its walls and appliances.
She had found many new food recipes that used spirit plants and star beasts in the library of the Mystic Starry Realm, which had expanded her horizons.
Cooking was something she found pleasure in. It allowed her to take something simple, even ordinary, and transform it into something spectacular, something awe-inspiring.
And when done well, she knew that there would be plenty of smiles as the flavors burst across one's palate.
As Maria finished cooking, her thoughts began to wander. Her mind began to drift from the food in front of her to a particular man—an important man—in her life.
He was someone who had been a savior. He had saved her from a miserable existence on Lucas's estate, where she was about to become the object of a man's lust.
It was through no fault of her own, of course.
"But I am not sleepy now. I am hungry... hmm... It smells really nice." The little girl mumbled, sniffing the fragrant aroma of food in front of her.
"Yes, it does smell quite good, doesn't it? Let's try it then. How about it? We can eat together, sweetie." Aria suggested in a doting voice, not holding back her affection and love for her little angel.
The little girl smiled, nodding her head and exclaiming with glee. "Alright, mommy!"
All the women seated at the table couldn't help but smile at the adorable girl before them, enjoying their meal as the beautiful mother-daughter duo started eating too.
As the women took their first bites, a sense of delight swept over them.
"Maria, your cooking is getting better day by day, and I believe this is your best dish so far," Lysandra commented before taking another bite, savoring the rich flavor as her eyes gleamed with appreciation.
"Hmmm... It is indeed a matchless delicacy in both taste and texture. You are the best, Maria!" Mia added as her eyes lit up with joy as she devoured the food on the table.
Aria also took a bite after giving Lily a spoonful of her own food. Her appetite seemed to grow as she went on savoring the food, feeling nothing but delight in her heart.
"Mhm. Yes, this is indeed delicious and flavorful. Well done, Maria. Asher is sure to love it," She complimented, staring at Maria, whose cheeks blushed a bright shade of red at the mention of his name.
"Thank you, madame." A beautiful smile appeared on Maria's face upon hearing their compliments as her pride grew. She was elated when the woman she looked up to with respect praised her cooking skills.
"You should also take a seat. Enjoy this delicious meal along with us!" Aria said before placing another spoon of her food into her little daughter's mouth.
"Yes. Its delicious!" Lily squealed in joy, smacking her little lips after eating the tasty food.
As time went by, they all enjoyed the food in a wonderful and content ambiance.
In a blink of an eye, it seemed as if the food had disappeared and the women had started conversing with each other, but most of the time was spent gossiping about Asher, to no surprise.
"Mommy, where is the big brother? It's been too long since I've seen him... When is he coming back?" The little girl asked, her eyes radiating her boundless love towards her brother as she looked towards Aria, expecting her answer.
"Hmmm... I think he is playing outside."
"What...? Why didn't he take me? I also want to go out and play with him."
"Oh, don't pout, little angel. Don't you like staying here and being with me?" Aria asked, grinning and teasing the little girl.
"It's not that... I love being with mommy, but... hmm, I want to play outside too!" Lily said in a sulky tone, puffing her cheeks.
Aria chuckled upon hearing her reply and kissed her forehead, consoling the cute little girl. "Well, how about mommy takes you outside to play? Would you like that?"
"Yaay! Yes, mommy, yes, I would love to go out with you. You are the best."