Chapter 197: My Hashbrowns Are In There

Chapter 197: My Hashbrowns Are In There

She was irritated with herself for being so curious as to wonder what was happening with Pargath and the Duraga Federation. There was an annoying sense of anticipation, as if she was waiting for an inevitable event. She didnt know how it would come about or when, but it would happen and part of her knew that she would be involved.

I bet this didnt happen in the original game.... Tori muttered under her breath as she pinned her student guide sash.

Tori, the signups for student tour guides for tomorrow are full. I cant believe its so popular now, Ilyana said as she sat on her bed across from where Tori was standing in front of a mirror. Ilyana ran her eyes over the sheet with a wide, satisfied smile. We even capped it to ten tours tomorrow and five additional ones the day after.

There are only so many first-year students, Tori said with a chuckle. And they really dont need to take more than one tour. However, she had noticed that when students made friends and those friends hadnt taken a tour yet, theyd go with them when they did.

There are over a dozen volunteers to be tour guides. Ilyana turned the sheet around. They even scheduled themselves with a limit of two tours per student.

I dont want them to overwork themselves, Tori replied. But Im glad theyre enthusiastic.

She checked the clock on their wall and the two headed downstairs. Their dorm building had more top ten students from the three returning classes, so this time it was their dining commons that were open.

Still, the two decided to repeat their usual ritual and have their breakfast at Cafe Fortuna. They passed many familiar faces who greeted them warmly, often calling out to them with familiar respect and warmth. Several got hugs from the two and were praised for working so hard.

When Ilyana and Tori turned the corner, with their arms still looped and chattering excitedly, and walked into the small street in front of Cafe Fortuna, they froze.

Is that a line? Tori almost spat out as her face dropped. She had never seen a line out the door for the cafe. Not even when the knights were swarming it.

Did we go down the wrong alley? Ilyana lifted her head and looked around. There were familiar brick faced buildings, ivy crawling on some of them, and the posts where horses were tied.

Tori squinted. Did they close and someone else rented the storefront? But Mama J or Piers wouldve told her.

Doesnt it belong to Prince Piers? Ilyana gasped and grasped Toris arm in panic. Did we overcharge him to use the Lunar Pavilion for his ball and now hes bankrupt?

Tori slowly turned her head towards Ilyana. Let me assure you, with how much property and business he has his hands on, he is in no shortage of money.

Ilyanas eyes widened and her mouth made a little o. Tori pulled her forward, but they couldnt see through the windows. Tori cursed herself for having offered to tint them. There were about five young ladies standing outside the open door.

Excuse me, are you in line for Cafe Fortuna? Tori asked. Even she was starting to doubt that she was at the right place.

Yes, were waiting for seats, one of the young women replied.

What if you want to order and take the food away? Ilyana asked as Tori tried to peer through the partially blocked door.

You can ask the server at the door. I dont know. The young woman looked at them strangely, as if taking their breakfast and going back to campus was strange.

Tori and Ilyana exchanged looks and cautiously took a step towards the door.

No cutting! The young woman dressed in what appeared to be a household staff uniform turned around and snapped at them. She gave them a threatening look as the young woman in a brilliant blue dress looked over her shoulder and gave them a dirty look.

Were not cutting for a table! We just want to pick up our food and go, Ilyana said. She looked into the small cafe and snapped her head back with surprise.

Toris mouth was slightly agape. Shed seen the cafe filled with imperial knights and with members of the tabletop gaming club, but never so many young women in beautiful dresses and their escorts. The cafe did not advertise itself as a cafe for young, wealthy women. In fact, it didnt advertise at all. Mama J had told them that Tori and her friends were their most frequent customers, sometimes coming more often than Axton and Piers.

It was only in the last year that they had more customers, and they were almost all club members.

Tori wracked her head to try to think of a reason only one came to mind. She gently pulled Ilyana away and once they were a few steps from the cafe, she leaned forward and whispered.

Piers threw his first ever ball and it was very successful, making a good impression on his peers and allies, right?

Ilyana nodded. Guests were raving about it as they left and if Ilyana couldve asked them to take an exit survey for their thoughts, she wouldve. Right.

Now, more people know that Piers can be social, and is a very competent and intelligent prince.

Ilyana nodded once more. Yes, you said the goal was to show how suitable he is for being the crown prince...oh.... Her eyes went wide with realization.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

Tori nodded her head slowly in return. Their Ilyana was at the top of their class for a reason. Well...so much for vaguely implying hes planning to marry me.

Ilyana wrinkled her nose and frowned. Why did so many people come for him? No one came after you after that ball and youre a far better spouse material!

Tori hugged Ilyanas arm. Im far from it, but thank you. Also, Im just a seventeen-year-old countess who is still in Lyce. Piers is the first prince of the empire who is likely going to be the crown prince. Im sure as competition, we are on vastly different levels.

If she were a suitor and had to go up against Piers, who could also slice her in half with a sword as easily as breathing, she wouldnt waste her time. Tori couldnt think of anyone off the top of her head who could match Piers in terms of social rank, wealth, intelligence, fighting ability, and good looks. Plenty of people had much better emotional intelligence and ability to socialize, but in all other aspects, Piers dominated. She wasnt ashamed to admit that her brothers didnt match up because of social rank. Sebastian and Kasen were still only children of a marquis, so their titles were courtesy titles.

Even if they werent, Piers was the first prince of Soleil.

I dont think so, Ilyana said with a proud look. If they knew you, they wouldnt dare.

Well, you never know. Maybe they really like him. They say the heart wants what the heart wants, Tori said. She put her hand over her gurgling stomach and frowned. And my stomach wants a croissant.

Ilyana mirrored her hand over her stomach and frowned. My hashbrowns are in there....

Countess Guevera! She perked up at her title and saw Mama Js middle son, Elias, squeeze through the door and call her. Tori felt dozens of eyes fixed on her at once with judging, if not predatory gazes. She, the main competitor, was identified. Your and Lady Agafonovas breakfasts are ready.

He held up a calf-sized round box with a handle in each hand. Cafe Fortuna had several specially ordered heating boxes for Piers use that Tori had designed and had made at the delta. They were created so they could be locked together, and the different foods kept separate. Food that needed to be warm could be kept warm and food that should be chilled could be chilled. The boxes also came in different sizes depending on the meal and the beverage was carefully placed in the top container.

Once they were used, they would be returned the next time Piers and Axton passed by for reuse.

Mr. Jaeger, thank you! Ilyana looked relieved. Its good that we arranged it last night.

Were sorry to trouble you, Tori said.

Not at all, my lady, he said as he handed one box with a tag that had her name on it to Tori and the other to Ilyana. He gave them both a bow. I apologize for the delay, my ladies. Congratulations on the start of your new school year. My mother has added some cookies for you with the boxes. I will come by to deliver the lunches for the student guides later, as ordered. As usual, you need not worry about the cost. His voice seemed to rise, and Tori saw his eyes dart to the line of young women. His Highness refuses to take your money.

Well, if that isnt a cry for help.... Tori tried to hold back a snort-laugh. Not at all, she said with a small nod of her head. She weighed the box in her hand. Is it all right for us to take these boxes?

Of course, Countess. His Highness says you are always free to use his personal belongings.

Tori almost wanted to cringe at how desperate Mr. Elias sounded in an effort to get the customers to leave. Any other restaurant wouldve been ecstatic to see a line at the door, but as the cafe was essentially front to feed Piers when he lived in the Academic Quarter, Mama J and her family mustve wanted it cleared out.

Piers would never come, even if he could hide upstairs, if there were that many troublesome people just waiting for him to appear.

I will call him and give him my thanks personally, Tori said in a smooth voice. Beside her, Ilyana bit her lip to keep from laughing. Tori had to pull her back and turn her around.

It was only when they turned the corner and the critical eyes on them were blocked that Ilyana let out a burst of laughter.

Did you see their faces? Ive never seen such ugly, envious looks!

Tori sighed. I didnt think he was that popular. For so many years, people didnt even know what he looked like.

Ilyana squeezed Toris arm and gave her a determined look. Dont worry, Tori. His Highness is loyal to you.

Were not actually engaged. He only said what he said at the ball to avoid messy entanglements. You know that.

Tori looked around the massive tent that had doubled in size from the year before. There were about eight more participants, and she heard the only reason they limited the number of contestants to twenty was because that was how many baking stations the central courtyard could hold.

The spots were first come, first served, but the original twelve spots were held for the clubs and organizations from last year. Surprisingly, it was Alessas idea. Despite some of her unpopularity with the baking club, Alessa remained and still actively tried her best to participate. She had suggested to the current baking club president that the original twelve spots be offered to the first twelve competitor organizations from the first year they were held, as a sort of tradition.

Tradition made a sense of ritual and would popularize the event. It was a good idea. If one of the original twelve did not have a baker, then their spot could be given away for the year. There was an unexpected race to fill up the remaining eight spots and as soon as Ilyana heard about it, even though they didnt have a baker, she signed up for the tabletop gaming club.

In theory, Ilyana shouldve been on the other side of the courtyard, closest to where Montan was stationed and holding up a banner for the tabletop gaming club. Instead, she, Albert, and Tiff, who were all officers of the tabletop gaming club, were gathered with the Sword Association members to her right.

You can do it, Tori!

Bring us glory! The Sword Association will also not yield!

Tori closed her eyes and resisted the urge to run her hand down her face. Why did her banner get bigger this year?

...and introducing our special guest judge, Her Majesty, Empress Monica du Soleil!

Tori looked up and towards the platform where the judges were seated. She crinkled her eyes. How did the Empress get involved in a school competition? Was it because she was an alumni? Tori could understand when Gideon was a judge, but the Empress?

Doesnt she have actual work to do? Tori briefly wondered if her mother often felt this way about the Empress. Sometimes, she was exasperated by her friends, but never specifically one of them all the time. Mama is more patient than people give her credit for.

Instructor Lange began to walk around to introduce the bakers. Alessa was at the first table, which was designated for the baking club. Everyone else drew lots. That made sense and Tori didnt have a problem with that.

...and this year, I will be making a fluffy, baked cheesecake! Alessa said with earnest.

Tori could almost see the choices on a game screen to select what to bake. This year it was Japanese-style cheesecake. It was popular for being light and jiggly, but Tori always preferred heavier, richer tastes in her pastries. Still, to get the Japanese cheesecakes to get their expected shape and movement required a decent amount of skill.

Instructor Lange zig-zagged from baking station to baking station before finally getting to baking station seventeen.

Here we have last years runner-up! What do you have for us this year, Miss Guevera? Instructor Lange asked with bright, expectant eyes.

Tori gave her a small nod of her head. Good afternoon, students, staff, and guests! I am Victoria de Guevera representing the Sword Association of Lyce du Soleil! She turned towards the Sword Association members, and her friends, standing to the side who let out a massive cheer on cue. Satisfied, Tori nodded her head. And today, I will be preparing an entree and dessert, all of which will be baked.

There was a slight murmur around her, and Instructor Langes face lit up. I, and Im sure our judges, cannot wait to see what you prepare for us, Miss Guevera!

She moved on to the next competitor and Tori looked around her baking station. It was the same as last years, only this time her oven was on her right. Her large box of things had been delivered and she made sure to check its contents with the club organizers. Most of the other bakers had regular crates with their goods, but Tori, in what she began to call her signature extra-ness had a two-part box.

One side was a chiller, one side was a regular empty space, and the top had latched basket pockets that spanned the lid and were just wide enough for her to get her arm in. She put various utensils and tools, including some crystal charged trays in there.

When the competition began, Tori quickly removed all the things she needed, placed them in stations around her work area, and began with the most difficult part: the puff pastry. She couldnt bring any dough that was pre-prepared. They could bring fruit, vegetables, and meat, but they could not be cooked and needed to be prepared onsite.

Tori first measured out her ingredients for the puff pastry. She then flattened it out with a rolling pin and cut it into strips as long as her hand. When five long strips were prepared, she took out a block of butter from a portion of the chiller. She unwrapped it from the parchment paper and took out a modified two-handed wood shaver.

With practiced strokes, she sheared off thin, long strips of butter and layered them on top of each strip of puff pastry. Then she stacked the strips of puff pastry together and rolled it out again before putting it on a chilling rack she modified. While that was chilling, she cut up mushrooms and prepared the seasoning to saut them.

Because the puff pastry needed many layers, Tori would roll out and cut the puff pastry after every set of her preparation of other food. Shed bake the potatoes with butter, then roll out and cut the puff pastry to layer and chill. Shed saut mushrooms, then roll out, cut, and layer and chill the puff pastry.

The modified chilling rack kept the butter firm even if it was outside a chill box. They had one carnelian cooking plate and Tori used it to sear her seasoned beef tenderloin. The smell wafted around her and while she didnt pay attention to it, she did notice the spectators closest to her go quiet as they sniffed the air.

I know that smell, she heard Albert say. Puff pastry wrapped beef!

Shh! Youll give it away! Sonia said.

Tori chuckled. It wasnt as if others could change their recipes now. She set aside the meat to cool while continuing to layer the puff pastry. Baking the items took about an hour, but all the steps to get to the final baking were time consuming.

She set aside the pastry to continue to chill. She didnt pay too much attention to the number of layers, but made sure to add a layer of butter with each additional set of cutting and rolling out. The only time she touched the oven so far was to bake a pan of sponge cake.

At one point, she began to pour out various creams into a chilled bowl. She frantically mixed them together, chilled it, added berries, and stirred, chilled it some more, then repeated the process until she came as close to ice cream as she could get. She thought of it more as frozen milk and sugar, but it had the consistency and sweetness she wanted.

She put it into the chill box to keep frozen before weaving strips of prosciutto she sourced from Uncle Maurizo, who was particularly picky about it, together. She estimated how much was needed to wrap the beef tenderloin before. She then smeared a layer of the mushrooms on to the woven prosciutto.

She could already feel eyes on her, or rather, the meat on the table. She slathered the beef tenderloin with mustard, then placed it on the prosciutto and mushroom. To keep it closed, she wrapped it in a layer of cheesecloth and put it in the chiller to hold the prosciutto in form for a few minutes.

Tori then started on the meringue for dessert. She wanted something not necessarily complicated, but would surprise the judges. So she figured a baked Alaska, which was baked puffy meringue in a mountainous layer over ice cream and sponge cake. She hoped the contrast of baking and then frozen ice cream would be a surprise.

It was easier said than done. Lukas, Mama Js youngest son who worked at Duel Cafe, had to come after her first few attempts resulted in a soggy mess. Consulting professional chefs and bakers finally got her the desired result two nights ago. Since then, shed produced two more acceptable specimens.

The beef Wellington and duchess potatoes she made often enough both in her original world and this one, so she wasnt worried about it. It was the dessert that was a challenge, but part of her really didnt want to lose to Montan. Perhaps it was because he was a love interests and she had a desire to overcome him, even in something as irrelevant as a baking competition.

Her arm started to ache as she stirred the egg whites to get them to puff up. She thought sword was tiring, but then she had to whip eggs by hand.

I need to figure out how to power a hand or stand mixer next. God, I could use a stand mixer right now. Tori lifted an arm and wiped the thin sheen of sweat off her forehead. Slowly, the meringue puffed up. There was quite a lot of it, but Tori needed it to make the thick layer over the ice cream.

She set it aside and removed the meat from the chiller. She unwrapped it and was pleased to find that the prosciutto was fixed in place. She then rolled out the puff pastry dough one last time and then rolled the meat log into the dough. She tucked it at the bottom, brushing it with egg wash once the meat was completely covered.

It went into her pre-heated oven, and she began to mash the prepared potatoes with a potato ricer. She warmed the cream and butter and mixed it in with the seasonings. When she got the desired consistency, she put it into a piping bag.

She made each about the size of a cream puff and then squeezed the remaining potato mixture into a tray to be cut up and served to her friends and the Sword Association. Each station only had one oven, so she had no choice but to shove the tray into a rack above her beef Wellington.

The one-hour time was called, and curtains dramatically fell on three sides. Students gasped and clapped. The staff advisor who was assigned to Tori this year was Instructor Lange.

Tori furrowed her brows. She didnt think that Instructor Lange, who was hosting, would end up watching her. Still there wasnt much to watch until the last fifteen or so minutes of the competition, when she finally took out the beef Wellington.

The golden-brown puffy crust did nothing to seal in the savory scent of meat and mushrooms wrapped beneath it. Tori placed it to the side to let it cool. She had to slice it open when the guests came to her table.

Once she took it out to cool, Tori moved on to the final pieces assembly. Baking the baked Alaska actually didnt take long. Everything was already edible, the slight crests of the meringue just had to get that nice brown color.

The sponge cake was put on a tray and Tori flipped over the ice cream in the chilled bowl and put it on top, creating a dome. She then layered thick slabs of meringue on top of it. As soon as the potatoes were done, she pulled them out to cool and shoved the meringue mountain in.

Tori watched carefully. Too long and the ice cream would melt. Too soon and it wouldnt get the signature look she was after.

The five-minute mark was announced and the tension in the air was palatable. She wouldve felt it more if she werent fixated on her dessert. It looked about done and she gave herself another ten seconds before pulling it out and putting it on the counter.

With a few minutes to spare, she took out the warmed plates for the five judges. She placed one duchess potato on each, added a garnish, and kept a portion of the plate empty for a slice of the beef Wellington.

Ten! Nine! Eight! The chant began and Tori finished wiping down her counter in order to have an aesthetically appealing serving area. Seven! Six!

Five, Four, Three.... Tori took a small spoon to the tray of potatoes and put it in her mouth. She nodded. It was exactly like she wanted. Oh...thats good. One!

The curtains dropped to the ground and all the competitors, and their baked goods were revealed. Tori cleaned the spoon and tossed it back into her box before looking around. She raised a brow. There were many impressive pastries and the like this year and the scent around the tent was a mixture of savory and sweet.

Toris stomach gurgled once more. It was a shame she had to wait until after the judges came to eat some more of her food. She sighed to herself. At least while the judges were deciding, she could also trade with the others.

Toris greedy eyes swept across the tent to decide who to go to for trades.

Instructor Langes voice filled the area. This time, we will start judging from the end, at the request of Her Majesty, the Empress!