Kitchen Anecdotes

In the cafeteria, the back kitchen.

Iron pots were already heating water, the rising steam condensing into droplets on the skylight, falling onto the cast-iron stove with a sizzling sound.

"Miss Ra, you want to learn literacy and cooking from me?"

Old Cook put down the iron spoon he was stirring with in the pot, his voice filled with unconcealed shock.

He hadn't expected that this scorching hot, newly promoted executive of the Beasts Pirates, a girl exuding an incredible aura, would condescend to seek him out, an insignificant old cook.

Although he had spent some time on noble cruise ships and knew a few characters, the Beasts Pirates weren't lacking in that regard... Well, Captain Kaido might have slightly neglected the cultural education within the crew.

But that still didn't warrant her coming to him personally; sending someone to relay the message would have been enough.

"That's right. Teach me to read newspapers in my spare time. As for cooking, just let me assist; you don't need to bother guiding me," Ra's tone was gentle and calm, yet carried no hint of jest.

"..."

"Alright, since you've spoken, Miss, this old bone will be at your service."

Cook remained silent for a long time, but ultimately did not refuse. He couldn't refuse, anyway.

Besides, it wasn't too troublesome for him; Ra wasn't a difficult person to serve like other pirates.

Even though he had only seen her once during a meal, her reasonable personality and elegant, composed demeanor, which seemed so out of place with the entire Beasts Pirates, had left a deep impression on him.

There was another reason he didn't want to refuse: Ra herself possessed a strange field of affinity around her. Whenever he was immersed in that feeling, he could clearly recall memories that had long since blurred.

Among them was the most beautiful memory of his life – decades ago, in the flower fields of his hometown. Before the morning dew had vanished, the girl holding a wild daisy and smiling at him, her skirt hem also bearing such incongruous cleanliness.

"If that's the case, then I shall call you Master from now on." Hearing Cook's reply, Ra smiled.

"Miss, please don't overwhelm this old bone. Just call me Old Cook like everyone else," Cook quickly demurred upon hearing Ra's words.

"No, not only are you about to become my teacher, but based on age alone, you are far older than I. Addressing you as such would truly be impolite."

Ra's attitude was firm. Whether as her previous self, 'You Ling,' or as 'Ra' now, she always made it a habit to maintain the most basic courtesy towards elders.

[As expected, she's a good child who doesn't fit in with the Beasts Pirates...] A hint of helplessness and regret flashed through Old Cook's mind.

"Then, how about calling me Grandpa Cook... No, no, that's not right... Hmm, call me Old Man Cook. When I buy groceries, the kids around your age call me that."

Old Cook's eyes flashed with a momentary light, as if recalling something, before quickly dimming again. He ultimately did not choose that appellation.

"Alright, Old Man Cook."

The moment Ra uttered that name in her ethereal and gentle voice, Old Cook's long-dormant heart trembled intensely.

He felt as if he saw a small figure, existing only in his imagination, and stood there stunned.

"Hey, Brother Cook! The ingredients are all bought. We need to prepare lunch,"

The sous chef, wearing a tall hat, entered the back kitchen with many cafeteria workers at that moment, carrying many fresh ingredients bought from town.

"Yo! Miss Ra, what are you doing here? Sorry, lunch isn't ready yet."

"It's alright, I'm not here to eat, but to learn cooking from Old Man Cook. Starting today, I'll be a helper in the kitchen."

Seeing the other person's surprised and flustered look, Ra explained with a smile.

"A, a, a helper?! Miss Ra, you're an executive of our Beasts Pirates! How can you be a helper! If Captain Kaido finds out, we, we..."

"You don't need to worry about that. I'll speak to Captain Kaido myself."

"As for being a helper, it's just my personal idea. If it makes you uncomfortable to order me around, then just consider me a supervisor~" To ease the sous chef's pressure, Ra made a small joke.

"But..."

The sous chef still wanted to say something, but Old Cook intervened at this moment, settling the matter.

"Alright, that's how it is. Don't worry about Miss Ra's affairs; I'll take care of it."

"Let's start preparing lunch now. Those gluttons won't wait for us."

He picked out a fish from the ingredients on the counter. Its tail slapped water droplets, looking very fresh and lively.

"Miss, I'll teach you how to prepare these ingredients now." Cook wiped a splash of water from his face, preparing to begin the lesson.

"Just call me Ra directly, there's no need for honorifics, Old Man Cook," Ra earnestly corrected Cook's address.

"Haha... Alright, alright." Old Cook adjusted his apron with one hand, no longer dwelling on it.

He then used the flat side of his knife to firmly strike the fish's head. The action was so swift and sharp that it completely belied his age. In just one blow, the casually featured sea fish instantly went still.

"This thing is called an Ugly Fish. It's a sea fish unique to the New World. Don't let its ugly appearance fool you; once mature, it can prey on sharks! It's said to even have a bit of Sea King blood in it."

As Old Cook spoke, he skillfully cut open the fish's belly and removed the entrails...

"This one is a juvenile. Its weakness is the lump on its head; a firm knock will stun it."

"While it's unconscious, we'll scale and gut it. This ensures the freshest taste to the greatest extent."

Although Ra had said he didn't need to focus on teaching her, Old Cook still meticulously explained every step.

Honestly, for a high-class chef like him who catered exclusively to nobles, serving the rough men of the Beasts Pirates, who ate like uncivilized beasts, was a bit of overkill. They wouldn't be able to tell the difference if he just grilled a piece of meat.

Yet, Old Cook still strived for perfection in every step. Perhaps this was the pride and persistence of a chef.

Ra listened intently, memorizing his every move.

The rugged-looking sous chef and the kitchen hands exchanged glances, unsure of what to do with the old man and the young man before them.

"What are you all standing around for? Get a fire going!"

Cook turned back and roared at the stunned crowd. Only then did everyone snap back to reality and begin preparing lunch.

It seemed this white-haired old gentleman held quite a bit of authority in the kitchen.