It was finally payday.
We were all lined up outside, standing in a slightly crooked line as each of us waited for our turn to receive our wages. Some were chatting quietly, others looked impatient, shifting their weight from one foot to another.
As for me, I just stood there, arms loosely folded, trying not to think too much about how long the line was moving.
When it was finally my turn, I stepped forward and received my pay.
The small pouch felt heavier than I expected.
I held onto it tightly as I stepped away, a small smile forming on my lips.
Finally…
After finishing my duties for the day, I headed straight to the market.
The moment I stepped in, the familiar mix of scents hit me. Fresh produce, spices, cooked food from nearby stalls.
And then my eyes landed on something that made my mouth water.
Adobo…
Well, not exactly labeled as that—but the ingredients were there.
I can finally cook it.
Without wasting time, I started buying what I needed.
Chicken. Pepper. Soy sauce. Vinegar. Bay leaves. Salt and chili powder because I had a soft spot for spicy food.
Good thing even in this old world, these essentials exist.
Once I had everything, I made my way back, already imagining the taste.
As soon as I got home, I began preparing.
I rolled up my sleeves slightly and tied my hair back before stepping into the kitchen area.
"May I borrow the kitchen for a while?" I asked politely.
After getting permission, I immediately got to work.
The sound of oil sizzling filled the space as I started cooking. The aroma slowly built up, rich and savory, wrapping around the air like an invitation.
Soon, the pot began to simmer.
The sauce bubbled gently, releasing that unmistakable scent.
Ah… I missed this.
I leaned slightly over the pot, inhaling deeply.
That was when someone approached.
"The scent of what you are cooking is quite inviting."
I turned my head to the side.
A man stood there, observing the pot with interest.
Wait… have I seen him before?
I couldn't quite remember.
But I didn't let it show.
"Do you want to taste it?" I offered casually, gesturing toward the pot.
"Is it already ready to be tasted?"
He looked slightly surprised.
"May I?"
"Of course."
I grabbed a spoon and carefully scooped a small portion some chicken along with the rich sauce and handed it to him.
He blew on it lightly before taking a bite.
For a moment, he said nothing.
Then...
"Hmmm…" his eyes widened just a little. "This is very delicious. What is this dish called?"
I paused, pretending to think.
"Well… it doesn't have a name yet," I said, tapping my chin lightly. "Give me a moment to think."
Of course I can't just say adobo right away.
"Ah, I've got it," I said after a second. "I'll call it… adobo."
"Adobo…" he repeated slowly, as if committing it to memory. "I shall remember that. Thank you for allowing me to taste it."
I crossed my arms lightly, tilting my head.
"By the way… what was your name again?" I asked. "You just suddenly appeared. Where do you even work around here?"
"My name is Almi. I am assigned to various tasks. I have been here for quite some time, which is perhaps why you do not often notice me."
"Ah, I see," I said. Then I waved my hand dismissively, smiling. "Alright, you can go now. I'm about to eat."
I paused.
Then added.
"Wait… are you doing anything right now? Do you want to eat with me? It's kind of boring eating alone. Everyone else seems busy."
He looked slightly surprised again… then nodded.
We both grabbed plates and wooden spoons and sat down.
I served us both generous portions.
Steam rose from the dish as we began eating.
Almi took another bite.
Then another.
Then another.
"This is truly delicious, Rahina," he said, clearly impressed. "I find myself unable to stop eating."
I chuckled lightly.
"Then keep eating until you're full. You'll need the energy for work."
Over the past few days, my way of speaking had started to change.
Less formal.
More natural.
Honestly… I'm getting mentally tired speaking in such deep, formal sentences all the time.
We continued eating, the conversation light and easy.
Before long, the plates were nearly empty.
Almi wiped his mouth lightly and stood.
"Thank you once again," he said, bowing his head slightly. "I shall take my leave. I hope to taste this again someday."
I waved him off casually.
"Sure, next time. If you happen to catch me cooking again."
After he left, I cleaned up our dishes, leaving just a small portion of food aside.
For breakfast tomorrow.
"Rahina."
I looked up from what I was doing.
"The prince orders that you prepare the same dish you cooked earlier."
I blinked.
Wait… what?
Did Almi tell him about the adobo?
The man continued, as if reading my thoughts.
"Please do not take offense. His Highness happened to catch the scent of your cooking. It piqued his curiosity. Perhaps… he has grown tired of his usual meals."
I let out a small sigh.
"I understand. I will prepare it."
Then I added, "May I ask someone else to purchase the ingredients?"
"There is no need to worry. Someone has already been assigned for that."
Right on cue, another man entered.
I quickly wrote down the ingredients on a piece of paper and handed it over.
Once everything arrived, I immediately started cooking again.
Thankfully, adobo didn't take long to prepare.
Time here moved slowly.
It felt strange how only a few hours had passed since I ate with Almi… and now I was cooking the same dish again for the prince.
Later that evening, I brought the food to his room.
After setting everything down, I was about to step back when...
"Join me again."
I paused.
Then slowly looked at him.
"May I ask you something?" he continued. "I find myself… rather bored."
I blinked, slightly caught off guard.
"Of course, Your Highness."
He picked up his spoon, examining the dish.
"Where does this originate?" he asked. "I am not familiar with it."
I couldn't see his full expression clearly, but his tone carried curiosity.
"I… created it myself," I replied.
No way I'm saying this came from the modern world.
"Is that so?" he said. "Then your creation is quite remarkable. It suits my taste perfectly."
He took another bite, slower this time.
"Would you be willing to teach this to the palace cook?"
"Yes, Your Highness. I can teach her tomorrow."
We continued eating.
This time, something felt… different.
He kept eating.
And eating.
Until his plate was completely empty.
I blinked in surprise.
That's new.
Usually, he barely finished his food.
But tonight, not a single grain was left.