Ian gave an awkward laugh and said to Ethelrina, “I am a bit hungry.”
Hearing this, Ethelrina addressed the group. “Let’s all go eat together. It’s my way of thanking you for helping me search for my lost pearl today.”
Ian shook his head, rejecting her suggestion. “Since we’re already at Lillian’s villa, why go out to eat?”
He shot Lillian a meaningful glance, hoping she’d catch his hint.
But Lillian, meeting his gaze, looked as clueless as an innocent college student, completely missing his intent.
Ian rubbed his forehead, exasperated by her obliviousness. No wonder she hadn’t made any progress with Ethelrina this afternoon.
Seeing Lillian’s failure to pick up on his cue, Ian spoke up himself. “Why not let Lillian make us something? I heard she’s been learning to make pineapple buns, and they’re amazing.”
“Could you make some for us to try, Lillian?”
Lillian was surprised by Ian’s praise. She didn’t even know her pineapple buns had left such an impression on him. “Are my pineapple buns really that good?” she asked curiously.
Ian wasn’t sure how well Lillian had mastered the recipe that morning, but making decent-tasting pineapple buns shouldn’t be too hard, right?
His expectations weren’t high—just an average flavor would do.
“Of course,” Ian said. “This morning, I saw your pineapple buns and really wanted to try them.”
He figured a little encouragement would boost Lillian’s confidence for the task ahead.
“Is that okay?” Ethelrina frowned. “You’re all helping me find my pearl, and now we’re making Lillian cook for us? That doesn’t feel right.”
“Why wouldn’t it be?” Ian countered, giving Lillian another pointed look. “Lillian really wants to make pineapple buns for you.”
This time, Lillian finally caught on and stepped forward. “Exactly, that’s what I was thinking.”
Ethelrina still felt it was improper. “I should be the one cooking for you all.”
As a child in the orphanage, she often cooked for her friends, though she rarely did so after her closest friend’s death. She wasn’t sure if her skills had rusted.
Ian’s heart sank. If Ethelrina cooks, how will Lillian earn her favor? It’ll be Ethelrina winning Lillian’s affection instead!
But doesn’t Lillian already adore her enough?
Seeing the excited looks on everyone’s faces at the prospect of Ethelrina cooking, Ian felt a headache coming on.
If he objected now, would he be ganged up on?
After some thought, Ian compromised. “If Ethelrina insists on cooking, I won’t say no.”
“But we can’t ignore Lillian’s kindness. How about Lillian makes us some pre-dinner desserts?”
Ethelrina considered for a moment before nodding. “If Lillian wants to make something, I won’t stop her.”
Just as Ian thought he’d secured a win, Flora, who’d been watching silently, spoke up. “Can I make something too? I want to treat everyone.”
Ian’s head throbbed. If Flora’s food outshone Lillian’s, wouldn’t that let Flora steal the spotlight?
He glanced at Flora, still leaning on her cane, and said with concern, “Flora, you’re injured. You should rest. Leave the hard work to Lillian.”
Flora smiled lightly, gripping her cane. “No need to worry, Ian. I can still cook like this.”
As Ian and Flora went back and forth, Sophia and Veronica, sensing the competition, chimed in simultaneously.
“I shall prepare a feast for you all,” Sophia declared.
“I’d like to cook for everyone too,” Veronica added.
Ian felt overwhelmed by the escalating situation. His stomach growling had sparked a cooking frenzy among the heroines.
Though their real goal wasn’t to feed him—it was to impress Ethelrina.
I can only hope Lillian stands out among these heroines, or I’m doomed tomorrow, Ian thought, assessing their cooking skills. As high-status heroines, they likely hadn’t practiced much.
That meant Lillian, whom Ian had personally taught, might be the strongest contender. This boosted his confidence in her.
Even if Lillian was a bit clueless, her dessert-making skills should surpass the others.
As the sky darkened and the sun began to set, Ian said, “Let’s not waste time. We should head to Lillian’s villa and start cooking.”
The group turned their attention to Lillian.
Since they were already gathered in front of her villa, cooking there made sense.
Looking at the villa, Ian thought, Lillian’s not entirely useless. Choosing this as the meeting spot must’ve been her doing.
Home-field advantage was real, and Ian’s faith in Lillian grew.
Lillian opened the villa’s door, and everyone filed in.
“Do we need to change shoes?” Ethelrina asked.
Lillian quickly grabbed several pairs of slippers from her shoe cabinet, handing them to Ethelrina and the others.
Ethelrina took the slippers, slipping her index finger into the lining of her small leather shoe to remove it, revealing her petite foot in a black ankle sock.
The other girls watched her every move, captivated, as if afraid to miss a detail.
Ethelrina then slid her finger between the sock and her calf, pulling it off to reveal her snow-white foot.
Her five delicate toes wiggled, filling the air with a faint milk candy scent.
Without a second thought, she slipped on the slippers Lillian provided.
When Ethelrina finished and looked up, she was puzzled to find everyone staring at her.