Chapter 213
It was an undeniable testament to a family steeped in food therapy.
Mirabella averted her gaze and suddenly remembered a concern. She turned to James, who was approaching, and asked in earnest, “I didn’t bring a housewarming gift. Do you think I’ll be shown the door for that?”
James couldn’t help but chuckle at the young girl’s question. Shaking his head, he reassured her, “Don’t worry, the Knox family isn’t that fussy.”
Mirabella touched her nose, about to speak, when she saw Wyatt arriving, bearing two neatly wrapped boxes in his hands. She decided to let the matter drop.
The Mendoza family’s butler soon greeted them with impeccable manners and ushered them into the great hall. “Mr. James, Mr. Knox is currently in the kitchen preparing a meal. Please enjoy some tea, and he will join you shortly.”
James nodded politely in acknowledgment. The butler excused himself, leaving them in the grand room.
Settled in an antique mahogany chair, Mirabella looked around and nodded in approval. “Quite the interesting abode,” she remarked.
James poured a cup of tea for Mirabella, inviting her to drink. “Centuries of tradition run deep in families like the Mendozas. Their ancestors were court chefs specializing in medicinal cuisine. Times have changed, but their prestige in this city remains unshakable.”
Mirabella took a delicate sip of her tea and mused, “Sounds like I may have missed out on a grand opportunity.”
James fixed his eyes on her. With a little cough, ‘Mirabella waved off her previous comment. “It’s nothing.”
Before long. Knox appeared, wearing an apron and carrying a freshly prepared medicinal dish, followed by a spry elderly man. This was none other than Nikolai.
Knox set the dish on the table, greeted James, and then gestured towards Mirabella, introducing her to Nikolai, “This is the talented young lady I’ve been telling you about.”
Turning to Mirabella, he smiled warmly, “This old man was an apothecary. Just call him Nikolai.”
Mirabella stood and gave Nikolai a polite nod. “Hello, Nikolai. I’m Mirabella.”
Nikolai stroked his graying beard, returning the nod with a benevolent smile. “Pleasure to meet you.”
After a brief glance at her, Nikolai turned his attention to James. “It seems you’ve recovered well these past weeks.”
“Yes, partly thanks to the remedies you provided.” James responded slowly.
Nikolai simply smiled and shook his head.
“Let’s not stand on ceremony,” Knox interjected. “Try my new dish before it cools and loses its flavor.” His eyes shone with particular brightness as he stared at Mirabella.
Mirabella didn’t hold back. She picked up a fork and took a bite.
“Well?” Knox asked eagerly, his anticipation clear.
Beside them, Nikolai looked at Mirabella with a hint of surprise. It was rare for someone to catch Knox’s eye, especially someone so young. Could she really understand the intricacies of their craft?
Setting down her fork, Mirabella raised her eyebrows. “You want the truth?”
Knox’s mouth twitched. “I hate flattery.”
Mirabella nodded seriously. “Alright, this dish could benefit from a dash of bitter orange seeds and a pinch of musk powder. It would enhance the effects.”
“Bitter orange seeds and musk?” Knox stroked his chin, lost in thought.
Mirabella hummed in agreement, then continued eating at her leisure.
Nikolai, having heard her suggestion, focused intently on Mirabella. After a long beat, he stared at her in disbelief.
