Web Fic
Chapter 168
The Mendozas have been renowned culinary herbalists for generations, with their craft honed within the royal kitchens. Their mastery of medicinal cuisine was unparalleled in the. industry. So, facing critique from someone with a deep understanding of pharmacology was one thing, but from a teenager who looked barely out of high school?
The middle–aged man’s expression soured. This young lady was James‘ guest, but her tone seemed a tad too showy, perhaps even snide.
He opened his mouth to retort when suddenly, Knox burst through the door, his face etched with a mix of shock and bewilderment. “What’s the thought behind adding barley to the mix?” Knox’s gaze locked onto Mirabella, a flicker of excitement barely concealed in his voice.
Mirabella turned to regard Knox, who’d just entered, noting the apron tied around his waist and the white arm gaiters that suggested he was, indeed, the chef James had mentioned. Blinking, she shifted her gaze to the steaming bowl of soup on the table, her voice light, “Barley can help balance the other herbs with the thermal properties of the crab. Barley might seem mundane compared to precious ingredients in the soup, but the art of herbal formulation is about synergy. Even the most common herb can unveil its true potential with the right combination.”
As her words settled, Knox staggered, nearly losing his composure. If not for his hands braced against the table, he might have made quite the scene. The middle–aged man rushed to Knox’s side, offering support, then turned back to Mirabella, unable to hide his irritation despite James‘ presence. “What do you know about herbal pairing, young lady?”
Taking a deep breath, the man could barely contain his frustration. “Do you have any ideal how many years Knox has dedicated to studying pharmacology? The Mendoza family’s expertise in medicinal cuisine is legendary, and not once has anyone dared to question Knox’s methods!”
Mirabella cast him a cool glance. “If an expert in alternative medicine stood before you and made the same observations, would you then consider my words to have merit?”
Stumped by the retort, the middle–aged man stiffened. After a couple of seconds, he muttered, “You’re just being unreasonable.”
Sensing the conversation might devolve into an argument, Wyatt quickly interjected, “Ms. Mirabella was merely sharing her thoughts, no offense intended. Let’s not take it to heart.”
The middle–aged man huffed, “If you don’t know what you’re talking about, it’s better to say nothing at all.”
James frowned, his gaze,cooling significantly as he spoke up, “Does youth preclude one from having an opinion?”
The man hadn’t expected James to defend Mirabella, and his complexion alternated between flush and pale. After a moment, considering James‘ stature, he averted his gaze
and mumbled an apology. “Sorry for being too blunt.” His words carried the tone of an apology, but his demeanor suggested otherwise.
James turned to Mirabella, whose expression remained indifferent–it was impossible to tell if she was upset. However, the pleasant atmosphere had been thoroughly disrupted.
“Sorry,” he murmured to her.
Mirabella heard James‘ apology, looked up, and shrugged nonchalantly. “It’s fine. Opinions vary, and not everyone is open to them.”
As Knox still seemed dazed, James stood up.NôvelDrama.Org holds this content.