[18]

On the other side, the key to making the béchamel sauce was ensuring there was no raw flour taste and that the texture remained smooth, free from any graininess, while also achieving the right thickness.

To accomplish this, Aoko stirred the roux (a flour and butter mixture, cooked for 5 minutes) while slowly adding whole milk and a pinch of nutmeg, bit by bit. She made sure to mix thoroughly to prevent any clumping at the bottom of the pot.

Satisfied with her béchamel sauce, Aoko scooped up a spoonful, inspected it closely, and nodded in approval—perfectly made! Next, she flattened the dough into evenly thick sheets and used a pasta cutter with a gear-like edge to divide the dough into approximately 30 pieces, each around 5x3 cm. She then grated the Cheddar cheese into fluffy shreds, a crucial step since the texture of the cheese would affect how well it melted in the oven and the final taste.

Afterward, Aoko took out a rectangular ceramic dish and began layering the ingredients in the following order: meat sauce -> béchamel -> cheese -> pasta sheets. She repeated this layering process several times, ensuring that the cheese and pasta would meld fully together for a better final texture after baking.

Once everything was ready, Aoko covered the dish with foil, placed it in the oven, and set the timer for 15 minutes.

While the oven worked its magic, Aoko skillfully prepared a salad. She selected vegetables and fruits that both she and Alice liked, washed them thoroughly, chopped them into bite-sized pieces, and divided them into two plates. She sprinkled sea salt and black pepper over the salad, then drizzled Caesar dressing and olive oil on top. To finish, she added some croutons.

"Do you want lemon juice on your salad?"

Aoko asked Alice, who was sitting nearby.

"Hmm."

Alice gave a slight nod, already catching the delicious smell wafting from the oven. The specifics of the salad were a minor concern compared to the enticing aroma of the main dish.

Hearing Alice's response, Aoko poured about a quarter cup of chilled lemon water over both of their salads. She then sprinkled the leftover cheese shavings on top—after all, wasting food was not something she approved of!

A few moments later, the oven's timer dinged. Aoko put on her thick oven mitts, pulled out the ceramic dish, and placed it on the serving cart.

The lasagna's pasta sheets were baked to a golden color, with the edges slightly wrinkled and crisp—perfectly done, just how Aoko liked it.

"Alright, alright, Miss Kuonji, why don't you go wait in the dining room? I'll be right there~"

Aoko said to Alice.

Alice nodded, picked up her book, and made her way to the dining room on the first floor.

After placing the salad, plates, and a basket of toast onto the serving cart, Aoko was about to wheel it to Alice when something came to mind. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she walked over to a storage cabinet, pulled out a bottle of red wine, and added two wine glasses to the cart, smiling as she pushed it toward the dining room.

The Kuonji estate's dining room was located opposite the living area. It featured a small, elegant wooden round table that exuded a vintage charm. Next to it was a large, curved balcony window that took up an entire wall, allowing plenty of natural light to flood the room.

The dining room was decorated with lush green plants, tended by Alice's Ploys (her magical helpers). Recently, Aoko's familiar, Stark, had also been helping with plant care using some tricks Aoko had taught him.

Speaking of Stark, where had that bird flown off to? Aoko wondered as she entered the dining room with the cart. She could have used their familiar bond to pinpoint his location, but she didn't think it necessary.

Alice had already tidied the table and was sitting with her usual grace, watching Aoko—now apron-clad and still wearing her chef's hat—with growing anticipation for the meal.

"Thank you for waiting, Miss Kuonji!"

Aoko cheerfully began placing the dishes on the table. Using a small spatula, she served several portions of lasagna, the cheese stretching enticingly, and garnished each plate with cherry tomatoes and basil leaves.

After setting all the food out, Aoko placed the wine glasses in front of Alice and herself, flashing a grin as she brandished the bottle of wine.

"How about some?"

Aoko asked in a teasing tone.

"This is Blanc de Blancs from Weston's Vineyard, part of my dad's private collection. I sneaked a few bottles out."

Neither Aoko nor Alice was of legal drinking age, but as the saying goes, if no one finds out, it's not a crime. Besides, for two top-tier magic users like them, alcohol was a trivial thing; a quick circulation of magic through their bodies could neutralize any effects.

"...Sure."

Alice's face turned ever so slightly pink, a detail that would go unnoticed unless you looked closely.

Aoko smoothly used a magical trick to pop the cork and poured them both a glass of wine.

 "It's an English vineyard, but they gave it a French name."

Aoko remarked as she poured.

Just then, a tapping sound came from the nearby window. Aoko turned to see her familiar, Stark, who had flown off earlier, now back and tapping the window to be let in. That bird always had impeccable timing, returning just before dinner.

Aoko walked over to the window, opened it, and let Stark fly in. He glanced at the food on the table, then looked at Aoko with hopeful eyes, his two shiny black eyes gleaming. (Stark was a very clean bird and always used Aoko's shared cleaning spell before coming back home.)

"Caw! Is there some for me, Mistress Aoko?"

Stark was a male Caledonian crow, though for some reason, his voice sounded like a high-pitched little girl, with a crisp, bright tone.

"Of course, of course, no need to rush," Aoko replied, amused, as she set up a small table next to theirs, reserved for Stark. She served the crow a few pieces of lasagna and poured fresh water into her usual bowl.

Once everything was ready, Aoko took off her chef's hat and apron, sitting down across from Alice at the dining table.

"To celebrate me officially becoming the Fourth Magician, cheers?"

Aoko raised her wine glass and looked at Alice. (Aoko is a Fifth Magic user but labeled as Fourth Magician.)

"Hah... You've got a long way to go yet... But congratulations, Aoko."

Alice raised her glass and clinked it against Aoko's.

Outside the Kuonji estate, a light rain began to fall, the gentle patter of raindrops mixing with the sounds of knives and forks clinking against porcelain and the crackling of the fireplace. The two girls—and one crow—quietly enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and their delicious dinner.