Chapter 15: You Really Should Take Responsibility

In the kitchen, the head chef carefully plated cucumbers he had been pickling for months. Originally plain, the cucumbers were sliced into delicate green flowers under the chef's skilled knife. The sour aroma of the cucumbers immediately stimulated Alicia’s taste buds. Without realizing it, she found herself walking over to the chef. "My goodness, these cucumbers look amazing—so delicious and appetizing," she complimented. The chef, scratching his bald head with a sheepish grin, beamed at Alicia. "Ah, you have a great eye, Madam! This is our family's secret recipe. Everyone who tastes our cucumbers can’t stop praising them." His pride was evident, as though this dish was his greatest culinary achievement. "Madam, is there anything special you’d like for lunch today?" the chef asked. Alicia craved something spicy and flavorful, as her appetite had been drawn toward stronger flavors lately. But given that they were dining at the old family home, she knew she couldn’t ask for anythi