The Mechanical Era

The chefs and maids looked at the simple dish they made for Kant. His orders were simple; cut the potatoes paper thin, then deep fry them in oil. Afterward, they poured a bit of salt over it. The recipe itself also stated that the same process could be used to make a different dish called "Fries" but required the potato to be cut into sticks instead.

"So... Is someone gonna try it?"

"A potato dish? No way. Why would I want to try out a dish with its main ingredient being a potato, a commoner food?"

"Well if nobody is going to try it, I will!" said Head Chef Benvolio Becquer. The obese man wearing a chef's outfit didn't care, for as long he could make a good dish, he would be happy with it.

He tried to pick it up from his fork. However, after finding out the food was too thin, he used his hands to take a bite of it. While he slowly chews the food in his mouth, the rest watches closely, waiting for his judgment.

"Master Chef, how is the dish?"

"This is one of the most unique dishes I have ever tasted in my life! Everybody else, try it!" Everyone dived in to taste what it was like. The unique taste it delivered wildly overshot their expectations. When the plate was emptied, the cooks began to work to make another batch again for the prince to taste.

After a bit of testing, one specific recipe was found to be the most tasteful. As a kind gesture, he took a small ceramic plate and places a nice batch of chips. After handing it over to the maid, he gives her instructions.

"Send this over to sire Kant. Tell him his dish was a success."

...

Danial had put on his reading glasses to look at the letter Kant had sent for them on his bed while Malinda sat in her armchair waiting for him to finish digesting its content. He puts the letter down and takes off his glasses.

"Well?"

"Well. I agree about what you mean. Going out in public with them in their eye is very risky. But..."

"But what Danial! Kant is being watched by the group that killed off my very own brother! You expect him to stay alive?"

"Honey, calm down. Take a deep breath." Malinda took his advice. After her temper cooled, Danial finally spoke again.

"I agree that... our boy would be in great danger if he goes out in public. BUT..."

"But what?" Malinda asked. Danial pointed at the letter.

"He had claimed to have made something, done something, to improve the lives of our people, to bring wealth to the city. This is a chance for him to prove himself."

I mean, he made a strong mortar that would harden quickly in two days. It would allow our people and the other kingdoms to better fight the demons. We could build walls quickly, construct stronger houses, and more. This is his potential, his chance to bring prestige to our family."

"Prestige or not, he is still in grave danger. I cannot stand any harm to come to him! At least have it calm down."

"I hear you, honey. But we cannot keep him locked up in the castle as we did in the past. He needs to grow, and this is his chance." Malinda thought for a moment. Evaluating her husband's statements.

"Alright, if we are to have him go about in public, I suppose we have him inform Kristina where he wants to go, then have him travel anonymously. He cannot show his face unless he has permission from Kristina first."

"That is good, yes, but I still feel it is a bit too strict. Regarding his inability to show his face. Won't it be important for him to have some sort of charisma?" Malinda signed.

"Fine, he can allow being seen within the place he is. But other than that, no exceptions. If there is however a special need, he would need permission from Kristina to do so."

With that, Malinda started to write down a letter, to send back to Hoverdam about the situation. Once she finished, she handed it over to a maid, who told them to send it immediately over to Hoverdam.

...

It had been two days after the great success of making the potato chip. The kitchen was all still talking of the unique dish, some hoping to have it to be brought home for family members to try it out, maybe even start a vendor around it.

When another recipe came down from Kant, many were excited about what he had come up with. This particular recipe appeared to be larger, and more complex than the previous one. It also came with a wooden box that was advised to not be opened until the recipe was read.

It indicated a drawing of the dish, detailed as being a thin round disk with a crust, topped with a layer of tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil. The texture of the dish is said to be crispy and the crust about 5mm thin because of 'the lack of chlorine in the water that would kill fewer bacteria.' Whatever that meant.

"Alright, listen up everyone! I will announce the recipe list as follows." The Chef had managed to catch everyone's attention, who was at least curious about what his majesty had come up with. He looked at the white paper of the recipe.

"1 and a half cups of water heated to a 44°C, mix it with one tablespoon of yeast. Add two cups of flour, half a tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir it with a half cup of flour, and another half cup of flour for the kneading surface.

Knead the ball of dough for about 15 minutes, then place it in a container to rest for about 24 hours. Afterward, take the dough out and roll it flat, and make a disk. Cover most of the surface with a layer of tomato sauce first, then a layer of cheese, and finally some basil on top of it.

Put the pizza into a 246°C oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. To assure yourself that it is ready the crust should brown and the cheese golden. They are indications of when to pull it out. To measure the temperature, use the device inside the box."

After putting the recipe down on the table, Benvolio opened the box to see what is inside. What he found was a hollow glass straw that has a larger special glass container filled with mercury. The glass tube was welded to the piece of wood, that had marks on the side, indicating what the temperatures were; a thermometer.

Kant had gotten a craftsman to make one for him the other day. It was surprisingly easy for him to make. He made it so that the chefs won't have to hassle in figuring out what temperatures they were cooking at.

"Well everyone, it seems like we have a long day ahead of us. Any questions or suggestions on how we should proceed?"

Out of all the staff, one raised his hand. A bald man, the one without any magic.

"I have one suggestion chef. Considering this is more time-consuming and riskier, should we make more samples to try and test it out?" he suggested. Benvolio stroked his beard, giving it a thought.

"That is a wonderful idea Clovis! Well done!" He turned to everyone.

"Alright, let's start!"

They all start to prepare the dough first. Following the instructions, they achieved a slimy thin dough ball. Many of these dough balls were then put into a container, and left for tomorrow.

...

The sun was beginning to set. Kristina was about to call it a day and leave for home. It was when a knight burst in through her door, carrying a letter from Nexert by the royal couple.

Over dismissing the soldier, she went into reading it. She read it thrice over, flabbergasted by their willingness to relax the security measures. Do they expect him to accomplish anything at all?

Reluctantly, Kristina calmed herself down and decided to go inform Kant of the news. She arrived at the palace and went towards his room. When she arrived, Kant was in his chair, having a book cover his eyes, taking a nap.

She went to pick it out and look at it. The cover was made of hard leather dyed in daisy white coloring. The title of the book was etched in gold, and a drawing was present in the middle, depicting a lush planet.

She put the book down and woke Kant up from his slumber.

"Prince Kant!" She said while tapping his shoulder. Kant's eyelids shot opened, revealing his jet-black irises.

"Knight Kristina? What brings you here?" he said, still half asleep.

"I came to inform you that I received a letter from his Majesty King Danial Maybale the III and her majesty Queen Malinda Maybale informing me of the loosening of restrictions."

"Ah, neat. Is it immediate from tomorrow onwards?" he asked. Kristina simply nods.

"Good. It is just in time for the pizza to be made tomorrow," he remarked.