My Lady Chef novel Chapter 91

Ely's POV:

I have been feeling odd lately.

Ever since I have been cooking more for a lot of people. My mana feels strange.

Like it felt stronger than before.

And much more....powerful.

I am a chef at heart but I also possessed mana spirits and they do not just do contracts with just any person.

And it is even rare for a chef to have one much less two primary mana spirits.

It is because you have a special ability. You have a gift for controlling mana and that means not only can you infused mana into food. You can summon mana and use magick. All you need to do is ask us and we can help you out.

Undine reminded me as I was just finished serving lunch and was now out to supervise the food supply carts that are coming into the city.

My husband was away on official business of escorting the Crown Prince and the new governor as well as their foreign guest.

Therefore, he announced that I will be left in charge of the city with Senior Knight Oswald as acting commander of the forces left.

I remember my husband taking twenty knights and wishing me well after breakfast was over and done with.

Everyone saw how he kissed my hand as a sign of his faith in me before he and his entourage left the city gates.

The assignment could take days but Sir Oswald assured me that all the rebels were taken care of so all I had to do was maintain the peace inside the city.

So here I am. Doing my duty as the wife of a duke while worried if I am doing well.

"Milady!" Oswald met me and Kain as we were near the shipment. "You did not have to come here yourself. I can supervise the supply cart."

"Thank you, Sir Oswald but I am here to do my duties. Can I see the permission and identification papers for the food items?"

I asked him and he bowed, giving the said documents to me.

"Hmm...everything seems in order." I looked at the supply carts that were by the gates of the city, waiting to be let through.

But then I felt Igneus react to the second cart covered a black tarpaulin sheet.

I smell something strange in that cart. Be careful, Lady Alaina.

"Oswald. Kain. Please check the second cart." I ordered them and they started to surround the cart and detained the men driving the carts.

My sensitive nose then smelled...a smoky scent...powder...

Mainly placed inside explosives...

"Nooo! Get away!" I screamed before I saw the smoke suddenly appear inside the cart.

Summon and use me!

I did not hesitate. I prayed for Igneus to come out and contain the explosion which suddenly blew up the cart.

The fire mana spirit conjured a shield around the explosion just before it hit the knights and threw it high up in the sky.

What followed was an ear-splitting explosion that made everything gasp and scream.

"Sh...she protected us..." One of the knights was looking at me in awe.

"Milady. Are you alright?" Oswald asked me as he came to see if I was okay. His grizzly countenance looked me over to see if I was hurt.

I felt my energy drain out of me but I was still able to stand but the impact of that explosion must have packed more punch than I thought.

If Igneus was not able to contain it. It would have killed Sir Oswald, Kain, and the other knights...

My legs wobbled and suddenly it gave out. Kain's strong arms prevented me from falling and I look at him. His face looked shocked as he touched my cheeks.

"Duchess! You are burning up!" He exclaimed.

I shook my head. I must tell Sir Oswald to send a message to the knights stationed at the castle and do a sweep of the city. There might be a few traitors who avoided facing the knights and may now be killing people in their homes.

"Kain...I must tell Oswald. Do a complete sweep of the city...I feel a few of these traitors still inside the city." I forced my voice out but it felt like my throat went dry.

"Milady, do not speak. You have protected the city enough. The Duke is already notified by messenger eagle and I will do as you say, Milady." He turned to my knight. "Take her back to the castle now."

"Yes, sir."

As my knight carried me back to the castle. I wondered why I feel like I was beaten up and bruise after using my spirits.

I suppose it is late to tell you that mana spirit users have an affinity for doing magic? Igneus shrugged.

But the problem with your magic is that it requires more mana concentration and energy. We must train you to use it correctly or you may end up overdoing it. Undine told me this in her most serious tone.

However. For your first time using offense magick. You really have a rather unique way of casting it, Lady Alaina. Igneus smiled.

How so? I asked them as they sat on top of my shoulders.

Most mages would conjure up a singular fireball or small water bubbles during their first try at magic but your control and concept of shape defy the usual mage's ability. Igneus explained, his mouth producing puffs of smoke.

It was as if you know just what shape you want us to take. As if you have seen magick being done before and the shape and effect are embedded into your brain. Undine was looking at me closely now.

I understood what they were saying but it is not like they would be able to comprehend it if I said that I have seen magick done in virtual games I play on consoles back on Earth so I called them back to rest up. My head feels too heavy and tired to process and explain anything to anyone...

God, who knew using magick could be more tiring than anything I have ever done.

I should just stick to cooking...