To the surprise of the people of the Empire, Luca’s kitchen safety rules weren’t nearly as terrifying as everyone had braced themselves for.
Given the level of proprietary knowledge people were expected to learn, many couldn’t help but expect extreme rules and conditions. While DG had been very generous thus far, surely they wouldn’t want to give away everything, right?
Therefore, people expected lengthy clauses and complicated restrictions. Some even imagined a background check or two just to be allowed near the equipment, while everyone else stood around to watch. In truth, many of the researchers felt that all of that, and even more, would have been completely justified.
But none of that happened.
Of course, participants still had to sign a consent form. They agreed to take responsibility for any incidents caused by their own negligence or refusal to follow instructions. But that was standard practice for almost everything these days.
And if even members of the Imperial family signed without complaint, then Reeve would have signed even if it required blood.
He was very ready to offer it too.
That thought, however, was immediately shut down, because Lord Luca apparently would not allow such a thing.
Something about it violating his fundamental rules.
Rules that everyone, including those watching from afar, suddenly found themselves leaning forward to listen to with alarming seriousness.
Rule one was simple.
Be mindful of contamination. Not the corrupted kind, but the kind that would result in stomach aches or food poisoning.
In line with that, everyone was reminded to wash their hands thoroughly. Unlike nutrient solutions that could be consumed straight from their packaging, they were actually going to assemble food with their own hands. Touching things was inevitable.
But the young lord didn’t stop there.
He explained that contamination also applied to tools. Much like laboratory equipment, certain items needed to be kept separate. Chopping boards used for meat should not be used for vegetables. Utensils needed to be properly maintained and kept clean as much as possible. And defrosted raw meat should apparently not be refrozen.
To be fair, most people didn’t fully understand what all of that meant yet.
But everyone wrote it down anyway.
Just like they carefully noted the rules about kitchen hazards.
The golden-eyed instructor was particularly firm when addressing the children. He reminded them about sharp objects. Hot equipment. Spills. Splashes. Heavy items that could fall if handled carelessly.
For a moment, the children looked genuinely nervous.
Several of them clutched their aprons like lifelines.
What no one expected, however, was just how far DG had gone in preparation.
For not only did they create such an opportunity, but they even went out of their way to make accommodations.
That realization hit all at once.
And jaws collectively dropped once they actually entered the kitchen proper.
__
Adults always said that good things came to those who waited.
And while Princess Nina understood what it meant, there were certainly times she thought people were just saying that so that everyone else would be forced to exercise their patience.
But today?
Today she once again realized that there was truly a lot of truth in that simple statement!
Because the moment they were finally guided inside, her doubts were completely obliterated.
The space opened up before them in a way that made her stop short.


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