A Path Of Dread

Percival carried the dishes to the dining table. It was just the two of them for dinner, with Mabel's portion set aside. To Percival, this seemed superfluous; servants usually had their meals prepared separately.

Percival picked up his utensils and sampled the boiled greens. The dish appeared simple but was actually a test of culinary skill. Undercook it, and it would taste bitter; overcook it, and it would lose its flavor. He took a bite and found it perfectly cooked. The taste was refreshing, and the broth was delicious. This was his first time tasting Eulalia's cooking, and he was pleasantly surprised. It was as if she had tailored the dish to his palate.

The thought that he had never tasted any of Eulalia's cooking in the past four years filled him with a tinge of regret. But then again, it wasn't too late.

Percival then picked up a piece of the sweet and sour rib. It was boneless, and a single bite released a burst of tangy and savory juices. It was appetizing.

Usually, Percival