The Snow Angel by SunsetMiko

The Kitchen

Chapter 163 - The Kitchen *Let Me Know Your Name* & *What People Think* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

Kagome and Sesshoumaru separated just outside the dining hall, and the miko entered, wringing her hands nervously. She slowly approached the propped open door that separated the dining room from the kitchen, seeing the cooks and servers bustling about preparing their evening meal. Having to address the demon servants on her own for the first time was nerve wracking, but Sesshoumaru was right. She was going to have to learn how to do so eventually, so it might as well be now.

The miko stepped through the door and looked around. It was obvious the moment the servants noticed her presence, as the room fell silent, everyone stopping to look at their new Lady, curious about what she might be doing there. It took Kagome a minute to realize that she was the center of attention, as she was rather occupied looking over the kitchen. When she did, she sucked in a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and smiled.

"Is there something you need, My Lady?" the head chef asked.

Kagome did her best not to shake while fighting to keep her voice even and calm. "Sesshoumaru's mother will be joining us for dinner this evening. Please have her bowls ready and bring them into the dining hall instead of her room."

The chef bowed low, trying to hide the shock on her face at being asked to do something instead of being ordered. "As you wish, My Lady. What shall she be served?"

The miko's smile never left her face. "Table scraps, as usual. I have to say, this kitchen is amazing! I can't wait to cook in here."

Now all the servants were in shock. Not only did their new Lady address them cordially and ask instead of order, but she also intended to cook?

Kagome noticed the awkward silence and launched into damage control, thinking she may have offended the kitchen staff. "Not that I think you can't cook. Everything I've eaten here has been delicious! It's just... I like cooking sometimes, and there might be some things from my home that you don't know how to make."

"You are welcome to cook here whenever you desire," the head chef spoke for everyone. "It is your kitchen, after all. If there is something you wish to eat, I assure you, we will be able to make it."

The miko nodded. "I'm sure you know how to make just about everything, but my home is... a little different. I'd be happy to teach you how to make some new dishes, if you'd like to learn. Oh, I can make cookies with Shippo and Rin! I've always wanted to. Can I look around?"

"Of course, My Lady. I am Chikako, the head chef. This is Yori. She keeps the kitchen organized and stocked, and manages the crew." Both bowed low to show their respect.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both," Kagome said while bowing politely, which set off a wave of whispers that she tried her best to ignore. It was obvious to her that the servants weren't used to being shown even the slightest bit of manners, which she thought was an absolute pity. How could such a high-class woman as Sesshoumaru's mother be so rude? Even if she were only addressing servants, there was no excuse.

"I would be happy to show you around, My Lady," Yori suggested.

The miko nodded. "Thank you very much." She allowed herself to be led, soaking in the new information as the demoness showed her everything from the ovens to the well-stocked pantry. Kagome was amazed by the size of the kitchen and slightly overwhelmed by the number of servants bustling around. It was obvious that a lot of work went into preparing their evening meal, more than she imagined.

Start *What People Think* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

When the tour was finished, Yori led the soon to be Lady of the West back to the door leading to the dining hall, where Sesshoumaru was waiting with a small smirk on his face. Of course his angel would be interested in the kitchen. He was very pleased that the servants were treating her politely. He was fairly certain his mother had never set foot in the room Kagome had just finished touring, and he knew that the differences between the two women were becoming more and more obvious to everyone at the palace.

"Thank you so much, Yori," Kagome said with a genuine smile. "And thank you all for your hard work. I'm looking forward to meeting and getting to know each of you, when you are not so busy, of course." Again silence fell in the large room as everyone paused in their tasks to stare at the strange human woman.

Sesshoumaru cleared his throat softly, just loud enough for demon ears to pick up, and the servants immediately returned to work. He smiled at Kagome and held out his arm to her. The miko slipped her arm through his and allowed him to lead her away. She waved to Yori, who bowed low again.

"That seems to have gone well," the taiyoukai said to Kagome.

"I think I might have insulted them a little when I suggested there were things they might not know how to make," she replied, guilt in her tone.

"They do not know the truth of your origins. The Western Palace is well known for having the most talented chefs in all of Japan."

"Yeah, I just thought maybe I could make some things from my time for you, but they seemed shocked that I would want to cook."

"I'm sure they were. My mother had no interest in doing so. It will take all of the servants some time to get used to the differences between the two of you. I would love to try dishes from your home, and you can teach the chefs how to make them if you wish. They learn quickly. Sit. The others will be arriving any moment, and then dinner will be served. There is much to discuss."