Molrangkau, But Not Molrangkau
Molrangkau, but not Molrangkau.
What the hell does that even mean?
But no matter how much I prodded myself for an answer, nothing convincing came to mind. It was literal. Exactly as it sounded.
Ruby-red eyes. Skin white as fresh snowflakes, contrasted by seductive crimson lips. The corners of her mouth curved ever so slightly upward, creating an enigmatic aura.
She was unmistakably the Molrangkau I remembered, yet somehow... different. The look in her eyes, the way she smiled, the vibe she gave off—everything was off.
Definitely Molrangkau, but not Molrangkau.
The image of her firmly etched in my mind—the usual Molrangkau I knew—didn't overlap at all with the one standing before me. It was damn near impossible to see them as the same person. The gulf between them was enormous.
...What the fuck is going on?
My head felt like a hurricane had ripped through it. Everything jumbled into chaos.
Click-clack—
I stared blankly as she approached me step by step.
For starters, her outfit was completely different. The usual Molrangkau wore that massive wizard hat plopped on her head, with sloppy mage robes that had a gothic vibe overall. A black shawl draping her shoulders, a white shirt, a high-waisted skirt that accentuated her slim waist, and long boots reaching her thighs.
But this Molrangkau in front of me? No giant lid of a hat covering her head. Her red hair cascaded messily to one side, and she was clad in a form-fitting red dress that ran from her neck down to her legs. It boldly exposed her pristine white shoulders, hugging every curve of her body.
"You've arrived, Hura-nim."
She held a glass of water and glided toward me lightly. I couldn't help but gasp.
The slit in her skirt flashed glimpses of her pale legs with every step.
This girl doesn't wear stuff like that.She's the type who always rocks tracksuits.What the hell?
Click-clack—
She wore red heels with heels so high she looked taller than me. That bizarre disconnect sent chills crawling up my spine—an inexplicable fear making my hairs stand on end. My body shuddered involuntarily, and I backed away without thinking.
"Y-You... what are you?"
She smiled like a cat and offered the glass. "Care for a cool glass of water?"
Wink—
The cherry on top: that weird, flirty wink. I couldn't take it anymore.
"G-Gahhh!"
I bolted without looking back.
"Where are you going, Hura-nim!"
"Aaaah! Get away!"
"Hura-niim!"
The clicking heels behind me sounded like they were coming straight from the underworld.
Molrangkau chased a few steps before stopping, gazing vacantly at Hura's fleeing figure.
"Gahhh! Demon!"
"......"
She turned to the side. "He's running away?"
Two cooking summons and one ghost peeked out from behind a pillar.
"He likes it more than expected."
"...That's what you call liking it?"
Vesta emerged from behind the pillar, clearing her throat. "Ahem. Unexpected reaction, but it clearly shook him. Mission accomplished on rattling him."
"......"
"First objective down."
"Really...?"
Molrangkau fidgeted, her clothes feeling uncomfortable. "Don't panic—just do as I taught you. You're doing great."
"Yeees..."
Vesta turned to the two cooking summons. "You two, go fetch that scaredy-cat."
"Yes."
"This is this, that is that. He passed the test, so time for Sulis's reward."
Geum Taeyang and Tteoksoon-i hurried off toward where Hura had run.
Pour—
Hot tea, steaming faintly, filled each cup on the round table.
"......"
"......"
I sipped my tea, stealing glances at the not-quite-Molrangkau sitting beside me.
She elegantly held the steaming teacup and saucer in both hands, sipping with poise. At a glance, she exuded an aristocratic grace.
The usual her would've burned her tongue yelling "Hot hot!" then dropped and shattered the cup, earning a scolding from Vesta and sulking afterward.
Lost in those thoughts as I peeked at her, our eyes met. Her eyes curved like a cat's, flashing a coquettish smile.
Drip—
The tea in my mouth leaked past my lips. Goosebumps erupted all over.
Seductress. Bewitching harlot!
H-How... how could she smile so slyly! Utterly brazen!
"What's up with her?"
I wiped my mouth roughly with my sleeve and asked Vesta.
Vesta avoided my eyes. "Er, well... aftereffects from fighting the Sap Knight."
"...Huh? There's such a thing?"
Slurp—
Vesta sipped her steaming tea nonchalantly. "Why make a fuss? You've got a skill that warps your personality too."
"Sure, but..."
I glanced at Molrangkau, who hit me with another weird wink. "...This is hard to get used to."
"Better adapt quick. Looks like it'll last a while."
"Whaaat?"
I shot Molrangkau a horrified look. Her lips curved into a strange arc.
"Why, Hura-nim?"
"Uh, wh-what? Why are you—"
She leaned in, eyes half-lidded seductively. "Perhaps..."
She whispered right in my ear. "Are you shy?"
"...!"
Fwoosh—
"Kyaa!"
Her hot breath in my ear made me jerk back, toppling chair and all.
Crash—
"Oh dear. So clumsy. Here, take my hand."
Molrangkau bent slightly, offering her hand. The slit in her skirt revealed her entire pale leg.
"N-No thanks!"
I scrambled up, righted the chair, and plopped down fast. My ears burned.
"Ufufu... So shy."
"......"
I ignored her and turned to Vesta. "Vesta-nim. Reward time, please. I passed the test."
Vesta smirked. "Who said no? Getting impatient, huh."
"Impatient? It's been over a day since I cleared the quest."
"Hehe... Not because of the lovely lady next to you?"
"No, it's not that—hurry up!"
"Oh~ Is it? Who knows the truth..."
Vesta and Geum Taeyang chuckled at me. ...Geum Taeyang, that jerk.
Only Tteoksoon-i laughed along blankly, staring at me.
"Master."
"What."
"Your ears are red."
"Shut up."
"......"
After teasing me more, Vesta calmed her twitching smile. "Enough fun."
"Please."
"Then open your mouth."
"...My mouth?"
"No backtalk."
I obediently opened wide. A small fireball shot from Vesta's hand zipped into my mouth before I could react.
"...!"
And suddenly, I was somewhere else.
A clear, breezy forest. Chirp-chirp— Birds sang. Sunlight filtered through leaves, dappling the soft grass invitingly.
A black-haired man and a red-haired woman lounged freely on the lush, cushy grass.
Poke. Poke-poke-poke.
"Hey. Heyyy."
The red witch, using Sulis's thigh as a pillow, prodded it.
"Make me kimchi jjigae."
Sulis, arm over his eyes against the sun, growled low. "...Told you no."
"Aww~ C'mon~"
She added a finger, poking his thigh more vigorously. Poke-poke. Poke-poke-poke-poke-poke.
"Ugh, seriously!"
Sulis sat up abruptly, messing his hair. Vesta startled, peeking cautiously. "...Mad?"
Sulis glared. Vesta averted her eyes, mumbling. "...N-No. I just... your kimchi jjigae is the best..."
Sulis stared, then pulled something from his pocket and held it out. "Sign this, and I'll make it."
"For real? No takebacks?"
Vesta brightened. Sulis smiled slyly. "You first."
Pop—
And I was back in the Flame Palace.
"Saw it?"
Vesta sipped tea across from me. "...Yeah."
But Sulis's sly smile nagged at me. Villainous grin if I've ever seen one.Dark Chef mode activated?
"Vesta-nim."
"Hm?"
"Read contracts carefully."
"...What?"
"Signing without reading? Scams hit closest from trusted friends."
"How far'd you see?"
"Up to the signing."
Vesta panicked. "Wait, not that memory..."
She pressed a finger to her temple, eyes closing. Pupils darted under lids—replaying old memories.
"Ah, slightly off. Here."
She flicked another fireball into my mouth.
"Mmph."
Swallowing the warm-not-hot fireball, I was back in the forest.
Vesta rubbed her full belly post-kimchi jjigae, sprawled out. Red broth splatters dotted her smile of utter contentment. The pot? Spotless.
Sulis, satisfied, tucked away the glowing contract. "Stick to the deal then."
"...Huh? What deal?"
"What you signed earlier."
Vesta bolted upright. "Gimme!"
She snatched the copy from Sulis. Reading widened eyes. Sulis chuckled low.
"Don't chase away my successor. Follow the contract."
Vesta glared daggers. "You con artist!"
"You signed it."
"Because it was you! Soul-binding contract?!"
"Should've read it."
Vesta's glare intensified. "This how you repay my trust?!"
Sulis shrugged nonchalantly. "Hey! Listen! Sulis, you bastard!"
Vesta raged, but Sulis just scratched his ear. "So noisy."
His eyes met mine.
"...!"
Thump— Heart raced. Like eye contact through the fourth wall.
He spoke. "Vesta's upheld the contract, I see."
I nodded. He smiled satisfied, tone steady.
"A chef is, in a way, like a flame sorcerer."
His low voice pierced clearly despite volume.
"Cooking's core is heat. Thus, akin to wielding fire."
He stared straight. "You, who's come this far, knows that much."
I nodded.
"But I speak beyond mere cooking."
He pointed at me. "You."
Me?
"That's what a chef is."
Pointing at my chest center. "Where does your flame flicker?"