The next day, Joseph left the castle for the first time to head to the market in the village. He heard it had a variety of foods from different countries and wanted to see if he could make the dishes like the ones he had back in Japan. After watching Godzilla Minus one, the Dimitrescu family became interested in learning more about Japanese culture. So Joseph thought this was the perfect opportunity to do so.

As he entered, he got looks from several people. He was new to the area after all so he probably stuck out like a sore thumb. Finally, he found what he was looking for and approached the stand. It was run by two people. An older man and a young woman. They gave him a warm, but curious smile.

"Good day sir! I don't believe I've seen your face before. Are you new in town?"

Joseph smiled back.

"I am sir. My name is Joseph Brody." He said as he reached out his hand.

The man paused for a moment before a look of realization appeared on his face and he shook Joseph's hand.

"Ah yes. The new member of House Dimitrescu. Tell me, is it true you killed an adult brown bear with just a sword?"

Joseph chuckled.

"Well it was a katana, but yeah. To be honest, it was really all I needed. That thing is more dangerous than a gun ever can be."

The man looked impressed.

"You should tell that to Raphael, our best hunter. I would love to see the look on his face." He said with a laugh, but then he straightened himself again.

"Oh I'm sorry. Where are my manners? I'm Leonardo Lupu, and this is my daughter Elena."

The young woman nodded her head.

"It's nice to meet you Joseph."

"Likewise." Joseph said as he shook her hand as well.

"I have to say, I'm surprised at how much the Dimitrescu family has changed since your arrival." Elena said. "My cousin Olivia told me how the family seems to be more happy and upbeat."

Joseph looked surprised.

"Olivia is your cousin?"

"Yes. She has worked at the castle for some time, and she told me she has never seen a cheerier mood in the castle. You must have really done something to affect the Dimitrescu family."

"Well he did save Lady Cassandra's life, Elena." Leonardo said.

Joseph nodded in agreement, but he had a feeling there was more to it than that, and the look on Elena's face confirmed this.

"Anyway, what can I get for you?" Leonardo asked.

"Well, I was wondering if you had any of these items available for purchase." Joseph said as he handed Leonardo a list of things he needed.

"Yeah we got most of this." Leonardo said as he read it. "I don't know about the eel though. Would sweet potatoes work instead? I know they use those to make sushi."

"Yeah that would be fine!" Joseph said.

As Elena puts the items in a bag, Joseph paid with the money that Alcina had given him (she had to shove him out the door when he protested). Finally, with everything in tow, he made his way back to the castle.

….

When Joseph returned, he went straight for the kitchen and with the help from several maids, he began to make the food. These dishes were new to the staff however so Joseph needed to teach them how to make the food. Luckily, the maids were quick learners so it didn't take long for them to get into a nice flow.

Before long, the food was ready. There were several dishes of shrimp yaki meshi, noodles, sweet potato rolls, and soup. The Dimitrescu family was already seated when the food was wheeled out and when they saw everything, their mouths immediately began watering.

"Woah. That looks so good." Bela said. She had started drooling.

"That smell. Must…restrain myself." Daniela said. She looked like she was using every ounce of willpower she had to not jump up and dive into the food.

Cassandra looked like she was also trying just as hard to resist.

"For once, I'm glad I'm in a wheelchair. If I wasn't…"

"Girls, keep yourselves composed and mind your manners." Their mother said. "The food does look marvelous though Joseph."

"Just wait until you try it." Joseph said with a smile.

Before long, everyone was digging in, and the delighted moans from everyone told Joseph that his mission was a success. He even invited the maids to help themselves. They looked hesitant at first, but Alcina assured them it was ok.

"Joseph, this food is the best I've had in a while! Thank you so much for making this." Bela said.

"You're welcome!" Joseph replied. "I'm glad you guys enjoy it! Though I think some of you should slow down."

He turned his head towards Daniela who looked up. She was so into the food that she didn't realize she was making a mess. Her face turned as red as her hair as everyone laughed.

"For heaven's sake, Daniela…" Alcina trailed off.

"I'm sorry mother." Daniela said with her head down.

"Eh. It's not that big of a deal Mother. It's clear she loves the food." Cassandra said.

"I love it too. But still, please try to remember your table manners."

Joseph then turned towards the Countess.

"Just be grateful I didn't give you all chopsticks. That would really cause a mess.

Alcina groaned to everyone's laughter.

"I'd rather not think about it."

Joseph's smile then faded as he turned back to Daniela.

"With all seriousness though, it's important to keep up your table manners to not be rude, so please keep that in mind in the future Daniela."

Cassandra rolled her eyes.

"You're just as bad as Bela."

"Oh no. I'm not that bad." Joseph replied.

The blonde gave him a frown.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means you should loosen up and stop being serious all the time. You may be next in line to inherit the winery, but that doesn't mean you can't be yourself. You're interested in dolls right? I saw your face during the movie yesterday when the little girl was holding one."

Bela's face paled.

"T-that's ridiculous! I would never…"

Even the maids couldn't help but laugh at that one. Bela just huffed and folded her arms.

"You're mean."

"It's nothing to be embarrassed about, Bela." Her mother spoke up. "Everyone has a hobby. Maybe you could ask your Aunt Donna how to make dolls sometime."

The blonde sighed.

"I'll think about it."

The group spent more time eating their dinner and talking about countless random stuff. At some point, Cassandra wanted more soup, so a maid came over to pour her some, but as she did, some of it splashed onto the Brunette's hand, and it was still pretty hot. Cassandra yelped as she pulled her hand away.

"Oh Lady Cassandra, I'm so sorry! Let me clean that up."

The brunette gave the maid a glare and was about to yell at her, but then she stopped when she remembered what Joseph had told her. She took a few deep breaths before responding.

"It's okay, Sarah. It didn't burn me or anything. I was just surprised, that's all."

The maid looked caught off guard when Cassandra had said that, but she quickly smiled and nodded her head.

"Of course. Regardless, I will make sure the soup is less hot in the future." She said as she cleaned up the soup that had spilled and walked away.

Cassandra sighed and turned towards Joseph. He smiled and gave her a thumbs up.

The brunette smiled back at him.

Okay. That's progress. She thought to herself. It's not much, but it's a good start.