Transmigrated as the Villainess Princess

Ahcehera decided it was time to venture into the palace kitchen. After studying the various edible plants and ingredients unique to the galaxy, her curiosity burned brighter than ever.

She wanted to cook a few dishes and explore how these alien flavors compared to those she remembered from Earth.

As she entered the kitchen, the staff quickly gathered, their expressions full of worry and disbelief.

"Princess, you can simply instruct us," one of the chefs insisted. "We'll cook on your behalf. His Majesty would never approve of you laboring in the kitchen."

Ahcehera offered a calm but determined smile.

"You worry too much. I'll handle this matter myself. Once my father and mother realize how bored I've been at home, they'll understand why I'm doing this."

She brushed past the hesitant staff and began inspecting the ingredients stored in the kitchen.

A massive bird served as a substitute for chicken, its feathers shimmering faintly like polished metal. Nearby, a pig with enormous, curled horns sat on a cold slab, its meat neatly prepared.

What in the galaxy is this?

It's as if some mad scientist failed a crossbreeding experiment and left these beasts to fend for themselves.

Suppressing a laugh, Ahcehera shook her head and focused on her task.

"Princess…" one of the head chefs spoke hesitantly, wringing his hands.

"I'll ask for help if I need it," she reassured him with a firm tone. "For now, stay back and let me work."

Ahcehera had decided on braised pork, a dish she loved back on Earth. However, as she searched the pantry for staples, her enthusiasm was quickly tested.

There was no rice.

No sugar.

No chili.

And many of the condiments she was familiar with were entirely absent.

I hope this doesn't end up tasting awful.

With a deep breath, she began.

First, she cleaned the horned pork, her movements precise as she navigated the unfamiliar cuts of meat. Once satisfied, she placed it in a large pot of water and set it to boil.

Why does it feel like I have so much strength and energy in my hands? Cutting the thick pork seems very easy. I should test my mental power later!

But in the original novel, the princess was somehow despised and pitied because of her B-ranked mental power. It was also hidden by the royal family to the public.

Was there a possibility for growth when I entered her body and replaced her soul?

As the meat softened, filling the kitchen with an earthy, savory aroma, she drained the water and set it aside to cool.

At least the meat doesn't smell fishy.

Her eyes wandered to the alternative spices and condiments available. They were exotic, brightly colored, and carried scents that hinted at bold, unusual flavors.

This will be an odd experiment, no doubt.

Ahcehera's mind wandered briefly to the meals she used to cook back on Earth, simple but comforting dishes made with love and familiarity.

Now, in this strange new life, she would have to rely on her ingenuity and adapt to the unknown.

Her determination grew as she prepared the next steps, excitement sparking in her chest.

She wasn't just cooking for sustenance. She was crafting a connection between two worlds, Earth and the planet she now called home.

When the braised pork was finally cooked, Ahcehera couldn't wait to taste her creation. She ladled a small portion onto a plate and took a tentative bite.

The tender meat, infused with the limited spices she had on hand, carried a flavor both familiar and foreign.

Around her, the kitchen staff hovered, unable to hide their curiosity. The rich, savory aroma filled the room, teasing their senses and making their mouths water.

Ahcehera glanced at them and smiled.

"Come, taste it. I need your feedback. Tell me where I can improve. Since there's no glucose syrup, sugar, or chili, I'm curious how much better it might taste with those ingredients."

The staff hesitated for a moment, but her encouraging tone and the promise of tasting something so inviting broke their reserve.

Bowing slightly, they eagerly accepted plates as she began distributing the food.

In the novel, the princess never maltreated her staff, but she was very meticulous in everything.

She can find mistakes in simple things and that alone earned her a bad reputation. 

I want to prevent that from worsening. I need my staff to be loyal to me.

The first chef took a bite, his eyes widening in surprise. "Princess, the food you've cooked tastes amazing!"

Another chef chimed in, nodding enthusiastically. "Yes, Princess, this is no exaggeration. Even without the spices you mentioned, it's absolutely delicious!"

"Princess, do you need us to look for the missing spices?"

One by one, the staff joined in, their words of praise blending into a chorus of admiration.

Yet as they stared intently at the pot, hoping for another taste, Ahcehera silently evaluated her creation.

It's good, but it's not quite enough to satisfy my taste buds.

While the staff delighted in the dish, she couldn't help but feel a pang of dissatisfaction.

The lack of sugar and chili made the flavor incomplete, like a song missing its harmony. But instead of frustration, a spark of determination lit within her.

I'll master this. One dish at a time.

Looking at the empty plates around her, Ahcehera knew she had taken the first step. She would learn to adapt these alien ingredients into dishes worthy of her palate.

"Don't worry about the remaining ingredients, I'll personally search for them. The galaxy is vast, and there's so much waiting to be discovered."

By the evening, she found herself venturing into the bustling open market of Starcentral District.

Wow! There are so many things I can buy here.

As she wandered through the market, her eyes caught sight of a bin filled with a striking purple root vegetable.

Wait, is this… ube?

Nearby, another vendor displayed hard, round objects with rough exteriors.

And this… isn't this coconut?

Both items were labeled as "animal feed" and sold at shockingly low prices.

They don't realize what they have! I need to buy as much as I can. Maybe I can even plant some at home!

Ahcehera bought a large quantity of ube and coconut. Her excitement grew as she imagined crafting desserts from these forgotten gems.

When she returned to the palace, the kitchen staff gathered to help her unload. But as they unpacked the contents, their faces froze in shock.

"Princess… is animal food really okay to use for making desserts?"