The Essence Of The Darkness
EOTL eps 40: Vanilla Man

“A-I don't hide anything.” With a stern voice that seemed to be too fast, Sera immediately replied.

His voice stretched through the air, immediately followed by a voluptuous silence, making Sera instantly feel regret instantly for having answered impulsively.

Usually, the person who holds the feeling of guilt in his soul will be defensive and defend himself desperately, while the innocent person will be calm.

Sera's attitude that immediately fortified himself and denied this desperately, maybe even more fueling Xavier's suspicions. After all, the man was just asking, not necessarily Xavier already knew about the mini-phone he had hidden in the hanging flower pot, right?

Sera let out a long sigh, trying to calm herself down. Yeah, he was just too panicked because of Xavier's probing questions. The hanging flower pot where the phone was hidden was very hidden and not easy to reach, Xavier would not have thought that there was anything hidden there, unless the man happens to install a surveillance camera and sees Sera hiding it in that place.

But Xavier couldn't possibly have hidden a surveillance camera in the bathroom, right?

“OK you don't hide anything.” Xavier poured the warm milk into the cup he had prepared, the man then brought the cup right in front of Sera.

As Sera looked up to assess Xavier's facial expression, she saw the man put on a friendly smile that was completely unpredictable.

“Do you want to add vanilla beans to your milk? Recommend it. The aroma is very fragrant and soothing, you will like it.”

Sera frowned, looked at the teasing warm milk cup before her eyes, then frowned towards Xavier. During this time he only knew vanilla in the form of synthetic flavors from factory-made dairy products. But, of course Xavier does not mention synthetic vanilla, right?

“What do you mean vanilla extract?” ask Sera later. He had seen at a cake cooking event, where his chef drips liquid vanilla extract into the cake batter ingredients to make the cake more fragrant.

Xavier shook his head. “I mean fresh vanilla beans.”

The man took out a tube-sized glass jar extending from the nightstand, then shoved it on the pantry table near Sera so Sera could see it.

“That's like this,” then.

Sera frowned when she saw that the glass jar was full of long dark black-coloured rods the size of tweezers, but it withered, wrinkled and deflated. The black bar was arranged standing elongatedly across the jar, igniting Sera's deep curiosity.

The so-called fresh vanilla seed was a far cry from what he had imagined before.

All this time, in his mind, the name vanilla was always associated with the color white. Vanilla-flavored milk is always white, vanilla ice cream is always white, even with biscuits and other types of food that carry the name vanilla as a flavor, all of which are always synonymous with white.

But in front of him is a black object, long, wrinkled and looks ugly, completely unattractive shape.

Xavier chuckled at Sera's expression. The man took one of the objects out of the jar and handed it to Sera.

“Vanila is a fruit seed derived from a tropical orchid plant named latin vanilla planifolia, or better known as vanilla plant. The word "vanilla" is derived from the Spanish word, vaina which means "please", because the form of vanilla fruit is legumes. When the fruit is fresh, the shape and size are similar to long beans. Of all types of orchids, only this orchid can bear fruit to eat.” Xavier shared his knowledge happily with Sera. “But, in its utilization, vanilla fruit following the seeds is not enjoyed in fresh conditions, but in dried conditions.”

Xavier then took a knife to cut the dried fruit, then pulled the seeds of the fruit in it that had been shaped like a paste of dry powder and sticky black. Xavier then moved the fresh vanilla beans into Sera's milk cup and stirred them slowly.

The fragrant aroma immediately filled all corners of the room, the sweet aroma of fresh vanilla while making the sense of smell happy. Very soothing, while simultaneously evoking hunger. Sera had never smelled such a pleasant scent before, so she sniffed happily, making Xavier widen his smile.

“Vanilla aroma is very distinctive, sweet but soft, adding to the creamy taste of milk. Try.” Xavier pushed a little cup of Sera milk closer towards the woman and filled with curiosity, Sera immediately picked up her cup and sipped her milk.

It's really incredible. The beautiful taste of the merry-go-round wrapped his tongue and synergized in the soft symphony that rolled in his sense of smell.

“Do you know that this vanilla fruit has to undergo various forging processes just to give off its fragrant aroma? At first this fruit should be waded with a variety of varied methods, ranging from cooling to heating, with hot water, boiling, oven, or sunlight. This wading process aims to turn off the vegetative tissue of the fruit so as to prevent the growth of vanilla seeds from within the fruit during the subsequent processing and storage.” Xavier paused his sentence for a moment to ascertain whether Sera was still listening to his words. “The second process is squeezing, done by placing piles of vanilla fruit in a cloth package that causes high temperature. At this stage, vanilla fruit has issued a distinctive aroma because of the enzymatic process in it.”

Xavier tilted his head, smilingly looking at Sera who seemed to be unable to stop sipping warm vanilla milk in her hand until it was almost toilet.

“The third process is drying, done to reduce the moisture content of the vanilla fruit to between 25 to 30 percent. The moisture of this fruit should be reduced to prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria and increase the yield of aromatic compounds in the fruit. This drying process is done by drying. Then, finally, after undergoing all the stages, the vanilla fruit will be squeezed in a closed container for five to six months. During this process, the aroma and taste of vanilla fruit continues to increase.” Xavier sniffed the dried vanilla fruit in his hand happily. “Therefore, although the shape is very ugly because it has undergone all the processes, but the aroma becomes very fragrant and pleasant.”

“You seem very understanding about this vanilla fruit.” Sera suddenly regained her senses and fear crept back into her mind. “A-do you use it for... your poisons?” he asked with a suspicious tone.

Xavier laughs. “I didn't poison your drink if that's what you're worried about.” The man said half a joke. “Only, I am indeed very interested in the scent of this vanilla. The smell is so sweet, it cradles the mind and instantly sends harmless signals to the human brain. It will be a pleasant surprise when an enemy sips a fragrant vanilla-flavored drink that turns out to hold a deadly poison in it. I love everything that goes against it, you must know it.”

Sera watched Xavier with a stare. “Is that why, you use vanilla musk scented perfume? To make your enemies off guard, create the impression that you are harmless, but behind it turns out you are terrible?”

“Very terrible? Is that what you've been imagining about me all this time?” Xavier chuckled, not at all offended by Sera's judgmental words. “Do you know that your question makes me happy. You know my smell well. That's the sign, I'm so close to you that you smell me perfectly." Xavier's smile widened when he saw Sera's cheeks blushing.

However, the smile disappeared instantly as he resumed his words, "I've explained to you many times, my beloved wife, that I will only be dangerous and terrible to the wicked who are unfaithful and betray.” Xavier's eyes narrowed as he looked at Sera with a sharp, meaningful look. “As long as you don't think of betraying me, don't cheat on me and don't stab me in the back, then you'll be safe and well,”.

The veiled threat implied there as if directly making Sera's back feather stand, it crept along her spine, making Sera exhale uncomfortably while her hand involuntarily moved to nape her nape.

Anxiety began to creep into his mind as his common sense burst forth and gave Sera a warning.

After being with Xavier for some time, Sera increasingly realizes that this man will only kill and attack unfaithful traitors. In that case, if Sera decides to help Aaron, she will put herself as an unfaithful traitor.

If he's found out…. That would endanger him, and it could definitely cost Aaron his life, right?

So what should Sera do? How can he help Aaron, but not make Xavier angry?

“Sera.”

The sound of Xavier's call that somehow made Sera gasp and blinked her eyes. The woman turned her gaze towards Xavier, stunned as she looked at Xavier who was returning her gaze.

“You daydream.” Xavier concluded calmly. “I'm asking, are you satisfied enough if I serve a sandwich for our dinner?” ask Xavier to repeat.

Sera hurriedly nodded her head.

“Anything,” answered him in an honest tone. His stomach was hungry and he was willing to eat whatever was available.

“Koki left complete sandwich material here. There is fresh lettuce, red tomatoes, pickled zucchini and ham and beef bacon. Do you like sandwiches with extra cheese and eggs?” xavier asked while taking the ingredients out of the refrigerator.

Sera looked at Xavier timidly. “A-i'm hungry... If I could just want both.”

Xavier suddenly laughed. “What can't do for my wife? Sit in your place and wait, soon you will get your food,” he said in a carefree manner.

For some reason, Xavier's laughter this time was able to transmit the hue of happiness in Sera's heart. His soul softened as he looked at Xavier who had released his dangerous aura and looked completely like a man, a husband who was intending to cook food for his wife.

They were really like a normal couple conversing in the kitchen….

Sera's heart skipped a little faster when she realized how dangerous her thinking was. Sera knew that she had to be careful, otherwise, just wait for the time until Xavier would successfully colonize her weak soul and make her submit to the man.

“Is.... can I help you prepare food?” asked Sera then, decided to do the activity until his turbulent mind filled with anxiety was not bouncing anywhere.

Xavier who was heating the stove smiled towards Sera to respond.

“Of course you can, come here and cook the eggs,” consent to give permission.

***

Everything in the kitchen was normal and almost fun. They ate voraciously, even then proceeded to wash the dishes together.

But, that relaxed feel full of humor instantly turned sensual when they entered the room. Xavier did not even wait for long, directly hugging Sera from behind, wrapping his hands around Sera's waist with passion while his head moved down, kissing Sera's nape in a seductive manner.

“You've got your energy back, right?” xavier growled with a hoarse voice on the side of Sera's ears while her hands roamed seductively. “I can't wait to take it down again,” whispered passionately.

Sera's heart was pounding receiving Xavier's very stark appeal. Nervously, Xaver pulled back from his arms, and Sera jumped half away and kept her distance.

“A-I want to go to the bathroom first,” Sera said in a nervous tone, glancing at the bathroom door while measuring the distance she had to take to escape.

This time, Xavier takes a predator-like stance playing around with his prey before devouring it. The man crossed paths, not trying to ambush Sera.

“Are you aware, you always reasoned to go into the bathroom when you were trying to escape from me?” xavier asked with a sharp tone of voice that contrasted with her sweet smile.

“B-not so.. I just feel my body sticky. Since coming home earlier, I have not had a bath. so I.” Sera began to get nervous, missing a series of words that should be able to be thrown smoothly. His brain seemed to stop working, swallowed by fear.

“It would be nice if we could shower together.” Xavier decides quickly, the man grabs Sera's hand and takes her inside the bathroom. “Come. I'll accompany you.”

“T-but, you've taken a shower..” Sera exclaimed in shock, one hand moving, trying to release Xavier's grip on his wrist.

“I sweat after cooking. I want to take another shower. Come.” Xavier takes Sera into the bathroom. The man then closed the door behind them, locking Sera inside until she could no longer run.

“Come here, I'll help take off your clothes. What first to release, hmm?” Xavier stepped closer, urging Sera up to the marble wall of the bathroom. Then, unexpectedly, the man knelt down in front of Sera and half revealed his t-shirt upwards.

“What do you want?” Sera shouted loudly in surprise. His hand gripped Xavier's wrist which had been holding the black rubber boxer he was wearing.

Xavier turned his head, staring at Sera who was looking down at him with her beautiful clear eyes. The man grinned and smiled, while his hands did not stop moving, felt the rubber of Sera's pants, and pulled her down.

“I'm just trying to help you undress.” Xavier frowned when he could not bring down Sera's pants because of the dead ties on the trouser strap. “Why did you tie him so tight, hmm? Don't you feel tightness in your stomach?”

Sera felt her cheeks blush red from Xavier's intimate act.

Why is this man still able to behave normally, even though they are currently in unusual conditions?

Xavier's hand tried to unscrew the rope, kneading it slowly so that it could be released. Very serious about doing what he does. Meanwhile, Sera's mind was stirred to something else. His eyes repeatedly stared at the hanging flower pot where he hid the mini-phone.

The shadow of Xavier's words that the man would punish an unfaithful traitor in a very cruel way again disturbed Sera's mind.

What's he supposed to do? If he hid all this from Xavier and helped Aaron secretly? Or maybe, they will even be caught by Xavier and end up in harm?

Sera is not sure of herself and Aaron having the strength to fight Xavier.The man is too smart, too strong and many times has reminded Sera that as long as he does not betray, then everyone will be safe.

What decision should Sera make that is best for all of them and could save Aaron's life?

Xavier suddenly stopped the movement of his hand which was trying to untie the strap of Sera's pants. The man was confused because Sera was weak, silent and did not try to prevent it.

Xavier then looked up, and his forehead wrinkled when he saw Sera's gaze that was focusing towards his back.

Slowly Xavier turned his head and followed Sera's exact gaze toward the flower pot that was hung as a bathroom decoration – where the woman hid the mini phone she received from Aaron.

Xavier grinned broadly, the man then continued his movements until he finally managed to untie the dead string of Sera's pants. Just as he was about to lower it, Xavier deliberately stared intently at Sera and said,

“Why are you interested in that flower pot, Sera? You like that thing hanging there, or you want to get rid of it?” ask Xavier in a meaningful tone.

Shot like that, Sera's face turned deathly pale. The impulse to be impulsive also overwhelms him. His weakened grip strengthened again on Xavier's wrist which was lowering his pants, his lips trembling as he spoke in a tone of fear mixed with nervousness.

“Xavier…. W-there's something I want to tell you..”.

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GOOD NOVEL RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE AUTHOR

TITLE: The Fragrance Of Frozen Plum Blossom

AUTHOR: YOZORA

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___PRACTICE FROM AUTHOR___

- Thank you for the contribution of POINTS used for VOTE author so that EOTD can enter the ranking.

- Thanks for the encouragement, favorite, likes, points, comments, and also the five star rating

- Read the author's other novel title INEVITABLE WAR\, click on author\'s profile, then search for the work and scroll to the bottom.

why aren't there pictures like before? Because the picture novel long passed its review. While\, the novel without the picture very quickly passed its review.

So, the author uploaded a plain script without pictures first, let's quickly pass the review first.

If you have escaped and can be read by you, the new author edit and add pictures (if you don't believe, please check episode 1 to 20 an, already full image visualization all).

- Manuscripts per part are always at least 2500++ words\, sometimes even more and the author's preface is only 100++ words. Get used to reading in detail.

Thank You

Yours Sincerely - AY