Never does Selena expect she'll run into someone who knows what they're talking about. But as far as she is concerned, the man only answered safely and doesn't provide anything conclusive.

“I'm actually making a pie out of it.”

The Desmarais has a complex flavor that may prove difficult to pair with other dishes, but being the supposed heiress of the conglomerate, she has been trained since her younger years to get accustomed to its profile that anything she cooks with it produces an astronomical taste.

“I think I want it savory with a proper balance of sweetness and saltiness.”

MISSION: THE GREAT HOENN BAKE-OFF

#Mercutio Kyle

A pie huh? Well then, that could complicate thing a bit.

"Well Merlot, Malbec, and Caberent Sauvignon all can help with the savory side. These do help compliment the bold flavors of the dish and often they're already a earthy/ pepper flavor." Mercutio suggested. "Skiddo meat tends to absorb the flavor very well when cooked with wine sauces...though I'm not sure if that would change in pie form.."

This was honestly the only thing he could think of to suggest at the moment. Again, he wasn't...good with the fancy cooking. Sweets and deserts were one thing, dishes for meals was just...a complicated matter.

"In general, look for something of the red wine variety in the point noirs if you don't fancy either of those options.

Selena Desmarais

Selena crosses her arms in a deliberate manner, carefully considering the other guy's opinion.

“Wouldn't that intensify the flavor? Make its taste sharp?”

She begins to understand the complexity of her ambition. Especially in a pie, the braised meat will continue to cook with the dough and the more it cooks, it can probably ruin the taste if there is nothing that can help neutralize its sharpness.

The pinkette's eyes seek those of the stranger's, a bright idea pops into her head.

“Why don't you help me cook these pies? It's for Lilycove, anyway.” She holds out her hand. “I'm Selena.”

MISSION: THE GREAT HOENN BAKE-OFF

#Mercutio Kyle

"It would strengthen it." Mercutio agreed, giving a nod. "Which is why care is needed when making any sauce, the amount used would affect how much the flavor gets empowered but what else in the dish always plays a role in that too. After all, a meat pie doesn't just have meat in it. You can put vegetables in there that can help balance the boldness of the point noir as it soaks into the meat."

A surprised expression came to his face as the offer was given. Well....that....Mercutio didn't know if he'd be that helpful to her in the way she needed. Sure he knew a little bit about the matter but he never really did a fancy dish before.

"I'm not a marvelous cook..." mercutio admitted. "I know a few things but probably not near your level of expertise...however I'd be willing to help you out in other ways that I can."

It didn't hurt to be honest with her on this. He wasn't a Chef. He had heard about the competition and while there was a thought for a moment to join in with some sort of pastry or sweet, he voted against it. So many other people deserved to take part. Maybe just helping someone out with their dream was a good enough thing to do?

Selena Desmarais

“Don't be so modest! I love how you go in full detail about how to make sauces for stew. I'm sure you'd be a helpful addition!”

She pulls the man's wrist and drags him towards the counter. It doesn't even matter because Selena is not also a chef, she's just a cooking enthusiast with a lot of knowledge about Kalosian liquor and nothing else.

“Even though the war ends and the most of the buildings are rebuilt, there are still a few people in this city that are heavily affected and that includes the homeless.” She explains. “That's why Vantage is doing this so we can generate funds in creating a new home for them.”

MISSION: THE GREAT HOENN BAKE-OFF

#Mercutio Kyle

"I'm just...saying the limited knowledge I know in order to help..." Mercutio admitted.

Her hand wraps around his wrist easily and pulls him along, could he have resisted? Yes. But that would be horribly rude of him considering he had already agreed to help her out if he was able to. Since he already agreed, it was only right that he went along with her.

"I see...I had only heard about the contest and not much about what it was for." Mercutio replied. "They are right, many people are still affected. I'm happy to see that this wishes to have a positive influence."

Oh the many times that contests were secretly not for anything positive.

Selena Desmarais

“Oh... yes. We're having that contest.”

Her arms immediately pull out from the man, distaste visible on her face.

“But it's mostly due to my father's insistence and efforts. Not mine! I don't take any credit for that.”

As soon as the cashier packs up their goods, she gets to take all of them and not leave anything for Mercutio Kyle to carry. Her gardevoir takes it upon herself to carry others that will be difficult for her trainer alone.

Eventually, he is led to the company headquarters where a bunch of staff has greeted the Kalosian gym leader. They proceed to follow her into the kitchen, them tucking their sleeves as they walk the hall.

“Everyone, meet...” Her eyes meet the man's, who she realizes has not yet really introduced himself. “Sorry, what's your name again?”

MISSION: THE GREAT HOENN BAKE-OFF

#Mercutio Kyle

Mercutio caught onto her tone of voice and the stop in pulling on him made him confused.

"I'm sorry, have I said something wrong? My deepest apologizes if so, I didn't mean to offend or anger you madam." Mercutio apologized.

What had he done wrong? It had to be something he said right? She was fine up to this point....contest...was that it? Was it because this act of charity was being done through a competition? It wasn't ideal, he could see that but...did that word have a more negative meaning than just that? He didn't know....he didn't know this lady....oh dear. What had he done tooffend her? Thinking he could make it up by carrying something, he was quickly unable to do so as she was quick to scoop evrything up and go on ahead. A small sigh left him as he stood there but he ended up following after her.

A company building came into view and that already told him that if his boss found out about his blunder, well..he probably was in some trouble. A company building meant wealth and a buisness, the fact she was taking food items there meant she either lived there or was part of the family. Still he followed along and stayed quiet until they arrived to the kitchen. The man worked to roll up his sleeves as the young lass spoke a introduction but she soon brought up the important question.

"Mercutio Kyle, pleasure to meet you all." Mercutio greeted, giving a formal bow.

Sure they were mostly staff in this kitchen and he took was just a member of staff at the Apricot Household. But he found it better to be formal even with those of his shared standing. With his sleeves rolled up, he made sure they were secured, and moved to wash his hands.

"Where would you like to begin?" he asked.

Selena Desmarais