章 85: Elf On The Shelf, Part Two (ft. Sauce)

Victor stood in his home kitchen, a bubbling pot of sauce on the stove in front of him, the scent of herbs and spices filling the air. His focus was intense as he stirred the pot, occasionally tasting the sauce with a wooden spoon and making minor adjustments. On a chair next to him, bound and gagged, was an elf with wide, terrified eyes. The elf squirmed and groaned, trying desperately to escape, but the ropes were tied too tightly.

Victor didn't seem to notice the elf's distress, or if he did, he didn't care. He was too engrossed in his cooking. "You see," he began, addressing the elf as if they were having a casual conversation, "the key to a perfect sauce is balance. You need to find that delicate harmony between acidity and sweetness, between spice and savor. Too much of one, and you'll overpower the dish. Too little, and it'll be bland."