Black Obsidian was holding the little female, and before he knew it, he too had drifted into sleep.
His sleep was shallow.
After all, he had to protect the little female, so even while asleep, he remained alert to every movement around him.
When Lanper returned, he saw Black Obsidian holding the little female, asleep on the soft bed. He moved very quietly and then went to the side hall.
By the side hall, he started a fire and began roasting all the seafood he had prepared.
He even steamed the lobsters and other large seafood in a big stone pot.
During his time on land, he had learned a few things from Si Lu's other partners. Although he still wasn't perfect at some complicated steps, the simpler tasks he had mastered very well.
Soon, the aroma wafted through the air. Si Lu, who had been sleeping deeply, sniffed the smell in her dreams and took a few extra deep breaths. It smelled amazing. Slowly, she opened her eyes and saw Black Obsidian resting his chin on his hand, watching her.
"Your nose is really sensitive. You smelled the food and woke up all on your own—no one had to call you," Black Obsidian said, looking at Si Lu.
Of course, he knew all the little cute habits of this little female. Seeing her so adorable made his heart race uncontrollably.
"Hehe… I guess I was hungry?" Si Lu scratched her head shyly and sat up. She even touched her flat stomach—it really was empty.
"All right, Lanper is cooking the seafood. Let's go together; it should be ready to eat," Black Obsidian said, picking her up and carrying her toward the side hall.
"I could walk myself, you know," Si Lu said, still feeling a bit embarrassed.
Being pampered like this by them was making her a little spoiled. These few steps… they didn't even let her walk. How would she ever cope later?
"No problem. I just want to hold you. Besides, didn't you say you were hungry? If I carry you, you won't expend any energy," Black Obsidian said with a slight smile, his tone gentle.
Indeed, he wanted to hold her. Even for a few steps, he couldn't bear to let her walk.
"You pamper me like this, I'll become more spoiled and delicate. Don't be stingy or look down on me later," Si Lu pouted.
She felt that part of her spoiled behavior was due to her partners—they took such good care of her. They wouldn't let her walk a few steps, even fed her… naturally, she became more reliant on them.
"Don't worry, we'll never look down on you. We love you, of course we won't dislike you," Black Obsidian said.
"What are you thinking in that little head of yours? A bit of pampering isn't unusual," he added.
Si Lu didn't respond, just glanced at him.
The walk was short, and soon they arrived at the side hall. Si Lu saw Lanper roasting seafood and meat, and her lips curved slightly.
This guy really looked like he knew what he was doing. And it smelled amazing.
Even after just three or four days, he had already reached this level of skill—it was impressive.
Previously, she had heard Lanper say that they usually ate raw food, rarely cooked meals. Almost all the merfolk, male or female, ate raw. Lanper was no exception.
During the three or four days on land, he had been strictly trained by Bai Di and the others. She, accustomed to cooked food, couldn't handle raw. It was not only unappetizing but also unpleasant. She wasn't a beast, she was human.
Generally, on land, only females and younglings ate cooked food, while males mainly ate raw. Occasionally, males ate cooked food with their females and younglings for social reasons. But raw meat wasn't hygienic, so overconsumption was bad for health.
"Si Lu, come try the grilled meat I caught in the sea. These fish are delicious and boneless," Lanper said, his eyes lighting up as she stood. He held a skewer of grilled fish.
He had only realized on land that she didn't eat raw meat. Now, he was learning to cook for her. He knew if others could care for her well, he could too.
"Wow, it smells amazing. I woke up because of this scent," Si Lu said, her pale face full of anticipation.
Black Obsidian set her down. Si Lu steadied herself and walked to the fire. She marveled at the palace—it was incredible that they could have fire underwater. Of course, the palace was a separate space, free of water, filled with air. It felt like being on land, surrounded entirely by the ocean—a magical space.
"So, my cooking should be okay. It might not be as good as Bai Di's, but as long as it's edible for you, I'm satisfied," Lanper said.
"Looks perfect to me. By the way, your merfolk palace is amazing. Outside is all water, but inside feels like land, with air and even fire. How is that possible?" Si Lu asked, curious.
Lanper shrugged. "I don't know the specifics. My parents left this palace. They created a small space that prevents seawater from entering. The air flows in from the surrounding water, so it never runs out."
He only knew this much. The palace and space were built by his parents, and it had remained unchanged for years.
Si Lu's eyes widened. "Your parents are incredible, creating such a special space!"
"Sorry, I mentioned your parents suddenly. Don't worry, you'll see them eventually. We'll travel to other continents one day, right?" she said, comforting him. She noticed a tinge of sadness and longing in his expression.
"Don't worry, Si Lu. I'm just missing them. And you're right—we'll visit the high continents. Maybe I'll meet them and introduce you as my beloved," Lanper said.
"Now, try this. I specially grilled these shrimp for you. There's a giant one I steamed as well, and some roasted meat. Pick whichever you like," Lanper said, presenting the shrimp and starting to peel them for Si Lu.
Black Obsidian took a piece of grilled meat, cut it into small pieces, and placed them in her bowl.
"I even prepared chopsticks, since I know you're used to them," Lanper said, handing her three pairs of clean wooden chopsticks.
Merfolk didn't use these, but he had noticed her habits before, so he prepared them in advance.
"You're so thoughtful, Lanper," Si Lu praised, picking up the chopsticks and starting to eat the shrimp. The shrimp were naturally salty from the sea—no seasoning needed. Fresh and delicious.
Beside her, Black Obsidian fed her grilled meat with chopsticks. He wasn't hungry yet; his priority was feeding her.
"Eat, weren't you hungry?" he asked gently, holding the chopsticks to her lips.
Si Lu smiled and opened her mouth.
"How's the taste?" Lanper asked nervously, watching her.
It was the first time he had cooked cooked food for her alone. Previously, Bai Di and others guided him, so he wasn't worried. But now, he wasn't sure if she would like it.
"It's great! I didn't expect your skills to be so good, Lanper. Only three or four days of training, and you made such delicious seafood," Si Lu said.
"Just missing a bit of soul in the seasoning," she added, pulling out a packet of chili powder.
Black Obsidian quickly took it from her. "If you want it, tell me. This chili is hot; your little hands would burn if you handled it."
"As long as you enjoy it, that's enough. I was worried you wouldn't like it. This is my first time cooking grilled meat for you—I just don't want to disappoint you," Lanper said.
"Don't worry, it's delicious. Adding chili makes it even better," Si Lu smiled. She loved spicy food and had been waiting for chili.
"Of course! I have plenty of chili. A meal isn't complete without it," she said, taking a skewer herself.
Just then, a cheerful voice rang out.
"What are you eating? Smells amazing! I can smell it from far away!"
A dazzling golden figure swam quickly toward them. Si Lu immediately recognized him—Lanper's brother, Golden Yang.
In the merfolk, Lanper was the only blue merman, while his brother Golden Yang had a golden tail. Pure and noble bloodlines.
"Brother! You're back! Perfect timing—we're having a seafood feast with grilled meat. Come join us!" Lanper said excitedly.
"I didn't expect you'd return so quickly. I thought you'd stay on land for ten days or half a month…"
"Si Lu, welcome back to the merfolk tribe," Golden Yang said gently, his golden eyes shimmering.
Black Obsidian's gaze flickered at the sight.
"Thanks! Sit, join us for the grilled meat. By the way, let me introduce—this is my partner, Black Obsidian. Black Obsidian, this is Golden Yang, the tribe leader and Lanper's full brother," Si Lu formally introduced.
Black Obsidian and Golden Yang greeted each other politely.
"Try the seafood feast I made. Brother, taste it and tell me how it is," Lanper said eagerly.