Clack clack clack~
The sound of a knife rhythmically hitting the cutting board echoed through the kitchen.
Saber stood behind Shichen, a little surprised as she watched him expertly chopping vegetables.
She'd known from the start that her Master was different. The moment she was summoned, she could tell—his stats were off the charts, especially his mana, which was downright ridiculous.
A Servant's stats were always influenced by their Master. For her to be this strong, it could only be because of Shichen.
But now… seeing someone that powerful in the kitchen, cooking of all things? Yeah, she realized she didn't know him at all.
"Saber, you don't need to stick around. Go wait with Illya and the others," Shichen said casually while slicing.
"No... a Servant should stay close to their Master," Saber replied seriously.
"But you weren't following me just a moment ago, were you?"
"That's because..." Saber opened her mouth, but had no good comeback.
"Heh~ I'm just teasing. It's safe here, you don't need to hover around me all the time."
"I…"
"You're not here to sneak a bite or anything, right?"
"Of course not!" Saber answered, totally serious.
"Then we're good. Go hang out in the living room. Sella and Leysritt are helping me here."
Sella and Leysritt were already helping wash veggies. About two and a half months ago, Shichen started cooking regularly again—after being so chill for a while, his hands were itching for something to do. Unsurprisingly, Illya and the others fell in love with his cooking after just one meal.
And after that? Lunch and dinner became his job by default.
How could he say no when his daughter asked for her dad's cooking? Plus, watching Frieren eat his food was always fun.
Though... she had this soda obsession. Wanted to drink it with every meal. One time she even snuck out to Fuyuki City just to buy some.
Got the money from Irisviel too—without a shred of shame.
But after Shichen found out, she stopped getting spending money and couldn't go on soda runs anymore.
Still, Frieren knew exactly how to get her way—just act cute. One time when they were out of soda, she used the full force of her puppy eyes and ended up scoring an unlimited soda pass.
And let's just say... what she "traded" for it wasn't her body—but it was close.
"…Alright then."
Saber glanced at Sella and Leysritt doing their thing and realized she really wasn't needed. She nodded and turned to leave.
Shichen watched her go, then went back to chopping.
Saber had ditched her armor and was now wearing a tight, knight-style blue outfit. Despite her petite frame, her curves were surprisingly defined—her bust and hips especially stood out in that snug uniform.
He couldn't help but wonder what she'd look like if she could still grow... but her body was fixed now. Shame, really.
"Shichen, what are you making today?"
"Going with Japanese again?"
Sella and Leysritt asked in turn.
"Nope. Chinese food this time."
He ended up cooking a lot. After about two and a half hours, everything was done and he started calling everyone to help serve.
"Daddy! Smells so good!"
"Onii-chan, we'll help!"
"Be careful~"
"Okay!"
"Saber, let's go help too!"
Saber looked at the table, eyes locked on the mountain of food. The delicious aroma made her mouth water. She could feel her throat wanting to swallow even before taking a bite.
"Not sure if it's your thing, so I made a little extra," Shichen smiled at her, seeing her dazed look.
"Maybe… a little too much?"
"Can't say for sure." His eyes dropped to her flat stomach.
"What?" Saber caught the glance.
"Nothing. Just eat—don't worry."
"Servants don't need to eat."
"It's fine. It's not like you can't. Besides, don't you wanna strengthen our bond a little? Try my cooking—you'll see."
"...Alright."
"Iri, you guys finish up—I'm gonna go grab Frieren."
"Got it~ Saber, let's go!"
"Mm…"
Shichen smiled and didn't bother hiding his power—he just vanished on the spot.
"Huh?" Saber blinked wide-eyed.
"Hehe~ Cool, right?" Irisviel said proudly. "Shichen's got some crazy abilities."
"What kind of ability is that? Who is he, really?"
"I don't really know either. Maybe he's a Heroic Spirit too."
"…Eh?"
Meanwhile, Shichen teleported into Frieren's room.
It was pitch dark, except for a small glow from her magic light orb. She was lying on her bed, reading manga.
Even though electricity wasn't an issue, she insisted it felt more "atmospheric" to read like this. She'd been doing it for a while.
Shichen just hoped she wouldn't end up nearsighted.
"Lunchtime," he said, hopping onto the bed and giving her a playful slap on the butt.
"Nnngh… Already?" Frieren squirmed a bit but didn't resist.
"Morning's almost over. Get changed."
She was wearing a thin camisole nightgown.
"It's just us, why change?"
She closed her manga, getting ready to sit up.
"There's a newcomer today. You can't just show up like that."
"Newcomer? Another girl?"
"Oh? That sharp, huh?"
"Hmph. Don't I know you?"
"You're scary smart," Shichen said, pulling her into his arms and tugging at her cheeks.
"Mmgh… stop it…" Frieren mumbled—but didn't fight it at all.
"Let's see if you snuck any soda."
"How would you tell?"
"Easy."
He turned her around, pulled her into a hug, and kissed her.
"Mmm…"
Caught off guard, Frieren blinked, then gave in and closed her eyes.
After a long moment, they pulled apart.
"Not bad. Doesn't taste too much like soda."
"You're so annoying… Are we eating or what?" she said, wiping her mouth and rolling her eyes.
"Yeah, let's go."
She threw on her fluffy white coat, and they headed to the dining area together.
Everyone was already there.
"Huh?"
As the two appeared, Saber's eyes locked onto Frieren, and her brows furrowed.
Unlike Shichen, Saber could clearly sense the magic power coming from Frieren. And those ears…
"Saber, let me introduce you. This is Frieren—she's an elf."
"An elf?" Saber frowned even more.
She'd met actual spirits before—her sword was a gift from a lake spirit, after all. But Frieren felt… different.
"Oh, Frieren's probably not like the elves you're used to. Don't worry about it—just think of her as a shut-in."
"How rude," Frieren muttered.
"I'm just being honest. Am I wrong? Illya, Sakura—what do you think?"
"Yup! Frieren's totally a shut-in."
"We barely even see her…"
"…Fine. I'll just eat quietly," Frieren grumbled, giving in.
"Alright, thanks for waiting. Let's eat." Shichen took his seat.
"Saber, help yourself. Try everything. Hope Chinese food suits your taste."
"Okay."
Saber looked at the unfamiliar dishes with a serious face. She picked up the chopsticks, grabbed a bite, and slowly put it in her mouth.
As the flavor exploded across her tongue, she closed her eyes involuntarily, completely satisfied.
She opened her eyes again, already eyeing the other dishes—then realized everyone was staring at her.
"Uh…"
"Saber, is Shichen's cooking that good?" Irisviel asked with a smile.
"Mm…" Saber was a little embarrassed at how much she'd just shown on her face.
"Alright, stop staring and dig in," Shichen said.
"Okay!"
Everyone picked up their chopsticks.
Saber breathed a sigh of relief and looked back at the dishes, then glanced around to make sure no one was watching… and went right back to eating.
The meal didn't last long. Even though Shichen had made a lot, every dish was wiped clean.
It wasn't because the kids ate a ton—there was only one real reason.
Saber, now sitting with her eyes closed, looking blissed out.
Feeling everyone's stares, she opened her eyes and blinked in confusion. "Why are you all looking at me like that?"
Except for Shichen, everyone else was clearly shocked.
"Saber… you can really eat," Irisviel said.
"Huh?"
"You ate more than all of us combined," Illya added.
"Was it that much?"
"You're basically a food vacuum," Frieren said dryly.