I decided to make a simple dish. There aren't many ingredients around. "I think if I prepare some meat with a really tasty sauce, that should be enough. And maybe a salad too."
Excited, I grabbed the meat from the refrigerator and used fire magic to defrost it. I had to be careful not to accidentally cook it in the process. Once it was fully thawed, I cut it into evenly sized cubes and seasoned it.
After that, I set the meat aside so it could absorb the flavor of the spices.
A few minutes later, I placed a pan on the stove and let it heat up a little before adding some butter.
Then, I threw in the meat and began searing it.
I turned the heat down slightly, covered the pan, and let the meat cook while I worked on the sauce.
"Tomatoes, salt, pepper."
I made a completely homemade tomato sauce.
I placed the tomatoes in a pot and used wind magic to create a sort of blade that chopped them into tiny pieces. Then I seasoned them carefully and set the pot over the fire.
The sauce started to simmer and bubble. I tasted it and added a bit more seasoning.
It turned out thick, but perfect.
"The flavor is great…"
Then I checked the meat — also perfect. I shouldn't let it cook too much longer.
I thought about pouring the sauce over the meat in the pan, but decided not to.
I closed both pans and began preparing the salad. I diced the tomatoes and picked some lettuce leaves. I seasoned the salad lightly, since there was already plenty of flavor in the meat and sauce.
"That was quicker than I expected. It's a simple dish, but tasty enough."
And this time, I didn't use bear meat — so the flavor was really good.
Once everything was ready, I opened the kitchen door that Serie had rebuilt. But as soon as I did, I found Serie right outside. She had been leaning against the door and almost fell over.
"What?
"Cough Cough..." Serie turned away, coughing. "Sorry. I was just worried, so I stayed nearby in case you needed help."
"Are you sure about that?" I smiled and stepped closer. "Are you sure you weren't just drawn in by the smell?"
"Of course not! I wouldn't be tempted by a smell so..."
"Good? Hehehe."
"Why are you laughing like that? And what's with this attitude?"
"What? Is it weird?"
"Of course it is! You never used to cook, so how can you make something that smells this good?!"
"She's right — it does smell amazing," Riveria said as she walked in. "It's making me hungry."
"And you, Lyuu, do you like the smell?" I asked.
Lyuu paused her reading and looked at me, confused. Then she sniffed the air, catching the scent of the meat and sauce. "Hmmm, it smells great." She set her book aside — for the first time — and ran into the kitchen.
She approached the pots and sniffed again.
"Wow, it really does smell good. Why can't you make something that smells this good, sis?"
Sis?
Ah, Serie! So she calls Serie her sister. I hadn't noticed that before.
"Shut up, Lyuu!"
"Ah, I'm sorry…" Lyuu flinched at Serie's outburst.
"Hey, Serie, don't yell at her. Come here, Lyuu, I'll fix you a plate. Once you've got it, go sit at the table."
"Okay!" Lyuu replied cheerfully.
I placed some meat on her plate and poured the sauce on top. I added the salad to the side. Some of the sauce mixed with the salad, but that was fine. Lyuu started drooling the moment I handed her the plate.
The others seemed excited too, so I made plates for all of them.
As soon as we all sat down and started eating, everyone's plate was empty in no time.
Even a simple meal can bring so much happiness to others...
For some reason, I felt incredibly happy to have made something good for people who matter to me.
I had never felt this kind of satisfaction before.
Are you happy, Isaac? I placed a hand over my chest.
####
After we all finished eating, Riveria said she was ready to leave, but I asked her to stay until tomorrow. It wouldn't be long before nightfall.
Well, it wouldn't really be a problem for her to be out at night. Monsters rarely appear around here anymore, and if there are bandits, she can handle them easily.
In the past, it wasn't common to encounter bandits around here, but that seems to have changed.
It's surprising, considering bandits need to be part of a Familia to be strong.
If there are so many bandits now, then a lot of Familias must be allowing this kind of thing.
"I don't think it's a good idea. I need to head back soon — I've got a lot of work to do."
"You told me you're currently the vice-captain of the Loki Familia, right? What do you usually do there? Paperwork?"
"Something like that. It's boring work, but I enjoy it."
"I see. I'm curious."
"Why don't you come with me?"
"Are you insane? If I show up in town, it'll cause chaos."
"It was just a joke." Riveria gave a small laugh. "But since you're so insistent, I guess I can stay the night."
"But I didn't insist…"
"Of course you didn't," Riveria said playfully, then sat on the couch next to Lyuu.
They started chatting, and Riveria began giving her some advice.
I sighed, and Serie walked over.
"Are you planning to train today?"
"No, not today. I just want to rest and think about my next steps."
"Do you really think Freya is behind all of this?"
"Hmmm…" What Riveria said makes a bit of sense, but I'm not sure. "Maybe? I don't know for sure, so I'm not going to do anything rash."
Honestly, even if I were sure, I'm still not strong enough to act just yet.
I'm strong, but taking on the entire Freya Familia at once would be a problem. I need to accumulate a lot more mana.
"I also think she could be the one responsible, but… I don't really trust Loki."
"Well, you don't have to trust her." I shrugged and walked toward the stairs. "I'm going to sleep for a while. Wake me up in a few hours."
"A few hours? I'll be asleep by then!"
I didn't care what she said and headed to Serie's room.
I threw myself onto the bed and fell asleep quickly.
As soon as I slipped into a deep sleep, I began having a very fun dream.
####
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Next Chapters: Chapter 29 - Heiter and Fern. / Chapter 30 - Nine More Elves. / Chapter 31 - Bloody Night. / Chapter 32 - Dual Conversion?