Lyra worked as a farmer in that village. She had been working there for seven years, and her child was now seven years old.
On that bright morning, the sound of church bells rang out. Many people were farming, children ran around while playing. Only Simeon stood still, staring ahead with his blue eyes without blinking. A nine-year-old girl glanced at Simeon and tried to surprise him.
"Huah!" the girl shouted.
Simeon did not react. The girl then asked Simeon,
"What are you doing, just looking at everything like that?"
Simeon replied,
"Just looking at the scenery. I like beautiful and peaceful views."
"You have a strange hobby. You're like an adult," she said.
"This isn't a hobby," Simeon replied in a soft and warm voice.
"I just like this scenery."
"What's your name? My name is Noira Ashfall. You can call me Noir."
"Ah, I'm Simeon Durga. You can call me Simeon."
"Nice to meet you. If you don't mind, would you like to play with me? A fun game."
"What kind of game?" Simeon asked.
"Just come with me."
Noira grabbed Simeon's hand and started running.
"Ahhh—wait for me. I'm out of energy. Slow down when we walk," Simeon said with a tired face.
"Just come on," Noira replied.
Noira and Simeon arrived at a beautiful lake filled with fish.
"Whoever catches the most has to do what the winner says," Noira declared.
"Why did it suddenly become a contest?" Simeon said.
Simeon and Noira played in the water together, splashing water at each other.
"Ah, it's cold!" Noira said.
"Take this, Simeon!"
After playing, they managed to catch some fish.
"We got fish!" Noira said happily.
Simeon looked at them.
"The fish… there are quite a lot. How about we cook them?"
"How do you cook raw fish?" Noira asked.
"My mother has fire magic. Maybe we can grill them," Simeon said.
"That's a good idea," Noira replied.
They took a container to carry the fish, then brought ten fish back to Simeon's house.
Lyra was outside drying clothes.
"Mom! I got fish!" Simeon shouted happily.
"Where did you get the fish, my child?" Lyra asked.
"I got them while playing with Noira, and I want to cook them using your fire magic."
"That's fine. It might be delicious," Lyra said.
"I'll prepare the seasoning," Noira said.
"The seasonings are in the kitchen," Lyra replied.
"There's soy sauce, salt, and spicy seasoning."
"I'll prepare the plates," Simeon said.
"Yes," Lyra replied.
They grilled the fish. The aroma of the grilled fish was incredibly delicious, unmatched by anything else.
Noira prepared the chili sauce.
Simeon prepared wooden plates.
Lyra grilled the fish.
The harmonious scene was truly beautiful.
Simeon gathered dry tree branches and placed them on clean ground.
Lyra lit the fire, and the branches burned.
Simeon watched with an amazed expression.
Lyra went to Noira and taught her how to make chili sauce.
"Put in the chilies," Lyra said.
"Then what, aunt?" Noira asked.
"Crush the chilies, then add hot oil so it tastes better.
Then add shallots, soy sauce, and salt."
"Then what do we do next?"
"Crush the chilies and shallots together."
Lyra taught her like a mother teaching her own child.
After that, the fish was fully cooked. The skin looked tempting, and the fat dripped slowly.
"The fish is ready," Lyra said.
Simeon took the fish using a spoon. Each plate had three fish.
Noira ground the chili sauce seriously. The sauce looked spicy and tempting.
"It's time to eat," Simeon said.
They sat under a tall tree. The air was cool, and the breeze felt refreshing.
"Eat," Noira said.
"Eat," Simeon replied.
At the first bite, the fish meat and chili sauce blended perfectly, creating a delicious taste.
During the first few seconds, no one spoke. Then Noira's eyes widened.
"This is really delicious!" she exclaimed almost shouting.
"The fish from the lake is usually fishy, but this isn't!"
Simeon chewed with his eyes closed, enjoying the salty and spicy sensation on his tongue.
"Hot!" he shouted, waving his hand.
"But it's good!"
Lyra laughed lightly.
"I told you to blow on it first."
Noira chuckled and dipped her fish into the chili sauce again.
"The chili sauce is spicy, but just right. I made it myself."
Simeon tasted a little of the sauce.
"It's very spicy but delicious… though the taste is a bit strange."
Noira looked at Simeon.
"You talk strangely."
"I'm just saying what I feel," Simeon replied.
Lyra cut the fish into smaller pieces for Simeon.
"Eat slowly. Don't rush."
"Yes, Mom," Simeon replied.
"Simeon, do you often play with other children?" Noira asked.
Simeon shook his head.
"Not often. I usually just watch people work."
"That's boring," Noira said quickly.
"Not for me," Simeon replied.
"Watching people work makes me feel calm."
Lyra paused eating for a moment.
"You've been like that since you were little."
Noira took her second fish.
"Then tomorrow you have to play with me again. I don't want you just sitting quietly."
Simeon thought for a moment before answering.
"If it doesn't bother my mother, I will."
Lyra nodded.
"As long as you don't go to the lake alone."
"I promise, Mom," Simeon said.
They continued eating until the fish was gone. Nothing was left except bones and the tempting chili sauce.
"Thank you for the meal, Simeon and Noir," Lyra said.
"This is the first time I've eaten this much fish."
"You're welcome, Aunt Lyra," Noira replied.
Simeon walked Noir home.
"I'll walk you home," Simeon said.
"Oh, sure," Noira replied.
"Let's go," Simeon said.
They walked while chatting lightly.
"Hey, Simeon, would you marry me in the future?" Noira said cheerfully while hopping around.
Simeon's face turned red.
"Isn't it too early to think about something like that?"
"Yeah, I think so too," Noira said.
"But don't you think we're a good match?"
"I think so too," Simeon replied.
"I promise I will marry you in the future."
Noira blushed and looked surprised.
"Hey, I was just joking. Don't be so serious."
"Oh… I thought you were serious," Simeon said.
"If you become a knight in the future, I'll marry you," Noira said.
"Really?" Simeon asked.
"Of course."
They linked their pinky fingers, smiling brightly, filled with warmth.
"It looks like we've arrived," Noira said.
"See you later. Let's play again tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow," Simeon replied.