[Cooking +0.05]
[Cooking (Beginner) 100/100]
[Cooking - Proficient↑]
[Reward: Enchantment]
[Food consumed provides a slight boost to physical abilities for 30 minutes after eating]
"...Seems unexpectedly quite useful."
Muttering to himself, Fred looked at the explanation of this skill.
Though, wouldn't it be more fitting to call it "cat food"?
He inwardly complained, but Fred wasn't actually dissatisfied.
Even if it's only a slight boost, on a battlefield where a single misstep could cost your life, every little bit helps.
Though it's fixed to only affect himself—can't buff others.
"Bro?"
On the other side, Nicol turned away from the pot of soup, puzzled, to look at the young man who had turned off the stove while stir-frying and now stood frozen.
"It's nothing. It's ready, let's plate it."
Fred shrugged, then continued.
"By the way, after we finish eating, call the others to go out and 'aid digestion.'"
Since there would be a boost, he wanted to see just how much.
And the quickest way to do that, of course, was to have a fight.
"Huh?"
Hearing Fred's words, Nicol's face turned bitter.
He knew exactly what "aid digestion" meant.
He hadn't expected that even coming here for a meal would involve extra training.
Though the other two would probably be more than willing.
"Alright, we'll talk after eating."
Fred laughed, cutting off Nicol's unfinished grumbling.
"Oh..."
Since there was no changing this brother's mind once he decided, Nicol could only nod gloomily in agreement.
The two soon brought the dishes they had prepared to the dining room.
Over the large dining table, wisps of steam rose, carrying mouthwatering aromas.
Seeing this, everyone picked up their chopsticks or served themselves rice, and the warm, lively atmosphere of daily life quickly filled the room.
...
"Did brother's cooking get even better?"
After taking his first bite, Athrun looked at the dishes in surprise.
The already delicious food now seemed even tastier.
It lifted the spirits, brightened the eyes, and left everyone feeling more energetic.
Of course, it wasn't drugged—it was just the excitement of eating something truly delicious.
"Practice makes perfect."
Fred smiled.
"And it's all thanks to you guys."
The others twitched their lips at his words.
They understood what Fred meant, but still—fighting and research were one thing, how could he have such talent for cooking too?
It was downright insane.
Though they all likely thought something similar, everyone's chopsticks moved a little faster.
Afraid that eating too slowly would mean missing out.
Especially between Athrun and Yzak, who carried over their competitive tension from fighting, exchanging glances as their chopsticks clashed like weapons.
"Don't you mind the mess..."
Fred muttered inwardly at the sight before speaking up.
"Leave some for the others."
"...Got it."
After Fred spoke, the two toned it down a bit.
Watching from the side, Lacus covered her mouth with a light laugh.
Though an elder brother can indeed act as a father, Fred truly resembled an old father figure.
However, she kept that thought to herself.
Watching Flay serve him dishes, he also reached out with his own hands, placing several pieces of meat into Flay's bowl.
Despite their vastly different personalities, everyone sitting around the dining table felt no sense of discord.
The lively meal came to an end, but even after eating, it wasn't advisable to exercise immediately. So, for once, the group gathered in the living room in front of the television, chatting idly.
In the warm and cozy living room, surrounded by the children and their parents, Fred felt a surge of emotion welling up inside him.
He had truly grown accustomed to this kind of life, and it would be nice if such peace could last forever.
Unfortunately, however, peaceful days were always destined to be shattered.
Just like the escalating tensions between the two factions reported on the television news before him.
Moreover, he didn't want to keep pushing himself to the brink of exhaustion forever.
Once the world achieved peace and he accomplished his goals…
He would finally allow himself to relax.
Surely, he would be even happier then.
Lost in Fred's thoughts, Nicol watched the evening news with a face full of concern.
["In the city's underground passages, voices supporting the 'Freedom Treaty Zodiac Alliance' are growing increasingly resolute. Through the camera lens, we can see a group of young people spontaneously gathering supplies."]
As the reporter's voice faded from the news broadcast, the chants of the supporters followed closely behind.
"The tragedy of George Glenn must never be repeated! PLANT must take control of its own destiny!"
The thunderous slogans echoed loudly, casting a complex mood over everyone present.
"I wonder when the fighting will break out."
Without the foundation of Blood Valentine, Nicol, or rather Yuri, clearly did not belong to the hawks.
"Hmph, once the war starts, I'll definitely wipe out all those invading Blue Cosmos bastards!"
"And the Council Nations blocking us from the outside!"
Speaking of this, Yzak's temper flared noticeably, his face clearly displeased.
"Then you'd better train hard, so you don't get killed instead."
Athrun teased.
"Hmph, I'll take you down first!"
Yzak said, rolling up his sleeves.
"Alright now, there'll be plenty of time for fighting later."
Nicol stood up, skillfully positioning himself between the two.
"You're always taking sides!"
Yzak grew even more dissatisfied.
"You're the one charging forward. Athrun hasn't even moved..."
Nicol muttered, but Yzak paid no heed, continuing to tussle with both Nicol and Athrun.
"Flay really has it tough."
Watching the lively boys, Lacus covered her mouth with a light laugh.
"Not really, they can fight all they want~"
Flay shrugged and laughed along, though this time, her smile didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Lacus, do you also think war is coming soon?"
The meaning of the earlier news was clear—it was preparing for war.
"I'm not sure, but... perhaps it's unavoidable."
Lacus lowered her gaze, lost in thought for a moment before shaking her head.
At this point, according to what Fred had said, the forces behind the Atlantic Federation wanted war.
For the sake of profit.
Given Fred's almost prophetic intelligence-gathering abilities, she had no reason to doubt the truth of his words.
"Is that so..."
Flay nervously lowered her gaze upon hearing this, her slender fingers intertwining restlessly, prompting Lacus to gently reach out and grasp the girl's hand, offering a comforting pat.
"It's alright, we're safe here."
This place had undergone countless reinforcements since the initial central hub modifications arranged by Fred. Especially at the time when they were preparing to publicly announce their research and officially begin mass-producing food.
Following Fred's suggestion, these three space colonies dedicated to food production had been fortified to a level comparable to the defenses of their capital, April City, and the military stronghold of February City.