After Ansel finished cooking, the rich aroma of roasted meat filled the air. He carefully wrapped the lamb in a container and headed back to the inn, the warmth of the fire still lingering on his hands. The savory scent was so inviting that it stirred Andrew from his restless sleep.
It was the hardest time in his life. An ordeal that tested his patience and resolve like never before. Cooking had never been his passion. In fact, it was something he had always struggled with.
The kitchen was a battlefield where pots boiled over, ingredients were forgotten, and meals often ended up burnt or undercooked. Yet, determined to improve, he turned to a guidance video he had found online. He hoped it would be the key to unlocking his culinary skills.
With the video playing on his small tablet, he carefully followed each step. He mimicked the chef's movements as best as he could. He chopped the lamps with trembling hands. He tried measuring spices with uncertain precision, and stirred the pot with cautious hope.
Every moment was filled with a mixture of anxiety and determination. As he silently prayed that this time, things would turn out differently.
He put the container on the table. Then, he opened the lid. Apparently, he hesitated before taking the first bite. The aroma was promising, but past failures made him wary.
He raised his hand to slice the meat. He put the meat into his mouth. Hopefully, it was edible.
To his surprise, the outcome was beyond what he had expected. The food was not only edible. It was actually quite good. It wasn't perfect, but it was a victory in itself.
A small smile crept onto his face as he savored the taste. For the first time, he felt a spark of confidence in the kitchen.
It was a reminder that even the hardest challenges could be overcome with patience and effort. This simple meal, born from trial and error, was more than just food. It was a symbol of his perseverance and growth.
Andrew's eyes fluttered open, his belly growling in response to the tantalizing smell. He sat up on his bed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. And immediately his thoughts turned to the meat.
He said eagerly. His voice was thick with hunger and gratitude. "Ansel, that smells delicious! You're so kind to bring me meat."
But Ansel's expression hardened as he shook his head firmly. He said, holding the food container protectively. "Don't eat!!! It's not for you."
Andrew's eagerness turned to frustration. He reached out, trying to snatch the food from Ansel's hands. He pleaded, his voice rising with desperation. "At least, let me take a bit."
"No way, it is not for you." Ansel replied. He stepped back to keep the container out of Andrew's reach.
"How about just one bite?" Andrew bargained. His eyes were wide and hopeful.
"No." Ansel repeated, his tone resolute.
Andrew's protest grew louder. "Ansel, why are you so stingy? I never calculated with you before!"
Their voices echoed softly in the quiet inn. But it wasn't just Andrew who had been awakened by the smell. From the shadows of the corner, a soft rustling sound announced the arrival of another presence. Rhea emerged gracefully from the depths of Viorenving, her form shimmering faintly in the dim light.
Andrew's eyes widened in surprise. He asked, stepping back slightly. "Hey, what kind of creature is that?"
Ansel smiled gently. His gaze was warm as he introduced her. "She's Rhea, my Guardian Spirit who takes care of Viorenving."
Rhea moved closer, her ethereal form gliding silently across the floor. She reached out and rubbed her head affectionately against the food container Ansel was holding. Her eyes gleamed with a quiet plea.
Ansel understood immediately. With a soft chuckle, he opened the food container to reveal the perfectly cooked lamb inside. He said kindly. "Eat this… I made it especially for you."
Rhea's eyes sparkled with gratitude as she delicately took a bite, savoring the meal prepared just for her. Andrew watched the exchange, a mixture of awe and curiosity filling his heart.
The warmth of the fire, the scent of the lamb, and the quiet companionship between Ansel, Andrew, and Rhea filled the inn with a peaceful, comforting vibe. It was a moment of shared kindness and unspoken bonds. A brief respite from the challenges that lay beyond the inn's sturdy walls.
Ansel gently rubbed Rhea's head, his fingers tracing the soft, shimmering strands of her ethereal form. He said softly, a hopeful smile playing on his lips. "Don't worry, I'll find a way to turn you into a human. You must look very beautiful when you are a human."
Rhea's eyes glimmered with a mixture of hope and longing. As if she could already imagine the life she might have walking among humans. Feeling the warmth of the sun on her skin, experiencing the world in a way she had never before.
But before Ansel could say more, Andrew's voice cut through the moment like a sharp wind. He leaned closer to Ansel, lowering his voice to a cautious whisper. He warned. His eyes flickered with concern. "Ansel, you better not do it. It's very forbidden and dangerous."
Ansel met Andrew's gaze steadily, his resolve unwavering. He said firmly. His voice carried the weight of his promise. "That's not a problem. I have promised to make her wish come true. She really wants to be human."
Andrew's expression twisted into disbelief and frustration. He exclaimed, shaking his head. Then, lowering his voice again. He added suspicion. "You're nuts!!! Is it her true desire or yours?"
The question hung in the air, heavy and unexpected. Ansel froze, his mind suddenly clouded with confusion.
The idea was completely unthinkable. Yet, Andrew's words echoed in his thoughts. It stirred feelings he had never dared to acknowledge.
He shook his head slightly, trying to dispel the thought, but it lingered stubbornly. The line between the protector and something more had begun to blur.
Ansel found himself wondering if, perhaps, Andrew's suspicion was closer to the truth than he wanted to admit.