Hard-Earned Meal

Previous Table of Contents

　With that, Rekka ladled the "Otherworldy Good Soup" into the wooden plate offered to him.
　A warm aroma spread through the air, making saliva pool in the mouth.
　He placed it on Finn's lap.

“Okay, stay, stay...”

　He held out his palm to stop Finn, who was growling, "Grrrrrr..."

“Paw.”

　Finn placed his left hand on Rekka's right hand.

“Other hand.”

　Finn placed his right hand on Rekka's left hand.

“Good, that's it!!!!”

　The disciplined young soldier grabbed his wooden spoon and began to devour his dinner.

“...No, what are you doing?”
“Well, he's kind of dog-like...”
“Well, if it's between a dog or a cat... hmm...”
“Me too! Serve me too!!”
“And why are you regressing into a toddler, you?!!!! Hey, eat!!!! Eat your fill!!!!”
“I'm diggin' in, gulp gulp!!!!”
“You're the first person I've ever seen eat before finishing saying 'itadakimasu'!!!!”

　Well, with that, ignoring the two starving people, the three relatively calmer ones waited for the sweet potatoes to boil and soften before they began to eat.

“...Hmm.”
“♪”

　Sojuro and Shirley looked at each other.

“The sweetness of the root vegetables and greens blends perfectly with the umami of the kelp. The fat from the spirit bear has melted into it, adding a deep richness. So that's why you simmered the broth for so long. The lean meat has also turned out tender and flaky. The crunchy texture of the mushrooms is also pleasant.”

　Shirley nodded, bobbing her head.

“This is amazing, it's so good!!!! Aren't you a genius!? Isn't Rekka-kun a total genius!?”
“Indeed, it is quite impressive. I didn't know you had such a talent.”
“Right, right!!!! Worship me!!!! Bow down!!!!”
“Seconds!”
“Seconds too!”
“Hey, get in line!!!! And wait for your serving while holding gratitude and respect for Lord Rekka in your hearts!!!!”
““Okay!!””
“Finn-kun is one thing, but Lady Line... have you lost your pride to your appetite... how pathetic...”

　Line Schneewittchen, whose reputation as a noble, brave, and clever female knight had plummeted in the last few hours.
　She is currently stuffing her mouth full of ingredients like a squirrel.

“It's delicious, isn't it, Lady Line?”
“Yes, very!”

　But they look so incredibly happy, so I guess it's fine.

　●

　With a small burp to release the air from his stomach, Finn sat down in front of the campfire.
　It was delicious. He had eaten until his stomach felt a bit tight. It hindered his movements. As a soldier, this was behavior he should refrain from.
　With blood flowing to his digestive system, his head felt fuzzy. The night breeze was pleasant.

“Your Highness, now that we’ve had our fill, shall we do it?”

　Leene called out to the princess.
　Shirley nodded and stood up.
　The two exchanged glances and giggled. It was a mischievous smile, as if they were sharing some kind of secret.

“Oh, what’s the matter?”
“Um, well, you see, just a little...”

　Vaguely, the two walked over to a nearby giant tree.
　In front of the men, who watched with curiosity, the elf mistress and her servant placed their palms against the trunk.

“Mother Forest. Through your protection and blessings, we have been able to sustain our lives today as well. We offer our gratitude.”

　Then, a warm light rose from Leene’s body and flowed into the giant tree through the hand touching the trunk.
　However, almost no light came from Shirley, who was touching it in the same way. Only a weak, faint glow illuminated the princess’s silhouette; it could hardly be called “rising.”

“Eh...”

[To be continued]

Check these out too!

Private awards currently being held!