Lefiya felt rather downcast.
While cooking, Finn kept reminding her not to trouble the boy. At first, she thought the Captain was looking down on her, assuming her clumsiness would ruin this long-awaited lunch. But she couldn't deny it—she was a magic idiot, nowhere near as capable as Bell Cranel.
Just when Lefiya had finally made peace with that, she realized Finn's real intention.
At this crucial time, don't cling to the boy.
That meaningful look on the Captain's face made the message painfully clear.
But ever since they'd met, it was always Bell Cranel who caused her trouble—saying embarrassing things, accidentally seeing her body again and again. Whether it was close contact or accidental rudeness, Lefiya had always chased him tirelessly, yet she forgave him every time.
So why, in the Captain's eyes, was she suddenly the one causing trouble?
Did he… think she was constantly demanding love… affection… from the boy…?
The thought made Lefiya trip and spill onto the grass in a panic. That strange frustration clung to her, refusing to leave.
"Ais-san…"
"Get up…"
Ais extended her right hand to her.
"Thank you…"
Lefiya herself never noticed it, but although the feeling was similar to when she was with the boy, she still felt a bit shy around this object of admiration—yet without the same lightness and excitement.
"Lefiya… I support you…"
Ais's expression barely changed, but her voice was gentle.
"...Alright? I'll do my best!"
Lefiya had no idea what she meant. Was she telling her to work harder at cooking?
Under that golden gaze, Lefiya agreed without understanding why.
For now, all she could do was try her best.
The moment the thought struck her, the boy's figure surfaced in her mind. Their promise to keep striving. He'd even said he remembered how she looked at that time, and once she grew stronger, he'd come praise her.
And the most important part… Bell Cranel actually did it.
Everything—her good points, her flaws, even the tiny details of her body—he remembered perfectly.
How could someone be so inconsiderate? Couldn't he spare a thought for a girl's feelings?
But no matter how she tried, Lefiya couldn't really release her anger.
Something soft and fragile—like a thin, dreamlike membrane—covered her heart. Even when her mind was filled with anger and embarrassment, chasing the boy relentlessly, she couldn't tear through it.
Was it because he saved Ais-san?
No… that wasn't it…
It was something else—an inexplicable irritation that tugged at her chest again and again.
Why…?
Lefiya couldn't understand.
She could only stare blankly at the boy, letting the fluttering in her chest grow stronger.
"Here, this is Lefiya-san's portion."
The boy set grilled meat, thick soup, and vegetable salad in front of her.
Riveria noticed and said, "Lefiya, you're still growing. It's better not to reject meat dishes."
Lefiya puffed her cheeks, thanked him, and accepted the food.
Then Bell smiled and said, "I noticed Lefiya-san doesn't like meat very much, so your portion isn't greasy. You can eat without worrying."
"Tha… thank you."
Lefiya felt even more confused.
Just last night, after a single meal together, he'd remembered these details.
Why remember something so trivial?
Whether matching her pace or helping her out of trouble…
Why did she care so much about these little things?
What an idiot.
The boy was an idiot, she was an idiot, and the Captain who couldn't read the atmosphere was…
Lefiya steadied her pounding heart and quietly began tasting the food.
Delicious…
What… what was this?
Even the familia cafeteria wasn't this good…
Did Bell Cranel really make all of this alone?
The meat dish she usually avoided disappeared in an instant.
If something tastes this good, I could eat as much as I want.
If only I could eat like this every day…
When Lefiya realized how easily satisfied she felt, her frustration deepened, along with that strange, hazy film around her heart.
...
"Argonaut, you make such delicious food? You'd probably earn more as a chef."
Tiona had already eaten several bowls.
Bell still wasn't used to that title. Looking at the innocent Amazoness girl, he replied with a wry smile.
"After I retire, I'll open a tavern…"
Riveria smiled gently.
"That sounds wonderful. I'll come help in the kitchen then."
The boy had only just become an Adventurer. Normally, people would say something like: If that day ever comes, I'll definitely be a regular customer.
Putting herself in the position of the tavern's co-owner… what was she thinking?
Gareth silently grumbled to himself. Compared to Riveria's overly biased remark, he was more preoccupied with the mead in his cup.
"Roasted meat truly needs mead! This seasoning blend reminds this old man of my days as a miner. Kid, you really know what you're doing!"
Finn nodded in admiration.
"This nostalgic flavor… it feels like we're back in our early days in Orario."
People's eating habits had changed little by little, but the dishes the young man prepared felt as if they'd traveled through time, carrying both men back to a bygone era. Beyond simple deliciousness, they held a bittersweet nostalgia for times past.
Paired with the mead, the flavors touched their tongues—both bitter and sweet.
Even the Lv6 trio, who had sampled countless delicacies, couldn't stop praising these dishes.
"Bell Cranel, teach me how to make these later!"
Tione had completely forgotten her earlier displeasure, determined to learn these "good wife and mother" dishes.
"Alright… sure."
Bell responded hesitantly.
Before cooking began, Tione was tasked with fetching water. Bell couldn't help but feel she was taking a bit too long.
At first, he suspected the water source was unclean and deliberately tasted it, finding nothing amiss.
Only after persistent questioning did he learn Tione had fetched water from the spring used for their baths.
Bell could only pour it out helplessly and fetch clean water, with Riveria accompanying him.
This incident remained known only to the three of them.
The complex expression on Riveria's face—both dignified and faintly bashful—remained vivid in Bell's memory even now.
After all, he had drunk it in front of her. He'd formally apologize later…
Exclamations of admiration snapped Bell back to reality.
"Amazing! Even Lefiya ate every last bite!"
Following Tiona's words, everyone turned to look at the usually picky-eating elf girl.
Lefiya kept her head down, staring blankly at the empty wooden bowl, lost in thought.
"You tried really hard, Lefiya-san. I'm glad it suited your taste."
Bell recalled how she'd only eaten vegetables the night before. As the cook, he felt quite reassured by this scene.
Feeling the stares, Lefiya lifted her head, her ears and cheeks flushing a sunset-like crimson.
"I-I didn't finish it because it was delicious, you idiot!"
"..."
"..."
Had Loki been present, she would surely have clutched her head in despair.
This is what they call tsundere!
Most of Loki Familia recalled the Familia God's words.
Except for one airhead.
"It's delicious… I… I finished too…"
As if countering Lefiya's words, Ais held up her wooden bowl, showing the boy its empty interior.
"I don't like carrots… I like fried potato balls… For the rest of my life… please take care of me?"
Ais handed over the wooden bowl, blinking her golden eyes as she stared blankly at the boy.
"....."
"....?!"
Bell was momentarily at a loss for words.
Lefiya felt her heart shatter.
Ais tilted her head. She'd merely stated her food preferences, and politely added the thank-you phrase Loki, the Chief Goddess, taught her—one meant only for crucial moments.
Was eating not crucial enough?
Why were they all looking at her like this…
The others fell silent at the airhead's words.
That tone of absolute certainty was practically a reservation—as if every day henceforth would be spent with the young man cooking for her. Coupled with that matter-of-fact expression and the added rest of my life, please take care of me, it felt like a direct claim.
If Loki were to put it, this was the so-called "main wife declaration."
"Ais, did Loki teach you that line?" Riveria asked.
"Mm…"
"Don't ever say that again."
Riveria stated firmly.
"Why…?"
"Just listen to me."
"Alright…"
Ais nodded.
She flicked back a stray strand of hair, glanced at the boy, then turned and walked away.
It seemed that crucial moment hadn't arrived yet...
...
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