When the broth reached a rolling boil, Leon pulled out a large copper hot pot—crafted in his high-temperature furnace during his spare time, the real reason he'd suggested hot pot. He set it over the hearth, stoking the fire to keep the liquid bubbling, then handed out wooden bowls filled with dipping sauces: minced garlic, green onions, perilla leaves, Sichuan pepper oil, and wasabi paste.
"Add wasabi or pepper oil if you like spice," he said. "For milder tastes, skip them—but I recommend trying a little. Sprinkle salt if it's not seasoned enough."
The warning was mostly for Im. Flower had already dumped a dollop of wasabi into his bowl, while Dahlia added just a pinch, wary of heat. It wasn't perfect—no vinegar, no chili, not even ginger—but the wasabi added a sharp kick that substituted for spice.
"Master, dip the meat until it changes color—then it's done," Leon said, demonstrating with his chopsticks. The others followed suit, vying to show Im how it worked.
Im struggled with his fork, spearing a slice of boar meat only to drop it into the broth. Leon quickly fished it out with his chopsticks, placing it in Im's bowl. "Chopsticks are much easier for this," Im admitted, smiling.
Chopsticks were common in Leon's family now, though they still set out knives and forks for guests—metal utensils were a status symbol, even if chopsticks were more practical. Dahlia and Flower had learned to use them during visits to Erika's Bakery, but Im had never bothered—until now.
He took a bite of the meat, eyes widening. The boar's gamey flavor was gone, replaced by a rich, savory taste balanced with spice. He speared a piece of radish, its white flesh tender and infused with broth, sweet and juicy—even better than the pork. "I think I'll learn to use chopsticks," he said firmly.
"Can you two hurry up? We'll never make it back before dark!" Leon called over his shoulder, glancing at the sinking sun.
The next day, they'd set off from Sarneth Town, tasked with delivering portions of the boar meat to their families as a token of filial piety. Now, they were trekking back to Linden Pine Valley, and Dahlia and Flower were lagging behind.
Dahlia pouted, adjusting the heavy trunk in her hands. "We're carrying so much stuff! You said we could bring whatever we wanted."
Leon sighed. "I said 'a few things,' not your entire bedrooms. Look at me—I just have a backpack and a basket of bread and spices." He gestured to his simple load, while Dahlia struggled with a backpack and two trunks, and Flower hauled his own suitcase plus another of Dahlia's.
They'd refused a carriage—Im had urged them to walk more, Leon hated bumpy rides, and they'd wanted to prove they were "adults" who didn't need family escorts. Regret had set in miles ago, but pride kept them going. Etho's inhabitants were sturdier than Earth's—even ten-year-old Dahlia could handle the weight, though she complained loudly. Leon didn't offer to help—they'd chosen this, and he wasn't bailing them out.
As they turned onto the path leading to the valley, they spotted a carriage parked by the road, with several people arguing nearby. Leon planned to slip past, but a knight in polished armor approached. "Excuse us—could you tell us how to get to Linden Pine Valley?"
"Linden Pine Valley?" Leon asked, curious. "There's nothing there but woods. Why are you looking for it?" The strangers' gear was finer than Sarneth's guards, and they didn't look local. He wondered if they were Im's enemies—though Im had said he'd cut ties with most friends after his mana backlash. "They don't look like killers—killers usually know where they're going," he thought.
A woman in a red dress stepped forward, her figure tall and striking, her lips full and sensual. Even in winter, her clothes were light, clinging to her curves. Leon's eyes widened—he'd have been smitten if he were a few years older, but at twelve, he just wondered how she kept her posture so straight without a corset.
Flower, however, stared openly, his gaze fixed on her chest. Leon elbowed him gently—puberty was hitting hard.
"Is Mage Im not living there?" the woman asked, her voice smooth. "That's the address he provided."
Leon recovered, stepping forward. "We're delivering supplies to the mage. Follow us." He didn't mention they were Im's apprentices—better to keep their guard up.
The woman smiled. "I'm Serena, a liaison from Valoka Merchant Guild. We're here to discuss a paper authorization." She glanced at Flower's lingering gaze but didn't seem offended.
Leon nodded, leading the way. "Flower, run ahead to tell Master Im we have guests." He wanted Im prepared—just in case.