Siloque took a sip of his Cherry Coke, not at all disliking the subtle, cloying sweetness.
“I made a bit extra to celebrate defeating a strong enemy. To be more accurate, Inafa was the head chef this time, but as long as it makes my sister happy, I won’t fuss over the details too much.”
“Brother… could it be that Brother’s love is mixed in there too?”
“Yeah, there’s always love for you in there.” ‘The familial kind,’ he added silently.
Her gaze softened. “These are all just practice meals for Brother’s wedding banquet with Hill, right?”
“Hahaha…” Siloque gave a dry laugh. “It’s just a normal victory banquet. How did it turn into me marrying you?”
A complex expression appeared on Inafa’s face. “Is this how you two siblings usually get along?”
“Hill will definitely finish it all!” Hill picked up a knife, fork, and chopsticks, striking a pose with her hands like Wolverine’s claws, ready to dig in.
“It wasn’t just me; Inafa made dishes for you too, like that sauerkraut soup. I tried it; it’s sweet, sour, and melts in your mouth. It’s delicious.”
“Hmph… there’s no point in a stupid human like you praising me. This is just to show my gratitude for Hill protecting me, nothing more. If there had been enough time, I would have made a mango cake.” Inafa hurriedly poured a bottle of Sprite into a goblet and downed it in one go.
“Thank you, Illyon! I can’t wait any longer. Can I eat now?”
“Hehe,” Inafa chuckled softly. “A lady should eat properly, but since you’re a warrior, Hill, there’s no need to be formal. Well then, let the dinner officially begin!”
Because the table was so large, Siloque had previously installed an automatic turntable so they wouldn’t have to climb onto the table to reach the food. Although they had Inafa’s permission, the siblings waited for the host to take a piece of a sandwich first before they started. Hill first tried to grab a turkey leg, but when she found it difficult to pick up with chopsticks, Siloque helped her by wrapping it in paper and pulling it off for her.
Inafa took a large bite of her sandwich.
The toasted bread was crispy yet firm, the grilled white fish had a rich aroma, and the tomato sauce carried a hint of vanilla. The combination made Inafa’s brain stop thinking. After chewing thoroughly and swallowing, she looked at Siloque with teary eyes.
“Mom…”
“At the very least, you should call me Dad.” Siloque broke into a cold sweat. ‘Wait, does this taste good or bad? Didn’t she say her mom’s cooking didn’t taste like it belonged in this world?’
As if sensing Siloque’s confusion, Inafa recovered and cleared her throat. “The quality isn’t exceptionally high, but… I didn’t expect the taste to be this good. It’s okay, I guess. It’s only slightly better than what I make.”
“I think it’s a lot better. After all, cooking is my greatest talent. I won’t lose in that department.”
“Ugh, you’re not being humble this time, stupid human.”
Inafa stopped talking and began to eat slowly but steadily, her small mouth moving without pause.
“I understand, I understand. Everyone is moved the first time they eat Brother’s cooking.” Hill chewed on the tender stewed beef and took an enjoyable sip of the sour fish soup, looking as though she were ascending to heaven.
After quietly finishing a bowl of pineapple sweet and sour pork with rice, Inafa finally spoke up. “By the way, Tiana said that you and Hill helped her find a wife, a female dragon named Edriel.”
“We didn’t exactly find her. Tiana and Edriel already had feelings for each other. It was only a matter of time before they got together; we just gave them a little push.”
“Hehe… Tiana was always following me around, but she really has found her own happiness now.” A lonely yet relieved smile appeared on Inafa’s face.
“They settled down right near here. You don’t have to worry about waking up and never seeing her again. There will always be someone to keep you company.”
“Stupid human, don’t talk to me like I’m a child… but I’ll believe you, though I’m not getting my hopes up. Well, she was my pet to begin with, so there’s no reason to worry about her running off.” Inafa convinced herself and took another sip of her soda. “I’m a bit curious—just a tiny bit. Since Tiana is my pet, it’s normal to be concerned. Specifically, how did you help her?”
‘She wanted to ask this from the start… She should just ask directly instead of stacking so many buffs.’
“Me, me, me, me, me! Let Hill tell it!” Hill seemed impatient to start. Siloque and Inafa waited quietly for her to swallow her beef.
After clearing her throat, his sister began her tale. “It was a day when black clouds blotted out the sky, a chilling wind blew, and monsters were stirring restlessly in the forest…”
‘Something feels off from the very start. Wasn’t the weather amazing the day we set out?’ Siloque felt a sense of unease.
Hill spent the next 10 minutes embellishing the story. Inafa listened with great interest, while Siloque repeatedly struggled to keep a straight face. He knew that if he corrected every detail, they would be there forever. ‘Who knew Hill had the talent to be a CNN journalist? It’s a waste the television stations haven’t recruited her.’
“How could this be? The stupid human killed 100 wild dragons with a single punch and even separated the Lake Center to create a new home for Tiana and the others?” The respect in Inafa’s eyes for Siloque rose sharply.
“He is Hill’s cool brother, after all!” Hill turned her head and playfully stuck her tongue out at Siloque while giving him a thumbs-up. Suddenly, her expression shifted to one of regret.
“What’s wrong, Hill? Stomachache?”
“No, that’s not it… the beef is so good, mmm.” Hill rolled some beef into a thin pancake, spread some salad dressing on it, and muttered under her breath. “Wow, the food was so good that Hill got careless. The original plan was to keep making Illyon hate Brother… If I make Brother sound too cool, won’t Illyon fall for him?”
Siloque’s face was lined with frustration. His sister had painted his image as far too heroic, and he didn’t know how to respond. Based on the principle of honesty, he decided to warn Inafa.
“Only ten percent of what my sister said is true. Don’t believe all of it.”
“Huh? …Of course I know that! *Burp*.” Inafa self-consciously covered her mouth.
Unfortunately, they only managed to finish half of the feast. Hill insisted she would eat until she died, but Siloque quickly stopped her; this wasn’t a competitive eating challenge. He and Inafa carried the dishes back to the refrigerator in the kitchen to save for the next day. Regardless, his sister and Inafa had enjoyed themselves, and Siloque felt deeply satisfied.
‘If Bried were here, she might have finished it all. No, she definitely would have finished it, leaving not even a drop of sauce.’ Thinking of his childhood friend’s boisterous eating habits, Siloque smiled. ‘Maybe she’s swinging a bamboo sword in the dojo right now.’
“Ugh, Brother, I’m so full. Hill feels a bit sick…”
“Are you trying to make me carry you? Don’t force yourself if you can’t eat any more.” Siloque smiled bitterly as Hill clutched her bulging little stomach. Inafa led the way as the two humans and one ghost walked down the corridor.
“Stupid human.” Inafa spoke with a soft, sweet voice while keeping her back to them about a meter ahead. “This is the first time so many people have eaten in the castle. I don’t dislike having everyone eating together like this.”
“Is that so? I’m honored.” ‘If three people counts as a crowd, you must have been very lonely before.’
Siloque resisted the urge to play a prank by picking Inafa up. Inafa quickened her pace. Perhaps she felt the same way he did—seeing guests enjoy the food made her feel satisfied as a cook.
Outside the window, the moon began to rise.