Chapter 50

"Welcome."

Emma's cheerful voice echoes. Master, peeking out from the kitchen, gives a slight bow, a familiar scene.

Noah pulls out a chair for me and sits down next to me. The distance between us, which used to be a chair apart, is now so close that we almost touch.

"What will you have today?"

"Two ales. And then something from the recommended meat dishes."

"Okay. Alicia, would you like meat too?"

"Yes, please."

Master seems to have already started cooking, as the pleasant smell of cooking meat and the light sizzle of oil can be heard.

"Here, first the ales and... try this."

I take the mug filled with ale with both hands, feeling its weight. The appetizer appears to be a mushroom tart.

"Looks delicious. Cheers."

I clasp my hands in a brief prayer, but I always end up speaking quickly when I come here. I raise my mug in a toast with Noah next to me.

"Cheers."

Despite intending to take just a sip, the cold ale is so delicious that I end up drinking half of it in one go. My breath, when I exhale, is already tinged with alcohol.

"Maybe it's because summer is approaching. Cold ale is so good."

"What about ale in winter?"

"That's good too."

Noah's teasing voice makes me nod in agreement, only to be laughed at.

"But it's delicious, so what can I do?"

"You're drinking it all at once too, aren't you?"

"Whether it's summer or winter, drinking with you is always delicious."

"Always saying things like that..."

My lips curve into a smile. Noah knows that I can't say anything more when he says such things. He takes another mug with a nonchalant look. I take another sip of ale and then turn to the mushroom tart.

The fork cuts through the flaky pastry, releasing a mix of white sauce-coated mushrooms and spinach. The combination of the rich mushroom flavor and the smooth white sauce fills my mouth. The slightly salty cheese and the subtly sweet pastry crust complement each other beautifully, making it incredibly delicious.

"This tart is so delicious. The cheese has a unique flavor."

"It's not regular cheese. Goat cheese, maybe?"

"Right on. We use goat cheese. It doesn't melt easily but has a fragrant taste, doesn't it?"

Hearing our conversation, Emma peeks out from the kitchen and smiles. I nod and take a bite of just the cheese, which is indeed fragrant and delicious. This unique flavor pairs well with the ale, and I finish my mug. I want to try wine too, but I'll have another ale next.

"Goat cheese has this taste. You really know, Noah."

"I was stationed at the northern fort, where they had goat milk."

"Is that so? What was the food like at the fort?"

Noah was stationed at the northern fort during the deep winter. Even though we couldn't see each other then, it's now a precious memory.

"I think it was good. It was sufficient given the limited supplies, but I prefer choosing and eating what I like."

"You came back thinner, didn't you?"

"That was... well, something else."

"Something else..."

Something else. I want to ask more, but my attention is drawn to a pleasant smell.

Turning, I see Emma and Master placing plates on the counter.

The bone-in chicken thigh is generously coated with a nut sauce, and the aroma of rosemary wafts through the air.

"Chicken thigh with nut sauce. The chicken is cooked until it's tender and delicious."

Emma places a refill of ale in front of me and leaves, saying, "Take your time," before returning to the kitchen. Master, who is washing dishes, rolls up his sleeves and stands next to her, a familiar sight that brings a smile to my face.

I pick up my knife and fork and start cutting the meat. It's surprisingly tender, and the knife slides through effortlessly. I could probably cut it with just a fork.

I coat a piece with the nut sauce and take a bite.

"Mmm, delicious."

"Yeah, it's good."

Walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts are visible in the sauce. The tender meat and the fragrant nut sauce complement each other well. The meat is slightly sweet and full of flavor, making it incredibly delicious.

"This will make the ale go down well."

"Definitely. What about the bread?"

"I'll have some! Emma, can I have some bread?"

"Sure."

Noah is laughing in the corner of my eye, but I can't be bothered. Dipping the bread in this sauce will definitely be delicious.

The basket Emma brings is filled with beautiful coupe bread. When I take one, it's so hot I can't hold it.

"Shouldn't you wait a bit?"

"Hot things should be eaten while they're hot."

I try to cool the bread by passing it between my hands, but Noah snatches it away without a care, breaking it in half.

"Here."

"...Thanks. Isn't it hot?"

"It's hot, but I'm fine."

"I think it was pretty hot. Here, half and half."

I give Noah half of the bread. The white cross-section, almost blinding, is steaming. I tear off a piece and dip it in the sauce, which turns it a light brown. When I eat it with the nuts, the crispy outside of the bread becomes soft and moist. The sauce soaks in well and complements the sweetness of the bread. The texture of the nuts is also enjoyable.

"It's so delicious, I might eat too much."

"That's fine, even if you do."

"No, I can't. I need to have my dress size measured next week."

Noah, who has a bigger mouth than me, finishes his bread and holds another piece in front of my nose, swaying it.

"It's delicious."

"Stop it. What will you do if I get fat?"

"I like seeing you enjoy your food."

"I don't like it."

Despite our banter, I take the bread. Maybe I never had a choice not to eat it.