Chapter 91

As Vincent finished reading the second picture book, it seemed that it was time to start preparing the final touches for dinner, and Rin, who had been listening, began to move.

Right now, a grand adventure and a story of friendship are unfolding in my mind.

A good, emotionally rich voice is really powerful.

My brain is converting things at a higher rate than usual.

In the midst of this, I stuck to Rin's back, becoming a mother duck and her duckling again, and helped out.

As the food was being prepared, a pleasant aroma spread throughout the room, making my nose twitch involuntarily.

Ah, this smell is a feast in itself. I'm so happy.

Well, it's because I get to eat this meal.

If it were work, I might understand, but being hungry and only getting to smell delicious food is really tough.

Saliva is secreted in my mouth reflexively.

And when I see others eating deliciously, I can't help but want to eat too. Why is that?

...I'm not the only one, right?

With the smell of the food gradually calming my fantasy-filled mind, my stomach started to make its presence known.

It's as lively as ever (??).

Just as this happened, the doorbell rang, and Vincent got up from the sofa with a smile.

"It's just the right time for you to come back."

While Rin, who was cutting and plating the hot grilled Holochicken, set the table, I sat between Rin and Vincent, with Ludwig and his master across from us.

Using a chair as a step, I arranged the cutlery, and Rin placed the freshly plated dishes, sliced bread, and water or wine on the table.

Then, Vincent, followed by two unfamiliar men, appeared.

"I'm home, Mom."

"Welcome back, Lu. Welcome, Seriel."

"...Thank you for having me."

The young man who was right behind Vincent had a face that resembled Rin's and a calm demeanor, but his voice was just like Vincent's!

I was surprised by this unexpected similarity between father and son, and then Rin greeted the last guest.

The master of the young Ludwig, who looked a bit younger than Vincent, was named Seriel.

He had slightly long blonde hair and bright blue eyes.

He was about half a head taller than Vincent and had a sturdy build that would make you believe he was a knight.

I smiled and bowed when our eyes met.

...What kind of job does this master have?

As I tilted my head in thought, I made eye contact with Ludwig.

He came up to me and squatted down to my level.

"You must be Yurii. Nice to meet you, I'm Ludwig."

"Yurii, nice to meet you!"

"Would you call me 'big brother' if you like?"

Ludwig's gentle smile was blinding. This is why handsome people are so troublesome.

To be honest, he's more like an "elder brother" than just a "big brother."

"Lu-sama?"

"Hehe, nice to meet you."

"Okay!"

Yes, "elder brother" is more fitting.

Somehow, he's completely different from Alf as a brother. He's full of warmth.

His hand, which patted my head, was as gentle as Rin's.

Still, Ludwig seems very good with children. Yes, he does.

"Since the greetings are done, let's start eating."

With that, Vincent announced the start of the meal after I finished greeting Ludwig.

And the meal began... but my eyes were involuntarily drawn to Ludwig in front of me.

Ludwig's eating was very quiet and neat, yet the food on his plate disappeared at an incredible rate. It was a strange and fascinating sight.

Alf eats heartily and noisily, which is very clear.

As I savored the tender, juicy grilled Holochicken with the perfect amount of sauce, I couldn't help but be captivated by the scene.

"Lu, there's more Holochicken and potage if you want."

"Of course, Mom."

"You always eat so much."

"Mom's cooking is just too good."

Rin smiled at Ludwig's eating and nodded.

Still, Vincent and Ludwig's voices are really similar.

"Seriel, does it suit your taste? Please have seconds if you like."

"It's delicious. As expected of Lu's mother."

"I'm glad. ...Is my son doing well with the housework?"

"Yes, he's a great help."

This conversation suggests that Ludwig is living and working here, right?

I'll ask him.

"Lu-sama, what do you do for work?"

"My job is the same as Dad's, a doctor. But I'm learning a bit of a different field from my master, like mixing medicines and using them to treat from the inside."

"Medicine."

Hmm, so in layman's terms, he's like a pharmacist and an internist combined?

"I focus more on treating injuries from combat."

Vincent is more of a surgeon, then.

But even so, I bet Vincent can do a bit of everything.

He must be a very skilled doctor, being at the top of the medical team in the Northern Demon King's Castle. He seems good at strategy too.

"By the way, my master is from the Heavenly Realm, so he can use healing magic that doesn't exist in the Magic Continent and also works on medical magic from a different perspective."

"Wow."

Ludwig's master is amazing.

And he's an angel! I can't see any wings now, though.

My exclamation of amazement at the real angel made Vincent pause.

He seemed surprised, his eyes widening slightly.

"Seriel, are you skilled in healing magic?"

"...I can handle the basics."

The master looked puzzled, unsure of Vincent's intent, while Vincent smiled.

There's a hint of deviousness in his smile.

Ah, this is Vincent's expression as the head of the medical team.

"That's convenient. ...I'd like to consult you after the meal."

"...If you need me."

The conversation between the two adults ended there.

It sounds like there's a lot going on behind the scenes. Scary, scary.

"Can I have seconds?"

"Of course. Do you want another full serving?"

"If there's more, I'd like a bigger portion."

While I was eavesdropping on the adults' conversation, Ludwig had almost finished his meal!

Looking around, the other three were also making good progress with their meals!

If I keep eavesdropping, my food will get cold.

I'm so curious about everything, and I haven't even properly tasted my food yet!

Okay, I'll focus on my meal.