The sky darkened as the sun dipped below the horizon. Stepping out of the carriage, Avena glanced at the manor’s entrance.
For some reason, she looked forward to coming home more than usual today, despite having lived here for nearly three years.
There were no servants or butlers to greet her. She pushed open the door herself, and the moment she stepped inside, a rich aroma filled the air. Turning her head toward the reception hall, she realized the scent was coming from there.
Did a chef return early?
Carrying two bags in hand, Avena curiously made her way toward the reception hall—only to be met with an unexpected sight.
Ciel was setting the table, carefully arranging cutlery. Several steaming dishes sat on the dining table, with a pot placed in the center.
Avena cautiously stepped around the scattered rubble, her footsteps catching Ciel’s attention. The red-haired girl turned her head toward her. “You’re back?”
“Mm.” Avena nodded, an indescribable feeling stirring inside her. She pointed at the dishes on the table. “Did you cook this?”
Avena carefully navigated around the table, noting that the food had been portioned into three servings—one likely meant for Nia, even though Nia didn’t need to eat.
“Where’s Nia? Does she eat?” Ciel asked as she finished setting the table and sat down.
“Uh… she won’t be back soon. We can leave some for her and store it in the kitchen later.” Avena kept a straight face, telling a small lie.
She didn’t want Ciel to feel like her effort had gone to waste. Whatever extra food remained, she would quietly eat it later herself.
“What’s this?” Taking a seat across from Ciel, Avena pointed at a dish, unable to hold back her curiosity.
“Tomato scrambled eggs,” Ciel said, then gestured to the other dishes. “This is spicy stir-fried spinach, this is ginger scallion chicken, and the pot is carrot and beef stew.”
Sighing slightly, Ciel added, “There weren’t many ingredients, so I just made do.”
Aside from the stew, Avena had never heard of any of these dishes. Even the main course was just bread.
She couldn’t help but ask, “Are these… specialties from the Clock Tower District?”
“I found them in a recipe book.” Ciel didn’t elaborate further and simply started eating, leaving Avena sitting there in a daze.
Tonight’s meal was nothing like the meticulously prepared dishes made by professional chefs, yet there was something about these simple, unadorned meals that gave Avena a strange sense of warmth.
She picked up a piece of chicken with her fork and glanced at Ciel. “The chicken isn’t deboned, Ciel.”
Receiving no response, Avena sighed and set the chicken aside, instead picking up a piece of scrambled egg.
The slightly sweet and sour taste was unexpectedly delightful.
The chicken was good too, though a little salty—it paired well with a bite of bread to balance the flavor.
Even the spinach, stir-fried with chili, tasted surprisingly good… She had always thought spinach was only meant for salads or soups.
Before she realized it, she had finished everything on her plate.
She couldn’t remember the last time she had eaten until she was full.
Watching Ciel sip her stew, Avena found herself spacing out. Only when Ciel raised her head to look at her did she hurriedly shift her gaze.
“What?” Ciel asked, noticing Avena’s lingering stare. “Was it bad?”
“It was good.” Avena nodded, then curiously asked, “Ciel, you’re not from Ansu, are you?”
“I am,” Ciel replied, confused.
“No, I was complimenting you,” Avena said with a faint smile. “In Ansu, the highest praise for a chef is to doubt whether they’re actually Ansuian.”
“Ansu chefs only know how to make stew, fried potato strips, salads, and awful fish stew. We usually hire foreign chefs.”
“That’s true.” Ciel nodded in agreement. “Lichie took me to a restaurant twice. After that, we never went again.”
“A wise decision.” Avena nodded in approval—without realizing she was smiling while doing so.
Once Ciel finished her stew, Avena pulled out the two bags she had brought with her and handed them over.
“The black bag contains the potion from the church—’Avenger’ path advancement, the second-tier ‘Judicator.’ The yellow bag is a special mask from the Redemption Society. Wearing it prevents bacterial infection.”
“But the church has strict regulations. Their potions can’t be resold. If you’re giving it to your organization, make sure they don’t spread it. Every potion is specially marked. If any of them leak and get traced back, they’ll come after me.”
“Got it. Thanks.” Ciel took the bags and asked, “With this mask, I won’t have to worry about spreading the infection anymore?”
The potion was meant for her anyway—she had no intention of selling it.
“That’s right.” Avena nodded.
Ciel took a deep breath, looking at her. “Where exactly is my sister now?”
After receiving the address, she immediately placed the potion down, put on the mask, and said, “I’ll be back later,” before dashing out the door.
Once Ciel’s figure had disappeared, Avena stared at the empty plates before her, feeling a strange sense of loss.
Would there be another chance to eat a meal made by Ciel? She would leave for Ansu sooner or later.
Avena reached for the necklace around her neck, tracing the emblem of her family crest. Her expression gradually cooled.
Gem District, outside “Crystalline” Jewelry Store.
Ciel panted slightly as she arrived at the entrance.
A black hardened mask covered her face, shielding her nose and mouth. Lined with special silk filters and red inscriptions, the mask looked eerily similar to a black version of a Jason mask—intimidating from a distance.
Due to rumors and paranoia, the usually bustling Gem District was nearly deserted. Through the elegant glass window, Ciel spotted a familiar blonde woman standing idly inside, wearing an ornate mask adorned with luxurious feathers.
Ciel pushed open the door and rushed inside, startling the woman. She barely had time to react before a familiar figure barreled into her arms.
Lichie reached out, ruffling Ciel’s hair before pulling her into a tight embrace.