“Hey, hey~ Are you feeling better now? If you can... could you make me something to eat? I'm a bit hungry~”
Right then, Lian leaned her small head in, looking at him with hopeful eyes as she spoke.
“Uh... sure. Is there anything in particular you want?”
Starlight was stuck between laughter and tears as he looked at the energetic silver-haired girl. Unable to find any reason to refuse her, he immediately agreed.
After all, she had saved his life not long ago. Coupled with the exhaustion of traveling on the seabed, he was beginning to feel bouts of hunger himself. If it was just cooking, he was more than happy to oblige.
“I want ribs! Just like the ones from last night!”
Upon hearing Lian's request, Starlight gave a slight smile and pulled a large slab of marinated ribs along with a bunch of jars and bottles from his storage space.
He remembered clearly that last night, Lian had devoured that piece of grilled rib even before he had properly added the seasonings. Now that he had the time and the right conditions, he naturally wanted to show off his skills.
Following the crew's directions, he found the ship's kitchen, intending to prepare a feast for Lian.
At first, the Night Elf crew members were somewhat reluctant. However, after seeing Lian following behind him like a little shadow, they immediately changed their tune and told him the kitchen was his to use.
“It seems this girl’s status is truly extraordinary! But what kind of high-ranking person would be so captivated by a single meal of grilled meat? She’s like a greedy little animal.”
Watching Lian, who seemed incredibly curious about everything, Starlight thought to himself that he couldn't guess her identity at all. But he quickly pushed that question to the back of his mind; the most important thing right now was making a good meal.
“Hey, Starlight, what’s in this jar? And this one? What about this one?”
In the bustling kitchen, Lian was curiously fiddling with the seasoning jars Starlight had piled on the table, asking questions incessantly.
During their recent exchange, the girl had finally realized she didn't know Starlight's name and had asked belatedly. Although she felt a bit embarrassed, her attention was quickly captured by the things she had never seen before.
“These are seasonings for the meat. Let's see... sesame seeds, thyme, black pepper... aren't these very common? Besides, I remember the Star-Song Forest is famous for its spices. Haven't you seen these before?”
Starlight explained patiently as he brushed honey onto the roasting meat.
“No! Before I met you, I didn't know food could smell so good. Back home, my uncles only let me eat fruits and vegetables. They said those are the healthiest things, the food bestowed by the gods... Hmph! Those things aren't nearly as tasty as ribs!”
Lian recalled her past experiences and pouted slightly, her face showing a look of dissatisfaction. Her expression was both charming and stubborn, making Starlight unable to suppress a chuckle.
The wait was always long. Even with Starlight using magic to assist, it still took them over half an hour to finish the entire slab of ribs.
“Lian! Put your hands down! The meat isn’t fully cooked yet!”
“Stop hovering in front of the stove, I’m about to add the seasoning!”
After Starlight pushed the impatient Lian away from the grill for the sixth time, the grilled ribs he had painstakingly prepared were finally done.
With the addition of honey, the entire slab of ribs shimmered with a golden hue. Under the heat of the fire elements, the grease and the translucent caramelized coating looked incredibly tempting. The addition of various spices filled the entire kitchen with a rich, sweet aroma.
“Starlight! Is it done? Can I eat now?” Lian’s eyes turned into little stars when she saw the ribs being taken off the grill. Starlight could even see a glistening thread of saliva trailing from the corner of her mouth.
“Wait! Shouldn't we take this out and share it with everyone? You can't finish all of this by yourself, can you?”
“Hmph! Stingy! Lira doesn't even like this stuff. Just give it to me!”
Out of necessity, Starlight had to cut off the best piece of meat to plug Lian's mouth before he could carry the meat, which weighed dozens of pounds, onto the deck.
The elves busy on the deck noticed his arrival, and even Lira, who had been staring into the distance, couldn't help but steal a glance.
“Come on, everyone have some. You must be hungry, right?”
Starlight placed the large platter on the deck and waved to Lira and the others.
“There is no need. We have our own food prepared,” Lira answered flatly.
But before he could turn around, Lian had already finished the piece in her hand and rushed forward impatiently.
“Starlight! I told you they wouldn't eat it! You're wasting time!”
Lian didn't care for his dignity at all; instead, she gave him a massive eye-roll and began urging Starlight incessantly. Helpless, Starlight had to cut another large piece for her, but his gaze remained on Lira.
He had learned earlier when borrowing the kitchen that they didn't have much food on the ship—just some fruit and fresh water. After working for most of the day, the crew had to be hungry.
As he handed the meat to Lian, he caught one of the crew members subconsciously swallowing their saliva.
“Hmph~ If you won't eat it, then all of this is mine! No one else is allowed to take it from me!”
Just as Lira was about to decline again, Lian shot him a reproachful look. Thus, he was forced to drop his pretense and called his companions over.
Seeing everyone gather around, Lian nodded with satisfaction and resumed her battle with the piece of meat in her hands.
Starlight smiled and broke off a rib directly from the slab, handing it to Lira. Seeing that the other party didn't refuse this time, he began distributing the food to the rest of the crew.
Although the slab of meat weighed dozens of pounds, it was clearly not enough for so many people. Fortunately, Starlight’s storage space was filled with nothing if not an ample supply of provisions.
He then brought out various other kinds of food to share. Even Lian, who was a bit dissatisfied with the amount of meat, had her attention diverted by a box of small cakes.
“What is the deal with Lian? She clearly has a high status, yet she acts like a child who has never seen the world,” Starlight whispered to Lira at the bow of the ship, making sure no one was paying attention.
Perhaps because he had accepted the food, Lira's tone was no longer as cold as it was at the beginning.
As he tore into the rib in his hand, he explained, “I can only tell you that Lian’s identity is very special. The elders of the tribe have always protected her very well. From the moment she was born until now, she has almost never had contact with the outside world. It’s understandable that she acts this way.”
“Oh? That’s a bit pitiful... usually, what elders think is good for someone isn't necessarily good. But to say she hasn't touched meat for decades, isn't that a bit overprotective?”
Starlight understood, and while he privately scoffed at such methods, he couldn't interfere in another's family affairs and customs.
“Decades? No, Lian is only fourteen years old.”
“Huh? But I heard that all elves have to receive the blessing of the World Tree? Doesn't that process alone take decades?” Starlight was even more shocked.
Lira shook his head dismissively and replied, “There is no need for surprise. Since ancient times, the Night Elves have never believed in Freya, the Goddess of Nature, so we do not seek the blessing of the World Tree. Our lifestyle is more like a large family, unlike the distant nature of the Tree Elves. To me, setting aside Lian's status, she is like a little sister to us. Naturally, we give her the best protection.”
“In that case, are you comfortable letting me cook for her?” Starlight smiled.
“Don't underestimate Lian. Her abilities are far more formidable than you imagine. If Lian determines you are safe, then you are safe.”
Lira looked back at Lian, who was still buried in her food, a hint of doting affection appearing on his cold face. But this softness was quickly masked, leaving Starlight wondering if he had seen it at all.
“Alright, it’s time to talk about you. Why would a human like you appear in a place like this?” Lira turned around and asked seriously.
“Well... it happened like this...”
Rate on N.U.
