Over the next two days, Revy and Eyjafjalla continued their routine of heading out early and returning late. Their survey and sample collection sites grew increasingly close to the volcano's crater.
Eyjafjalla had originally intended to go alone to avoid the risk of both of them worsening their infection, but Revy flatly refused. That only deepened her admiration for him.
Revy, however, felt a bit guilty. The truth was, the real reason he was willing to accompany her was because he knew that neither he nor Eyjafjalla would have their Oripathy worsen from contact with Originium anymore.
It had nothing to do with noble sacrifices in the name of research.
During this period, Revy also subtly probed Eyjafjalla for everything she knew about her parents. By now, the puzzle in his mind was mostly complete.
All that was left… was to wait for the fox to slip up.
At that moment, Revy and Eyjafjalla were enjoying a relaxing lunch together.
"I really don't get it, senpai. Where do you keep pulling all these things from?"
The little lamb had her mouth stuffed with tender, stewed beef, her eyes fixed on the steaming pot in front of her. Suspended above a crackling fire made of triangular-stacked twigs was an iron pot hanging on a tripod of wooden sticks, releasing a rich and savory aroma.
"A simple outdoor stove and some dry firewood—that's the soul of this dish," Revy said, ignoring her question. He snapped a twig and fed it into the fire below. "Back in the day, the nomads of Laterano used to make goulash like this—earth as stove, flame as cook."
"Yeah, it's way better than the kind you get in restaurants... So it was you who made those sandwiches the other morning, wasn't it?"
"Mhm. Figured I wouldn't find a proper place to eat out here, so I just made it myself."
Revy dipped a small spoon into the broth and tasted it, frowning slightly."As I thought, without bay leaves it's missing that aromatic note… Amomum is good, but not quite the same."
"I think it's amazing already… It's so good," Eyjafjalla said, stirring her bowl before scooping up a bite of stew. She tasted the melting blend of carrots and onions, then closed her eyes in delight.
"With your cooking skills, senpai, if you ever became a chef… most of the world's top cooks would be out of work."
Revy let out a laugh, but didn't respond.
Truth be told, he hadn't always been able to cook.
He picked up the skill because of Theresia—the princess of Kazdel. With how busy she was running the nation, she rarely had time for rest or leisure. So mealtime became one of the few joys she could look forward to.
After secretly executing a Theresis spy who had dared to poison her food, Revy resolved to cook for her himself. As her captain of the royal guard, it was his duty to ensure the safety—and delight—of the princess's meals.
That marked the beginning of four years of culinary study. In that time, Revy scoured all of Terra for exotic ingredients and fine cuisine to please her palate. His skills in the kitchen grew rapidly.
Before long, Revy's cooking had surpassed even that of the palace's head chef. From then on, Theresia's meals were solely prepared by him.
That habit had continued to this day—except now, Revy's refined tastes were for the sake of the girl who shared sensations with him, body and soul.
"Haaah~"
Eyjafjalla stuffed the last of her beef stew into her mouth, chewing with a blissful expression."If I keep eating like this... I'll never be able to live without your cooking, senpai. It even tastes better than Brother Cliffheart's!"
"If you like it that much, Adele, I'll cook for you whenever we get back."
Revy said it casually.
Ever since he learned about the "shared sensation" between him and the girl, he had decided not to treat himself poorly. And when it came to cooking, whether it was for one or ten people, it really didn't make much difference.
Eyjafjalla's eyes lit up.
"Then it's a promise! Here, senpai—pinky swear!"
Watching her childish gesture, Revy couldn't help but find it adorable instead of annoying.
"Alright, alright, pinky swear."
He reached out with his right hand, hooked her slender pinky with his own, then raised his thumb for the finishing touch. Their thumbs met and pressed together.
The theatrical gesture made the girl giggle.
"Pinky promise! If you lie, you're a puppy!"
As she let go, Revy gently patted her on the head again. He'd been doing that a lot lately—and had grown fond of the feeling of petting her fluffy hair.
"Senpai... Please keep petting my head... Please keep talking to me…"
Eyjafjalla seemed to be speaking to Revy—and perhaps to herself as well.
"I heard it from Doctor Kal'tsit… It's not just my hearing—my vision is slowly fading too…"
"What should I do, senpai…? I—I hate not being able to hear your voice… or see your face…"
"I... I just want to stay by your side, always..."
Revy suddenly found himself at a complete loss—
—because Eyjafjalla was crying.