Chapter 55
“I see.”
I replied with a hollow nod.
It was exactly what I had expected. I had even seriously considered whether I should escort him all the way back to the capital myself.
If Eden wanted to go, there was nothing I could do. It wasn’t as if I could stop him for safety reasons, either; I’d seen with my own eyes just how formidable his combat skills were.
Besides, since he possessed the virus antibodies, there was no need for me to fuss about protecting him.
Eden had also experienced firsthand how dangerous the monsters were. He seemed to have a grasp of their weaknesses and what to watch out for, so I didn’t think I needed to worry too much.
“Why do you accept that so easily?”
Eden asked, his voice tinged with wonder. I stared at him blankly, at a loss for words. What was I supposed to do?
Reading my expression, Eden burst into laughter. Then, he took a step closer to me.
I took a step back, maintaining the distance.
Watching me, Eden arched a single eyebrow in dissatisfaction. He tilted his head to the side and spoke.
“You said you’d protect me.”
I recalled the words I’d said on the roof before leaving for Brunel.
“Don’t you dare think about sacrificing yourself for a phone call that might not even connect. I’ll protect you, Sir Eden.”
Ah. Right. I did say that.
“But you’re the one who just said you’re leaving. I’m simply respecting your wishes, Sir Eden.”
Eden faltered, falling silent without a rebuttal. He looked somewhat disgruntled.
“By the way, do you think you can even get out?”
I pointed toward the main gate, where the monsters were still relentlessly thumping against the wood.
Eden fell silent as he looked at the firmly closed gate. No matter how I thought about it, getting out didn’t seem like it would be easy.
“Are they gathering because they smell humans?”
Eden muttered. I agreed with his assessment.
“That’s a strong possibility.”
Truthfully, I couldn’t know the exact reason. How could I possibly know what went on inside those monsters’ heads?
With the solid Stone Gate and the high walls blocking their way, they shouldn’t even be able to confirm we were inside.
Originally, I had planned to spend my time nursing the collapsed Knox and heading out to the forest whenever I could to replenish the stones for the catapult.
But because those things had occupied the front of the gate all day, I couldn’t step a foot outside.
In short, it had become difficult to use the catapult to distract them and draw them elsewhere.
‘I installed those bells specifically for times like this.’
Yesterday, I had tried ringing the bells with Eden to divert the monsters’ attention again. However, it hadn’t been very effective this time.
‘If I’d known this would happen, I would have put up more bells.’
Even though I knew I hadn’t had the time, the regret washed over me.
“I suppose I’ll have to find a way to leave once their numbers thin out a bit. Until then, may I continue to impose upon your hospitality?”
Eden asked. I nodded readily. At that point, we both assumed the monsters would eventually lose interest and disperse.
Regardless, I finished my conversation with Eden and looked up at the sky. Evening was already approaching.
“I should go start on dinner for now.”
‘Ugh, what a chore. Why do humans have to eat?’
Nurturing such a primal grievance, I grabbed the basket of eggs from beside the chicken coop.
Since Knox had woken up after two days, I thought I’d prepare a proper meal today.
It’s paradoxical, but sitting down for a proper, well-prepared meal—rather than just eating to survive—is incredibly important for survival. It’s a way of affirming that you’re still maintaining your humanity.
I knew all too well how crucial those small details were for maintaining mental health in difficult situations.
It was for the same reason I had furnished Happy House with high-end furniture and survival supplies.
Though it would be difficult, I wanted to maintain a sense of normalcy within these walls as much as possible.
And, to be honest, after eating nothing but tomato stew for two days straight, I didn’t want to look at another tomato for a while.
“Is there anything I can help with?”
Eden asked, holding the front door open for me. What is this? Why is he being so helpful? Is it because he feels bad about staying a few more days after declaring he’d leave?
Regardless, I naturally handed the egg basket over to him.
“Thank you.”
Eden took the basket without a word and followed behind me.
Arriving in the kitchen, I shoveled coal into the stove and lit the burner. I placed a frying pan on the heat and, once it was sizzling hot, tossed in the bacon.
The fat from the bacon rendered and crackled. I immediately began cracking eggs to fry them.
‘I’ve been craving this so much.’
Crispy bacon and rich fried eggs. I wondered why this simple meal from a certain animated movie had always looked so delicious.
Perhaps catching the savory scent, Knox slunk into the kitchen as well.
I placed a new pan on the remaining burner and dropped in some butter. As the butter melted into a rich pool in the heat, I sliced some bread and toasted it diligently.
Once I placed a cutting board on the counter and sliced some cheese into bite-sized pieces, everything was ready.
I plated the food and gestured to Eden, who quickly carried the finished dishes out to the dining hall.
Watching the situation unfold, Knox quickly realized his role and began gathering the silverware to set the table.
“I’ve never done this before, but aren’t I rather good at it?”
I heard Knox ask Eden in a suave tone. Eden’s scoff followed immediately, but Knox didn’t seem to mind.
Neither Eden nor Knox uttered a single word of complaint. That was unexpected.
Don’t aristocrats usually expect to be served, even when they’re the ones receiving help? Because they’re nobles, after all.
I had been prepared to teach them how to pull their own weight while we lived together. Seeing them help out without being asked was a huge relief.
I arranged the toasted bread, bacon, and fried eggs beautifully on a large platter.
Then, I grilled tomatoes and mushrooms in the same pan I’d used for the bacon. When they were browned to perfection, I sprinkled on some basil to add flavor.
I transferred the grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and a few other vegetables to a dish and set it on the counter. Eden and Knox came by to take them.
In the meantime, I poured water from the dispenser. Then, I retrieved a bottle of wine from the kitchen pantry.
Knox’s face lit up at the sight of the wine.
“Lady Cherry certainly knows her gastronomy.”
In Grayden, most people reacted that way whenever wine was brought to the table. Everyone loved their alcohol that much.
Eden looked indifferent toward the wine, but he did thank me when I poured him a glass.
After pouring the wine, I took my seat at the head of the banquet table. Eden sat to my right, and Knox sat to my left.
I wasn’t sure why the seating was arranged this way. According to Knox, Eden had set the places.
Knox looked slightly moved as he surveyed the spread. With a soft smile on his lips, he spoke to me.
“I didn’t expect to be able to taste food like this again. It’s remarkable. Above all, I never imagined I’d be treated to such a meal by Lady Cherry in a dilapidated house like this.”
“Having a proper meal is important. It lets you forget the bleak situation outside for a moment… and it reminds us that we are humans who utilize the benefits of civilization.”
At my answer, Knox looked at me with an expression of great interest. Before starting his meal, he rested his chin on his interlaced fingers and asked,
“Lady Cherry, there is something I’m curious about.”
I picked up my fork and nodded at him, signaling for him to go ahead.
“I’m moved by this lavish meal, but no matter how I think about it, it’s quite mysterious how you handle these tasks so skillfully.”
Knox was sharp. It felt as if a sly snake was lurking behind those smiling eyes.
That was why I couldn’t easily let my guard down when dealing with him.
“How did you become so adept at tasks usually reserved for maids? Come to think of it, you even took out a credit loan of 100 million gold before the fall. Perhaps the Sinclair family’s situation was different from what was known, and you weren’t raised in such luxury…”
“…”
To think that such a long-winded series of guesses and assumptions would lead to a completely wrong conclusion.
I take back the part about him being sharp.
