512 Elena’s Special
Elena raised her head from what she was doing when she felt Ren’s silence.
“What?” she asked.
“You’re a walking treasure trove, do you know that?” Ren said straight to her face. The Princess could probably wield all sorts of weapons like Princess Lorelei of the Renais Empire.
Instead of taking offense, Elena giggled like twinkling stars brightening their night. “When we clear this quest, then you can choose one weapon you like in my collection.”
Ren wouldn’t say no to that. “I’ll have your word on it.”
The Princess grinned. “High-born Elves and Feys don’t lie.”
“That’s good to hear,” uttered Ren and placed the meat over a fire, hoping for the best. His Cooking Proficiency was only at the [Beginners] level, after all.
As he did, Ren was keenly aware of the Princess’s sharp gaze.
“What is it?” he asked after the silent stares she was pointing at him.
“You’re just going to cook it like that?”
“I don’t know how else to cook it.”
The Princess placed her weapons on the beds of the thick quilt, shot to her feet, took a deep breath, and scooted over next to Ren.
“Let me,” she said and snatched the meat from the fire. “I feel bad for these beasts if you’re just going to butcher them like this.”
Ren put a distance between him and the Princess when their shoulders touched. “You’re not going to eat?”
Elena gave him a look. “You going to give me some?”
Ren wanted to roll his eyes. “You killed all these beasts. Of course, you have a share.”
Elena’s laughter tickled the night and pulled little creatures to peep into their hiding places. Some even scurried to the Princess’s feet.
These creatures were little animals that were so cute and glowing that it made for a picturesque view with the Princess at the centerpiece.
“Then I better roast this meat to perfection.”
[Your Relationship Level with Princess Elena increased to FRIENDS!]
“Wait . . . you know how to cook?” Ren thought that she was merely kidding. But when the Princess pulled out a tapestry complete with a knife, jars of spices, herbs, and all sorts of fruits and bread to go along with it, he was taken aback.
The Princess only spared him a glance before she concentrated on marinating the meats in spices and herbs. “I’m an Elf. All Elves hunt, know how to skin, butcher and cook our prize.”
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“An Elf nonetheless.” Elena put a flat slab of Grilling Charcoal on top of the fire. This was a unique type of charcoal that would grill any food to perfection. And Ren couldn’t get over the idea why the Princess would bring something like that with her.
She really abused that Dimension Ring of hers. Ren thought.
As she roasted the meat, she started to speak with a voice, not loud, and not too soft either, just the right tone to make Ren feel at peace.
“The Fey Realm is ruled by a series of immortal monarchs called Archfey,” she started rolling the meat on the stone to cook all sides of it. “They were the closest thing to deities, much higher in station than true elves and fairies but still lower than actual gods.
“The Archfey were complex and inscrutable beings, though mortals and less clever fey tend to put them into two categories: those of the Summer Court and those of the Winter Court. Neither were as good or evil as they claim to be, and neither should be trusted.”
After all the sides were cooked, the Princess put them in a resting slap of stone, sliced it with ease to perfect cuts, put it on the bread, and garnished it with all sorts of fruits, vegetables, and special jam that Ren read as [Elena’s Special Jam].
“Here.” She then gave Ren a plate and ate one herself.
Ren sat quietly on the trunk of the oak tree, his eyes fixed on the sandwich in his hands. It was a towering creation, with thick slices of freshly baked bread sandwiching layers of savory meat, crisp vegetables, and juicy fruits. The aroma was irresistible, the scent of freshly grilled meat wafting up to his nose and making his mouth water.
As Ren lifted the sandwich to his lips, he felt the weight of it in his hands, the bread soft and slightly warm from the grill. He took a large bite and felt the flavors explode in his mouth – the salty richness of the meat, the cool crunch of the vegetable, the sweetness of the fruits, and that OMPH from the special jam. The bread was chewy and flavorful, with a hint of herbs and spices that added depth to the sandwich.
As he chewed, Ren felt a sense of satisfaction wash over him. This sandwich was not just any sandwich – it was made by the Princess of Elves, Elena herself. He could feel the pride and care that had gone into its creation, and it made the experience all the more special.
Ren closed his eyes and savored each bite, letting the flavors and textures dance across his tongue. The sandwich was so delicious that he lost himself in the moment, forgetting everything else around him. All that existed in the world was him and this sandwich, a sensory experience that he would remember for a long time to come.
[Your HP is restored to FULL!]
[Your MP is restored to FULL!]
[All status effects are CLEANSED!]
[Acquired Princess Elena’s Special Roasted Meat Sandwich!]
Ren was surprised beyond words. The taste and flavor could really contend with the Pelka Meat. But the ingredients to make one . . . there was a lot, and the special one was that jam. Not to mention that his cooking proficiently must be [Grandmaster] to make one.
“I’m impressed,” Ren found himself saying and saving a piece for later consumption when he needed it the most.
Elena continued to chew on her food like she had already expected Ren’s reaction.
“You know what we need?” Elena asked with a sly grin.
“What?”
“A good drink to go with it.”
Ren had somehow known what she meant, and when she summoned Glitz, he found that he was right.