Chapter 964: I Want To See Her
Archer kept cooking for himself and Sofia, stirring the pot until the Spaghetti Bolognese was perfectly done. The rich aroma of simmering tomatoes and savory meat filled the air, making their mouths water with anticipation.
"This smells just like Mom's cooking back on Earth,' he mused with a sad smile as memories returned. 'I do miss my life on Earth but I wouldn't change anything.'
While thinking to himself, he heard Sofia's voice reaching his ear, "What is this food you're cooking, Arch? It smells so good," the burgundy-haired woman said excitedly.
He laughed at enthusiasm, which made him smile before answering, "It was one of my favorite meals when I was younger, and my mother taught me how to make it."
Sofia nodded and moved to the wine cupboard, searching for a bottle. When she spotted one, a bright smile spread across her face. "Can we have some wine with dinner?" she asked, her eyes lighting up. "I noticed only a few of your girls seem to enjoy it.
"Of course," Archer replied with a grin as he heard the clinking of glasses as she got two out of the nearby cupboard. "The right wine can bring out the flavors in certain dishes."
Following that, the duo prepared to eat as he plated the food, and Sofia poured the sweet wine with a smile as she thanked him, "Thank you for dinner, Arch. I've only had the family cooks make me food."
Archer nodded with an honest smile before replying, "You're welcome. As I said earlier, I enjoy cooking for everyone, but the maids refuse to eat my food out of respect."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
Sofia started giggling, "No wonder. You're their king, Arch, not a boss from their work; I would be shocked if the leader of my homeland offered to cook me dinner."
"Fair point," Archer chuckled while sitting down as she slid his glass over.
He smiled softly as they began to eat. Still, the moment the first bite of Spaghetti Bolognese touched his tongue, memories from his childhood flooded back, overwhelming him because he hadn't experienced anything like this before.
He could almost hear his mother's soft laughter, see Alexa's bright smile, and feel the warmth of their old family dinners. Every mouthful pulled him deeper into the past, where everything felt safe, simple, and full of love.
His heart ached at the vivid image of his mother-her gentle eyes, nurturing presence, always looking out for him. It stirred something deep inside. 'Why am I remembering this now?' he wondered, feeling a sudden surge of longing. 'Maybe... because I saw Tim again?'
Unable to escape the wave of emotions, Archer suddenly stood, his heart racing as memories swirled in his mind. Thoughts of Alexa lingered like a shadow he couldn't shake, stirring a restlessness deep inside.
Needing answers, he decided to seek out his older brother, hoping to confront the past might bring him peace. "I'll be right back," he murmured to Sofia, who looked at him with quiet
concern.
Tim shook his head, offering some older brotherly advice. "When you do go back, make sure to visit her, Arch. Lex has loved you since you met, and I'm sure love hasn't faded. She'll be overjoyed to see you again."
Archer smiled when he heard that and felt better. 'I'm just worrying over nothing. I'm sure Lex will be happy to see me.'
Following that, Archer thanked Tim before returning to Sofia, who was baffled. He explained that he had some things to sort out with his brother, which the burgundy-haired accepted before the duo continued eating.
He used Mana Manipulation to heat the foods, which Sofia thanked before she asked, in a curious voice, "Do you hate my family?"
Archer shook his head, denying any issues. "No, it's not that. I get along with everyone except the emperor and the Pope."
Sofia nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I understand. Grandfather's hatred toward you is completely irrational, and I can't make sense of it either."
They sat across from each other at the dining table, the delicious aroma of Spaghetti Bolognese filling the room. As the dup dug into their meals, the clinking of cutlery and the gentle hum of conversation created a cozy atmosphere.
Sofia took a bite and closed her eyes, savoring the taste. "This is incredible, Arch. I've never had anything like it before. Do you cook often?"
He chuckled, a bit of pasta sauce on his cheek. "Not as often as I'd like. With everything going on, I don't get many chances. But I do enjoy it when I can. It's a nice way to unwind."
Sofia leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "What other dishes do you like to make? Do you have any favorite recipes from Earth?"
His eyes lit up with nostalgia. "Oh, plenty. There's this amazing dish called beef stew that my mom used to make. It's slow-cooked with vegetables and herbs. She used to make it for us on cold nights. And then there's apple pie-my absolute favorite dessert."
The burgundy-haired woman's smile widened as she listened, her curiosity piqued. She eagerly asked more questions about his past, each answer drawing them closer. Their conversation flowed, revealing shared interests and enjoying it all.
Archer escorted Sofia back to her room once the two were done eating. When they reached her door, she looked up at him with a bright smile and, to his surprise, gently kissed him on the
cheek.
Sofia's cheeks flushed with happiness and shyness; she quickly thanked him before slipping inside her room. Archer stood there momentarily, his smile lingering as he watched her go before returning to his room to rest.
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