Chapter 1686: Chapter 1503: Nostalgia

Chapter 1686: Chapter 1503: Nostalgia



As they exited the bowling alley, the festive buzz of the entertainment venue faded, replaced by the gentle hum of the fortress itself. Maria and Luna walked side-by-side, a comfortable silence settling between them.

Their path led them through deserted corridors, the polished obsidian reflecting their soft footsteps. The aroma of fresh-baked bread and simmering stew, a welcome counterpoint to the sterile air of the fortress, grew stronger with each step.

Finally, they reached a set of massive, ornately carved oak doors that stood slightly ajar, a warm yellow light spilling onto the cool stone floor.

With a shared glance, Maria pushed open the doors, revealing a sight that seemed to belong to a different world altogether. The grand kitchen of the Touch's Fortress was a symphony of bustling activity and organized chaos.

The room itself was vast, its high ceiling lost in the dimness. Rows of gleaming ovens roared with controlled flames, their heat radiating a comforting warmth. Gleaming copper pots hung from heavy hooks, some bubbling merrily, others simmering with an enticing aroma. On long, polished countertops, mountains of freshly baked bread lay stacked high, their golden crusts glistening under the warm glow of strategically placed lamps.

In the center of the room, a large hearth crackled with a welcoming fire. A massive iron cauldron hung over the flames, its contents releasing a rich, savory scent that made Maria's stomach rumble. Around it, a team of cooks, each clad in crisp white aprons and tall white hats, worked with practiced efficiency. Some kneaded dough with powerful arms, others chopped vegetables with a rhythmic flick of the wrist, while still others expertly flipped sizzling platters of meat over the open flames.

Despite the bustling activity, there was a sense of calm order that permeated the kitchen. Each cook moved with a practiced certainty, their movements a well-rehearsed dance. The rhythmic clang of pots and pans mingled with the gentle murmur of conversation, creating a comforting symphony of daily life within the fortress walls.

Leaving the warmth and organized chaos of the kitchen behind, Maria and Luna entered the dining room through a heavy velvet curtain. Unlike the frenetic energy of the kitchen, the dining room was a haven of tranquility, bathed in a soft, ethereal glow.

The room itself was a marvel of understated elegance. High arched windows, draped in shimmering silk curtains, offered a breathtaking view of the star-dusted night sky.

The walls, crafted from pale, rose-colored marble, were adorned with intricate tapestries depicting scenes of fantastical creatures and mythical battles.

By the time the last bite was taken, the room was no longer silent.

'"'Always a delight," Maria expressed, sharing her genuine sentiment.

"I have a knack for picking talented individuals in the culinary realm. Remember how I used to handpick your chefs back on Earth," Luna recollected, reminiscing.

"Yes!" Maria beamed, reflecting on those cherished moments that undoubtedly brought a smile to her face. However, her smile faded as she pondered how her father was coping without her by his side. A wave of nostalgia hit her hard turning the atmosphere gloomy instantly.

"Sigh!"

Maria weaved a sigh. She hoped he was doing well, knowing his strength.

As if sensing her sister's thoughts, Luna offered words of comfort. "Don't worry, I'm certain everyone is doing fine. One day, we will reunite with them all. But for now, our priority should be surviving the impending war. Once we have enough power, we can conquer anything, including the thrilling adventures awaiting us in the Higher world."

"Indeed, you are absolutely right. As a family, we will overcome any obstacles together,"

Maria responded with a confident smile.

The atmosphere was no longer somber.

Maria reaffirmed the soothing nature of conversations with Luna.