CH 89

In the plate placed in front of me, there was a red soup with meat and wheat kneaded into a noodle shape. The aroma of the herbs stimulated my appetite and accelerated my hunger.

Sophie had a bowl of noodles with meat and small chopped leafy vegetables.

The portions were small, but both looked delicious.

I put the soup and noodles in a bowl placed between us and handed it to Sophie.

[Thank you very much. I’ll pass you my portion as well.]

Sophie put the noodles with the meat on a separate plate and placed it in my direction.

[It’s delicious.]

She opened her mouth elegantly and ate the noodles. If you only look at her, it is no wonder that some people mistake her for a well-bred aristocratic lady. At least, she looks more like Zelma.

I put the noodles in my mouth along with the soup. It was the first time I had tasted the combination of moderate sourness and sweetness.

Is this the norm for people living in the city???

The rice Pops used to make is nothing compared to this!

[It’s really good.]

I couldn’t stop eating. I was so absorbed in my meal that before I knew it, it was empty.

Sophie seemed to have finished eating too, and put her fork down at the same time.

[Once you get a taste of this place, you’ll never be satisfied with Pop’s cooking.]

[That’s an exaggeration. ……?]

I was warned while laughing.

If she wasn’t really angry, she must have thought so a little.

She’s just being careful not to say it out loud.

[Well, Pop’s cooking has its own unique quality. Let’s just leave it at that. And…]

[And?]

Considering Sophie’s unique position, it was unlikely that she would just end up seeing Alma. She could be escorted to dungeons, monitored, placed under house arrest, and many other cases could be imagined.

The other party is a member of a huge organization and has a high position.

It’s too late after something happens, so we need to detect the signs of trouble and make the first move.

[I understand. If I notice anything, I’ll tell Lars–san.]

[I’ll do the same. Let’s be careful not to get swallowed up by Yang’s big changes.]

[I understand.]

For those of us who seek stability and tranquility, change is a big challenge.

In order to have the quiet life we had when we decided to move here, it would be better to leave Zelma and the others cleanly. You can’t just run away. They will definitely come after you. You will never find peace because you will never be able to rest your body and soul on the run.

It may seem like a roundabout way to go, but I think it’s the best way to go in the long run.

All we have to do is wait for the opportunity to sever ties with Zelma.

It won’t take 10 or 20 years. It may come sooner than we think, since there are so many gaps.

[When things settle down, let’s have dinner here again. Maybe we can invite Helmine.]

[That sounds like fun!]

I’ll have to work hard tomorrow to make my modest dreams and wishes come true.