Chapter 98 - Sweet Figs
After quickly changing into my everyday clothes in the bedroom, I sat down on a chair in the living room.
On the table were toast, salad, smoked boar meat, and a soup made with mushrooms and wild greens. The breakfast looked incredibly delicious, well-balanced with grains, vegetables, and meat.
Smelling the warm food, my stomach, which had been sluggish from oversleeping, began to move actively.
"The mushroom and wild green soup is made entirely of seasonal ingredients that Aldo-san gathered, so I think it'll be even tastier than usual."
"I'm looking forward to it."
Even without seasonal ingredients, Flora's cooking was delicious, but today's soup seemed even more promising. It was worth the effort of gathering them while cramming knowledge into my head.
"Ufufu, well then, shall we eat?"
Seeing me fidgeting in front of the delicious-looking breakfast, Flora said with a smile.
Without minding her, I immediately reached for the soup.
Lifting the warm bowl and taking a sip, the savory flavors of the wild greens and mushrooms spread gently through my mouth. Of course, it wasn't just the flavor of the ingredients; it was seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs, but the wild greens and mushrooms were the stars.
When I bit into the wild greens, a faint bitterness and sweetness seeped out. Perhaps Flora had removed the excessive bitterness during preparation, as the taste was just right.
The mushrooms were very soft, perhaps because they had soaked up the flavor of the soup, and with every bite, they released both the taste of the soup and the original flavor of the mushroom.
As always, Flora was skilled at bringing out the full flavor of the ingredients.
In the autumn season, which had become a bit chilly, a warm soup with such simple, savory flavors was very welcome for the body.
"...Haa, it's so delicious."
A voice leaked out as if I had let out a sigh of relief without thinking.
"It's gotten a bit cold lately, after all. I've made more soup than usual, so please don't hesitate to have seconds."
Not just the soup, but Flora's consideration was also warm.
I felt warmth in both body and soul. While one can warm their body alone, one cannot warm their heart alone. I learned that from my past actions.
That was why I spoke words to express my gratitude once again for Flora being here in front of me like this.
"Yeah, thank you."
"N-n...! No, no..."
Then, Flora lifted her bowl and drank the soup as if to hide her embarrassed expression.
It was charming to see Flora's face turning bright red from embarrassment, and I couldn't help but let my cheeks relax.
"Geez, the food is going to get cold."
Flora said in a sulky tone, perhaps noticing that I was still staring at her.
Flora's smiling face, her embarrassed face, and her sulky face—all of them were precious.
I felt like teasing her, but if I teased her any more, she seemed like she might actually get angry, so I obediently resumed my meal.
After eating the calm-tasting soup, I wanted something with a strong flavor next, so I ate the smoked boar meat I received from Lauren-san yesterday.
Taking a bite of the boar meat, which was sliced thin like bacon, it had a slightly distinct gamey taste different from pork. However, that didn't mean it smelled like a beast; it meant it tasted like wild meat. Lauren-san must have been good at removing the gamey odor. It tasted different from pork bacon and was delicious.
Eating it together with the toast and harmonizing it with the salad made for just the right flavor.
Then, I drank the wild green and mushroom soup to settle the flavors in my mouth.
...Ah, I'm happy to be able to eat such delicious food from the morning.
In the morning living room, only the sounds of me and Flora progressing through our meal echoed.
But it wasn't unpleasant at all; there was a calmness as if being together was only natural, and it was very comfortable.
Having finished breakfast, I picked up the empty dishes and headed toward Flora, who was washing plates.
Usually, I would be the one to finish eating first, but today I was late because I had eaten four bowls of soup.
"It was delicious today too."
"I'm glad to hear that. I'll wash the plates."
"That helps."
Leaving the dishwashing to Flora, I wondered what to do when I suddenly remembered.
That's right. I gathered the figs that Flora loves so much yesterday.
We were too busy to eat them last night, so let's eat them now while we can take it easy.
Thinking that, I immediately headed to the food storage and brought back the figs.
Yes, the skin has tension and elasticity, and the scent is good too. The bottom part is about to split, and they're dyed reddish-brown all the way to the stem, so they must be ready to eat.
After confirming they were fresh figs, I started washing them next to Flora, who was washing dishes.
Perhaps curious about me washing something next to her, Flora turned her gaze this way.
"Ah! Aren't those figs! Did we have those yesterday!?"
Just as I had heard from Fiona-san that they were her favorite, Flora raised a voice that sounded visibly happy.
"I heard from Fiona-san that you love them, so I hid them to surprise you."
"I do love them, but you didn't have to hide them."
Flora said as if she were somewhat embarrassed.
I wonder if she thinks loving figs is childish? It's a bit cute.
While thinking that, I washed the figs with water. Then, when I peeled the thin skin, the milky-white flesh came out. All that's left is to take a bite.
Then I peeled all the figs I had in the same way and arranged them on a plate.
Flora, who was next to me, was washing the dishes desperately, perhaps because she wanted to eat the figs quickly.
"Here, Flora. Say ahh."
"Ehh!?"
When I brought a peeled fig to Flora's mouth, she took a bite while looking bewildered.
Then Flora's small mouth moved as she chewed, and her expression softened.
It seems to be true that she loves figs.
Watching Flora look so delighted, I wanted to eat one too, so I tried another fig. Then, along with a grainy texture, the taste of the sweet fruit spread in my mouth.
Yes, it's a fig with a solid sweetness.
Back in my adventurer days, I used to find figs along the way and peel and eat them like this. It's a bit of a nostalgic feeling.
"A-Aldo-san. Can I have another bite?"
While I was immersed in sentimentality, Flora asked hesitantly.
She had already finished washing the plates, but it would be boorish to point that out.
"Of course."
I nodded immediately and picked up a fig for Flora.
And when I brought it to Flora's mouth, she took a bite.
Flora showed a beaming smile as if to convey her happiness and the deliciousness.
She looked so cute that I naturally found myself stroking her head.
What is this cute creature? I feel like I want to keep stroking her like this forever.
"I heard that in the past, Fiona-san used to peel the skin and feed them to you like this?"
"Ah! Wait, Aldo-san! When did you hear such a story from Mother!?"
When I said that, Flora's softened expression changed instantly to one of surprise.
The change in Flora's expression was amusing.
"Ahaha, I heard it from Fiona-san yesterday."
"Geez, Mother, telling Aldo-san strange things again."
Flora puffed out her cheeks as if she were angry. In reality, she was probably more embarrassed than angry.
"Here, for Aldo-san too!"
While I was stroking Flora's head to soothe her, she offered a fig in high spirits.
I took a bite while feeling bewildered by it.
Then Flora laughed satisfyingly, stood on her tiptoes, and stroked my head.
Was that a thank you? (Or revenge?) It's a bit embarrassing to have a woman do that to me.
I felt like the fig Flora fed me was sweeter than the one I ate myself.
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