novelraw Chapter 222: Too Awkward
Chapter 222: Too Awkward
Although the cooking and ingredients weren’t exactly authentic, the taste was unexpectedly good.
The chicken Leon bought from John was firm and springy, with a rich flavor. The ordinary mushrooms also had an excellent texture. After soaking up the broth, they became plump, juicy, and pleasantly chewy, with the unique umami of fungi elevated by the rich chicken soup.
As for the pasta stewed together with it, it was no less satisfying than the mushrooms and chicken. Simmered over high heat, the pasta had fully absorbed the essence of the broth. The combination of carbs and savory soup brought double the joy, making Leon exclaim in delight.
It wasn’t just Leon. Abigail’s cheeks were puffed out as she ate, clearly surprised that such a homely-looking hodgepodge could taste this good.
One whole chicken, three ordinary mushrooms, and a pack of pasta—enough to fill all three of them. Yet Leon and Abigail alone managed to clean out the pot, not even leaving a drop of broth.
“I don’t think I’ll be able to eat dinner tonight.”
Clearly stuffed, Abigail rubbed her slightly rounded belly and leaned back in her chair without any hint of ladylike decorum.
“Aren’t you worried about getting fat from eating so much?”
Leon felt it was just right. With his improved physique came a greater need for energy—in other words, he could eat a lot more now.
“Impossible. I exercise all the time,” Abigail waved it off. “Besides, I wish I could gain some weight. I’m too skinny right now, not even fit to build muscle.”“So you really plan on becoming an adventurer, huh?” Leon instantly understood her thinking. She still dreamed of mastering martial skills and going out to slay monsters, dig for treasure, and raid ancient tombs.
“Of course. That’s my dream.” Abigail nodded, then asked, “Leon, I remember you’ve been to the abandoned mines, right? Are the monsters inside strong?”
“Not too bad, but you’d better not think about going there,” Leon warned after giving his assessment.
“Are you looking down on me?” Abigail protested. “I do have some combat ability, you know.”
“It’s not that. I’m just worried you’d get lost in there,” Leon explained. “The mines are complicated, and without a pickaxe to break rocks, you can’t even find the staircase to the next level. You’d be stuck on one floor.”
“Then I’ll just go with you next time. You can mine, and I’ll provide combat support,” Abigail suggested.
“No,” Leon refused without hesitation.
“See? You are looking down on me!” Abigail shouted, her tone full of indignation. “I’ll duel you so you can see the results of my training!”
“Are you sure you can even move right now?” Leon couldn’t help but retort. She’d eaten just as much as he had—forget fighting, even standing up would be a challenge.
“Then I’ll wait until I digest before challenging you.” Abigail tried standing up, only to realize it really was uncomfortable. She sat back down.
“Did you forget how I beat you last time?” Leon reminded her.
“Hmph! Last time you ambushed me. That wasn’t fair,” Abigail grumbled. “If it were a straight fight, I wouldn’t have lost so quickly.”
“Mm-hmm.”
Leon humored her with a noncommittal response, then went to wash the pot and dishes. After putting them away in the cupboard, he returned to the makeshift kitchen. “I need to head out for a bit. Can you walk?”
“Are you inviting me to come along?” Abigail asked curiously.
“No. I just want you to leave the farm sooner,” Leon said plainly.
“Hmph!” Abigail snorted, leaning back in her chair again. “I need to rest a bit. I ate too much. Go do whatever you need to do—I can watch over the farm for you.”
“I’m more worried you’ll cause trouble,” Leon muttered.
“Do you really think I’m in any condition to?” Abigail rolled her eyes. “I’m stuffed. I don’t want to move at all.”
“Uh…”
Abigail was telling the truth, but Leon couldn’t help feeling there was some unintended double meaning there. Still, seeing her so serious, he decided it was just his imagination.
“Fine, stay as long as you want. I’m leaving.”
Since it was obvious Abigail wouldn’t be moving for a while, Leon left her on the farm. She wasn’t much of a threat, and in terms of trustworthiness, Leon felt Abigail was far more reliable than Demetrius.
“Go, go. I don’t know how you’re always so busy,” Abigail said lazily, waving him off.
“Then rest well, but don’t lie down in my room. It’s not healthy to lie down right after eating,” Leon advised before hopping on his bike and riding toward the Coal Forest in the south.
As soon as Leon left, Abigail slowly got to her feet and muttered, “If you tell me not to lie down, I’m definitely going to lie down.”
She walked into the cabin, looked at the single wooden bed inside, and cautiously sniffed. There was no strange smell—only a faint, familiar scent. Nodding in satisfaction, she murmured to herself.
“Didn’t expect this guy to be so clean, considering he works with farm stuff every day.”
Without any further hesitation, she flopped onto Leon’s bed. Breathing in the familiar scent, her face grew redder and her eyelids heavier, until she drifted off to sleep.
…
Meanwhile, Leon pedaled hard and soon reached the Wizard’s Tower.
Before he could knock, the door opened. Rasmodius was sitting inside, with two cups of tea already prepared, as if he’d been expecting Leon.
“Oh, green tea, Wizard Rasmodius. You’ve got good taste,” Leon said, spotting the familiar tender tea leaves floating in the cup. He sat down and eagerly took a sip.
“Ah, that’s nice. Good tea.”
“I didn’t think you’d like green tea. I thought young people like you preferred soda or coffee,” Rasmodius remarked, surprised by Leon’s fondness for tea.
“Everyone has their own tastes.” Leon took another sip, then got straight to the point. “Wizard Rasmodius, you must know why I’m here, right? Otherwise, you wouldn’t have set up this welcome.”
“No, actually, I was expecting a friend. I didn’t think you’d come, much less sit down so naturally and start drinking,” Rasmodius explained.
“…”
Leon froze. So this wasn’t meant for him? Now that was awkward.