Chapter 46 : Chapter 46
Volume 1
Chapter 46 : Conversation
“Which one should I choose?”
Standing by the lakeshore, Ann held a different kind of fish in each hand, looking deeply troubled.
The fish in her left hand had dense scales, a dull gray color, and an appearance that was far from flattering, yet it struggled with remarkable strength.
The fish in her right hand looked rather foolish, but its scales shimmered with rainbow light, so beautiful that it was almost breathtaking.
“In the end, I have no idea which kind of fish the young master ate last year.”
Ann sighed softly.
If it was a fish that even the young master had praised, then it had to be the one the Duke’s family had eaten last year when they came to Bepor Lake to enjoy the scenery and take a boat ride.
That fish had been so delicious that even the well-traveled Duke had spoken highly of it.
It was only natural that the young master would still remember it this time, but that fish had been caught by the boatman, and even the feast made from it had been entirely prepared by him.
As a result, Ann had no idea what species it had been.
“To make such a basic mistake… as the young master’s personal maid, I have truly embarrassed myself.”
Ann made up her mind that once she returned to the Duke’s estate, she would thoroughly learn every species of freshwater fish in Bepor Lake.
That bizarre library in the estate, which seemed to contain books on every imaginable subject, would surely have something relevant.
“If you’re planning to eat them, the fish in your left hand will taste much better.”
A voice sounded from behind Ann.
“The fish in your right hand may look pretty, but it has a very strong fishy smell.”
“I see.”
Ann casually released the fish in her right hand back into the lake, then turned to look at the girl who had returned.
“Is everything settled with your companions?”
“They… already went back.”
“Then why aren’t you leaving?”
“I…”
Eluca forced out a lonely smile. “One of my companions was badly injured and needs treatment, but I’ve already run out of Mana. With how exhausted I am, I would only be a burden if I followed them, so I thought it would be better to stay here and wait until I recover some Mana. Sorry, I can’t bring my companions to thank you with me for the time being.”
“There is no need to mind that. I already said I do not need such things.”
Ann said, “More importantly, you seem to know a great deal about this kind of fish?”
“Yes.”
Eluca nodded. “Actually, my village is on the other side of the lake. Every autumn when I was younger, I would come with my family to catch this fish. It only becomes rich and flavorful in autumn, but precisely because of that, it is especially loved by noble lords and always sells for a very good price.”
“I see. Then it seems I caught the right one.”
Ann murmured to herself as she touched her chin.
Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she looked at Eluca and asked earnestly:
“May I ask you to teach me how to cook this fish?”
“Huh? Of course you can.”
“Excellent.”
After receiving an affirmative answer, Ann casually knocked the fish unconscious and tossed it aside.
Then she took out a small notebook she carried with her and asked:
“What cooking method usually makes it taste best?”
“Well… usually charcoal grilling or steaming. After all, this fish’s best qualities are its fresh flavor and firm texture, so it is better to choose a method that does not ruin its original taste.”
“What seasonings does it need?”
“Salt should be enough, I think. Since the point is to enjoy the natural flavor.”
“And spices…”
“...”
...
...
The two of them talked for a long time.
Ann asked about everything from cooking methods to seasoning and heat control, and even asked which temperature made it taste best.
Only after she had densely filled two whole pages in her little notebook did she finally close it in satisfaction and bow to Eluca in thanks.
“Thank you very much for your guidance. You have been a tremendous help.”
“Ah—no, no, there’s no need to thank me.”
Eluca hurriedly dodged Ann’s formal bow and scratched her cheek.
“I only did something trivial. Compared to you saving me, it is nothing at all.”
“No. To me, this was an enormous help.”
On Ann’s poised and cool face, a rare trace of gentleness appeared in the form of a soft smile.
The moment Eluca saw that smile, she blanked out for an instant, her mind going dazed.
“Miss Ann, are you doing all this… because there is someone you love?”
“Hm?”
“Ah, sorry. It was abrupt of me to ask something like that. It is your private business after all, Miss Ann…”
“It is fine. This is not something that needs to be hidden.”
Ann placed both hands against her faintly flushed cheeks, a blissful smile curving her lips.
“Because I truly am doing all this so I can prepare a grand fish feast that my beloved will enjoy.”
“So it really was true… how wonderful.”
A note of envy slipped into Eluca’s voice.
“To be able to offer your heartfelt feelings to the one you love… your beloved must be very happy.”
“Yes, he is very happy.”
Ann narrowed her eyes. “Once he fully understands just how deep my love is.”
“Huh?”
“It is nothing. Please do not mind it.”
Ann lowered her hands and habitually folded them before her lower abdomen.
That elegant bearing filled Eluca with envy once again.
If only I could carry myself with such grace, Rod would surely let his gaze linger on me as well.
“Um… Miss Ann.”
“Yes?”
“I have a problem of my own. May I confide in you?”
Clutching the hem of her skirt, Eluca asked nervously.
“You may.”
Ann replied, “Consider it my thanks for teaching me how to cook. Go ahead.”
“Actually… I have a friend. A friend, really. A very good friend.”
“Yes, I understand. A friend, right? And then?”
“And then, she has someone she likes. Someone she has liked for a very, very long time.
But she does not know whether the person she likes likes her back, because he is especially dense and gentle to everyone.”
“A fireplace-type man? The sort who gives light and warmth to everyone?”
“I… my friend was already planning to confess and see what happened, but then another woman suddenly appeared.”
“A love triangle?”
“...Yes. So lately my friend has started wavering, because the person she likes is obviously treating that newly appeared woman a little better.
So she has begun wondering whether it would be better to give up now.”
Eluca lowered her head and stared at the surface of the lake.
The waves still rolled restlessly, making it impossible to see her own reflection clearly.
Without realizing it, her fingers had clenched so tightly that they were beginning to turn pale.
“After all, if the two of them are in love with each other, then if she, as a third party, goes and disturbs them, wouldn’t that be inappropriate?”
“I see. I understand your trouble now.”
Ann nodded and said:
“Then I will ask directly.”
“Huh? Miss Ann?”
Eluca let out a cry of surprise.
Because Ann had suddenly cupped Eluca’s cheeks in both hands, forcing her to look into her eyes.
“Tell me, how much do you like that man?”
“Ah—ah, it is my friend, really, my friend…”
Her weak attempt at denial gradually lost all force, because through Ann’s eyes, Eluca realized that even her ability to lie was just this pitiful.
“I like him very much. I have liked him for several years, ever since we were children,” Eluca admitted honestly.
“Could you give up your life for him?”
“Of course.”
Eluca answered without the slightest hesitation.
After all, she had already done something like that before.
“Could you cast aside morality for him?” Ann continued.
“Yes.”
“Could you trample on the law for him?”
“Yes.”
If she could even give up her life, then what were morality and the law in comparison?