Chapter 115 – Promise of Delicacies and Moonlit Blush Effect
Chapter 115
Promise of Delicacies and Moonlit Blush Effect
Date : Day 20 of Grimleaf 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.
The maître d' gestured for them to follow. The motion was elegant—his hand sweeping toward the interior with practiced grace.
"Right this way, please."
He led them through a dining room filled with the city's elite. Merchants in fine silks, minor nobles adorned with jewelry, and high-ranking officers in their dress uniforms all looked up as they passed.
The murmur of conversation quieted for a moment, a wave of whispers following in their wake. Heads turned. Eyes tracked their progress. The attention was subtle—but unmistakable.
A woman in a gown of deep crimson paused mid-sentence to watch them pass. A man in military dress uniform glanced up from his wine—his eyes lingering on Elise before returning to his companion.
Hyoren felt the weight of those gazes.
The maître d' led them to a small, secluded table in the corner. It was tucked away from the main flow of traffic—partially hidden by a decorative screen that offered a measure of privacy. The table was set with fine china and crystal glasses—each piece arranged with meticulous precision. A single candle flickered in the center—casting a warm glow across the white tablecloth.
"Will this be satisfactory?"
Elise looked around, it was secluded. Their meal will be private without prying eyes. They couldn't get a good view of the outside. But it was a fair price for privacy.
Her mouth formed a dazzling smile. The expression was genuine—pleased with the arrangement.
"It's perfect."
As the maître d' pulled out her chair and Hyoren sat down opposite her, Hyoren leaned across the table, a low chuckle in his chest.
The sound was quiet—meant only for her ears. The tension that had gripped him outside was beginning to fade—replaced by something warmer.
"Patrons of our distinction, huh?"
Elise picked up the menu, her eyes dancing with amusement. The leather-bound booklet was heavy in her hands—the paper thick and expensive. Her emerald eyes scanned the offerings—taking in the elegant script and the elaborate descriptions.
"I told you I knew how to handle this. Now let's order, Hyoren. Fufu."
***
Hyoren picked up the heavy, leather-bound menu. The cover was embossed with the restaurant's silver chalice emblem. His eyes scanned the elegant, calligraphic script.
"Mad Ox sirloin steak...?"
His voice was low, uncertain. The words felt strange on his tongue—foreign and unfamiliar.
"Orc stew? Grilled Thunderfish?"
He looked up at Elise, his expression caught between bewilderment and alarm.
He knew Ramtauro, Horned Rabbits, Mossback Squirrels—monsters commonly eaten by humans. The creatures that populated the forests and plains around Akela. He had eaten them countless times—cooked by Martha, roasted over campfires, prepared in various ways.
But this.
This felt like an entirely different level. These were creatures he had never encountered—never even heard of. The names alone conjured images of terrifying and dangerous beast.
"What is this, Elise? I've never heard of any of these."
Elise, who had been browsing the menu with practiced ease, suppressed a giggle. Her shoulders shook slightly with the effort of containing her amusement. She set it down and leaned forward, her emerald eyes glinting with amusement in the candlelight.
"Fufu. Of course you haven't. You've never seen them before—these are imported ingredients from faraway regions."
She flipped to another page.
"They're much stronger monsters than the ones around Akela. Rare, too. That's why they're considered delicacies."
She smiled, confident. The expression was reassuring—the kind of smile that said she had done this before and knew exactly what she was doing.
"Trust me."
Hyoren looked back down at the menu. His eyes scanned the descriptions again—trying to make sense of the unfamiliar terms.
"So... a 'Mad Ox' is..."
His words trailed. The question hung in the air—incomplete.
Elise smiled at him. The expression was patient—like a teacher explaining something to an eager student.
"It was a bovine monster. Similar to Ramtauro, but they are smaller. And they are way more aggressive beast with hide as tough as iron. The sirloin is incredibly tender and has a rich flavor. It's a specialty of the plains from Altaria’s eastern territory."
He then pointed at another menu. His finger landed on the item in question—the elegant script spelling out words that seemed more suited to a battlefield than a dinner table.
"And Orc Stew?"
Elise's eyes softened.
"Oh, that's a classic. Orc meat, especially from the younger ones, is surprisingly lean and savory. It slow-cooks beautifully with root vegetables and a dark ale gravy. It's... delicious."
Her pointed ears twitched.
"A bit tough, though. You have to beat it for a good long while to tenderize it."
Hyoren stared at her, then back at the menu. The world of Kresneger was vast. And he only knew a small part of it. The realization settled over him like a weight—the understanding that there was so much more to this world than the forests and plains around Akela.
"So... what do you recommend?"
He finally accepted that there are many monsters which could be eaten, even if it sounds so dangerous for him. Eating Mad Ox was reminding him of diseased animals—the name alone conjuring images of rabid beasts and contaminated meat. But he trusted Elise. She had never steered him wrong before.
Elise's face lit up.
"Oh, we have to get the Mad Cow Sirloin. It's the house specialty. And for a starter, let's get the Sizzling Mossback Squirrels Skewers. They're marinated in a sweet honey-glaze and are surprisingly tasty. And to drink..."
She scanned the wine list.
"We'll get a bottle of Moonlit Blush. It complements the gamey flavor perfectly."
She closed the menu and looked at him, her eyes full of warmth and excitement.
"Trust me, Hyoren. This is one of the best parts of being an adventurer. You get to eat like a king, on the monsters you've killed."
She reached across the table and took his hand.
"Just think of it as... harvesting the spoils of victory. Well, we are not actually killing any for now, we just bought it. But if we got stronger, and could handle stronger monsters, there are a lot of dangerous sounding monsters which are actually a delicacy."
Hyoren looked at their joined hands, then at her eager, beautiful face. The fear and confusion slowly melted away, replaced by a sense of wild, exhilarating acceptance.
"That might be a good idea. Travelling all over the world. Eating delicacies we defeat ourselves."
He squeezed her hand and grinned. The expression was genuine—the apprehension giving way to something more adventurous.
"Alright. Let's harvest some victory. But if I start to become mad and my brain rot, I'm blaming you."
Elise giggled. The sound was light—musical. Her smile softened, becoming less mischievous and more genuinely affectionate.
"You won't regret it, I promise."
Just then, a waiter approached their table. He placed two crystal glasses of water on the table and stood with his hands clasped.
"Good evening. Are you ready to order?"
With a clear and confident voice, she ordered.
"We are. To start, we'll have two Sizzling Mossback Squirrel Skewers."
The waiter's pen was already poised over his small notepad.
"An excellent choice, madam."
Elise continued.
"For the main course, two Mad Ox Sirloin, cooked medium rare. And a bowl of your signature Orc Stew."
The waiter nodded and made his notes.
"Very good. And to drink?"
Elise put down the menu. The leather cover closed with a soft thump.
"A bottle of the Moonlit Blush. And a pitcher of chilled water."
He gave a slight bow, finished taking their order.
"Of course. An exceptional selection. It will be my pleasure to serve you."
He collected their menus and glided away, leaving them in the warm, intimate glow of their corner. The candles flickered softly—casting dancing shadows across the white tablecloth.
Hyoren watched him go, then turned his attention back to Elise.
"You were in your element, Elise."
Elise giggled. Her pointed ears twitched with amusement.
"Years of Adventuring teach me, Hyoren."
She squeezed his hand. The touch was gentle—reassuring.
"I'm sure you could do the same sooner or later."
As they spoke, the waiter returned with a silver ice bucket containing the wine.
He expertly uncorked the bottle, the soft pop of the cork barely audible above the ambient noise. He poured a small amount for Elise to taste—the pale liquid catching the light as it filled her glass. She swirled it gently—her eyes never leaving the waiter as she took a sip. Her nod was approving—the gesture subtle but clear. He then poured for Hyoren and set the bottle back in the ice bucket.
"The skewers will be out momentarily. Then the main course will follow after that."
The waiter bowed slightly, and he departed once more.
Hyoren picked up his glass, the pale liquid catching the light. The aroma was delicate—floral notes mingling with something sweeter.
"Let's toast to celebrate our achievement, Elise."
He held it up. The glass caught the candlelight—creating patterns of light and shadow on the tablecloth.
"To our successful quest. To our full recovery. To our new wealth and legendary gear. To our new power."
Elise nodded and raised her own glass.
And at same time, they said in unison.
"To Freedom Party!"
"To Freedom Party!"
They clinked their glasses together, the soft chime a sweet melody in the quiet hum of the restaurant. The sound was delicate—crystal meeting crystal in a moment of celebration.
At that moment, surrounded by the soft light and the city's elite, they were Hyoren and Elise, the Freedom Party, celebrating a victory.
***
It didn't take long. The waiter returned. His footsteps were nearly silent against the floor as he approached their table, carrying the first of their dishes with practiced efficiency.
He set down a sizzling cast-iron platter from which the Sizzling Mossback Squirrel Skewers emanated a tantalizing cloud of steam and sweet, caramelized aroma. The sound of the meat still cooking on the hot surface filled the air—a soft crackle that seemed to promise flavors beyond expectation. Each skewer held chunks of meat glistening with a honey-glaze, interspersed with chunks of vegetables that had absorbed the savory juices during cooking.
Next came the Orc Stew, a deep, earthenware bowl filled with a rich, dark gravy, large chunks of tender meat, and whole potatoes and carrots, its surface glistening with a sheen of rendered fat. The aroma was earthy and deep—the kind of smell that seemed to warm the body from the inside out.
Finally, the star of the show, the Mad Ox Sirloin.
It was a masterpiece of a steak, thick-cut and seared to a perfect crust, with a deep, bloody red center that promised unparalleled flavor. The exterior had been charred just enough to create a caramelized crust, while the interior remained a vibrant pink that seemed to glow in the candlelight.
"Enjoy your meal."
The waiter bowed slightly, and left.
Elise picked up one of the squirrel skewers, the meat so tender it fell off the skewer at her touch. She blew on it gently and took a bite, her eyes closing in blissful appreciation. A soft sound escaped her lips—not quite a moan, but close enough to convey her pleasure.
"Mmm, perfect. I love squirrel meat."
Hyoren also picked up one of the skewers. He took the piece of meat from the skewer. It was impossibly soft, practically melting in his mouth. The flavor was an explosion—a cascade of sweet and savory that seemed to unfold across his palate in layers.
"I already taste a lot of squirrel meat, but this was truly something. The restaurant knows how to cook it to perfection."
Next, Elise dipped a spoon into the Orc Stew, scooping up a piece of meat that was so tender it was falling apart. She blew on it and offered it to him.
Hyoren accepted her offer. The meat was dense and savory, with a smoky, earthy flavor that was nothing like he'd ever imagined. It was rich and satisfying, it was like pork. But way juicier.
"Okay, I'm going to love an orc."
Elise giggled.
"Told you! Fufu."
He turned his attention to the Mad Ox sirloin.
He sliced off a piece of the perfectly medium rare steak—the knife gliding through it like butter—and brought it to his mouth.
And his world stopped. It was a symphony of flavor.
The seared crust gave way to meat so impossibly tender and juicy it seemed to melt on his tongue. It was the essence of beef—amplified a thousand times. Rich. Buttery. With a deep, savory intensity that bordered on intoxicating. The juices flooded his mouth with a flavor that seemed to defy description—complex and layered in a way that made every previous steak he had ever consumed seem like a pale imitation.
He slowly set his knife and fork down, staring at the plate.
He had eaten steaks in high-end restaurants back on Earth. Filet mignon. Ribeye. Even Japanese wagyu. None of it—none of it—came close to this.
This was meat on another level of existence. The thought was not hyperbole—it was simple fact. The Mad Ox sirloin existed in a category of its own, beyond the spectrum of quality he had previously understood.
He had tried Ramtauro steak before—the closest thing to beef in this world. But this—this was different. The comparison was almost unfair. Where Ramtauro had been good, even exceptional by the standards he had known, the Mad Ox was something else entirely.
"Elise... I thought the Ramtauro steak Martha cooked was already incredible. But this..."
He let out a breath, still in disbelief.
"This is the best thing I've ever eaten. In my entire life."
Elise's heart swelled with pride and happiness.
"I'm glad you like it."
They ate in a comfortable, happy silence for a while, the only sounds the soft clinking of cutlery and Hyoren's occasional, involuntary groans of pleasure.
Finally, he leaned back in his chair, his plate clean, his stomach full, and a look of profound contentment on his face. He took a sip of the wine, then looked at Elise, who was sipping her wine and watching him with a relaxed expression.
Hyoren swirled the wine in his glass, watching the pale liquid catch the light.
A quiet sense of peace settled over him—something he hadn't felt since—since Elise had nearly died in the Old Quarry.
"This, Elise... this is the point."
He looked at her, his voice softer now.
"This is what I fought for. This is why I carried you all the way from the Old Quarry to Akela... without turning off Berserker."
It wasn't just the food. Not the fine wine. Not the warmth of the place.
It was this moment. Being here. With her.
"Not just the fancy food, but... this. Being able to sit here. Being able to be with you..."
Elise listened quietly, her expression soft and attentive. She took a slow sip of her brandy, her emerald eyes reflecting the candlelight. The flames danced in her emerald irises—creating patterns of gold and green that seemed to shift with each subtle movement.
"Me too, Hyoren. I love this moment... with you."
Hyoren lifted his glass.
"To the life we fought for."
Elise raised hers, her eyes shining.
"To us... and the life we're building."
Their glasses met with a soft, crystal chime—a quiet promise lingering in the air. The sound was delicate but clear—a note that seemed to hang in the space between them before fading into the warmth of the evening.
***
The evening stretched on, comfortable and warm. The candle on their table had burned low—its flame dancing in the gentle draft that drifted through the restaurant.
Elise raised her hand—a subtle gesture that caught the waiter's attention from across the room. The man glided over with practiced ease—his expression attentive.
"Another bottle of Moonlit Blush, please."
Her voice was light—tinged with the relaxed contentment of someone who had let the stresses of the day melt away.
Hyoren raised an eyebrow. The first bottle was barely finished—a glass or two remaining in the bottom. His dark eyes flickered from the bottle to her face—assessing.
"Another one? We still have some left."
Elise smiled—a soft expression that made her emerald eyes sparkle in the candlelight.
"Fufu. We're celebrating, Hyoren. Triple celebration, remember? One bottle is not enough for that."
The waiter returned with a fresh bottle—the cork removed with a soft pop. He poured a measure into her glass.
They chatted for a while. The conversation flowed easily—from the dungeon they would soon explore to the gear they had purchased that afternoon. Elise talked about the Moonveil Bow—how it felt in her hands, how the Aethell seemed to sing through the wood. Hyoren shared his thoughts on the sword and shield—how the weight felt different from his spear.
But as the minutes passed, Hyoren noticed something. Elise kept drinking. Her glass was never empty for long—she would take a sip, then another, then another. The second bottle disappeared at an alarming rate. Her cheeks had taken on a delicate pink flush—the kind that spoke of wine and warmth and the loosening of inhibitions.
"Elise."
His voice was gentle—concerned.
"You might want to slow down."
Elise giggled. The sound was lighter than usual—freer. Her pointed ears twitched with amusement as she refilled her glass from the third bottle. Yes—third bottle.
When did that happen?
Elise dismissed him with a wave of her hand.
"I'm fine, Hyoren. Fufu. I can handle my wine."
She took another sip—a long one that drained half the glass. Her emerald eyes were slightly glassy now—the usual sharpness softened by the alcohol.
Hyoren watched her with growing concern. He had never seen Elise drink like this. She was always so composed—so in control. But tonight, something had shifted. The moment had taken hold of her—the relief of survival, the joy of celebration, the sheer weight of everything they had been through. It was all pouring out in the form of wine.
"Elise, seriously. That's three bottles now."
He reached across the table—his hand covering hers as she reached for the bottle again. His touch was gentle but firm.
"You're going to regret this tomorrow."
Elise blinked at him—her expression somewhere between surprised and amused. A soft pout formed on her lips—the kind of expression he had never seen her make before. It was almost cute.
"But Hyoren... we're celebrating. I want to celebrate properly."
Her voice was slightly slurred—the words running together in a way that was decidedly unlike her usual precise speech.
Hyoren sighed. The sound was affectionate—tinged with resignation. He knew that look in her eyes—the stubborn determination that meant she would not be swayed.
"Fine. But we're leaving after this bottle. Understand?"
Elise nodded enthusiastically—her silver hair swaying with the motion. The movement was a bit too vigorous—her coordination was already affected by the wine.
"Understood! Fufu."
They settled the bill—the cost staggering but manageable given their recent windfall. Hyoren helped Elise to her feet. She swayed slightly—her hand gripping his arm for balance. The graceful ranger who could walk without making a sound was now struggling to walk in a straight line.
"You're definitely going to regret this tomorrow."
Elise leaned into him—her body warm against his side. Her breath was sweet with wine—her emerald eyes half-lidded and content.
"Worth it."
She smiled up at him—a genuine, unguarded expression that made his heart skip a beat.
They made their way out of The Silver Chalice—leaving behind the warm glow and soft music for the cool night air. The dual suns had long since set—the sky now a canvas of deep purple scattered with stars.
***
The walk back to The Wanderer's Rest was a bit hard for Hyoren. The cool night air was a welcome contrast to the warmth of the restaurant—but it did little to sober up his companion. The streets of the Merchants' District were quiet at this hour—the lamplights casting long shadows across the paved street. Their footsteps echoed in the silence—his steady and sure, hers less so.
She leaned heavily against him as they walked, her usual graceful stride replaced by a slightly unsteady, languid sway. Her arm was looped through his—her grip tighter than necessary. Every few steps, she would stumble slightly—her footing uncertain on the smooth stones. But she never fell. He was there to catch her. To steady her. To keep her moving forward.
Her silver hair cascaded over his shoulder, and she rested her head on his arm, humming a soft, elven tune that he instantly recognized. The tune which she hummed when she was relaxed.
"I think I love Moonlit Blush. It makes everything feel... warm… and pleasant..."
Her voice was soft—slightly slurred. The words ran together in a way that was decidedly unlike her usual precise speech. But there was a contentment in her tone—a happiness that made his heart swell despite his concern.
Hyoren chuckled. The sound was low—affectionate. He tightened his grip on her waist—steadying her as they navigated a turn.
"Yes, yes. But please stop at the 2nd bottle next time, ok?"
Elise giggled. The sound was light—bubbly.
"No promises, Hyoren. Fufu."
They entered the Wanderer's Rest, the familiar, boisterous energy a stark contrast to the refined quiet they had just left.
The inn was still lively, filled with adventurers celebrating their own small victories. The smell of ale and roasted meat hung heavy in the air—the sounds of laughter and clinking mugs creating a wall of noise that hit them like a physical force.
Martha was behind the counter, wiping down a mug, and she looked up as they came in, her face breaking into a wide, knowing grin.
"Well, look what the cat dragged in. Or should I say, what the cat dragged out of the fancy part of town. Looks like you two had a good time."
Elise giggled, a sound so uncharacteristically bubbly that it drew a few amused glances. She released Hyoren's arm—stumbling slightly before catching herself on the counter. Her emerald eyes were bright—glassy with wine but sparkling with happiness.
"Martha! We had the best time! Hyore ate an Ox! A mad Ox!"
Martha just laughed, shaking her head. The sound was warm—maternal. She had seen plenty of drunk adventurers in her time—but there was something endearing about seeing the usually composed Elise in such a state.
"Alright, you two. You look completely drunk."
Her gaze shifted to Hyoren, who still held himself together far better than Elise. He was tipsy—certainly—but still in control of his faculties. The same could not be said for his partner.
"Off to bed, will you?"
She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. The gesture was conspiratorial—her eyes twinkling with mischief.
"And I know I've said this before... but since she's that drunk... try to keep the noise down this time. Some of us are trying to sleep."
A flush crept up Hyoren's neck, but he only nodded, guiding Elise toward the stairs. The heat in his cheeks was not entirely from the wine—and Martha's knowing smile made it worse.
She was practically draped over him now, her body soft and warm against his side. Her silver hair tickled his neck—her breath warm against his skin. The scent of wine clung to her—sweet and intoxicating.
"Your face is all red, Hyoren... it's cute."
He let out a quiet sigh. The sound was long-suffering—but fond.
"I think you need a mirror, Elise."
Somehow, he managed to get the door open and guide her inside their room. The key took two attempts—the lock stubborn in his slightly impaired state. But eventually, the mechanism clicked—and the door swung open to reveal their familiar quarters.
The room was dim, lit only by the three moons' light streaming through the window. The smell of the inn was here too—wood and candle wax and something that was uniquely Martha's.
The moment the door clicked shut—Elise changed. The giggles faded. Something deeper replaced them. Warmer. Intentional.
The transformation was instantaneous—like a mask slipping off to reveal something raw and hungry beneath.
Abruptly, she kissed him.
Not soft. Not hesitant. It was a deep, demanding kiss—tinged with wine, heat, and something unrestrained. Her hands found his collar—pulling him closer. Her body pressed against his—soft and warm and insistent.
Hyoren pulled back slightly, breath uneven. His heart was pounding.
"Elise... what's gotten into you? You're drunk. Try to calm down..."
She shook her head, silver hair swaying with the motion. The strands caught the moonlight.
"No, Hyoren... you're… the one who… what.. oh.. I mean you… should stop talking."
Her voice was slurred, but her gaze was steady. There was no hesitation in her eyes. No uncertainty. Only want—plain and unmistakable.
"My body feels hot..."
A small pause. The air between them seemed to crackle with tension—the silence stretching like a held breath. Then—a quiet, slightly shaken voice flowed from her slightly parted lips.
"You don't want this? Is my body ugly now??"
That was the last thread. Hyoren's restraint—already worn thin from the night, from the closeness, from her—finally gave way. The careful control he had maintained—the gentle concern, the protective distance—it all dissolved in an instant.
“Of course not, Elise! You are beautiful. I love you, despite the scar!”
He pulled her closer. And this time, he kissed her back. Just as fiercely. His hands found her waist—drawing her against him with an urgency that surprised them both. The taste of wine was on his lips now too—mingling with hers.
“Yes… This… I love you too, Hyoren…”
The world narrowed—to her warmth, to her breath, to the way she held onto him.
He lifted her without thinking, carrying her toward the bed as soft, quiet sounds slipped between them.
Outside, the three moons of Kresneger watched in silence—Azure, Crimson, and Ebony. Their mixed glow creating an ethereal illumination that painted the room in shifting colors. The night carried on—as their celebration continued.