Chapter 32. Footsteps of a Monster [1]
"Eughh~ My stomach doesn’t feel particularly good after eating this," Aiden complained, holding a charcoal-black piece that was supposed to be the serpent’s meat in his hand.
A slight burn could be seen near his index finger, and a burning flicker of flame in the vicinity, on which he had "cooked" the meat.
"You told me you knew how to cook, right? This’s no different than chompin’ on coal," Zephy grumbled, flapping his tiny wings just once in disapproval.
"...I knew. It’s just that I haven’t cooked in this world, nor on an open fire. Maybe I did something wrong... or perhaps it’s the meat," Aiden mumbled under his breath in complaint, continuing to nibble on the charcoal piece despite its texture resembling that of scorched wood.
Zephy stared blankly at him for a moment longer. It’s useless to talk about this, he thought, shaking his head, and figured continuing the conversation would be a waste of time.
"No use wasting breath on your cooking. We’ll put that effort into something useful. So, let’s get started with your first lesson. Magic, Skills—"
"Hmm. Arghmm—Cough! Wai—Cough! Cough!" Choking on his food and flailing his hands like he was drowning in air, Aiden managed to stop Zephy from continuing.
He hastily manifested water and drank it, letting the burned meat slide down his throat with an audible gulp, unchoking himself in the process.
"Cough... Wait! I haven’t finished yet," Aiden said, wiping his mouth clean with his left hand and still clutching the cursed piece of coal in the other.
Zephy narrowed his eyes.
"Weren’t you ready to skip food completely just to hear me ramble about magic?" he asked, sounding almost betrayed.
"At that time, I didn’t realize how hungry I was. But now, if I stop eating, I’ll faint," Aiden pleaded, exuding charm in every little action.