Chapter 65: A Deal with A Dragon
The scent of sizzling herbs, roasted root vegetables, and rich, smoky meat fills the inn’s dining room. The wooden table groans beneath the weight of Sera’s stewpot, surrounded by freshly baked bread, pickled garnishes, and little bowls of crunchy fried greens.
Vuvi groans in delight, spoon halfway to her mouth. "Sera... why didn’t we recruit you sooner?"
Sera, blushing and flexing one arm shyly, stirs the pot with a massive ladle. "I always wanted to be a cook, really. But y’know..." She gestures at her muscular frame. "People see the shoulders, they hand you a sword."
"Tragedy," Vuvi mutters, shoving another bite in.
Across the table, Penelo twitches and shivers, both hands trembling around her bowl. "It’s... it’s happening..." she whispers.
"What?" Veena blinks.
Penelo’s eyes roll back slightly. "F-F-Foodgasm..."
She tips backward in her chair, humming in euphoria.
Veena ignores her and quietly slips into the shadows. Moments later, the pot lid creaks open again. She appears beside it with a third bowl, snatching the biggest chunks of meat before teleporting back to her seat, ignoring the betrayed gasps from Penelo as she sits back up.
Sera only laughs. "Eat up. I made enough to drown a centaur."
Outside, under the glow of moonlight, Pip sits on the porch of the inn, arms folded, soft steam puffing from his vents. His golden chassis reflects the starlight as he quietly watches the sky, his thoughts filled with gentle waves of contentment. It had been a good day.