Chapter 45: Airael Who Can’t Cook

Chapter 45: Airael Who Can’t Cook

That night, due to their slow pace, Airael and Axi had to spend the night in the forest.

By the campfire, Airael was still wearing her cloak, but she had finally stopped hiding her head from Axi.

Since Axi had already seen her face, there was no need for her to hide it any longer.

Having worn a large hood for so long, she felt quite uncomfortable.

With her true appearance revealed, Airael’s eyes were glued to the roasted meat over the fire.

Although they had been out for a while, Airael still lacked many practical skills.

For example, cooking.

In her previous life, she was terrible at cooking, and in this life, having been the queen of the Elven Royal Palace for hundreds of years, there’s no way cooking would have fallen to her.

Her schedule was packed, leaving no time to learn how to cook.

Thus, her cooking skills could hardly be described as anything but abysmal.

Previously, when camping outdoors, Airael had managed with some dry rations, but now, accompanying Axi, she could finally enjoy some decent food.

While Axi’s cooking wasn’t exceptional, it was decent enough—medium level, if you will.

But even that was far better than dry rations and abominable dishes.

As Axi eyed the roasted meat, he would occasionally glance over at Airael.

At that moment, Airael looked really cute.

Her little glutton expression reminded him of the neighbor’s little sister.

It certainly reshaped his perception of Airael.

With so many impressions layered over Airael, Axi found himself a bit confused by her.

In his eyes, Airael wore an extra layer of mystery.

Unaware of Axi’s occasional peeks, Airael was completely focused on the delicious roasted meat in front of her.

After a while, the distinct aroma of the roasted meat wafted in, prompting Airael to impatiently ask, “Is it done?”

“Yep, it’s ready.”

Saying this, Axi handed over a portion of the roasted meat to Airael, keeping the rest for himself.

Although the amount wasn’t much, it was enough to fill their bellies.

Out in the wilderness, one shouldn’t be too picky.

After satisfying their hunger, Airael leaned back against a big tree, her delicate face radiating laziness.

Since she set out on her journey, this night spent outdoors felt rather comfortable.

Especially remembering how they had just survived a crisis earlier that day, it was a feeling she found hard to put into words.

It was simply too blissful!

“Looks like you’re full now.”

Seeing Airael in such a state, Axi pondered aloud.

“Yeah! I can’t gobble like you do, and eating too much meat is no good.”

Airael replied.

“Are you on a diet?”

Axi asked rather directly.

“Diet!”

Airael shot Axi a bemused glance, then huffed, “I totally don’t need that! I’ll have you know my current figure is absolutely perfect; I just need to maintain it!”

“But that’s the hardest part.”

Axi chuckled at her words.

Airael opened her mouth but said nothing in response.

Because he was right.

It’s easy to make an empire, but hard to keep it!

After that, they chatted idly for a bit and wrapped up the post-meal talk.

Their relationship gradually drew a bit closer in an imperceptible way.

At the very least, they now felt like partners.

In the end, Axi looked at Airael and asked, “Are you planning to keep watch for the first half of the night or the second?”

“First half, I guess.”

Airael thought for a moment before replying.

“Alright, then wake me up when it’s time.”

Axi then found a spot, lay down on the ground with his clothes on, and closed his eyes to drift off to sleep.

Airael first watched him fall asleep, then turned her gaze to the surroundings.

Not detecting anything unusual, she pulled her gaze back and blankly stared ahead, lost in her own thoughts.

She had been traveling with Axi for a while now, and even though they had shared some intimate moments, she still couldn’t figure out what exactly about him attracted her.

That feeling of familiarity definitely came from Axi.

As she thought about it, Airael’s gaze shifted to Axi.

At that moment, it seemed Axi had already fallen asleep.

In the tranquil night, Airael could hear the soft snores coming from his nose.

“He’s sure a fast sleeper, knocked out in no time.”

Airael murmured softly as she observed him.

Suddenly, Airael stood up and slowly approached Axi.

She cautiously examined Axi, leaving no detail overlooked.

In the end, her gaze landed on the sword strapped to his back.

Could it be this sword?

She couldn’t help but wonder.

Aside from this sword, Axi’s outfit didn’t seem particularly special to her.

His armor and the sword he typically wielded weren’t exactly ordinary, but they certainly weren’t rare or remarkable either—good, perhaps, or simply “elven” quality.

It was just this sword that Airael had never seen drawn before.

Reflecting on the few battles she had witnessed Axi fight, it seemed he had no intention of using it.

Carrying a sword but not using it felt very strange indeed.

Regardless, there was definitely a secret behind it.

Airael thought to herself, feeling quite certain.

But she wondered if it had anything to do with her.

Furthermore, if not this sword, she really couldn’t think of anything else—could it possibly be Axi himself?

Axi was indeed a rather unique person.

But did she truly believe that a single person could evoke such feelings?

Even if she was human in her previous life, there was no reason for her to feel that way about only Axi.

So, it had to be an object.

Wait…

Suddenly, a spark of insight flashed through Airael’s mind.

Maybe she had made a mistake just now.

What if it really was Axi himself who evoked that feeling of familiarity?

For example, Axi might also have come from that world, just like her?

But then, Axi should also feel a familiar connection to her, right?

Airael furrowed her brow, lost in thought.

Thinking deeper on it, she felt it was getting more complicated.

Were there other travelers in this world?

And was Axi one of them?

…

Having pondered many things without finding answers, Airael quickly shook her head.

She was afraid that if she thought too hard, she might just drive herself crazy.

Finally, she sighed and returned to lean against the tree she was by earlier.