CHAPTER 47: THE MEMORIES OF LOVING FAMILY PT 2 (FOOD TRIP EDITION)

BRROOOM

Two hours had passed since their road trip began from Oliena to Bosa Marina.

"Here we are—welcome to Bosa Marina," Lucretia said warmly, easing the car to the roadside with practiced grace.

"Whoa...!"

Asahi leaned forward in his seat, eyes lighting up looking at the side of the window.

Beside Lucretia, Alice, who had been quiet for most of the ride, parted her lips in awe. "It’s... beautiful..." she murmured, unable to tear her gaze from the view.

The coastline unfolded before them like a storybook left open under the sun.

The bay curved gently, the sea shimmering in a thousand shades of blue—restless yet soothing.

Farther along, the land rose into rugged crimson cliffs that caught the afternoon light, glowing like molten stone frozen mid-flow.

The road clung to the water’s edge, winding along the cliffs until, at last, a small village came into view—Isola Rossa.

It looked almost unreal, as if placed there by careful hands. Whitewashed houses with terracotta roofs huddled together against the sea breeze, and at the far end, a solitary Spanish watchtower stood tall, its weathered stones telling silent stories of centuries past.

*Sniff* *sniff*

The moment the car stopped at a vantage point, Asahi and Tet hopped out.

The salt-rich wind greeted them instantly.

"Ahhh! Yep, that’s the smell of the sea!" Tet grinned, nodding as she drew in a deep breath, as though she could store it for later.

The air was sharp yet refreshing, laced with the faint aroma of wild rosemary baking in the sun.

Down below, a crescent of pale sand wrapped around the turquoise bay, where fishing boats rocked lazily with the tide.

Lucretia stepped out the car next, slipping on her sunglasses. The wind caught her orange hair, framing her smile. "Looks like it hasn’t changed in years," she said quietly, as if the place were an old friend.

Alice followed, her dress swaying in the breeze. "The sea is so clear..." she whispered again, almost to herself.

Amaterasu, emerging last, tilted her head with curiosity. "Your first time here too, Princess-dono?"

"Yes," Alice replied, her smile gentle though tinged with fatigue. "My body usually stays at home due to my condition, so I can only use [Astral projection] spell to go around and fulfill my duties as a speaker. That keeps me far from places like this."

Amaterasu nodded, feeling quiet pity for Alice. She unconsciously patted her head, smiling faintly.

Alice fluttered at the sudden touch. "E-eh... A-Amaterasu-sama."

Amaterasu smiled kindly, continuing to pat her head with warmth feeling.

Amaterasu looking at her realized the heaven gift to her she couldn’t help but feel both sympathy and admiration for Alice’s will.

She simply replied, "You did well."

Princess Alice felt warmth spread from Amaterasu’s hand.

Despite of short praise of Amaterasu hearing her kindness words of praise only deepened the feeling respect, and admiration to the Goddess before she realized it, tears slipped down her cheeks.

"Y-yesh..."

!

"Aww, looks like someone is shy. Ey!" Tet suddenly appeared behind Alice and quickly touch her chest

"Kyaa!" Alice yelped, her face turning redder as Tet swayed her side to side like a ragdoll.

"T-tet-sama!" Alice squeaked, torn between laughter and embarrassment.

Tet grinned enjoying her touching her chest "Hehe, no sulking allowed on this trip. Just have fun! You’re way too cute to stay gloomy."

"Okay, You done enough."

"It hurt!"

Amaterasu chop her forehead and take Tet between them.

Lucretia checked her watch, then glanced toward Asahi, who was still looking around with excitement. "It’s already 3:38. Looks like we have more time than I thought. Where would you like to go?"

The first thought that came to Asahi’s mind was...

Food.

"I wanna taste the local specialties here," he excitedly replied that his eyes full of stars.

Lucretia heard his reply, her lips curving into a small laugh. "Fufu... Let’s go. I know just the place.

The group followed Lucretia through the narrow, sunlit streets of Isola Rossa.

Bright laundry hung from balconies, and the mingled scents of grilled fish, baking bread, and salty sea air filled the streets. Soon, they stopped in front of a rustic building painted in warm cream, its doorway framed with pots of bright red geraniums.

Above the door, a hand-painted sign read: La Rosa del Mare( The Rose of The sea)

"This is the place," Lucretia said, a fond smile tugging at her lips. "Rosa has been a dear friend of mine for years."

The door creaked open before they could knock. An elderly woman stepped out, her silver hair tied back neatly beneath a scarf. Her face brightened immediately.

"Lucretia! Dio mio, is it truly you?" she exclaimed, her voice rich with joy.

"Rosa!" Lucretia stepped forward, embracing her warmly. "It’s been far too long."

Rosa held her at arm’s length, eyes twinkling. "Too long indeed. And look at you—still as radiant as ever."

Lucretia laughed lightly. "And you, still as lively as I remember."

Rosa then turned to the others, her expression softening. "And who are these fine companions you’ve brought with you?"

"They’re my friends," Lucretia said warmly. "They’ve come to see the beauty of Bosa Marina—and, of course, to taste your delicious food."

Rosa chuckled, patting Lucretia’s arm. "Then you’ve brought them to the right place. Come in, come in. My son Carlo manages the trattoria now, though I still keep an eye on everything."

Inside, the trattoria was cozy and filled with the scents of simmering sauces and fresh bread. Wooden tables lined the room, sunlight streaming through lace-curtained windows. Photographs of fishermen and framed paintings of the coast decorated the walls.

A tall, broad-shouldered man in his thirties emerged from the kitchen, wiping his hands on an apron. His eyes lit up when he saw Lucretia.

"Aunt Lucretia, is that really you?" he asked, a warm smile spreading across his face.

Lucretia blinked in surprise, tilting her head slightly. "...Carlo? My goodness, you’ve grown so much!"

Rosa laughed, pride swelling in her voice. "You remember when he was just a boy, sì? Always running around the tables, getting under everyone’s feet."

"I do," Lucretia said, smiling in disbelief. "The last time I saw you, you could barely reach my shoulder. And now—" she gestured at him with amused astonishment "—you’ve grown into such a fine young man."

Carlo chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. "Ah, grazie... I’ve had a little practice since then. Mamma made sure I learned everything."

"Not just practice, caro," Rosa interjected proudly. "He puts his heart into every plate."

Carlo waved off her praise with modest embarrassment. "Well, with mamma watching, I don’t dare do otherwise."

Asahi leaned toward Tet and whispered—loud enough for everyone to hear—"He’s so tall!"

Tet grinned, nodding. "And he cooks? That’s a rare combination."

Carlo laughed. "Ah, you flatter me. But enough about me—please, sit. You’re here for the food, not my story."

They settled at a table, the wooden surface polished from years of use.

Rosa bustled in the background, directing the younger staff with quick, firm gestures, while Carlo carried out the first plates himself.

He set them down one by one:

Spaghetti alla bottarga, golden strands glistening with olive oil and cured mullet roe.

Aragosta alla catalana, lobster with onions, tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon.

Platters of grilled fish, their skin crisp and aromatic.

Warm bread served with bowls of olives and olive oil.

After carlo serving the food in table he bow, "We’ll bring you the best of Bosa Marina which our best food in here. I hope you enjoy our food." Then he leave.

*Sniff**Grrumble~*

The aromas alone made Asahi’s stomach growl audibly.

He eagerly picked up his fork and twirled the pasta.

The moment he tasted it, the chatter at the table dimmed. He placed his fork down with deliberate care.

"...Incredible."

Rosa raised a brow, amused. "Just incredible? That’s all my food earns?"

But Asahi’s eyes shone, his voice rich with clarity.

"Mhmmm!~ The spaghetti’s olive oil sure softens the tongue, like sunlight warming stone. Then the bottarga strikes—salty, deep, the breath of the sea itself. A bitterness follows, sharp but fleeting, before melting into sweetness that lingers. It’s as if the tide itself is on this plate, pulling me in and out with every bite." Asahi unconsciously comment the food.

Everyone heard the comment from Asahi

"...." :-o

The table fell silent.

Tet froze mid-bite, staring at him. Alice’s lips parted in awe. Amaterasu tilted her head, intrigued.

Rose blinked in disbelief. "You... you could taste all that? From one mouthful?"

Lucretia chuckled softly. "Fufu...Sorry about that, Rose. He has something rare sensitivity of his tongue. No flavor escapes him."

Rosa’s eyes sparkled with delight. "A boy with a tongue like that, in my taverna! Dio mio... Fufu, you honor me. Eat more, There is eat plenty more will come. Let us see if what kind my cooking could you describe it."

Asahi flushed but nodded eagerly. "Then... please, I want to try everything."

Tet leaned in and quickly take his food and eat more than him. "Careful, Asahi. If you keep eating more, you might moan due overeating more delicious."

"Hey, Im not! And dont take my food." Asahi quickly defend his plate from stealing to Tet’s

Laughter broke out around the table, and the feast continued—every dish drawing out more of Asahi’s gift, every flavor a new revelation.

"AH!~"

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[A/N: Hey! What do you think of Story of He who left behind? The story of Multiversal War]