CHAPTER 67: BUILDING CONNECTION

The result was perfect; a delicious meal that filled the air with an enticing aroma.

The combination of flavors danced together, a testament to Nero’s preparation and skill. The warm glow of the bonfire illuminated their little campsite, creating a cozy atmosphere as they settled down to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

After serving Khione, he did the same for himself.

"Enjoy!" he said before digging in. Khione nodded and began eating, and as soon as the first spoonful entered her mouth, her cold blue eyes widened. It wasn’t just the taste that surprised her; there was something more. While it wasn’t quite the exceptional fare one might expect from a master chef, Nero’s cooking held a heartwarming quality that resonated deeply within her. It was a blend of hard work and dedication, and the most relatable comparison she could draw was how it reminded her of her mother’s cooking—something she had long forgotten after her mother’s death.

As she savored each bite, memories flooded back. The warmth of home, the comforting scents that filled the kitchen, and her mother’s gentle laughter as they cooked together. It was a bittersweet reminder of days gone by, of the love and care that infused every meal her mother had prepared. The flavors brought a nostalgic warmth to her heart, filling a void she hadn’t realized was there. It was as if Nero’s meal had bridged the gap between her past and present, awakening emotions she had kept buried.

Nero, noticing Khione’s sudden stillness, paused mid-bite, frowning as he wondered what was going on with her. This was the first time he had seen her express such emotions—her eyes were filled with nostalgia and longing.

"What is it? It’s not to your liking?" he inquired, a bit concerned. While he didn’t consider himself an exceptional cook, he believed his meal was more than acceptable.

"No, it’s really delicious. It reminds me of my mother’s cooking," Khione responded, surprisingly more talkative than usual.

"Is that so?" Nero was taken aback inwardly.

’So you can feel emotions; you just don’t know how to express them,’ he concluded, a theory that was yet to be confirmed but felt close to the truth. Shaking his head with a slight smile, he added, "You should eat before it cools down."

"Hmm!" Khione resumed eating eagerly, devouring her serving with newfound enthusiasm.

After they finished eating, Nero pulled out a bottle of wine that Adam had shoved into his hands before they entered the portal. At that moment, Adam had even shed a tear, cursing him for stealing his place, yet he still refused to use what he had prepared on another man, insisting instead on pushing it into Nero’s hands. Recalling that little episode, Nero shook his head, struck by a mix of laughter and nostalgia. Adam was truly fun to hang out with.

"Do you want some?" he inquired, holding up the red wine bottle. Khione watched it for a moment, her gaze lingering on the deep crimson liquid before she nodded subtly. Nero felt a warmth spread through him at her response; it was a small yet meaningful connection, sharing something as simple yet intimate as a drink. Some time building connection like this can be rewarding later. He wasn’t doing this to woo a woman, simply because the moment asked for it and he was trying to build a connection for the future.

After serving her, he poured himself a glass and silently savored the succulent wine. The rich flavors danced on his palate, and he took a moment to appreciate the velvety texture and notes of dark fruit, feeling a sense of relaxation wash over him. Khione, too, took a sip, and inwardly she acknowledged the pleasure of drinking good wine after a delicious dinner. The wine was a perfect complement to their meal, enhancing the flavors and adding a layer of comfort to the evening.

As the warmth of the wine spread through her, she felt a sense of contentment and tranquility. It was a welcome reprieve from her usual stoicism, allowing her to momentarily indulge in the simple joys of life. The combination of the meal and the wine created a cozy atmosphere, making her feel more at ease than she had in a long time.

After enjoying some wine, Khione suggested washing the dishes—a proposal that Nero welcomed with relief. She focused her energy, summoning a water bubble that floated above the campsite. The bubble shimmered as it glided gracefully toward the dishes, enveloping them in a gentle, swirling current of water.

With precise control, Khione directed the bubble to scrub away food residue and grime, the water swirling around each dish like a soft caress. She moved with an effortless grace, her expression calm and concentrated as she worked. The dishes sparkled under the cleansing flow, and though she did everything in silence, the rhythmic motion of the water bubble created a soothing atmosphere, a quiet harmony punctuating the night.

Watching Khione at work, Nero couldn’t help but admire her diligence. While most people saw her as nothing more than an emotionless girl and labeled her the "Ice Queen," the hours he had spent with her led him to believe that they didn’t truly understand her. This label had kept others at a distance, preventing them from getting to know the girl known as Khione Undine.

Though he couldn’t claim to fully understand her, his initial impression had shifted; the Ice Queen no longer felt unapproachable.

Nero shook his head, dismissing those distracting thoughts, and began to gather the dishes and various items used for cooking. After cleaning everything up, they sat in silence around the bonfire, which emitted a comforting crackling sound.

"We should rest early and wake up quickly tomorrow morning to begin our mission in earnest," Nero suddenly suggested.

Khione nodded and stood up, heading toward her tent. She hesitated for a moment, as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, she said nothing and disappeared inside, zipping the tent closed behind her.

Nero observed this with a detached expression. Once he had put out the bonfire, he mumbled to himself, "Shall we get to it?"