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Chapter 21
The octopus hit the floor so hard that the sound echoed loudly. The energetic octopus immediately went limp and didn’t move at all. It seemed to be dead on the spot.
“Did she just kill the octopus by smashing it on the floor? And that kid did it?”
I was stunned, staring in disbelief, while Baron anxiously checked my arm.
“Are you okay, sister? Is your arm okay?”
I didn’t respond, so Baron pulled over a chair and helped me sit down.
“I understand you’re shocked. You could have been hurt if it bit you.”
He genuinely looked worried, even sweating from the tension. I couldn’t scold him for handling the octopus roughly—it was impossible.
I couldn’t help but laugh at how cute little Baron was.
“Huh?”
Baron looked confused.
“It’s okay, Baron. Octopuses won’t bite unless they’re magical beasts. They usually just cling.”
I explained carefully to him.
“So it’s not dangerous?”
“No, not at all. Watch.”
I caught an octopus in the water and rolled it onto a skewer to prepare it for cooking.
“See? We’ll cook it like this.”
As I finished the second octopus and reached for a third, Baron stopped me.
“Wait, sister.”
“Hm?”
“You do something else. I’ll handle all the octopuses.”
“Huh?”
“I can’t bear to see them cling to your hands. I don’t like it. So I’ll help.”
“Eh?”
He nodded seriously.
“Things like this should be done by a boy.”
At that moment, a conch I had put over the fire popped with a loud sound.
“You still have other dishes to make anyway, right?”
“True, but—”
Before I could finish, Baron bravely plunged his hands into the tank.
“Yikes! This thing!”
I could see goosebumps rising along his arm.
“Don’t overdo it, Baron.”
“No, I’m fine. Really.”
He gritted his teeth and washed the wriggling octopus. He was strong enough that I worried he’d break its legs, but surprisingly, he controlled his strength well and cleaned it carefully.
When he finished, he looked relieved.
“It felt weird when it clung, but it’s nothing. They don’t bite, just like you said.”
“Wow, you’re skilled.”
I couldn’t help but admire him. Baron shrugged.
“Well, that much is nothing.”
Then he picked up the kitchen knife.
“Ah! Baron!”
I was shocked.
“The knife is dangerous! Put it down!”
A knife isn’t like an octopus. If someone got hurt, it would be serious. I could only warn him.
“Don’t worry.”
Baron kept his distance and tossed the knife in the air, catching it.
“I can use a knife better than you. Want to see?”
The next moment, I was truly amazed.
He spun the knife like a pen in his tiny hands.
“How is he doing that?”
Before I could think, he disassembled the octopus and rolled it neatly on a skewer.
“See? This is how it’s done.”
His hands were so precise it left me speechless.
He pulled out another octopus from the tank with a grin.
“At first, the suckers felt strange, but I got used to them. Leave these to me.”
Baron quickly finished preparing all the octopuses.
He’s so young, yet he handles a knife this well. Are all children in a knightly family this skilled? Perhaps the future commander of the knights is naturally talented from a very young age. That seemed believable.
By the time the meal was nearly ready, I finally admitted it.
“Baron, you know what?”
“Hm?”
“I think you’re a genius.”
“Huh?”
“A genius at swordsmanship.”
“Oh.”
He twirled his finger under his nose, eyes darting around.
“You’re saying that I’m cool, right?”
“Yes. It’s amazing. I’ve never seen someone handle a knife that well—most adults couldn’t do it.”
“See, I told you I’m good.”
He straightened his shoulders proudly, looking pleased.
Even that was cute, and I had to hold back my laughter.
Thanks to Baron’s help, the meal was ready.
Shiny rice, soup, steamed eggs, grilled conch, and the octopus skewers. There was also scorched rice left over for dessert with some hot water.
“Baron, Raven…”
I set the plates and cutlery and realized I had to call Raven myself.
“Do we need him?”
“No, never mind.”
I shook my head at Baron’s question. He would just peek out the window and call Raven himself. I didn’t want that on a special invitation.
“I’ll step out for a bit. Wait here.”
I went to the construction site next door. Raven was talking with the workers, looking relaxed in a white shirt with the top two buttons undone.
“Hello.”
He turned and instructed the workers to stop for lunch before smiling at me.
“Were you waiting for lunch?”
“Yes, I came to invite you.”
“Invite me…” He repeated my words and smiled softly.
“Thanks. Just a moment. I need to get something. Will you wait here?”
“Yes.”
Back home, Baron pouted.
“Did you go get Raven?”
“Yes. Lunch is ready.”
“Was that necessary? You could have just had me call him.”
“An invitation should be polite.”
At that moment, there was a knock. Raven was standing outside with a bouquet of roses.
“Welcome, Raven.”
He handed me the flowers.
“Thank you for inviting me. This is a gift.”
There were five large roses with deep colors and a rich fragrance. I was delighted.
“Wow, they’re beautiful. Thank you.”
He bent slightly and lightly kissed the tip of my hand.
“Oh!”
I quickly covered my mouth, trying to hide my smile. My eyes met Baron’s, who was frowning slightly.
“Why are you looking like that?”
“He seems very pleased.”
I cleared my throat. Who wouldn’t like a handsome gentleman and flowers?
“They’re so pretty.”
“Do you like flowers?”
“Of course. You don’t see roses like this often.”
Raven’s eyes widened slightly when he saw Baron, then narrowed. He seemed surprised.
“Why are you staring?”
“Your height… it looks a bit taller than before…”
He touched the bridge of his nose, still doubtful.
“Right? Has your face changed too?”
“Did I really get taller? That can’t be.”
Raven looked carefully and nodded awkwardly.
“Yes, you look a little different than yesterday. Strange.”
Baron looked puzzled. Isn’t it good to grow taller?
“Sometimes kids grow suddenly. Anyway, please sit. This way.”
I guided Raven to the table and sat opposite him.
His eyes widened again.
“Oh, I haven’t seen this menu before.”
I had prepared it confidently, but seeing his surprise made me worry I focused too much on my own taste.
But I had a reason.
“I don’t know how to bake bread!”
I was good at home cooking but unsure about Western dishes. I couldn’t just serve a homemade sandwich.
“Actually, this isn’t a local dish, but it’s healthy.”
Baron nodded.
“Try it. I had it yesterday—it’s unusual but delicious. Just watch me.”
Baron demonstrated how to eat politely.
Yesterday, I hadn’t noticed how elegant he was while eating. Watching him now, I smiled.
Raven also ate elegantly, sitting properly in front of his food.
But only for a moment. Soon, he widened his eyes and started shoveling food into his mouth rapidly, barely pausing to speak.
