"Which one should I choose?"

Ann stood on the lakeside, holding two different kinds of fish in her hands, one in each. She looked rather troubled.

The fish in her left hand had tightly packed scales, a dull gray color, and wasn't exactly appealing in appearance, but it struggled extraordinarily vigorously.

As for the fish in her right hand, it looked somewhat silly, yet its scales shimmered with a rainbow-like glow, so beautiful it could take one's breath away.

"After all, I don’t even know which fish the young master ate last year."

Ann sighed softly.

The fish that even the young master had praised must have been the one the Duke’s family enjoyed during their boat ride on this lake last year. Its delicious flavor had impressed not only the guests but even the knowledgeable Duke himself.

It was no surprise the young master couldn’t forget it. But that fish had been caught by the boatman, and even the cooking had been entirely handled by him. Ann had no idea what kind of fish it was.

"To make such a basic mistake… as the young master’s personal maid, I truly feel ashamed."

Ann resolved herself to learn all about the freshwater species of Lake Bepore once she returned to the Duke's mansion.

Surely, the mansion's peculiar library, stocked with books of all sorts, would have what she needed.

"If it’s for eating, the fish in your left hand would be much tastier."

A voice suddenly came behind her.

"Though the fish in your right hand certainly looks beautiful, it has a heavy fishy smell."

"I see."

Ann casually released the fish in her right hand back into the water, then turned around only to see Aluka.

"Is everything alright with your companions?"

"They… They’ve already gone back."

"And you're not leaving with them?"

"I… "

Aluka forced a faint, somewhat melancholic smile. "One of my companions is gravely injured and needs treatment, but my magic is depleted. And I’m worn out physically, so staying with them would just make me a burden. It’s better for me to stay here and recover some magic before deciding what to do next.

I apologize that I couldn’t bring my companion over to thank you properly."

"Don’t worry about it. I told you, I don’t need such formalities."

An replied.

"More importantly, you seem to know quite a bit about this type of fish?"

"Yes."

Aluka nodded. "Actually, my village is located just on the other side of the lake. Every autumn, we used to come here as a family to catch these fish. They only get plump and delicious in autumn, which is why they’re so highly sought after by nobles. They always sell for a good price."

"Is that so? Looks like I didn’t pick the wrong one after all."

Ann murmured to herself. Suddenly, as though something struck her, she looked at Aluka and asked earnestly:

"May I ask you about how to cook this fish?"

"Eh? Of course!"

"Wonderful."

With the affirmative response, Ann promptly knocked out the fish and set it aside. Pulling out a small notebook from her pocket, she began to ask:

"What’s the best way to cook it, generally?"

"Hmm… It’s usually best grilled over charcoal or steamed. Since the fish’s main appeal lies in its fresh flavor and firm meat, methods that preserve its original taste are preferable."

"What seasonings would you add?"

"Just salt should suffice. It’s all about enjoying the natural flavor."

"Spices…"

"… "

…

…

The two conversed for quite a while. Ann asked about everything, from cooking techniques to seasoning proportions, and even the ideal temperatures for cooking.

After filling her notebook with dense notes across two full pages, she finally closed it with a satisfied look and bowed to Aluka in gratitude:

"Thank you so much for your guidance. You’ve been an immense help."

"Ah, no, it’s really nothing."

Aluka avoided Ann’s formal bow in a flustered manner, scratching her cheek nervously.

"I only did something trivial. Compared to the fact that you saved me, this is nothing, really."

"No, to me, this has been incredibly helpful."

For a brief moment, Ann’s usually composed and distant demeanor softened into a gentle smile.

Seeing that smile, Aluka suddenly felt a little distracted.

"Miss Ann… Are you doing all this for someone you care about?"

"Uh?"

"Ah, sorry, I didn’t mean to pry. It’s a personal matter…"

"It’s alright; it’s not something I need to hide."

Ann touched her lightly flushed cheeks with both hands, her lips curving into a blissful smile.

"Yes, I’m doing all this to prepare a fish dish that my beloved will enjoy."

"So it’s true… How wonderful."

Aluka said enviously.

"Being able to offer your heartfelt intentions to someone you love—surely your beloved must be very fortunate."

"Yes, he is lucky indeed."

Ann's eyes narrowed slightly, "He will fully understand my deep love someday."

"Huh?"

"Nothing, don’t mind me."

Ann withdrew her hands and habitually folded them neatly in front of her abdomen.

The elegance of her posture made Aluka feel a pang of envy once again.

If only I could be as graceful… Maybe Rod might actually notice me.

"Um… Miss Ann."

"Hmm?"

"I have a problem. Can I talk to you about it?"

Aluka clutched the hem of her skirt, looking a little nervous.

"Of course."

Ann replied, "Think of it as payment for the cooking tips you shared. Go ahead and ask."

"Well… I have this friend—a friend, you see, a really good friend."

"Yes, I understand. You’re talking about your friend. And then?"

"And then… She has someone she’s liked for a long time, someone she’s admired deeply for years.

But she doesn’t know if the person she likes feels the same way. He’s incredibly emotionally retarded and treats everyone with this gentle kindness."

"A fireplace type of man? The kind who radiates warmth to everyone?"

"My… My friend, she was actually ready to confess her feelings. But then, all of a sudden, another woman showed up."

"A love triangle?"

"…Yes. Recently, she’s been wavering because the man she likes clearly seems to favor the new woman more.

So now, she’s wondering whether it might be better to give up altogether."

Aluka lowered her gaze to the shimmering lake surface, which reflected nothing but rippling waves.

Unconsciously, her hands had gripped each other tightly, her knuckles whitening from the pressure.

"After all, when the two of them are mutually drawn to each other, isn’t it wrong for her—a third party—to interfere?"

"I see. I understand your problem now."

Ann nodded and calmly said:

"Let me ask you directly."

"Eh? Miss Ann?"

Aluka cried out in surprise.

Because Ann suddenly cupped Aluka’s face in her hands, forcing her to look directly into her eyes.

"Tell me, please—how much do you love this man?"

"Ah, I mean… It’s my friend, really, just my friend…"

The feeble attempt to lie faded quickly, because in Ann’s piercing gaze, Aluka saw her own inability to deceive even herself.

"I love him very much—since I was a child. I’ve adored him for years." Aluka confessed honestly.

"Would you give up your life for him?"

"Of course."

Aluka answered without hesitation.

After all, she had already done so once.

"Would you disregard ethics for him?"

"Yes."

"Would you defy the law for him?"

"Mm-hmm."

If life itself could be sacrificed, then norms and laws weren’t insurmountable obstacles, were they?