Silphiel, wearing an apron, strode up to Gao Ying and planted her hands on her hips. "What's the matter?" she demanded. "You called me while I was cooking noodles. Don't tell me you actually want burnt ones?"
Silphiel hadn't wanted to come out at first. But after a second thought, ignoring Gao Ying's call might raise suspicion. Anyway, the two magic potions were disguised as condiments. No one would spot the trick.
Out of the corner of his eye, Gao Ying saw Sophia slip quietly into the kitchen. His gut screamed this meal was trouble. He paused. "Uh, Silphiel," he said, "remember to add chili sauce to my noodles."
Silphiel blinked in surprise, then nodded. "Got it. Anything else? If not, I'm heading back." She didn't get it. Was this trivial thing really worth dragging her over? Seriously!
Gao Ying noticed Sophia still hadn't emerged. He called out sharply, "Wait, Silphiel!" Silphiel stopped short, her expression turning annoyed. "What now? If I don't get back, the noodles will burn."
Gao Ying straightened up, his voice grave. "Lately, I've walked through the Holy Capital many times. Especially the outer districts—the slums, as you call them. I fully grasp this world's harsh reality now." He put on a furious glare. "These damned Demon Race! Utterly despicable. I constantly crave strength, Silphiel—" His eyes blazed as he locked onto her. "As the Hero, while I lounge here in the Holy Capital, countless soldiers perish at the front. When will my training teacher arrive?"
Gao Ying radiated righteous fury and impatience. Silphiel blinked slowly, then smiled faintly. "Gao Ying, I understand your heart. I too long to fight the Demon Race soon. But this can't be rushed." She paused, her voice softening. "You're this world's hope. Until you mature, you must endure with all your might. Trust me—every sacrifice has meaning. They pave the way for a brighter tomorrow."
Bathed in that gentle, saintly glow, the Holy Maiden seemed like a goddess incarnate. Who'd doubt her compassionate act? To Gao Ying, who knew her true nature, her theatrics made him queasy. But he swallowed it. The show had to go on.
Silphiel hesitated briefly. "Don't worry, Gao Ying. The Sage of Stars, your magic teacher, has reached the Holy Capital. But weary from travel, she needs more rest. As for General Auguma of the Empire—" Her brow furrowed slightly. "No word for days. Logically, his trip from the Empire's border should've been faster than the Sage of Stars coming from the Land of Truth in the Boundary Lands..."
"Could something have happened?" Gao Ying pressed. "I heard Demon Race spies have infiltrated the city." He knew Auguma would never arrive. In his past life, they'd been close—the general, like an elder brother. Auguma had once shared this very journey with him. Gao Ying remembered. He'd secretly tipped off a Demon Race mole in the Holy Capital about Auguma's route. Killing the Hero was near impossible—heavily guarded—but a lone companion? Easy prey. Especially for a free-spirited ex-mercenary who traveled solo. That general had also been among those poisoning him. As Gao Ying faded last time, he'd heard the impatient mutter: "Finally dead! Poisoning him for over a month—this Hero's a monster!" A boot had even stomped his body. The Sage of Stars, though... Gao Ying recalled her fondly. She hadn't survived the war.
Silphiel forced a smile, unease flickering in her eyes. "Don't dwell on it, Gao Ying. General Auguma's highly skilled. Nothing could easily befall him." She clapped her hands. "Alright, if that's all, I'm returning to the noodles. Or you'll get a bowl of lumps." Gao Ying glimpsed Sophia exiting the kitchen. He murmured twice, "Hope the general's safe," and let Silphiel go.
Back in the kitchen, Silphiel grabbed the potion labeled "Puppy" and stirred it into Gao Ying's noodles. She repeated the act with the other potion for her own bowl. The magic dissolved, invisible and scentless. Gao Ying would never suspect a thing! Soon, he'd eat, she'd eat—and he'd be her devoted lapdog. A faint smile curled her lips as she carried out two steaming bowls. She beamed at the waiting Gao Ying. "Noodles are served!"
Unaware her "flawless" plan was watched, Silphiel missed Sophia far out in the courtyard. Sophia's dark, moon-like eyes stayed fixed on the kitchen. Her Eagle Eyes ability made the distance trivial. Seeing the potions split between bowls, Sophia sighed in relief. Had both gone into one, she'd have shot the bowl from outside—ruining the meal. Earlier, a thought struck her: Why two potions? Different labels... What if swapped? Curiosity gleamed in her gaze as she observed intently. Lost in her fantasy of Gao Ying as her obedient puppy, Silphiel noticed nothing.
She set the hot noodles before Gao Ying. When he didn't start, she urged, "Gao Ying, you're the Hero! If you don't eat first, how can Rodrika and I begin?" She gestured to herself and Rodrika, who swallowed hard, eyes glued to Gao Ying with desperate hunger. The maids had finished and left; only three remained unfed. Gao Ying hesitated a moment. Trusting Sophia, he lifted his chopsticks. Silphiel's lips twitched into a faint, triumphant smile. Satisfied, she began eating too. Not bad for me. The taste is excellent.
