Alicia had the privilege of watching Mika’s alchemy turn perfectly ordinary ingredients into deadly poisons.

Alicia even helped Mika shape the food to look just like delicious meals—though the taste remained authentically toxic.

To avoid poisoning herself, Alicia had personally prepared some safe dishes too.

The process flowed smoothly, a pleasure to behold.

Mika said admiringly, “You’re amazing, Alicia. Even cooking is so elegant for you.”

Alicia replied proudly, “Piece of cake.”

This was a skill Aelis hadn’t shown during their past travels.

“It’s not just this,” Alicia added. “From sewing and cooking to cleaning and caring for parents—I’m basically an all-rounder!”

She said this to retaliate for Mika’s earlier slander about her past.

Alicia remembered clearly how utterly hopeless Mika was at such things—completely lacking any feminine grace.

Mika widened her eyes. “So, the reason you didn’t travel with Larry was to train as a bride?”

Alicia nearly choked on Mika’s wild imagination.

“I-I-I guess so~”

Alicia gritted her teeth. “Let’s hurry and take the food to Larry before he starves. Oh, I have a great idea—a sure surprise for him.”

...

Larry stood trembling in confusion and panic. He longed to flee, even beg shamelessly for food, but Alicia threatened to expose his act—just as he’d once threatened her with her secret savings.

What goes around comes around. After all these years, he should know they kept each other in check.

Then two beautiful ladies approached, carrying plates.

Unaware onlookers eyed Larry with envious jealousy, but to him, they were devils ready to end his life!

Alicia and Mika each held a plate. The food looked perfectly normal at first glance.

Larry asked weakly, “Um, are both for me?”

“No, only one is,” Alicia said, wagging her finger. “One’s mine, made with care. The other’s Mika’s, also made with care. Choose, Larry. As my fiancé, you’ll pick mine, right? Believe in our love!”

*I swear on all these years—you just want me dead!*

Larry’s hand hovered uncertainly between their plates.

Logically, he should choose Alicia’s. From past life to now, her cooking always satisfied him.

But! Alicia knew this—she must have tricked him, like swapping the plates after packaging Mika’s food.

Larry closed his eyes, frantically analyzing her psychology. He slowly opened them and pointed. “I choose this one!”

Alicia handed him the burger—delicious-looking, her face unreadable.

Larry took a deep breath and bit down. Sour, spicy, bitter flavors surged to his brain. His body swayed; the world spun. Only one thought remained: *I’ve been had!*

“Why overthink it?” Alicia’s voice dripped disdain. “Both are Mika’s. I just had her make two different dishes.”

Her words were the final straw.

*Damn it all!*

Larry foamed at the mouth and collapsed.

Mika knelt on the ground, bitter. “I still failed. I followed your instructions exactly. Why?”

Alicia patted her shoulder. “Some things can’t be forced. If effort fails, it’s just not for you. Like me—I spent two years learning energy techniques as a kid but couldn’t even use the basic Energy Slash. Isn’t it better to just be ourselves?”

“But how could anyone like a girl like me? Larry rejects me because of my cooking, right?”

“He’s a special case—has mental hang-ups. He does have standards, but Mika, I’ll say this: you’re absolutely a good girl.”

Alicia spoke earnestly. “Stop forcing yourself. Don’t be insecure. Your innocence, kindness, and bravery shone in our adventures. You might misunderstand my brother, but he has strict standards for partners—from strength to character, even looks. You’ve earned two S-Rank Adventurers’ approval. Stand up. Be yourself. The right person will appear.”

“Alicia~ Wah!”

Mika threw herself into Alicia’s arms, sobbing loudly, drawing stares.

*Alicia’s face twisted in exasperation.*

She hadn’t expected such a strong reaction. Her words were partly sympathy, partly to stop Mika from clinging to Larry.

Well, it must have struck a chord.

Alicia sighed slightly. Now she had to care for an overstimulated girl and an unconscious fiancé—both troubles tied to her!

How troublesome!

After calming Mika, Alicia approached Larry indifferently. She revived him by pinching his philtrum, then stood tall, looking down at him.

“How about you handle Mika’s cooking from now on?”

Larry’s tongue was numb, but his mind was clear. He shook his head wildly like a rattle drum.

Alicia said coldly, “Then do you still want my food?”

She waved her burger before his eyes.

Smelling its aroma, Larry got excited like a puppy inhaling scent. He nodded vigorously this time.

“So, do you understand our positions now?”

Larry shouted, “Wife-sama is the best! Wife-sama is supreme!”

Unsurprisingly, this “sweet” scene drew teasing stares—what a loving couple.

Mika was dumbfounded. *Is this the legendary “control a man’s stomach, control the man”? Alicia’s too powerful. I don’t even qualify as a rival—our combat power isn’t on the same dimension.*

Alicia, back turned, felt no conqueror’s joy. Her smile was strained; a vein throbbed on her forehead. *This guy dares to act cute here! Just wait—you’ll eat alchemy food day and night!*

“Big brother, you’re the greatest,” Larry whispered only for her ears. “That was for show. Forgive me. I’ll follow your lead.”

Alicia’s expression relaxed. She crouched, cupping his face affectionately. “Such a sweet mouth. Keep it that way.”

Larry felt his face might crush under her hands. He forced a smile. “Of course. You’re the greatest.”

*Larry’s thoughts: Little one! Just wait. Once Mika leaves and food normalizes, you—whose savings are all with me—will sing “I Surrender”!*

*Alicia’s thoughts: That defiant look. Just wait—I’ll deal with you!*

On the surface, they were harmonious. Inside, a fierce battle raged.

Larry and Alicia: I won’t lose the 605th clash!