Dorohty's POV:
A delicious meal, without a doubt. Although it was made with common ingredients and a bit of what looked like poultry, the cooking of each dish and the spices were clearly tailored to suit the diner's tastes.
- Such mastery!
Even after eating her food for half a month, I can't help but marvel at her skills. At first, her food was too salty and overpowering, but in just three days, she found my preferences simply by observing my reactions.
"She's definitely a top-notch cook."
I slowly scooped the meat onto my spoon and blew a little on the broth before putting it in my mouth. Its consistency and smooth flavor made my mouth melt with happiness. Without realizing it, a sigh of satisfaction escaped my body as if all the discomfort from just a few minutes ago had been a complete lie.
- I'm glad you like it.
I was so absorbed in the food that I hadn't noticed the intense gaze upon me. Even though just a few minutes ago her face was as red as a ripe tomato, her calm and happy expression as she looked at me sent a brutal wave of embarrassment through me. I lowered my head as I continued eating, avoiding her gaze at all costs.
- Fufufu.
A small giggle echoed in the room as I did my best to hide my expression. The embarrassment was overwhelming, so I decided to change the subject.
- Sir, the meat is delicious! What kind of bird did you catch to make this?
- ...Bird?
- ...Huh?
A few moments of silence fell as the man looked at me, confused. The shock of his reaction erased all the embarrassment I had felt a moment before. As if he suddenly understood what I was saying, he laughed as I stared at him, dumbfounded.
- We're not eating any birds. Haven't you ever tried the meat of a tough-skinned animal?
- Tough-skinned?
The silence continued as the man considered an answer.
- They're quite common around here.They're very large animals that move on all fours.
- A deer?
- No, no. It's a meat-eating animal. It has a huge mouth full of teeth. Its hide is so tough you have to turn it over to cut it.
As if lost in his memories, he gazes out the window at the lake surrounding the house.
- They're a real pain to hunt, but their meat is simply the best when I put it in my sweetheart's hands.
*Thumb*
- ...Don't say such embarrassing things.
Slightly blushing, the woman punches the man in the side while hiding her face with one hand. The man sighs in admiration as he slowly rises from his chair to face his wife.
"Here we go again!"
- So! How do you season the meat to make it so juicy?
The wife, who had also entered a trance, turns to look at me, her eyes sparkling. Her husband, who was slowly approaching, is stopped by his wife's outstretched hand.
- Are you interested in cooking too?
- Yes! I used to cook for my family at home.
- Ahhh! What a good girl!
Somewhat dramatically, she places her free hand on her head and raises her voice.
- When you're better, I'll make you my apprentice! I'll teach you everything I know.
Finally letting go of the man, who falls carelessly to the ground after losing his balance, she runs toward the kitchen with a huge smile on her face. I can't help but smile as I watch her run around the kitchen.
- Thank you so much, sweetheart. I haven't seen her so lively since we got here.
The man, now standing next to me, smiles warmly as he watches his wife move in the distance.
- ...I'm the one who should be thanking you. You take such good care of me even though I'm a stranger.
- Of course not. Although I don't know how you ended up in that tree, it's my fault you fell into the water in the first place and hurt your arm.
His words are a mixture of warmth and guilt. I can't help but lightly rub my immobilized right arm. Although it doesn't hurt, I still can't move it freely. I was very lucky that my arm took the full force of the fall. If I had fallen headfirst, I might not even be alive right now.
- You two are so warm, it makes me feel like I'm taking advantage of you… You'll definitely make excellent parents.
- ...
The man doesn't say a word. His gaze remains fixed on his wife. Although I can't see his expression, it feels like I've stepped onto some kind of forbidden ground.
- I'm sorr-
Before I can finish my sentence, he places his hand on my head, gently stroking my hair.
- ... You don't have to apologize.
Although he seems to want to say something, he keeps it to himself as he stares at the kitchen door. Although I want to ask, I refrain and do the same.