The golden steam drifted slowly through the small apartment, filling the room with warmth and the scent of saffron. Outside, the glow of Velkaris' runic lamps cast shifting light through the window, painting the walls with soft amber tones.
Trafalgar leaned back in his chair, fork in hand, watching Mayla's expression closely as she took her first bite.
Her eyes widened slightly, then softened. "This is… amazing," she said, smiling between bites. "It's rich, but light. I've never tasted anything like it."
Trafalgar grinned faintly, resting his elbow on the table. "Told you it'd turn out fine."
Mayla lifted another spoonful, humming in satisfaction. "Fine? This tastes like it came out of a noble's kitchen."
He raised a brow. "So you're saying I should quit the academy and open a restaurant?"
She giggled quietly, shaking her head. "No, I'm saying that I underestimated you."
