Rest

"Chiba, you're back. It's almost ready, so sit down first!"

Watching Chiba emerge from the depths of the dark forest, Yukina smiled as she stirred the pork in the pot.

Huh? Why was Yukina at the pot?

Seeing Yukina stirring, Chiba's face tightened. His steps even faltered in fright. Without bothering to respond, he looked toward Hirohiko across from her.

At that moment, Hirohiko happened to look over as well. Meeting Chiba's gaze and sensing the meaning in his eyes—What's going on? Didn't we agree that you'd be cooking?—his poker face very clearly cracked into a wry smile as he spread his hands.

Sensing the meaning in Hirohiko's gaze—If Yukina insists on cooking, do you think I can stop her?—Chiba's mouth twitched as well, full of bitterness.

At that moment, Hirohiko raised his hand, spread two fingers to point at his eyes, then gave a thumbs-up.

Chiba immediately let out a long breath in his heart.

With Hirohiko watching the whole time, there probably wouldn't be any dark cuisine. Besides, the ingredients and seasonings we brought are all normal. It's impossible for dark cuisine to happen. I'm being too sensitive...

With that thought, Chiba relaxed, lightly coughed, and said, "You've worked hard, Yukina."

"No, it wasn't hard."

Hearing Chiba's words, Yukina gave a faint smile and replied casually. However, Hirohiko, sitting opposite her, noticed that the thick soup in the pot was swirling faster and faster.

"How did the patrol go?"

However, Hirohiko did not linger long on the increasingly swirling soup. He soon turned his gaze to Chiba, who had sat down off to one side, and asked.

Chiba had still been somewhat uneasy just now. While they were cooking, he had gone to inspect the traps and survey the terrain of the forest. He had even added more