Late at night again, Hobart picked up Audrey as promised and brought her once more to the villa in the suburbs of Backlund.
This time, however, the dining table was already laden with delicacies, many of which Audrey had never seen before.
Audrey was still wearing that seemingly ordinary long dress, made exceptionally beautiful by her perfect figure. She smiled. "Are these Segar specialty waffles? I've only seen them in magazines."
The small Northern Continent nation of Segar had yet to establish diplomatic relations with the Loen Kingdom, so there was virtually no trade between them. Segar cuisine had therefore scarcely appeared in Backlund.
She picked up another small, ball-like snack on a skewer. "What is this?"
"Purple Sweet Potato Balls." Hobart smiled. "A specialty of the Rosed Islands. Well, it's fairly niche."
Audrey glanced over the other foods. "These don't seem like things you can buy at a night market."
"That's right." Hobart smiled. "I opened a Food Street in South Colson. These were brought from there. Give them a try; they're quite distinctive."
Audrey took a small bite of a Purple Sweet Potato Ball. It was sweet, with the fragrant freshness of purple sweet potato. She nodded repeatedly. "It really is delicious!"
As she ate, she smiled sweetly. "There are some I've never even seen before."
Hobart introduced the foods on the table, started grilling over the fire, and poured some beer. The two ate and chatted.
Audrey asked curiously, "Hobart, why did you release the manufacturing techniques for light bulbs and electric wires? And why have you refused every invitation recently? I heard you haven't even gone to work lately?"
"I've had other matters to attend to lately. Though I have to admit, it's more because I don't want to see those idiots." Hobart smiled. "As for