Oracle Fish

Inwardly, Sephiria put a heavy mark against Askari, but on the surface she remained perfectly composed, showing neither agreement nor objection. But from Roland's understanding of Sephiria, not objecting meant tacit approval.

"You got off easy this time," Sephiria's cool voice rang out. "I'm hungry. Make me something good."

"Sure thing."

Roland answered at once. At a time like this, currying favor with Sephiria was the right move. "What do you want to eat?"

"Barbecue!"

"It'll take a little while."

Roland nodded, moved over a large rock, and smashed it to pieces with one palm. Then he built a stove and took the ingredients needed for barbecue out of his alternate-dimensional space: some common meats and various wild mushrooms. Sephiria glanced at them and licked her lips.

During the few months she had spent in the Realm of the God of Destruction, because she was not skilled at cooking, she could only eat the food stored in Hoi-Poi Capsules. In terms of taste, of course it could not compare to food made fresh.

"It looks pretty good," Melutis said with her arms crossed, anticipation written all over her face.

"Roland's cooking is very good."

Sephiria spoke calmly, the corners of her mouth lifting in a faint smile. Back when they had lived on Planet Frie in their youth, Roland had been in charge of their meals, and the taste had been surprisingly good. She had no idea where he had learned it.

The two of them helped by cleaning the ingredients. Roland took them and placed them on the stove. Before long, a fragrant aroma drifted into the air. That wonderful scent stirred the taste buds and made people unable to keep from swallowing.

"Use these grilled lamb skewers to fill your stomach first."

He handed over several skewers of