"Looking for something?"
Flora's voice pulled He Xi's attention back.
He took his eyes off the tavern and shook his head. "Nothing. I was going to see if those dwarves were around, but I didn't run into them."
He beckoned a waiter over. "Cream of mushroom soup, and flame-roasted pheasant with special berry sauce..."
"Don't order too much. We can get more if it's not enough."
He Xi nodded to indicate that was all for now.
Soon, steaming food was brought to the table.
He Xi picked up a ladle and served Flora a bowl of creamy white soup. He sprinkled some golden, crispy croutons on top and handed it to her.
"Give it a try. It's their specialty."
[Sea Elf...+2]
Flora took the bowl and gracefully raised a spoonful to her lips, her eyes narrowing slightly.
He Xi said, "By the way, did you know these mushrooms are actually monsters?"
"Pooji? Those hopping mushroom monsters." Flora chuckled, her eyes full of mischief. "And they can affect your willpower. Especially someone like you, whose will isn't very strong. Drink too much, and you might have some strange dreams."
He Xi had been about to show off a little, but he hadn't expected her to know so much—or to tease him about it. He felt a little awkward.
Knowing that she had lived in Fernandez for a long time, He Xi tried to change the subject and casually asked, "By the way, since you've been in Fernandez for so long, do you know any mages who specialize in insects?"
"Insect Mage?" Flora tilted her head. "Of course. Do you mean Meli? We get along pretty well. I even had afternoon tea at her place before coming to Rose Town this time."
"Meli?" He Xi had never heard that name.