The next morning.
A thick-cut steak, lightly charred on both sides, was gently sliced open.
Fat and juices slowly seeped from the crisp cut, its fragrance filling the living room at 46 Sea Breeze Street.
A dog muzzle with a little black nose poking out leaned forward, and a small hand fed the steak into it.
Bruce lay contentedly in Fivik's arms, chewing a chunk of meat as he mumbled indistinctly, "Woof... it feels a hundred times more fragrant than usual!"
Tata's cat ears twitched.
"More fragrant than usual, meow?" She looked doubtfully at the steak before her. "It was made the same way as usual..."
As she spoke, she looked toward He Xi, who was reciting an incantation nearby.
"Mistress, how did it taste when you ate it just now?"
He Xi raised his head. "It was all right."
"Mistress didn't praise Tata..." There was a trace of hurt in Tata's voice. "Tata's cooking has improved, so why won't Mistress praise Tata, meow?"
He Xi sighed.
You'll regret taking the bait in a moment.
Bruce poked his dog head out of Fivik's arms and pointed at Tata's plate. "Woof, let me try a piece of yours."
Though reluctant, seeing this nasty dog praise her cooking, Tata still speared a small piece with her fork:
"Only this one piece!"
"Woof, why does this taste no different from usual..."
Bruce bit down in one mouthful, smacking his lips as he gave his assessment.
Ignoring the stupid cat frozen in place, Bruce lifted his head with a fawning grin and looked at Fivik, his tail wagging so fast it was nearly an afterimage.
"Boss, feed me another piece!"
Fivik cut off another small piece of steak and stuffed it into his mouth.
"Woof! So fragrant! So delicious!" Bruce immediately narrowed his eyes.