"This is a small reward for the hardworking."
She dipped slightly and offered them the plates. A faint fragrance drifted from her hair with the movement. "Dessert before dinner. I hope it suits your tastes."
"Let me ask something," he said, gently poking the soft cake with his fork, his expression somewhat complicated. "Just how many desserts did you bring?"
"Not that many."
Lemuen folded her hands before her apron, her pink lashes fluttering softly in the firelight. "But we probably won't be able to finish them before we return to Laterano."
"Won't they go bad?"
Han Fei raised a brow. He remembered that whipped cream spoiled rather easily.
Lemuen laughed softly, her eyes curving into lovely crescents. "Don't underestimate the Laterano people's devotion to desserts."
Her slender finger tapped the plate as she added, "Look, we're prioritizing the things that don't keep well."
As she spoke, she turned to Texas and handed over another dessert. "This one is for you."
Texas accepted the plate and gave Lemuen an extra look.
"Thank you."
Her voice was softer than usual.
"You're welcome."
Lemuen waved a hand. As she turned, her skirt traced a graceful arc. "Dinner will be ready soon. Remember to come over to the campfire."
She glanced back at Han Fei and added, "Tonight, we're having bread, cheese, and thick soup. The conditions out here are limited, so I can't make much. Once we're back in Laterano, I'll cook something delicious for you all."
"Wait." Han Fei suddenly interrupted. "It's not all sweet, is it?"
Lemuen blinked. Under the moonlight, her expression suddenly became exceptionally vivid, her pink eyes filled with innocence and confusion, as though they were asking: Did that really need to be asked?
After all, for Laterano people, life was short. Dessert came first—that was simply