A few hours earlier, in a cheap civilian eatery on the middle levels of Memeiriel Hive.
"Throne above, how much are you planning to eat?! Are you determined to eat me into poverty?!"
Taro picked up a chunk of dried meat with the knife in his hand, dipped it in the broth on his plate, and put it into his mouth to chew. Across from him, the Ogryn Dumb-Dumb was bent over his food, wolfing it down.
"Dumb-Dumb still wants to eat."
"Alright, alright, stop eating. If you keep this up, you might as well eat me!"
"Oh."
Dumb-Dumb held up his bowl and licked the remnants clean. Taro curled his lip at the sight, then called the owner over.
"Hey! Darling! Time to settle the bill."
A braided woman emerged from the back kitchen and walked briskly across the floor to Taro and Dumb-Dumb's table.
"Who's your darling? I never agreed to that."
Looking at the pretty woman hiding half her face behind the menu board, Taro scratched his hair. "Once a Catachan decides on something, he never gives up. Of course, if you're married, then I'll give up."
"Pfft." The woman buried her face behind the menu board, then tilted her head out slightly and peered at Taro with one eye.
Ah, those beautiful eyes. Whenever Taro saw her emerald-green eyes, he thought of his homeland, of those damp, lush forests.
That lively blink, paired with the girl's charming little mannerisms, had left Taro hopelessly head over heels. Just as every Catachan had his own steel blade, Catachan love was steadfast and unwavering.
Their experiences conquering the jungle had forged an indomitable spirit in them. So long as they still drew breath, they would never give up on that beautiful flower.
Lowering the menu board, the woman scribbled