Neo scooped up a little soup, brought it to his lips, blew on it gently, and tasted it for salt.
Judging by his expression, he seemed satisfied. He then ladled out two bowls, setting one before himself and the other before the Communication Magic Formation-in other words, before Kallen.
He picked up a pair of silver chopsticks, paused, then took out another pair and stuck them upright in Kallen's bowl.
"Try it. It really tastes good."
"All right. Take the chopsticks out."
"You have to trust my cooking."
"All right. Take the chopsticks out."
"You'll regret not trying it."
"Heh."
Neo left the chopsticks where they were and ate away. He had seen the funeral Kallen held for Chief Bishop Woforen. Even now, Leon often went back to make a bowl of wontons as an offering before his grandfather's portrait. Neo was doing this on purpose.
After finishing a large bowl, Neo let out a long breath, picked up Kallen's bowl, and said:
"You should be done by now, so I'll eat this. No sense wasting it."
"It's fine. Watching you eat is very gratifying."
"Oh, is it?"
"Eat more. You're still growing."
"Hehe." This time, Neo asked as he ate, "You actually managed to grab that position. How did you do it?"
"Played dumb."
"Oh?" Neo thought for a moment, then, rather than pursuing it, asked, "When are you coming over?"
"Soon. Within the next few days, probably, with the main force."
"Once you arrive, the fighting will officially begin. Both sides should finish their war preparations at the same time. I'm looking forward to it."
Kallen said nothing.
Neo said, "Say you are too."
Instead, Kallen deliberately smiled and said, "What's there to look forward to? War is merely a continuation of politics."
"Tch!"
Kallen sighed and said