Tailing the Mage and a Bowl of Kimchi Stew
Tap, tap. The confident sound of footsteps echoing through the cave.
Stealthy shuffle. Behind them, the faint noises of feet creeping along, hiding behind cave walls and pillars.
The red-haired mage up ahead whipped around suddenly, and we ducked behind a pillar in a flash.
“……”
-Tap, tap. The footsteps resumed, fading into the distance. Only then did we catch our breath and emerge from behind the pillar.
“Master.”
“Yeah?”
“Why are we hiding, exactly?”
“…Good question.”
No matter what, we had business in this dungeon, and there was only one path forward. So we had no choice but to trail after the red-haired mage like little ducklings.
That was fine, but in the process, we'd somehow ended up literally stepping on her heels.
“It's not like we can just walk up and join her.”
“True enough.”
“…Shall we keep going?”
“Yes.”
We crept forward again, and up ahead, another dazzling fireworks display erupted.
-KABOOM!-
Whoosh—
“…She's got some real firepower.”
The red-haired mage was apparently a powerhouse, bulldozing ahead with massive fire spells that cleared the path without a hitch. Watching monsters that Gold Sun and I had beaten half to death get turned into instant rotisserie and roll across the floor was almost anticlimactic.
“Master. I could do that much.”
“Don't bullshit me.”
“Yes. Truth is, I can't.”
“…You picking a fight right now?”
“Of course not. It was my way of comforting you.”
“…Where's the comfort in that?”
Before I could say more, a sharp voice rang out from ahead.
“Hey, you rats! Sick of you sneaking after me like that? I oughta torch you!”
The red-haired mage was yelling at us. We scrambled behind the pillar again.
“Whew—that was close. Think she saw us?”
“Yeah. Probably.”
The red-haired mage shouted in exasperation.
“I saw everything!”
“……”
We sheepishly stepped out.
“Haha, busted.”
“Busted my ass! I told you not to follow!”
The more she talked, the more indignant I felt. Why were we the ones getting stalker treatment?
“We're not following you!”
“Like hell you're not! You think I wouldn't notice you creeping along behind me?”
“We're just minding our own path! There's only one road—what do you expect?”
“Come back later! I'm going first!”
“Pfft. We got here first, you know? You're the one cutting in line. Who's following who? Total self-centered bullshit—like the world revolves around you.”
“……”
She answered not with words, but with something else.
-ROARING FLAMES!-
“Gah! What a temper! Gold Sun, dodge!”
“Master! Get behind me!”
* * *
Minare's Villa turned out to be a bigger dungeon than expected.
The red-haired mage, who had been unleashing flames non-stop, suddenly glanced back at us, then slumped against the cave wall to rest.
“Looks like she's taking a break.”
“Gold Sun, let's rest too.”
“Yes.”
Perfect timing—my stomach was growling. We decided to whip up something simple while we were at it.
I pulled out my cooking tools from inventory.
“Master. What are you making?”
“Kimchi stew. You like kimchi stew?”
At the words “kimchi stew,” I caught a glimpse from the corner of my eye: the redhead up ahead, gnawing on jerky, whipping her head around.
“Anything you make is fine by me, Master.”
“Aw, such sweet talk.”
Good thing I'd bought kimchi from the shop. I chopped the kimchi and green onions, prepped thick slices of pork shoulder.
Into the pot with kimchi and pork, a quick stir-fry.
Sizzle—
The savory aroma started wafting up. Once the pork browned and the kimchi soaked up the fat, in went water, minced garlic, chili powder, and more. Bring to a boil.
When it was bubbling nicely, toss in the green onions.
Glug, glug—
The delicious scent filled the cave.
I could feel the redhead's gaze—she'd been chewing jerky roughly, now drooling as she stared this way.
“Hey!”
Our eyes met, and she jerked her head away.
“You, Red!”
“M-me?”
She pointed at herself, finally looking over.
“Yeah. Want a bowl of kimchi stew?”
“N-no. I'm good.”
“I made too much for two. If you don't eat it, it'll go to waste. Come grab a bowl.”
She hemmed and hawed.
“Uh… did you put bean sprouts in it?”
“Nope.”
Only then did she shuffle over hesitantly.
Made sense. Accepting food from someone you'd just bickered with would feel awkward. I'd hesitate too, out of sheer embarrassment.
“C-can you put extra meat in? I love meat…”
“…Sure.”
…Never mind.
Luckily, she had less shame than me. No biggie—plenty of pork. Monster meat's pricey, but pork? Cheap.
I ladled her an extra-hefty scoop.
“Ah! Monsters incoming!”
I pointed behind her.
“Eek!”
Maybe drawn by the food smell, giant rats swarmed in right on cue.
“I'll handle 'em quick!”
She snatched her staff and charged.
“Fire Wave!”
-KUOOH!-
While she roasted the monsters, I sprinkled “that powder” into her bowl, light as snowflakes.
It melted into the steaming kimchi stew without a trace, like first snow in a hot spring.
“Heh heh heh.”
I still hadn't tried the “white powder that makes you feel good” from the mysterious old man. Sketchy looks, sketchier explanation.
But perfect test subject appeared. It'd make her feel good, so probably harmless. Worst case in a game? Death.
“……”
Death… not so bad?
“Heh heh heh.”
You think this kimchi stew is just my simple kindness? I'm not that nice.
I'll make it so good you bawl your eyes out.
Grinning wickedly, I set down her bowl and went to ladle Gold Sun's—only for him to snatch the dosed one.
“Slurp—.”
“Huh?”
“Hey, Gold Sun. Put that down.”
“Eh… isn't this mine?”
“No. That might make you feel too good.”
“What? Isn't that a good thing?”
“Just no. I said no.”
“Yes, sir…”
Gold Sun set it down with a pout.
“Here, eat this.”
I loaded his bowl even fuller and handed it over. Big guy needs his fuel.
“Thank you, Master!”
Watching his mood lift instantly improved mine too.
But he set it carefully on the ground and stared blankly at me.
“What, Gold Sun? Dig in.”
“How could I eat first when you haven't even picked up your spoon, Master? I'll eat with you.”
Throb— A warm ripple spread through my chest, like hot udon broth.
“Aw, good boy. Have more meat.”
“Thank you!”
I scooped him a ladleful of pure pork.
Was this the feeling parents get when their delinquent kid turns filial?
“Heavens, gotta serve mine quick so my Gold Sun can eat.”
As I ladled my portion, the redhead rushed back, staff gripped tight—she'd wiped out the monsters.
“All done!”
“Good job. Here's your kimchi stew, extra meat.”
She took it gingerly, eyes sparkling.
From afar, her huge mage hat shadowed her face, but up close, she was stunning. Petite features half-hidden by the hat. Alluring red eyes and lips. Sly upward curl at her mouth's corners. Cascading red waves framing it all.
Like a pampered rich girl, innocent to the world. If Dahyun was a goofy puppy with her hehe grin, this one was a haughty cat.
She scooped some stew, glanced at me, and mumbled softly.
“…I'll dig in.”
“What?”
“I-it's delicious!”
She yanked her hat down to hide her flushed face.
“Yeah. Enjoy.”
I took a bite of mine. Mmm. Perfect.
Easy win for newbie solo cooks, and one I made often living alone. Lessons from Gordon elevated it several notches, like the braised ribs.
But my focus wasn't on my food or Gold Sun's enthusiastic slurping. It was all on the redhead.
She sipped the broth cautiously a few times, then wrapped a thick pork chunk in kimchi and chomped.
“……”
Tear—
A single tear rolled down her cheek.
Cooking Charm has been activated.