Lunch at Ansimjeong
Ansimjeong was already fully approved by Ichinose.
So when Noah invited me to lunch, I didn't turn it down.
I was honestly curious what she wanted to give me, after all.
The morning classes started right after I agreed.
Since the exams had just wrapped up, they were lighter than usual—mostly theory, no intense drills.
And lunch break was even more generous than normal.
"So, what're we eating?"
I stepped into the hallway and met up with Ichinose and Noah.
Before I could even ask the destination, they were already heading out of the academy.
"Afternoon classes are coming up, so nothing too heavy. How about mushroom hotpot? There's a great place."
"Menu pick: GOAT."
"GOAT?"
"Greatest. Of. All. Time."
Just hearing "hotpot" made my stomach growl.
My positive vibe sealed the deal. Our steps quickened as we left the academy grounds.
"Gotta add ribs, duck, and green onion pancakes. Oh, and what's the seasonal special right now...?"
Noah, clearly a regular, was smacking her lips and ticking off extras on her fingers.
Then, like she'd just remembered, she whipped her head toward me.
"Oh yeah! Tigrova dishes next time—with Clara and the elf buddy!"
"I'll let 'em know."
Sion would jump at the chance for a meal with Noah.
Clara... maybe not so much.
We grabbed a taxi for the ride.
I took shotgun; they hopped in back.
My phone buzzed mid-trip.
Hmm...
I let them know I'd be eating with academy friends.
No prior plans, but "sorry" slipped out instinctively in the replies.
They weren't waiting or anything, right? Gotta notify 'em next time it gets set.
Sion and Clara were cool about it—eat something tasty with your friends!—but I didn't feel light on my feet until I promised dinner together.
...
...
"Whoa..."
The place we arrived at was Ansimjeong.
Even from the outside, it screamed upscale Korean cuisine—elegant, refined.
Run by a famous Samhwa Nation chef, apparently one of Ichinose's go-tos.
"This way, please."
Staff recognized Ichinose and Noah, opening the gate with polite bows.
Multiple private rooms, all spotless and cozy.
Loved that it wasn't floor seating despite the vibe.
"Nose is sitting next to me today? Heh heh, it's been forever."
"Noah. Cut the teasing."
I sat down, thinking of Sion and Clara.
These two drew stares too, but the girls back at the mansion weren't used to the attention.
So spots like this would be perfect for a group outing.
If it's good, bring 'em next time. Wonder if they take walk-ins.
Probably not super exclusive.
"Hotpot's already ordered on the way—takes time. Add whatever you want freely."
Ichinose handed me a square device from the table.
Menu and order pad in one.
"Order through this, huh."
"Yep. Super convenient."
"I already put mine in~."
Checked Noah's order: hotpot buried under a mountain of meats.
Prices hit like a gut punch.
Yeah, pricey. Rare mushrooms ain't cheap...
What kinda shrooms go in this hotpot?
Ichinose's mushroom hotpot was wildly expensive. Flower Lily Bookstore wages? No chance.
I added one order of dumplings and passed it back.
"Ahem...!"
Ichinose cleared her throat, drawing my eyes.
Before food arrived, she got to the point.
"Food aside first. Wanted to start with that thank-you gift I mentioned."
"Got mine ready too! We're beastkin who know gratitude—not just dumb animals!"
Two small boxes.
Jewelry-case size.
"Dad said nothing beats this for repaying a guy."
Noah slid hers over with confidence.
"Open here?"
"Duh."
Click! Golden bead inside.
Bitter herbal scent hit hard—like traditional medicine.
My eyes lit up.
"No way... an elixir?"
"Bingo. Ate one as a kid myself. Doesn't spike mana right away—increases growth efficiency long-term. Name's... uh... Hwan... Hwan... something? Anyway, top-tier!"
"Sounds too good to pass. Thanks."
I pocketed Noah's box gratefully.
Just coming here leveled me up.
"Oh! Dad said it's killer for guys' stamina too!"
"..."
Words failed.
That's what "good for men" meant.
Snow Tiger Emperor's seal of approval on a virility booster? Recent close calls flashed back.
"Koff! Koff!"
Ichinose choked on water, coughing nonstop.
Noah laughed like she'd planned it, smack smack on her back.
"Noah... seriously!"
"What? Gotta explain the effects properly."
Playful, but spot-on.
Ichinose sighed, straightened, and offered her box.
"Ahem...! Father helped me prepare an elixir too."
"Thanks. Can I open?"
"Yes."
Red flower inside.
Rootless bud, still vibrant and fresh.
"It's called Yeonghwasim. Good for body and mana overall, but especially fire users. Eat petals and all."
"Two elixirs at once bad?"
"Better space 'em—let your body absorb and adapt. Do Noah's first, mine in a week."
"Mine's fine now! Scarfed it pre-meal as a kid."
I chewed and swallowed Noah's on the spot.
Melted soft, like strong liquor—warm trail down, spreading body-wide.
Seeped faintly into my mana circuits.
"Whew. Thanks for the meal."
I bowed from my seat; they giggled.
"Food hasn't even come yet."
Knock knock knock.
Staff at the door, polite as ever.
Tiger in the room? Food arrived right on cue.
Mushroom hotpot exceeded hype. Premium beef too.
Noah plunked her orders center-table—"share!"—plenty for all.
We reminisced uninhabited island chaos.
Guessed at academy curriculum overhaul while stuffing faces.
Wild.
One thing caught my eye amid the feast.
Ichinose never opens her eyes—even eating.
Chopsticks never miss. Skill or not, impressive.
Noah caught my gaze, tail swishing.
Out came a childhood tale.
"Nose has crazy taste buds. Made her wraps once—knew every ingredient."
"Anyone would've. You stuffed raw garlic and peppers in perilla leaves."
"Hee hee... And she IDs meats from tiny bites! Bet she can name every mushroom here."
Noah's playful stories smoothed over old pranks.
Clearly honed from constant Heart's Eye use—eyes shut, senses sharpened.
But I had to play dumb on her unique skill.
"For real? That's possible?"
"Don't believe? Feed her yourself. She'll nail it."
"N-Noah...!"
Me feeding her? Bold, even in private—too much outside.
Why's Noah extra mischievous today?
They get along great.
Watching their bickering was enough.
Curiosity wasn't Noah's angle anyway. I knew Ichinose's senses.
Just wondered...
How does the table feel with eyes closed?
"Fine... Noah keeps insisting... J-Just once...!"
"Huh?"
I snapped from thought, sounding dumb.
Ichinose—face flushed—mouth agape.
Like a baby bird awaiting food.