A Taste from Another Life and the Veiled Whisper
“...Who are you?”
I'd been planning to head straight to my master's place, but there was Cecil, gaping in awe at the capital. ...A short break won't hurt. The princess must have gone another way; I didn't spot her anywhere. Well, that made sense. Feeling relieved, I stepped off the platform and decided to grab some food first. It wasn't like the train hadn't served meals or anything—it was just the timing.
“Leave the guiding to me!”
“...Please take good care of us.”
I was about to tell the grinning, overconfident Veronica there was no need, but a glance at Claudia's expression made me shut my mouth and play nice. Cecil and I followed behind Veronica, our hands gripped tightly. I was worried she'd get lost gawking at everything. Claudia stuck close right behind us. Remembering how she'd been on the train... it felt reassuring.
Coming from a low-population area to this swarm of people really drove home how small my body had become. The buildings from my memories loomed even taller, and the people seemed gigantic. Sure, where I lived now got crowded in the bustling districts with tall structures too, but the capital cranked it up to another level. Probably because I hadn't gone out much myself.
Without realizing it, I squeezed Cecil's hand harder, and she turned to look at me, tilting her head like something was wrong. I smiled to say it was nothing, and she beamed back with a bright grin. That warmed my heart a little.
Anyway, the restaurant Veronica led us to was... somewhere I'd never seen before. I scanned around twice, wondering if such a place even existed—nope, total stranger.
“It opened up last year or so.”
“What do they serve?”
Veronica cleared up my confusion. When I asked what they sold, she just said to see for myself and strode in coolly. I shrugged at the other two staring at me and followed her.
The interior had this oddly familiar vibe. We grabbed a table, left the ordering to Veronica, and I looked around. Amid the strange sense of déjà vu, I spotted a silver head of hair like Cecil's. A girl with sparkling golden eyes was humming a tune, clearly excited for her food. Across from her sat a black-haired woman with a blank face, watching her impassively. Nothing else seemed to interest her. It was an odd pairing, I thought.
...Not that we're any less weird.
Then my eyes met the golden-eyed girl's. She blinked, then smiled at me. But the black-haired woman's red eyes—somehow menacing—turned my way. That gaze carried outright hostility, making me wonder if I'd been rude. I bowed my head quickly and looked away. A bit scary.
“What were you staring at?”
“...Nothing.”
The food arrived soon after... and it hit me with major déjà vu. These were dishes I remembered eating. Strictly speaking, from my previous life.
Veronica was eyeing me smugly, her face screaming, You've never had anything like this, have you? The other two gave her exactly the reaction she wanted. Cecil's eyes sparkled, and Claudia went, “Hoo...” as she dug in.
I couldn't disappoint Veronica, who was watching expectantly.
“Wow! This looks so good. What is all this?”
“...Have you had this before?”
“N-No, first time seeing it?”
“...Really?”
Veronica tilted her head, looking puzzled.
...Am I right about this? Curious, I poked at the plate in front of me. Various veggies in a deep bowl—fine. Rice? Same deal. In the capital, you'd find anything faster than not. Fried egg—nothing special. But... this red, slightly viscous liquid. That was the issue. If I was right, this was definitely...
“How do you eat this?”
Cecil tilted her head at the unfamiliar food. Veronica's face lit up as she launched into explanation.
“Mix it with a spoon. Get that red sauce all over everything.”
“Got it!”
“I've heard these are trending in the capital lately, but first time seeing it for real.”
...No doubt about it—bibimbap. The next dish was suyuk, no question, with its rich, savory aroma. What the hell was going on in the capital...? This didn't exist back when I attended the academy.
I stared at it trembling-eyed, and Veronica grinned in satisfaction. It wasn't quite the fluster she expected, but whatever.
These blasts from my past life's cuisine—long missed—were... pretty damn good. I worried it might just look similar, but the taste nailed it too.
Thinking it over... it made sense. I had memories from my past life, so why not others? That silver-haired girl at the other table devouring what looked like bulgogi? Maybe her.
Glancing around, the place was packed. Customers ordered and ate without batting an eye.
“Veronica... nim.”
“Yeah? What?”
I asked Veronica, who was munching bibimbap with sauce staining her lips red.
“These foods are trending in the capital?”
“Yeah. Like I said, not that old.”
“Suddenly?”
“Someone started it... can't remember who.”
“That's fine.”
If I'd known it'd make this much money, I'd have done it first. Too late now. I told the suddenly pensive Veronica mid-bite it was okay and resumed eating. Veronica aside, if Cecil and Claudia were chowing down fine... maybe they'd localized it. My own memories were fuzzy now, tastes not exactly the same.
I scraped my plate clean, pondering next steps. We should probably stay overnight in the capital. Master's hideout-cum-workshop was in the eastern forest—too late to head out now. So what to do? I needed to see her tomorrow, and spare time was slim anyway.
...Just rest for the day? Not a bad idea.
After discussing with the group, we decided to chill today. Train berths weren't the comfiest, even if nice. No need for separate lodging— we'd crash at Veronica's workshop. Grateful. Veronica-nim rocks!
We sent Veronica ahead to tidy up, then the three of us toured Haven. Thinking back, I hadn't played much during academy days... so it felt brand new. Geography was vaguely familiar, that was it.
Before I knew it, my hands were gripped tight by both of them as we walked, and a temple came into view. Cecil's voice piped up beside me.
“Sha'a-nim!”
“Yeah?”
“Cecil wants to visit the temple!”
“Hmm... the temple?”
“Yes! Ah, um... is that a problem...?”
...No real grudge against temples. Just... not super trustworthy. Would you put faith in a place that mistook who they should worship? Obviously not. Though... who knows if it's true. But records showed divine power, fading away, suddenly recovering... probably legit. They call it a miracle from the gods, anyway.
...Whatever. Not my place as a non-priest to fret. Divine power exists for sure, so whatever.
“Nah, let's go in.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.”
“Not that acquaintance you mentioned last time?”
“...I told you, just a passing encounter. She wouldn't recognize me now.”
“Aw.”
With Claudia smacking her lips in mock disappointment and an excited Cecil, we headed to the temple. For civilians, access was limited—prayer hall and gardens, mostly? Still, the pristine white building evoked awe and reverence. Faith aside.
...Honestly, my attitude might stem from past-life memories.
We toured the public areas and ended at the prayer space for commoners, with a statue presumed to be the goddess. Surprisingly detailed features.
I watched Cecil clasp her hands and close her eyes like those around us, then shut mine too. Impulsive... not my usual.
Unthinkingly, I clasped mine and prayed silently.
...Please, let me return to my original body.
As the prayer wound down... a voice spoke right in front of me.
“You seem to have a deep wish.”
Startled, I opened my eyes to a veiled woman gazing at me. Why did her voice feel... familiar?
She smiled innocently and took my hand. A warm energy caressed it.
She bowed her head and murmured low.
“Then, together...”
Her soft tone suddenly stiffened. Face hidden by the veil, but she seemed flustered. Then, a whisper just for me.
“...Could you come with me for a moment?”
Something was wrong. I could feel it.