Chapter 46: Exchange
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 46: Exchange
"Which one should I choose?"
An stood by the shore, a different species of fish clutched in each hand, looking quite troubled.
The fish in her left hand had fine, dense scales and a dull, dusty color. Its appearance left much to be desired, but it struggled with remarkable strength.
The fish in her right hand, meanwhile, looked rather dim-witted, yet its scales shimmered with a prismatic glow so beautiful it drew a sigh of admiration.
"In the end, I have no idea which kind the Young Master ate last year."
An let out a soft sigh.
When it came to a fish that even the Young Master would praise, it had to be the one from last year, when the Duke’s family came to Lake Bepol to enjoy the scenery and go boating. The flavor of that fish had been so exquisite that even the well-traveled Master had been full of nothing but praise.
It was only natural that the Young Master would be unable to forget it. However, that fish had been caught by the boatman, and the entire feast had been prepared by him as well. Consequently, An had no idea what species it actually was.
"To make such a low-level mistake... as the Young Master's personal maid, I have truly lost my composure."
An made up her mind. Once she returned to the Duke’s estate, she would thoroughly study every species of freshwater fish in Lake Bepol.
The estate’s library, which housed all sorts of strange volumes, surely contained a relevant book.
"If you're planning to eat it, the fish in your left hand is much more delicious."
A voice sounded from behind An.
"The one in your right hand looks beautiful, but it has a very strong, fishy odor."
"I see."
An casually tossed the fish in her right hand back into the lake. She then turned around to face the girl who had returned.
"Is everything alright with your companions?"
"They... they’ve already headed back."
"Then why aren't you leaving?"
"I..."
Eluka forced a lonely smile. "One of my companions was seriously injured and needs treatment. I’ve exhausted my mana, and because of my physical condition, I’d only be a burden if I followed them. It’s better for me to stay here until I’ve recovered some mana. I’m sorry, I won't be able to bring my companions to thank you properly for the time being."
"Don't worry about it. As I said, I have no need for such things."
An continued, "More importantly, you seem to know a lot about these fish?"
"Yes."
Eluka nodded. "Actually, my village is just on the other side of the lake. Every autumn, I used to come here with my family to catch this kind of fish. They only become plump and flavorful in the autumn, but because of that, they are extremely popular with the noble lords. They always fetch a good price."
"Is that so? It seems I didn't catch the wrong one after all."
An muttered to herself, rubbing her chin. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she looked at Eluka and asked seriously:
"Could I ask you for the proper way to cook this fish?"
"Eh? Of course you can."
"Excellent."
Having received an affirmative answer, An casually knocked the fish unconscious and tossed it aside. She then pulled out a small notebook she carried with her and began her inquiry.
"Generally, which cooking method makes it taste best?"
"Hmm... usually charcoal-grilling or steaming. Since the hallmark of this fish is its fresh taste and firm texture, it’s best to choose a cooking method that doesn't overpower its natural flavor."
"What seasonings are required?"
"Salt should be enough. After all, you're eating it for the original flavor."
"Spices..."
"..."
...
The two of them talked for a long time. An asked about everything from cooking methods to seasoning and heat control, even inquiring about the optimal temperature at which it should be served.
It wasn't until she had filled two entire pages with dense notes that she finally closed her notebook with satisfaction. She bowed slightly to Eluka in thanks.
"Thank you for your guidance. You’ve been a great help."
"E-eh? There’s no need to thank me!"
Eluka hurriedly dodged An’s formal bow, scratching her cheek awkwardly.
"I only did something trivial. Compared to you saving my life, it’s nothing at all."
"No, to me, this is a very significant help."
A rare, soft smile appeared on An’s dignified and cool face.
Seeing that smile, Eluka was momentarily dazed.
"Is Miss An doing all this... because there is someone you like?"
"Hmm?"
"Ah, I’m sorry! To suddenly say something like that... it’s Miss An’s private business, after all..."
"It’s alright. It isn't something that needs to be hidden."
An cupped her slightly flushed cheeks with both hands, a blissful smile playing on her lips.
"After all, I am indeed doing this to prepare a favorite fish feast for my beloved."
"So it’s true... That’s wonderful."
Eluka spoke with a hint of envy.
"To be able to offer your heart to the one you love... your beloved must be very happy."
"Yes, he is very happy," An said, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Once he fully understands the depth of my love."
"Eh?"
"It’s nothing. Please don't mind me."
An withdrew her hands, habitually folding them in front of her waist.
That elegant posture once again filled Eluka with envy.
If I were as elegant as her, Rhode’s gaze would surely linger on me, wouldn't it?
"Um... Miss An."
"Yes?"
"I have a worry. May I confide in you?" Eluka asked nervously, clutching the hem of her skirt.
"You may," An replied. "Consider it my thanks for teaching me how to cook. Ask away."
"Actually... I have a friend. It’s a friend, okay? A very good friend."
"Yes, I understand. A friend. Go on."
"Well, she likes someone. Someone she has liked for a very, very long time. But she doesn't know if the person she likes likes her back, because that person is incredibly dense and is very kind to everyone."
"The 'human fireplace' type? The kind who radiates warmth to everyone?"
"I... my friend, she was planning to try confessing. But just then, another woman appeared."
"A love triangle?"
"...Yes. So lately, my friend has been wavering. Because the person she likes is clearly a bit nicer to the new woman. So, she’s wondering if it would be better to just give up now."
Eluka looked down at the lake. The surface was still rippling, making it impossible to see her own reflection clearly.
Unknowingly, her fingers had gripped her skirt so hard her knuckles were white.
"After all, if they love each other, it might not be right for her to interfere as a third party."
"I see. I understand your dilemma."
An nodded and said, "Then I will ask you directly."
"Huh? Miss An?"
Eluka let out a startled cry.
An had suddenly reached out and cupped Eluka’s cheeks, forcing the girl to look her in the eye.
"Tell me, how much do you love that man?"
"E-eh? It’s a friend! It’s for a friend..."
Her excuses grew weak. Looking into An’s eyes, Eluka realized that even her ability to lie was pathetic.
"I love him very much. Since we were children... I’ve loved him for years," Eluka confessed truthfully.
"Would you give your life for him?"
"Of course."
Eluka answered without a moment's hesitation.
After all, she had already done exactly that.
"Would you disregard morality for him?" An continued.
"I would."
"Would you trample the law for him?"
"Yes."
If she was willing to throw away her life, were morality and the law really such a big deal?