Chapter 12: Grandfather’s legacy(7).

“Wow! A feast I’ve never seen, nya!”

Cain’s eyes sparkled as he exclaimed.

“My Farm Utopia veggies turned into something so delicious-looking, I’m thrilled, nya!”

Abel beamed with a wide smile.

Both were clearly excited for my first meal since returning.

Satisfied by their enthusiasm, I served portions for the two and myself with spoons and forks.

We each took our seats.

“Still, this looks so different from Grandma’s cooking, nya.”

“So colorful! Never seen it before, but it smells amazing, nya!”

I grinned inwardly. The meal I’d planned was from my past life’s world, unheard of here. I might be the first to make fruit punch in this world!

But I should probably explain the unfamiliar dishes to avoid their curiosity.

“These are original dishes I came up with, wanting to eat something special. I made them colorful to spark appetite. Go on, try them!”

At my urging, they picked up forks and dug into the appetizer.

“Mmm! The shrimp is so plump, nya!”

“I love cheese, nya! It goes so well with the thinly sliced turnips from my fields, nya!”

Relieved to see them eat eagerly, I took a bite. The mild turnips and shrimp blended perfectly with the tangy white mold cheese, the dill adding a refreshing aftertaste. The appetizer was a success.

Next, we moved to the main course.

“Eat the chicken with the tomato sauce.”

I advised them before they started.

““Okay!””

They replied, deftly cutting bite-sized chicken pieces in half with knife and fork, mixing them with the sauce, and popping them into their mouths.

“Mmm! The field onions make it spicy, nya!”

“I don’t mind this mature flavor, nya!”

They devoured it eagerly.

Watching them, my eyes softened. It felt good to see my cooking enjoyed. I joined them, savoring the chicken.

“What’s this fizzy, colorful stuff, nya?”

“So many fruits from the fields and orchards, nya!”

Cain asked.

“It’s my idea dessert, called fruit punch! Packed with fruit, it’s sweet and delicious. Dig in!”

Encouraged, they scooped it with spoons.

“Mmm! So sweet, nya! Like a jewel box of colors, nya!”

“I love strawberries, nya!”

They eagerly ate the fruits Abel had lovingly tended. Their enjoyment sparked my appetite, and I took a spoonful.

“Every fruit is so delicious. Thank you, Abel, for always caring for the Farm Utopia.”

Smiling warmly, I thanked him. Abel, bashful, wiggled his tail happily.

“It’s not worth praising, nya. Just following Grandpa’s orders, nya.”

“Keeping those orders for so long is amazing, Abel.”

Praising him again, Cain piped up, sounding miffed.

“Hey! I’ve been keeping orders too, managing the house, nya! Don’t I get praise, nya?”

He puffed out his cheeks.

Maybe he was fishing for praise like Abel. His pouty act was so cute, I couldn’t help but smile.

“You’re amazing too, Cain. Cleaning the house, maintaining the magical devices—you’ve worked so hard. Thank you.”

Reaching out, I ruffled the fur between his ears, and his face melted into a soft, happy expression.

“Alright, if you get it, that’s fine, nya.”

Cats often love head or forehead scratches, and Cain was no exception, pressing his head against my hand.

Filled with past and present gratitude, I petted him thoroughly.

Finally satisfied, Cain lowered his stretched body, and our hands parted.

“Whoops, got so into it my sleek fur got messed up, nya.”

He smoothed his fur with both front paws, a very cat-like gesture.

“Now, let’s finish the meal. I’d be happy if you ate it all.”

Their eyes lit up.

“Of course, nya!”

“Leaving such delicious food would be a crime, nya!”

And so, one person and two Cait Siths polished off the appetizer, main course, and dessert completely.

“Phew, I’m so full.”

“Satisfied, nya!”

“To think up this food, Christina-nya’s a genius, nya!”

We each rubbed our full stomachs, taking a moment to relax.

“Let’s have some tea after, nya.”

Cain headed to the kitchen where the tea leaves were stored.

“I’ll take the dishes to the Geschirrspüler.”

“I’ll wipe the table, nya.”

We each prepared for tea.

Cain chose chamomile tea from the Farm Utopia, perhaps a thoughtful choice for relaxing before bed.

Thus, my first day in the hidden retreat came to a close.

The divorce was finalized smoothly, a great start. Above all, the carefree, relaxed day with these easygoing companions was the best.