Chapter 19: Let’s eat first?

Demons can’t learn human magical curses due to fundamental differences in their physiology and the distinct nature of magical essence in their blood.

But seeing Charis use “Starfire,” a basic human curse, the hero trio—Ophelia, Aisha, and Luline—couldn’t ignore it.

While Charis was still in the kitchen, Aisha cast a spell, creating a transparent sound barrier to block their voices.

“I thought Charis just looked human, but she’s got human blood in her—she’s one of those!”

Aisha avoided the exact term, using “those” instead.

“Human, dragon, mixed-blood, abandoned…”
Ophelia murmured, eyeing Charis’s back with heightened wariness.

“She says she taught herself language, which I can believe, but curses?
You can’t learn those from books alone.
Someone must be guiding her—otherwise, everyone could pick up a book and cast curses!”

Aisha hit the key point, and Ophelia and Luline nodded in agreement.

“But since we captured her, she hasn’t contacted anyone.”

Ophelia propped her chin, thinking back.
Charis couldn’t have met anyone under their watch, and Xaska Academy’s protective barriers were too tight for hostile demons to breach.

“Maybe she learned it before?
We know nothing about her past, right?
And her personality doesn’t scream spy—she’s too weak for that.”

Luline’s assessment was objective.
Aisha’s Contract Potion had proven Charis wasn’t a threat; any rebellious intent would’ve been curbed by the potion already.

“So, her knowing human curses—she’d better explain it herself.
I could force a truth potion on her for quick answers, but…”

Aisha glanced at Ophelia, who looked puzzled.

“Why’re you looking at me, Aisha?”

“Come on, after all the bonding you did yesterday—if I mess that up with a potion, what then?”

Aisha clapped her hands.
Ophelia froze, glancing at Charis in the kitchen, recalling yesterday’s obedience training.

If Charis was forced to take a truth potion, any goodwill would plummet, wasting all her efforts.

Ophelia hated wasted effort.
She wanted to keep Charis, so she quickly decided.

“You’re right. Forcing her isn’t my best move.
Better if she talks willingly.”

“Alright, Luline, what do you think?”
Aisha turned to Luline, who nodded quietly.

“Charis isn’t as bad as I thought.
Her slick tongue—I don’t know where that came from.
But a mixed-blood surviving without mishap?
That makes her worth studying carefully.”

Luline finished, and Aisha, after a moment’s thought, pulled a pale red potion from her waist.

“Fine, I’ll play the bad guy.
Here’s what we do…”

The trio whispered, moving their discussion to the dining table.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Charis had her own plans.

“Hehe… cook extra… whatever they don’t eat is mine.”

To max out her fullness and grow stronger, Charis seized every chance to eat more, never wasting a moment.

Following Demon King Talos’s advice, every bite she took drained the heroes’ resources.
Freeloading their supplies to grow powerful, then turning against them—making them regret ever keeping her!

Charis thought her plan was flawless.

Soon, three massive plates of toppings emerged from the kitchen.
Charis admired her work: tomato egg, shredded pork with potatoes, and braised chicken chunks.

Eyeing her steaming masterpieces, Charis’s mouth watered.
She swallowed hard, carried the plates out, and set them down.

“Done!
See if I’ve got skills.”

Charis drew everyone’s attention.
Ophelia and Aisha frowned, scrutinizing her dishes, while Luline gave a faint smile, her throat subtly swallowing.

Bang.

Charis set the plates on the table, pointing to three bowls of plain boiled noodles and explaining.

“Pick what you want, scoop it into your bowl with the shared spoon, and mix.
I guarantee no poison.”

Charis issued her disclaimer.
Luline, quicker than anyone, scooped a big spoonful of tomato egg into her noodles and stirred.

“Luline?!”

Aisha and Ophelia questioned in unison, confused—this wasn’t the order they’d planned.

“Ahem, it’s better hot.
No rush to ask her.
Let’s eat first.”

Luline was slightly flustered but kept eating, her cheeks pink with delight.

Seeing Luline devour the noodles with a blissful expression, Ophelia and Aisha were stunned.

“Charis, you didn’t drug the noodles, did you?”
Aisha, ever skeptical, glanced between Charis and Luline.

“Hey, don’t falsely accuse a good dragon!
I’ll eat a bite to prove it.”
Charis raised her right hand and tail, left hand over her heart, swearing.

“Still suspicious… did you drug Luline directly?”
Aisha pressed, spinning a new theory.

“No! Why would I do that?”
Charis felt cornered, unable to fully defend herself.

“Ophelia, you brave enough to try?”
Aisha pushed the potato and pork dish toward her.
Ophelia eyed it, the savory aroma flooding her nose.

‘She really can cook, and it smells amazing.’

Ophelia was lost in thought.
Aisha, noticing her silence, nudged her shoulder.

“You eating or not?”

“Uh… I’ll try.”

Ophelia picked up a fork, cautiously lifting a potato strip, examining it midair.

“No poison. If you’re scared, don’t eat—I’ll take it.”

Charis sulked, but then thought, if they’re wary, more for her to eat—fullness secured!

Spurred by Charis’s taunt, Ophelia finally took a bite, eyes shut, bracing for something weird.

But the potato was crisp, the pork tender and juicy, with a savory tang—no strange taste at all.

‘The texture’s so rich?
Way better than stewed potatoes.’

Ophelia covered her mouth in surprise, blinking at Aisha and nodding.

“It’s good? I’ll try too.”

Aisha went for the chicken chunks.
The tender, sweet, sauce-coated meat stunned her taste buds.

“This… no wonder Luline called it good.”

Aisha’s purple eyes widened, her gaze on Charis tinged with admiration.

“Hmph, worried I’d hurt you?
I’m just waiting to eat.”
Charis let slip a bit too much, drawing all three pairs of eyes.

‘Crap, why’d I say that!’

“Uh… I mean, you can’t let the cook go hungry, right?
I’m a living creature who needs food too.”

Charis fidgeted with her clothes, flashing a placating smile.