Night had finally fallen over the nd that Rendara personally called Geterds—even though its real name was actually Aissuren.
Oil mps began lighting up in front of the vilgers’ houses.The fmes were small, but warm, forming scattered dots of light along the quiet dirt roads.
From inside several homes, the sounds of pans, spoons, and casual family conversations could be heard as people returned to their normal nightly routines.
The air felt calmer now.
The panic from earlier had completely faded.
On one side of Gilbert’s house, four people were still standing together, continuing their discussion because of how important the topic was.
Gilbert, Lily, and Sasa were deeply involved in the conversation.
Their voices occasionally rose and fell—not because they were angry, but because they were excited.
Lily spoke quickly, her hands moving as she expined her ideas.Sasa sometimes interrupted with a serious yet passionate tone.Even Gilbert responded with a small smile while listening to them.
The topic they were discussing was clearly important.
But…
There was one thing that felt completely out of pce with the serious atmosphere.
Rendara.
He stood not far away, leaning casually against an old wooden pilr near Gilbert’s house. His gaze seemed directed toward their conversation—almost like he was listening carefully.
But in reality…
his mind wasn’t fully there.
His stomach let out a quiet growl.
He had been holding it in for a while now.
At first it was easy to ignore.
But as the night grew ter, the hunger became harder to ignore.
Rendara held his breath for a moment, trying to look normal.
However, from his slightly bnk expression and occasional empty stare, anyone paying close attention could tell—
he was thinking about something very simple.
Fried noodles.
His favorite food.
The image of hot noodles freshly lifted from a pan, with the strong aroma of garlic and sweet soy sauce, suddenly felt incredibly vivid in his mind.
Meanwhile, in front of him, Lily, Sasa, and Gilbert were still passionately discussing big pns that might determine the future of Aissuren.
And in the middle of that serious discussion…
Rendara simply stood there quietly, holding his protesting stomach, secretly hoping that all the sacrifices he was making by enduring his hunger would somehow help Aissuren progress faster—
so he could finally eat fried noodles here.
Lily suddenly concluded enthusiastically.
So, what do you think about the method I proposed to make Aissuren recognized by the kingdom?
Sasa crossed her arms.
That pn is way too ambitious. Just like I thought. My method is much more realistic!
Lily immediately protested.
There’s no way! My pn is much more well thought out—
Gilbert quickly interrupted before the discussion turned into another argument.
Ahh! It seems both methods have their merits… how about we decide which one to use first with rock-paper-scissors?
Lily and Sasa responded at the same time.
That works.Sure.
Then they looked around.
So… who will be the referee?
Gilbert smiled.
Of course I—
But Lily immediately interrupted.
That’s not allowed! Sasa is your niece!Sorry for saying this, Mr. Gilbert, especially after everything that happened earlier, but I can’t accept that.
Gilbert chuckled calmly.
It’s fine, Lily. You can just call me Gilbert if you want.And yes… you’re right.
He looked around.
Then who should judge?
At that moment…
everyone’s eyes slowly turned toward Rendara.
He was still leaning against the pilr, wearing the expression of someone in pain.
Rendara, half-mumbling to himself, whispered:
Fried noodles…Fried noodles…Fried noodles…
Gilbert cleared his throat loudly.
Ahem!!
Rendara finally realized they were staring at him and walked over.
Ah… yes… what’s going on?Yeah… I agree.
He hadn’t even realized what he had just agreed to.
But Lily and Sasa suddenly looked excited.
Lily quickly stepped forward and prepared her stance.
I’ll leave it to you, Mr. Rentaro!!
Sasa also took her position seriously.
Let’s work together, Mr. Rentaro!!
Rendara stood between them.
Then they both shouted at the same time.
Rock!!Paper!!Scissors!!
They revealed their hands.
And the result was—
Sasa showed paper.Lily showed rock.
Lily celebrated happily for a moment…
Then suddenly her expression froze.
Huh? Wait… how?
Sasa burst into ughter.
That was way too easy!You lost, Lily! Stop making excuses!
Lily immediately protested.
That’s impossible! I clearly won!!
Sasa rolled her eyes.
Are you sick, Lily?Or just because you met Rentaro first, you think you deserve to win?
Lily turned to Rendara.
Then let the referee decide!Mr. Rentaro!You trust me, right?! I won!!
Rendara, now fully awake, spoke calmly.
Based on what happened…the winner is…
He paused.
Lily.
Sasa shouted.
That’s impossible!!
Even Gilbert frowned.
Are you sure about that decision, young adventurer?
Lily jumped happily.
Yay!!!
Sasa didn’t argue further.
She just stayed quiet, as if hiding something.
Rendara suddenly stepped toward her.
Then—
Pk!
He flicked Sasa’s forehead.
I think that’s a fair punishment.
He said calmly.
For someone who cheated at rock-paper-scissors.
Gilbert looked confused.
Cheated? How?
Rendara grabbed Sasa’s hand—the one she used during the game.
Here’s the proof.
Sasa winced.
Ah!
Rendara pulled her sleeve slightly upward.
Sasa immediately struggled.
What are you doing, you pervert?! Stop!If you want to touch me, don’t do it here! This is embarrassing!
But Rendara managed to reveal a bruise around her wrist and forearm.
Gilbert gasped.
Huh?!Did you really do that just to win?
Sasa’s face darkened with embarrassment.
Yes… I cheated.
Then she spoke seriously.
But I really wanted Mr. Pervert—I mean, Mr. Rentaro, my future husband—to admit that I’m better than Lily.
Her voice trembled slightly.
That’s why I did it.
Lily walked toward her.
What are you saying, Sasa?
Aren’t we supposed to do this fairly?
We only have three days, remember?
She pointed forward confidently.
Where’s your pride as a citizen of Aissuren?!
Sasa wiped her tears.
Yeah… you’re right, Lily.
She clenched her fist.
I shouldn’t have done that!
Then she decred proudly,
As Mr. Rentaro’s future wife, I’ll defeat you fair and square, Lily!
Lily smirked.
Hah! I won’t let you!
Both girls burst into ughter.
Just like that, they made up again.
Gilbert sighed.
Then he turned to Rendara.
Ah… I forgot.I shouldn’t have taken that so seriously. They’ve always been like this, even before you came here.
He smiled awkwardly.
Sorry for doubting you earlier.
Rendara smiled lightly.
It’s alright, Mr. Gilbert.A lot of things happened today… very quickly.
Then both of them ughed.
Haha!Haha!
The night in Aissuren became peaceful again.
Time passed quietly.
Eventually, Lily suddenly stood up and cpped her hands.
I’ll make something to eat!
Without waiting for a response, she went straight to the kitchen.
Sasa immediately followed.
Hey! Don’t do it alone! I can cook too!
Within seconds, the two of them disappeared into the kitchen.
Cabinets opened.
Pans moved.
Their voices turned into another small argument.
Don’t use that!Why not?!That’s too much!I’m the one cooking!
Rendara’s eyes suddenly sparkled.
The kitchen…?
He stood up quietly.
If they’re preparing food… then maybe…
fried noodle ingredients!!
Without saying anything, he walked into the house.
His goal was clear.
Not helping.
Searching for fried noodles.
Several minutes ter…
The noise turned into ughter.
Soon they returned to the terrace.
A few ptes of warm food were pced on the small table.
One of them was a simple pasta dish made from whatever ingredients they had.
They ate together under the night sky of Aissuren.
Lily looked proud of her cooking.
Sasa also seemed satisfied, though she still occasionally criticized Lily’s method.
Gilbert ate calmly, smiling as he watched them.
Everyone looked full and happy.
Everyone…
except one person.
Rendara.
He stared at his pte with a bnk expression.
Noodle… pasta…
Not fried noodles.
He still finished the food.
But the disappointment on his face was obvious.
If only he had found the ingredients earlier…
tonight would have been perfect.
With a slightly teary face, Rendara muttered while eating the pasta.
Well… whatever.
