Chapter 48: The Pilferer's Feast in Development
Chapter 48: The Pilferer's Feast in Development
The news of Levy's confession had not spread too widely yet. While Mirajane enjoyed spreading gossip, she knew her limits and didn't want to hurt the feelings of the three friends.
Rod continued to learn Solid Script magic from Levy, all the while quietly observing the trio's reactions. After all, he was partially responsible for the situation.
In the week that followed, Jett and Droy didn't take on any jobs. Instead, they often huddled in a corner, whispering to each other. Jett tried a few times to approach Levy, but Droy always pulled him back, trying to figure out how to break the ice without making things awkward.
Levy, during her breaks, didn't seek them out either. Instead, she often sat at the bar, chatting with Mirajane. Her eyes, however, frequently drifted toward Jett and Droy, showing her own struggle with how to resolve the tension.
Rod considered stepping in to help them, but he worried it might only make things worse. It was Mirajane who, during one of her chats with Levy, suddenly looked troubled and sighed.
"Is something bothering you, Mira-nee?" Levy couldn't help but ask.
"Kind of," Mirajane admitted. "The weather has been so hot lately that everyone has become lazy, and now we have a backlog of requests. If we don't handle them soon, the guild's reputation might suffer."
"Ah, that serious?" Levy felt a bit guilty, as she was one of those who hadn't taken on a job in a while.
Mirajane pulled out a request from under the counter:
"Yes, especially this one. It's a job to go to the neighboring town's orphanage and tutor the children. If no one goes, the children will be disappointed."
Levy glanced at a certain corner and replied, "Can't they just find a regular teacher to help with the tutoring?"
Mirajane explained, "More than half of the children want to become mages, so the orphanage is looking for teachers who know magic."
Mirajane's pleading look made it hard for Levy to pretend she didn't understand.
The job suited her well, and she often thought about how much Mirajane had helped her over the years.
After a moment of hesitation, Levy asked, "What are the requirements for the teachers?"
"Besides basic qualities like patience and attention to detail, the requestor wants the teachers to teach the children writing and history, play sports and games with them, and preferably teach them about plants and gardening techniques," Mirajane said with a grin, looking like she had just pulled off a successful scheme.
"Mira-nee, don't joke around," Levy pouted, thinking the requirements were so specific it was as if they were written for her.
"I'm not joking; the requestor's requirements are clearly stated," Mirajane showed her the detailed content.
"Just think of it as helping clear the backlog. It's a perfect fit, and I'll talk to Jett and Droy too."
To her surprise, there really was such a tailor-made job! After a moment of hesitation, Levy finally nodded.
Mirajane went to explain the situation to Jett and Droy. Rod saw them clearly freeze, then break into happy smiles. Just as Levy looked over, their gazes met, and they awkwardly looked away, only to be drawn back.
Mirajane, being thoughtful, arranged for them to meet at the guild entrance early the next morning. Jett and Droy immediately went home to prepare.
Levy, with the request in hand, found Rod. "Sorry, Rod, I can't practice with you tomorrow."
"No problem. I've already memorized the basics, and I feel bad for taking up so much of your time," Rod replied.
"Rod said, 'Good luck with the mission, and with everything else.'"
"Alright! I'll head back then!"
"Bye." Rod accidentally caught a glimpse of the mission details.
The request was filed yesterday, with a deadline a week from now. A real 'backlog' of a mission, indeed.
Zhang Wujie's mother was right—beautiful women are the best liars.
Mira clasped her hands together, looking playful. "Sorry, Rod, for sending away your tutor."
Rod suddenly felt like teasing her. "Yeah, I'm deeply hurt. So, is there any compensation?"
Mira blinked. "What kind of compensation do you want?"
To offer myself to you.
Of course, he couldn't say that.
Rod thought for a moment and said, "I have a favor to ask of Mr. Cook. Could you come with me to give me some moral support?"
"Mr. Cook?" Mira asked, puzzled. "What for?"
Rod explained, "I want to discuss a research plan for a special nutrient meal to help Worm grow."
Previously, Rod had considered finding a way to create a Poro feast for Worm, but he lacked the time, culinary skills, and motivation, so he put it off.
However, the last time he noticed Worm might have grown a bit, it reignited his interest.
Maybe a Poro feast could raise a Poro King?
The best cook he knew was the guild's head chef, Mr. Cook.
He wasn't sure if asking such a talented chef to help with 'pet food' would offend him.
That's why he wanted Mira to come along...
To find an excuse to spend some time with her, alone.
The moral support was just a pretext.
Even if Mr. Cook got angry, the worst that could happen was being chased down a few streets with a chef's knife. It wasn't like he'd really get killed.
Rod's mind was calculating the possibilities.
Mira readily agreed, finding Mr. Cook quite approachable.
The two of them walked around the counter and headed down the hallway to the kitchen entrance.
Rod summoned Worm. "Help me check if Worm has grown at all."
"It's been a while, Worm." Mira cradled the white ball, feeling its weight and measuring it. "It does seem a bit bigger."
"Rrrr~" Worm indicated it was hot and wanted to go back.
Rod said, "Just a little longer, and then you can go back."
Mira rubbed Worm's heart-shaped belly and smiled. "I'll take you to have some yummy food."
"Rrrrr~" Worm immediately perked up.
The scene was like a couple, one stern and the other gentle, coaxing their mischievous child with just a few words.
Mira looked even more gentle holding Worm.
Good luck.
...
Fortunately, Mr. Cook didn't take Rod's request as an insult. Instead, he found the Poro species intriguing.
Worm, however, was thoroughly spooked. It felt like every time the man looked at it, several choice cuts were being marked on its body.
As if it would be skinned, deboned, and tossed into a stew pot at any moment.
Rod tried his best to describe the appearance of the Poro feast from memory and guessed a few possible ingredients.
He also listed Worm's favorite foods for Mr. Cook to consider.
Mr. Cook noted everything down and said he would start experimenting tomorrow.
He thought that, based on Rod's description, the dish might even be suitable for humans, potentially becoming another signature dish at the guild.
(End of Chapter)
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