Training Starts at the Table
It's been some time since I began the Journey with Asherah.
And she's been eagerly keeping up with my training regimen.
That's how it normally was. But...
*Huff... Huff...*
Captain. Don't you think today's training is nearly done?
...Not exactly, we're not even halfway through.
I-is that so?
Haha, today feels really slow for some reason.
Then... Let's try again...
Hold on.
Hmm? What's wrong, Captain?
You've been looking unwell lately.
Oh... That's...
Haha, I didn't want to show it, but I guess I can't fool you, Captain.
Don't worry. It's not like I'm sick or anything.
It's just... I haven't been eating well lately.
All this hunger is making me less energetic.
You haven't been eating well? How come?
Well, that's... Uh... It's a bit embarrassing.
My house is quite far from NOA.
And Journey members are given quarters by Candle Square, you know.
So since the Journey began, I've been living at the quarters...
But the thing is...
It's my first time living alone... so it hasn't been easy...
It's been difficult taking care of meals on my own...
Ah, I get you.
It's my first time living by myself, so I've tried making my own meals...
But the results have been, you know...
When I cook, all I ever get is a green goop or a black, shriveled mess.
I've even caused a fire trying to cook last week...
Oh, but I took care of the fire, so don't worry.
She put on a smile, but she couldn't hide the fatigue on her face.
And I don't want to eat out all the time, you know... So I haven't been eating well lately.
I think that's why I feel so hungry and weak...
...Ahem!
But it's okay! I braced myself for such hardships when I left home!
Hunger won't stop me. Nothing will!
So let's continue the training!
No... It's not okay at all...
An army without supplies is doomed to fail.
Training while lacking proper nutrition will only damage the body.
I thought she was just feeling under the weather, but this meal problem could turn into a long-term issue.
Alright, I'll make you dinner tonight.
R-really?
Captain, you know how to cook?
Kind of...?
I think I might be able to make more than something that's black, gooey, or shriveled.
I bought some ingredients in town and headed to Asherah's place.
As I cooked, I informed Asherah of ingredients that were affordable, long-lasting, and easy to cook with.
For example, pasta.
It's cheap, shelf-stable, and simple to cook.
I see...!
Another example would be cabbage.
A simple cabbage stir-fry is tasty on its own, and it's rich in fiber and vitamins—perfect for eating alone.
Cab...bage... Okay, I wrote down everything you told me!
I've learned a lot today! I think I'll manage much better from now on!
You're amazing, Captain. You're so knowledgeable, even with stuff not related to training!
Well... I also live alone, so...
After that, I taught Asherah some simple recipes and prepared a special dish that might stimulate her weakened appetite.
Mmmmmm!
I-it's spicy!
What's this called?
Fire-chicken fried noodles.
I told her that only the strong were worthy of eating this dish where I came from.
I-I see... So you have to be able to handle food like this in order to attain strength!
It's really spicy... But I can't stop eating...
She wiped away beads of sweat as she gobbled down her bowl of fire-chicken fried noodles.
Whew, I haven't eaten this well in a while.
Where are you from anyway, Captain? I've never heard of such a dish.
Where I'm from...?
I tried to jog through my memories.
But all I felt was a vague, tingling sensation. Nothing clear came to mind.
But one feeling did come to mind. I had people who were dear to me like a family.
...Someday, I'm sure I'll be able to remember.
Let's focus on what I've been tasked with for now.
...I gave Asherah a vague answer, saying it was somewhere far away.
Preparing meals isn't as easy as I thought it'd be.
Back home, the chefs or maids would always prepare my meals.
I never realized how much work went into it.
You never know how difficult it would be until you start living alone.
As I nodded along to her sentiments, I realized she used certain words that got stuck in my head.
...Chefs?
Maids?
...Is that normal...? To have chefs and maids cook for you?
How rich is Asherah's family exactly...?
I'd be happy to cook for you again, so just ask anytime.
Yep! Thanks, Captain!
On my way back, Asherah waved at me with a bright smile until I could no longer see her.