A little while later.
Akari returned from the kitchen carrying a large wooden pot. Steam rose gently from it, filling the room with a pleasant herbal aroma.
Noah was already seated at a low wooden table in the traditional style common throughout the Eastern Duchies. Its design reminded him very much of the tables described in old Japanese culture.
After taking a bath, he had changed into a fresh set of spare clothes from his storage ring. His body finally felt clean after an entire day of training.
Akari carefully placed the pot on the table.
"Dinner is ready."
Noah looked curiously at the steaming pot before glancing around the room.
Then something occurred to him.
"Wait."
He looked back at her.
"How did you cook all this using only wooden utensils?"
Akari smiled faintly.
"I don't."
She pointed toward a corner of the kitchen.
