Another world, Celeste

Chapter 41, pt 2

On my way out, I coincidentally run into Serafina.

"Off duty?"

"I wish," Serafina replied grumpily. "I'm going to get something to eat. Do you want to join me?"

"Sure."

I accept her dinner invitation. I have to report the progress of the request to her anyway.

As we walk down the street, Serafina shoots a sidelong gaze at me. "Is this how you normally look like when you're without the robe?"

"I didn't want to look out of place so I dressed up a bit. Earlier, I was surprised. I thought you wouldn't recognise my face well."

"You're right, I wouldn't."

I adjust the bucket hat on my head when Serafina agrees with me and then she points at my side and says, "If it wasn't for that bag, that is."

My mouth made a silent 'oh'. I didn't think the pet carrier bag would be a dead giveaway.

Serafina takes me to a street food vendor that sells large meatballs drizzled with a green sauce and served with a thick slice of bread. After paying for our food, we managed to get an empty table before more people came out on the street. It's still fairly early for dinner but there are already several people dining out like us.

Once we sit down with our food, Serafina doesn't waste any time and asks, "What did you think about the auction today?"

"It was hard to move around, but I had a good time," I tell my honest impression.

I stare at the two large meatballs on my plate, unsure how to eat them. When I look at Serafina for help, she stabs her fork into the meatball and eats it as it is.

Yeah, I'm not going to eat it like that.

I turn the meatballs into small chunks of meat as best as I can with the fork and make a sandwich out of it with the thick slice of bread that I cut in half. Eating it this way reduces the chances of making a sloppy mess around my mouth like how Serafina looks like now.

"Saw anything you like?" Serafina asks another question without looking away at the meatball in her hand.

"The mural art was especially interesting," I answer before taking a big bite of the meatball sandwich.

The spicy kick in the green sauce is unexpected but it balances well with the meat.

"Anyone that interests you?"

I'm still chewing. I was going to shake my head instead, however, in the spur of the moment, I switch on the magi item to soundproof our table because I can't be bothered to be mindful of my words when my mind is mentally exhausted.