The Seed Thief

Vol. 2 Chapter 5.5

“Lulu, have you ever tasted sugar?”

“No, I’ve only seen it in books.”

“And what about pepper?”

“I’ve only seen that in books too.”

“If you have both, you can create more flavorful meals.”

“Really? Like salt?”

“Yes, but it has a completely different taste. It’s as sweet as honey…”

Lulu’s mouth was agape as she listened to Ervandas’ explanation.

Among the things found in the mountains within the forest, salt was the only and greatest seasoning Lulu knew. Sprinkling it made everything, from meat to potatoes, taste even more delicious.

But there was something else that was just as amazing. She had learned of it from the witch’s cookbook but couldn’t grasp its exact nature.

Sweet like honey, yet with a different kind of sweetness. Were there other kinds of sweetness? And as for pepper, she couldn’t imagine its taste.

Ervandas continued, revealing various aspects of the world beyond just food: clothing, pens, desks, dishes, and more.

Lulu knew the forest witch had never magically created those things. Still, there was a distinction between knowing and experiencing. To Lulu, the items inside the house, like the trees and rocks outside, had existed since the beginning.

However, Ervandas’ stories triggered Lulu’s contemplation of the origins of objects. The city. The shops. Money. People. Unfamiliar stories, unseen in books, flowed from Ervandas’ lips, and by the time hunger struck them, dusk had already settled in.

At the growling sounds, Ervandas effortlessly prepared their meal. Watching him, Lulu hesitated before speaking.

“Hey, Er. I have a question.”

“What is it?”

“That… Does your family live in the city? Do they run businesses? Or do they farm like the villagers?”

“Oh, my family does live in the city. It’s quite far away. As for what we do…”

Lulu’s words put Ervandas in a difficult position. At first, she had listened excitedly, but midway through, he sensed she was wondering about something.

“Well, my parents are currently resting at the cottage. And my brother is working.”

“Working? What kind of work?”

“He manages people, gives orders. He deals with paperwork and mediates conflicts when they arise.”

It wasn’t a lie. After passing the throne to his brother, his parents had become retired monarchs, enjoying leisurely days. Meanwhile, his brother had taken on such responsibilities as a king.

Lulu’s expression darkened slightly at his casual response. She stole a glance at him and spoke up.

“Er, do you miss your family?”

Er’s hand stopped at Lulu’s question. He wondered why she suddenly seemed cautious as if she feared he longed to return to his family.

“I don’t know.”

His response was ambiguous.

It wasn’t a lie to reassure Lulu. Ervandas had a decent relationship with his parents and his brother. He cherished his family enough to leave the temple where he had dedicated his life to them.

However, when asked if he missed them, he couldn’t easily answer “yes.” His parents, who had moved to the palace, and his currently busy brother as the king. While they were family, each had their own lives.