Velt headed toward a space the elves had prepared.

  —Alright, let’s begin— he said as he started working on the Zarshé.

  —I think meat skewers would be the best way to make the most of it, don’t you think, Cero?— he asked his companion.

  —Correct. It will be enough for several skewers and will feed the elves— Cero replied.

  —Perfect. Let’s start with the meat. We’ll add salt; I doubt there’s pepper in this world, and we’ll need sticks to skewer it— Velt commented.

  Suddenly, Velt glanced toward where Rurhy was watching him from a distance.

  —Hey, you. Come here— he called.

  She startled but approached.

  —Y-yes? What do you need?— she asked.

  —I need you to prepare sticks to skewer the meat— Velt said.

  —Skewer the meat? What are you planning to do?— she asked.

  —Relax. Just prepare about twenty— he replied, counting on his fingers.

  —Alright— Rurhy answered before heading toward the other elves.

  —Okay, now… how do we extract the meat to cut it into cubes?— Velt wondered, looking at the Zarshé.

  —I recommend removing the head and limbs first, then skinning it— Cero suggested.

  —Perfect— Velt agreed and began following the instructions.

  After a while, the Zarshé was fully skinned, revealing its pinkish meat.

  —Very well, let’s begin— Velt said as he started cutting juicy chunks.

  —Now the salt— he added, grabbing a handful from the jar Rurhy had left him.

  —Before cutting it into cubes, Cero, how many elves are there in total?— he asked.

  —Calculating… there are approximately twenty-four elves in the entire village— Cero replied.

  —Twenty-four… I asked Rurhy for twenty sticks. Well, it won’t hurt them— Velt commented as he diced the meat.

  Soon, the meat was ready, except for one portion.

  —Alright, while they bring the sticks, let’s work on the side dish— he said, looking at the available fruits and vegetables.

  He quickly took a basket with tomatoes, something similar to onions, and carrots.

  —A salad always goes well with meat— he commented, chopping and mixing the ingredients in a bowl and adding salt.

  —Now, the meat— Velt said.

  As he cooked, Rurhy watched him without being able to look away, until a voice snapped her out of it.

  —Sister Rurhy, you’re staring at the human a lot— one of the girls said.

  —H-huh? N-no, I’m not…— she tried to deny it, blushing.

  —Leave her alone— Ky intervened.

  The girls left, and Ky approached Rurhy.

  —Do we really have to trust that human?— he asked, glancing at Velt.

  —I trust him— was all Rurhy replied.

  Ky looked at her, then back at Velt.

  —I just hope that human leaves once all this is over— he said before walking away.

  —Ky, I know it’s your hatred talking, but you have to trust him. I know this human is different— Rurhy said calmly.

  —Different?!— Ky exclaimed, turning toward her. —What makes you think he’s any different from the humans who refused to help us… or even from the orcs?—

  —Ky, I’m sorry about your little sister… but I also lost my mother because of the orcs. We all lost someone dear— Rurhy replied sadly.

  Ky said nothing and simply walked into a hut.

  Rurhy looked back at Velt. She knew he wasn’t a normal human, nor did she believe he was just a simple adventurer. But the way he had looked into her eyes, holding her hands while asking her to trust him, gave her hope that he truly was different.

  After some time, Velt finished cooking. Everything was ready, so he called Rurhy, who came immediately.

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  —I need you to gather the entire village— he said with a smile.

  —Understood— Rurhy replied as she left.

  Velt looked again at the feast he had prepared.

  —You know, my friend, if adventuring doesn’t work out, I think we’d make great chefs— he said with a grin.

  —Calculating… one hundred percent probability of success as a cook. I recommend changing professions— Cero replied.

  —…We really need to work on your sense of humor, my friend. Seriously— Velt muttered, resigned.

  Soon, a large table was set outside. The meat was served—some pieces skewered on sticks, others in bowls—accompanied by salad.

  —Alright, here you go. Enjoy— Velt said.

  None of the elves dared to try it at first, even though their stomachs were growling. They still didn’t fully trust the human, until Rurhy took the first plate in front of everyone and began to eat. The others followed her lead, and little by little, all the elves started tasting the food. It was delicious—the best they had eaten in months.

  Velt watched them with pride as tears streamed down his face. Even Rurhy was eating with a smile, though she couldn’t stop crying either.

  —You know, my friend… this feels good— Velt thought.

  —Affirmative. I detect a general increase in happiness and morale— Cero replied.

  —That’s good— Velt answered, smiling.

  As time passed, the food achieved more than just easing hunger—the atmosphere grew lighter. Children began playing tag, adults brought out some liquor, and everything became livelier, almost like a celebration.

  Velt sat watching everyone enjoy themselves. Rurhy sat beside him.

  —Are you having fun?— she asked, watching the children play.

  —Yeah. And you?— Velt replied.

  —I wanted to thank you again. You’ve helped me twice already, and tomorrow you’ll start with the third— she said, moving a little closer.

  —I just did what anyone would have done. Children should enjoy their childhood, not worry about whether they’ll see the sunrise— Velt replied.

  Rurhy leaned closer, her cheeks flushed, and rested her head on Velt’s shoulder.

  —Really… thank you— she murmured.

  But then someone interrupted the moment.

  —How adorable!— Rurhy’s father said as he approached and hugged them both. They quickly noticed the strong smell of alcohol coming from him.

  —F-father, are you drunk?!— Rurhy asked, trying to break free.

  —Sir, I don’t want to be rude, but… you smell strongly of alcohol— Velt said awkwardly.

  —Don’t change the subject— Rurhy’s father replied. He released them and stared seriously. —So, when are you planning to give me a grandchild?—

  —F-father!— Rurhy exclaimed, completely red.

  —Sir, I think you’ve had too much to drink— Velt said, even more uncomfortable.

  —Don’t be shy. I wouldn’t mind a granddaughter either. Or both, why not? I’m already at the age to be a grandfather and— before he could finish, Rurhy punched him in the stomach.

  —S-sorry. I’ll take him to bed— she said, still embarrassed.

  —Y-yeah… I’ll also go to sleep. I’m tired and… yeah, you know— Velt stammered as he backed toward his hut.

  —Yes, rest well. See you tomorrow— Rurhy said, still slightly flushed.

  Everything eventually calmed down, and the night settled into complete peace. Velt lay on the pile of leaves but couldn’t sleep. Rurhy lingered in his thoughts.

  —Cero…— he murmured.

  —I’m here, Sir Velt— Cero replied.

  —Do you think it’s possible… for me to reproduce with Rurhy?— Velt asked, visibly embarrassed.

  —Would you like my opinion as an assistant or as a friend?— Cero asked.

  —As a friend— Velt replied.

  —If I may speak as such, it’s clear she’s interested in you. And as your assistant, I must say I’ve detected feelings on your part as well. However… something is troubling you, isn’t it, sir?— Cero said analytically.

  —I’m not human. I look like one, but I’m not. So… how much human freedom can I really have?— Velt wondered.

  —Sir, in reproductive terms, yes, it is possible. But if your concern is your nature, the best course would be to discuss it directly with her and see what she decides— Cero advised.

  —You’re right… I need to talk to Rurhy— Velt said as he closed his eyes.

  Then a voice interrupted him.

  —Excuse me, Velt…— it was Rurhy.

  —Rurhy? What’s wrong?— he asked, sitting up.

  —There’s something I wanted to talk to you about. May I come in?— she asked from the entrance.

  —Come in— Velt replied.

  Rurhy entered the hut and sat on the bed of leaves, where Velt had made space for her.

  —Am I interrupting anything?— she asked.

  —No. I just… couldn’t sleep, that’s all— Velt replied.

  —Then you too— Rurhy murmured with a small smile.

  —What did you want to talk about?— Velt asked.

  —First, I wanted to apologize for what my father said earlier— she said apologetically.

  —Don’t worry. Alcohol makes people say nonsense. By tomorrow, he probably won’t even remember— Velt replied calmly.

  —Yes, you’re right. But… there was something else I wanted to ask you— she said, looking him straight in the eyes.

  —Go ahead— Velt said.

  —You… you’re not human, are you?— Rurhy asked nervously.

  Velt’s eyes widened before he replied.

  —What makes you think that?— he asked cautiously.

  —No matter how I look at it, you’re not normal. I’ve been thinking about it, and when the goblins captured me, one of them tried to take my arrows… that was you, wasn’t it?— Rurhy said.

  Velt didn’t answer. He simply looked away. Rurhy turned his face toward her.

  —Today you asked me to trust you, and I did. Thanks to that, my village has had a bit of peace and joy for the first time in months. Now I’m asking you: trust me— she said firmly.

  —Promise you won’t scream…— Velt murmured.

  His body began to shrink, turning into a violet mass.

  —Is that… what you truly are?— Rurhy asked, stunned.

  Velt returned to his human form.

  —Yes. I can transform into anything I devour. I understand if you’re scared… and if you want me to leave the village, I’ll do so without complaint— he said seriously.

  Rurhy didn’t answer. Instead, she stepped forward and hugged him.

  —I’m glad you decided to trust me. Don’t worry, I’m not scared… just relieved— she whispered softly.

  Velt hugged her back, and they remained that way for a long time, in silence.