I don't usually have a stockpile of ingredients, so what I can make is really simple.
　What I can make is really simple, just a stir-fry of meat and vegetables, but Aena is standing next to me, nodding with interest.

She nodded with interest, "Hmm, good knife work. "Hmm, good knife work. You must be very familiar with sword fighting.
I don't think cooking has much to do with swordplay.
That's not true. A good swordsman will be able to chop up food thrown into the air.
Haha, yes, you can, but you won't ......, will you?

　I don't go out of my way to do tricks in my room that I would do in a street performance.
　He cuts vegetables on the cutting board and fries meat cut into appropriate sizes. The seasoning is always decided by eye.
　To be honest, I have never had the opportunity to cook for others.
　I often worked alone, and if there was a large group of people, there would be someone else to take care of the cooking. --In my previous life, I rarely had a chance to eat food with others.

Do you like your food on the strong side?
It's up to you. Let me enjoy your cooking.
Well, I'll make it as usual.

　Mix the seasonings and stir-fry over a slightly high heat.
　The meat and vegetable stir-fry was easy to make, so I usually finished my meals with it.
　Of course, I can make other dishes, but it is enough to fill my stomach with a certain amount of nutrition. ...... That is what I think.
　Aena, whether she knew it or not, said admiringly.

You're very good at what you do. That's my kind of guy.
I'm sure anyone can do this.
No, ......, I've seen my men cooking, but they were chopping vegetables more roughly. To be honest, I'm fine with it as long as it's edible, but I have high hopes for your cooking.

　Apparently, Aena's thoughts were of the same type as mine.
　Since she is a soldier, she may have had the opportunity to go to war.
　I used to participate in wars too.
　When you don't know when the enemy is going to attack, you don't have time to eat.
　But in order to keep fighting, you need to eat. That's why we naturally cook food that is quick and easy.
　No, it's too poor to be called cooking,......, it's more like prepping and roasting your catch.
　Perhaps that is the kind of food that Aena's men prepare.
　At best, they are wild, and at worst, they are sketchy--well, I'm almost the same as them when I can imagine that.
　Since becoming a knight, I have a little more leeway, I suppose.
　I put some stir-fried meat and vegetables on a plate and carried it to the table.

"Here you go, Miss Aena.
"Yes, let's eat.

　With a smile on her face, she takes a seat.
　I sit down in front of her.
　She looks at me intently.

"What?　What's wrong?
...... No, there's something that's been bothering me.
What is it? I was wondering if you had something to do with that...
We'll talk about it later. There's something else I'm wondering about. ...... What is it? Does Iris come to this room often?
"Yes, Iris?

　Aena's question was something I hadn't expected at all.
　I don't know why the subject of Iris came up, but I answered honestly.

Iris has never been in this room before. She's a student here - well, maybe she came here once to practice.
"Training... you're talking about the training you're giving Iris. Do you do it every day?
Sometimes on my days off. I often do it after school. I often do it after school. Lately, Iris' growth has been remarkable. I think she's grown even more than when she fought Aena before.

　I replied and put the food in my mouth.
　Yeah, it's the same flavor as always.

Well... I'm sure you're a good fighter. I'm sure I could beat her if I really wanted to.
I don't know. I'm sure Aena's skill is real too.
I'm not sure.　I'm sure you've played with Iris before, right?　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

　Aena's eyes sharpened slightly.
　I have no intention of favoritism. I'm not trying to play favorites. If you're better than me, I'll tell you that.
　But right now, Iris and Aena's abilities are pretty close to ...... my level. I don't even know who would win in a serious match.

It's not that you're inferior, it's just that you're very close. Both of you are capable.
"Huh, I see. Then I'll prove that I'm better than you. But even though our fighting skills are close, I'm still in the lead right now, aren't I?


The situation, sir?
That's what I'm talking about. Well, let's eat before the food gets cold. It's simple, but that's why you can really taste the ingredients.
I'm flattered by your praise. I'm flattered by your praise. If you're satisfied with this, I'm always willing to make more.
"......?　Gosh.

　Aena suddenly coughed as if she was upset and downed her drink in one gulp.
　I was stunned, but I asked her.

"Are you okay?
"Oh, yeah, it's nothing. It's nothing, but-- watch your mouth.

　I'm sure you'll be fine.
　...... Did I say something wrong? I'm not sure I can think of anything odd about it.
　In a delicate atmosphere, Aena and I continued to eat.