"Thank you?" Isaac looked back at her.
'Were they really taking care of assassins during the combat training class? I thought it might happen since I had left the stronghold, but to think it actually happened.'
Catherine smiled faintly. "These students will remember this. The food. The hospitality. The kindness. They'll be your friends because you treated them well, not just because you're strong. I'm helping you build connections."
"Oh, you were talking about this." Isaac paused for a moment, then gave her a simple nod. "Thank you."
Catherine blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity.
"I didn't think you'd actually say it," she murmured.
The fire crackled.
The smells rising from the pot were rich and layered with smoke, spice, and the faint fiery essence of the Molten Bullhorn meat.
As the food finished cooking, the mood shifted again.
Chairs were pulled close. Plates were passed. Conversation slowly returned.
And then the food hit.
It didn't take long.
