Chapter 75: Prelude to Part 2: Game Maker

After she suppressed her excitement. Toni clasped the spoon as she stared at the dish before her. A dish filled with meat, pork, and white beans slow-cooked in a casserole. A delicious winter-meal originated in Southwest of France, the Cassoulet. It melts the heart of the people just by the scent of this dish. 

"Toni?" Ned said. Staring at Toni with a blank look. "What are you doing here?"

Savoring the last meat of the dish, Toni looked at Ned as her forehead crinkled. "What do you mean?" Toni spoke. "Remember, you invited me here, right? Are you okay Ned?" 

Ned was lost in deep thoughts. Awoken only by the dishes clinking with each other. Spoons clanged as the patrons were busy chattering with each other. ICE, are you there? 

Ned waited for his system to respond. He looked at Toni as she brushes the remaining soup sticking on the spoon. Red juice smeared at Toni's lips after she blissfully finished the soup.