Capítulo 28: Dual Personality
On that night, the combined culinary talents of Carmella and Rosseaulyn were on full display, resulting in a table adorned with an array of delectable dishes that could easily tantalize the senses. Vermilion, seizing the opportunity, was eager to venture into the world of cooking. Carmella took it upon herself to demonstrate the preparation of her beloved dish, Coq Au Vin, to Vermilion.
Vermilion watched with rapt attention, her gaze capturing every subtle movement and ingredient. Remarkably, Vermilion managed to replicate the intricacies of the dish after observing the process just once. Her culinary prowess was not just commendable; it was exceptional, a testament to her quick learning.
"Unbelievable! Is this really your first-time cooking? The flavors are incredible!" Carmella marveled as she took a bite of Vermilion's Coq Au Vin.
"Heh… Not only are you blessed with extraordinary powers, but you've also got quite the knack for cooking. Your potential knows no bounds and your future holds immense promise!" A sincere smile played across Rosseaulyn's face and playful grin tugged at her lips, acknowledging Vermilion's hidden talents.
"Thank you, but I was merely following Carmella's guidance." Despite their accolades, Vermilion remained humble.
"Sometimes, recognizing your own talents is as important as acquiring them. Embrace your skills with confidence." Rosseaulyn offered a reassuring smile.
"Yeah, it took me several months to master this dish under my mother's guidance. It's no simple task to perfect it."
"Honestly, I was enticed by the tantalizing aromas of my own Coq Au Vin," Vermilion admitted with a chuckle.
"To be fair, the aroma that wafted from your cook was irresistible."
"Ayukawa, would you like to join us?" Vermilion extended an invitation.
With a brief, contemplative look, Ayukawa acquiesced. "Very well, I suppose I can spare some time with you all for a meal." Ayukawa's resolve faltered in the face of the delicious scents.
"Hmm! Your Coq Au Vin dishes truly remind me of what my mother used to make," Rosseaulyn declared with a mouthful of food.
"Absolutely! I've practiced it numerous times. I just taught Vermilion all the details, which is why it turned out so scrumptious. Right, Vermilion?" Carmella commended herself.
"Yes! it's amazing…" Vermilion replied, though her gaze remained fixed on Ayukawa.
"Why are you staring at..." Carmella followed Vermilion's gaze, her attention shifting to Ayukawa as well.
As they indulged in the flavorful dishes, they were drawn to Ayukawa's dining etiquette. While the rest of them heartily devoured the dishes, Ayukawa's pace was decidedly more measured. Her movements were characterized by grace, each motion deliberate and refined. With closed eyes, she selected each morsel with her chopsticks, savoring it gently, savoring the intricacies of taste. Her eating style exuded an aura of refinement and sophistication, contrasting with her surroundings.
Everyone watched her with rapt attention. The contrast between her elegance and her fierce personality created an enigmatic allure that captivated them all and they couldn't help but be drawn to her. They watched in awe as she transformed a simple meal into a performance of refined dining.
Ayukawa was blissfully unaware of their gaze until she finished her bite and opened her eyes again. Opening her eyes, she found herself under their scrutiny.
"What's the matter?! Why are you all staring at me like that?!! Have I grown another head or something?!!!" she retorted, her voice tinged with irritation.
Carmella and Vermilion exchanged glances, their appreciation evident. "We didn't realize your eating style was so elegant… like a noblewoman. It's quite a sight," Carmella admitted.
"That's right, Carmella. This is her first-time dining with us. It seems we've been missing out on this attractive sight."
"Indeed! Ms. Ayukawa's eating style is more captivating than the food itself!"
"What?! You're all so odd! You're ruining my appetite!" Ayukawa retorted.
"We're not exaggerating. Even the kitten beside you is entranced by your presence," Vermilion pointed out.
"Huh?!!" Ayukawa turned her gaze downward to find the chubby kitten gazing up at her with a contented expression. A soft smile curled her lips, and she sighed in exasperated amusement.
"See? Even the cat is taken by your charm."
"Enough of this absurdity! Ughh..." Ayukawa suddenly stood up and stomped heavily on the floor, causing a sharp pain to shoot through her leg.
"Ayukawa! Take it easy... Sit down and give your leg a rest…"
"It looks excruciating... How did Ms. Ayukawa get injured? Although I can discern that her actions were rather intense and led to these consequences."
"It was due to an assassin hired by the military; he's the one responsible for this! He nearly took both Vermilion's and Ayukawa's lives, but Vermilion's powers managed to save them."
"An assassin hired by the military?! I've never heard of such a thing, and there's no reason we would employ an assassin to... Wait a moment..." Rosseaulyn's eyes narrowed as realization dawned upon her.
"Aren't you a Lieutenant?! Shouldn't you be aware of such matters?" Carmella queried.
"Much unfolds in the shadows. It's only natural that certain things elude me. At this juncture, I've pieced together the whole picture of what transpired. So obviously, Raynolds was framed by Dialla..."
"Who's Dialla?"
"He's the Lieutenant who was partnered with Raynolds, as I mentioned before. If I'm correct, he's the mastermind behind everything that has unfolded, even including Ms. Ayukawa's injured leg. Now that I think about it anew... Ms. Ayukawa, I'm truly grateful for your help in ridding us of those nuisances."
"Rosseaulyn... Are you implying that Ayukawa's actions of eliminating those soldiers were completely justified?" Vermilion inquired, seeking an answer she'd been grappling with.
"I sense you ask this because you haven't been exposed to the true cruelty of this world. I can't provide the answer you're seeking, but given the circumstances, I find Ayukawa's actions to be appropriate and commendable."
"Vermilion, do you remember what I told you when we first met?! You must learn to differentiate between the scum and the ordinary people. Otherwise, without this distinction, you won't be able to safeguard yourself and those dear to you. Understand?!" Ayukawa reminded Vermilion sternly.
Vermilion met Ayukawa's gaze and nodded thoughtfully. "That's why I have a strange feeling about this... You took the lives of those soldiers, but my heart wasn't burdened with sorrow... It felt different from when I witnessed a couple's demise at the hands of soldiers..."
"I am a realist by nature. To me, those who merit death deserve it, as Dialla does. Regrettably, I lack the concrete evidence required to substantiate his involvement, which prevents me from administering justice. Carmella, too, shares my realistic perspective." Rosseaulyn clarified.
"Well, I'll admit that I, too, have a realistic outlook..." Carmella admitted.
"Ms. Lieutenant, the Lieutenant you mentioned, he wants to take over Captain Raynolds' position, doesn't he? He'll undoubtedly try to kill Captain Raynolds in the upcoming war!"
"Your astuteness rivals my own, Ms. Ayukawa. Not only Captain Raynolds, I suspect his aspirations extend to claiming the title of General of Kothern. Unfortunately, my authority is significantly limited, constraining my ability to intervene. If I were to help him and fail, I'd become Dialla's next target. I can only trust him and hope for the best."
"Thanks. Now this coward, Dialla, is on my hit list! I'll definitely take down his head!" Ayukawa declared fiercely.
"I hope to see his head roll as well!"
"Carmella… They're extremely dangerous individuals in my opinion..." Vermilion said with a tremble in her voice.
"I understand your concern. Sometimes, I also struggle to comprehend Rosse's thinking..."
"Alright, ladies! Duty beckons. Once my obligations permit, I shall pay you all another visit."
"Alright, Rosse, take care."
After Rosseaulyn departed, Carmella and Vermilion embarked on dishwashing duty, while Ayukawa tidied the dining table. Vermilion's curiosity overflowed, leading her to bombard Carmella with a myriad of questions.
"Carmella, your sister is completely different from what I imagined," Vermilion mused.
"Different? In terms of appearance or personality?"
"Everything... By the way, how tall is she?! I was utterly taken aback when I saw her at the door."
"I think she's around 193cm tall. She loves wearing high heels, which makes her even taller. I don't understand how she got so tall when I'm only 171cm... Speaking of which, you're a bit shorter than me, probably around 168cm," Carmella speculated.
"High heels, even on the battlefield?!
"Yes…"
"That seems rather unusual..."
"I know, but... it's just the way she is, I guess."
"My heart was racing when she approached Ayukawa earlier and then hugged her. I can't predict what she'll do next."
"I felt the same way. Even though she's my sister, I don't really know her that well..."
"Contrastingly, your personality is much easier to understand..."
"Is that a compliment?"
"Yeah, being with you genuinely makes me happy!"
"Haha! Then I guess I can consider myself a qualified sister. As for Rosse, I believe she has a long way to go as a sister," Carmella said with pride and confidence.
"For me, both of you have room for improvement and haven't quite hit the mark," Ayukawa interjected.
"Huh? Where did we fall short?"
"As pet owners, you both only seem to care about your own hunger. What about that little one over there?" Ayukawa gestured towards the kitten.
"Oh my goodness! I completely forgot about her!"
"Me too, my sister's sudden visit threw me off track..."
"Enough with the excuses! I've already fed her!"
"Your kindness is much appreciated. You're like the epitome of perfection," Carmella teased.
"As an individual, perhaps. But as a sister... I suppose I've fallen short," Ayukawa muttered under her breath.
"Ayukawa, I think I owe you an apology..." Vermilion's voice was tinged with remorse.
"Apologize? For what?!"
"I didn't understand anything before, so I said a lot of nonsense that upset you. Moreover, you saved me that day, and yet I blamed you for killing those soldiers. I'm truly sorry..."
Ayukawa remained silent. She gently picked up the kitten, held its paw, patted Vermilion's forehead twice, and then gently set the kitten back down before walking away. Vermilion looked at Carmella with confusion.
"What does that mean?"
"Hahaha! I'm not sure, but it was cute and amusing just now. By the way, I forgot to ask you – where did you find this kitten?"
"In the alley where Ayukawa fought the assassin. I was searching for her dagger, but I stumbled upon this kitten instead..."
"I'll take her to the vet tomorrow for a checkup and vaccinations if needed."
"You're okay with me bringing her home?"
"I've always wanted a pet, but Lyon doesn't seem to like them, so..." Carmella explained while turning on the TV.
"I see..."
News Channel 00: Good evening, everyone! Let's dive into today's headlines. The government of Nisaeria has taken a significant step by agreeing to sign a peace treaty with our nation. Leading international analysts emphasize that despite the imminent threat of war, this peace accord has effectively averted the brink of disaster. As for the intricate details of the treaty, both parties have chosen to remain discreet, leaving the public in anticipation...
"They actually signed it?! Unbelievable..."
"Hey, Carmella! Does this mean Captain Raynolds won't have to lead the war anymore? Dialla's plan must have failed."
"You're right! Oops... I forgot to ask Rosse to introduce me to him in person someday..."
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