Lily tried a bite and smiled as well.
The shop was dim, its furniture worn, but the food was comforting beyond words. Beef, broth, rice, and simple vegetables filled both stomach and heart.
"Uncle Raph, ten more sets!" Raziel Phoenix waved casually, already aware of a certain someone's appetite.
Ray scratched his head awkwardly. "Thank you."
"Hm?" Raziel Phoenix looked up.
Ray sighed helplessly. "Your name makes it confusing. I was just saying thanks."
Raziel Phoenix smiled faintly, his eyes turning red. "My mother gave me that name. She said it came from something she was grateful for. The best thing in her life was meeting my father, but…" His face paled slightly, fingers tightening around his chopsticks.
"Your mother?" Ray asked softly.
