The train rattled gently along the tracks, the countryside rolling past in a blur of gold and green. Ethan sat by the window, his apron neatly folded in his lap. Luna had fallen asleep beside him, her head resting against the glass. Maris was reading a thin recipe journal, pretending not to smile whenever someone recognized Ethan.
A child down the aisle whispered, "That's him! The chef from the tournament!"
His mother hushed him, but her eyes lingered with quiet admiration.
Ethan sighed softly. "Feels strange," he murmured.
Maris glanced up. "What does?"
"Being… known. I just wanted to cook."
She smirked. "Congratulations, Chef. You got both fame and exhaustion for free."
He chuckled. "Can I refund the fame part?"
---
When the train pulled into Crescent Town, the sun was setting. The air smelled of pine and bread — familiar, warm.
As they stepped off, the small crowd waiting on the platform burst into cheers.
"Chef Ethan!"
"Welcome home!"
"Congratulations!"
Luna blinked in shock. "They actually came to see us?"
Ethan rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed. "Guess they heard."
An old woman pushed through the crowd and thrust a basket of apples into his hands. "For the hero who made the whole town proud!"
Then a merchant shouted, "Eat at Crescent Moon Inn tonight! The Champion Chef's back!"
Within minutes, it felt like half the town was walking with them toward the inn, laughing and chatting.
Maris muttered, "So much for peace and quiet."
Ethan smiled faintly. "I'll take this kind of noise."
---
When they reached the inn, the lights were already on. The signboard — freshly polished — gleamed with soft light:
Crescent Moon Inn
Inside, the kitchen was spotless. The air smelled faintly of herbs and clean wood. Ethan ran a hand along the counter, feeling the smooth grain. "Feels good to be back."
Luna stretched. "So… are we taking a day off?"
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "You're asking that after sleeping the whole train ride?"
Maris snorted. "She has a point though. You should rest."
He shrugged. "Maybe after dinner."
Luna blinked. "Wait… we just got back."
Ethan smiled. "All the more reason to cook something simple. Home food."
---
Within minutes, the kitchen was alive again — gentle clattering of pots, soft flames, laughter.
Ethan moved naturally, almost lazily, yet every motion had the calm precision of someone completely at peace.
He cooked something humble — vegetable stew, soft bread, roasted herbs.
No flashy flames, no glowing ingredients. Just warmth.
Luna leaned on the counter. "Chef, this smell— it's making me hungrier than any Spirit dish."
Maris took a slow breath. "Because it's comfort. You can't bottle that."
They sat down together for the first meal back home.
The stew was hot, a little salty, a little sweet — imperfect but real. The kind of food that didn't need applause.
Ethan smiled faintly. "You know… I missed this."
Luna grinned. "Missed what? Overworking yourself?"
He laughed softly. "No. Cooking for friends."
---
Later that night, after everyone had gone to bed, Ethan stood outside the inn. The sky was full of stars. Fireflies drifted lazily along the path.
He looked at his hands — faint burn scars fading slowly. The Infernal Stove's faint glow could still be seen through the kitchen window, as if keeping watch.
He whispered, "We did good, huh?"
The flame inside the stove flickered once, like a nod.
Ethan smiled and leaned against the doorframe. "Tomorrow's gonna be busy."
And it was true — word was spreading fast.
Travelers were already arriving from nearby towns, asking for the "Legendary Chef's dishes."
But for tonight, there was no pressure. No battles. Just quiet, and the sound of the wind through the trees.
---
Far away, in the marble halls of the Spirit Guild headquarters, a letter was being sealed.
A woman with silver eyes looked down at the wax stamp and murmured, "Ethan… Crescent Moon Inn. Let's see what kind of cook you really are."
The seal bore a single symbol: Recruitment Order.
---
Back at the inn, Ethan finally blew out the lantern and whispered, "Goodnight."
The blue-gold flame dimmed, and Crescent Town slept under a calm, starry sky.
To be continued...