The war… paused.
Not ended.
Not won.
But paused.
The burning forest had been contained.
The demon forces had retreated.
And for the first time since the invasion began—
The Elven Kingdom still stood.
Barely.
At the center of the restored clearing—
Elven nobles gathered.
Robes pristine.
Voices controlled.
Eyes… cautious.
Because standing before them—
Was the reason they were still alive.
Lira.
She looked around curiously.
"…Big trees."
An elf nearby whispered—
"…That's her…?"
Another replied—
"…The one who defeated a Demon General…"
"…She looks…"
"…Simple…"
Kael stood beside her.
Arms crossed.
Watching everything.
"…State your reward," an elven elder said, stepping forward.
His voice carried weight.
Ancient authority.
"You have defended our kingdom against the Demon King's forces."
He paused.
Carefully choosing his words.
"You may ask for anything within our power."
Silence fell.
The wind passed gently through the trees.
All eyes turned—
To Lira.
She blinked.
"…Reward?"
Kael leaned slightly toward her.
"…They're giving you something," he said quietly.
"…Ask for what you want."
Lira thought.
Long.
Very long.
The elves waited.
Patient.
Respectful.
"…Anything?" she asked.
The elder nodded.
"…Anything."
She looked around.
At the forest.
At the people.
Then—
"…Food."
A murmur spread.
"…Of course…"
"…Sustenance…"
"…Understandable…"
The elder nodded again.
"…What kind of food?"
Lira smiled.
"…Ramen."
Silence.
Absolute silence.
An elf blinked.
"…Ramen?"
"…Yes."
"…That is your request?"
Lira nodded happily.
"…Yes."
Whispers erupted instantly.
"…That's it?"
"…No sacred artifact?"
"…No land? No gold?"
"…Just… ramen?"
Kael closed his eyes.
"…Of course…"
The elder hesitated.
Clearly confused.
"…We can offer you far more than that," he said carefully.
"Ancient treasures. Knowledge. Power."
Lira shook her head.
"…Ramen."
Firm.
Final.
The elder slowly nodded.
"…Very well."
Moments later—
A bowl was placed in her hands.
Steaming.
Fragrant.
Simple.
Lira's eyes lit up.
"…Oh."
She sat down immediately.
And started eating.
Happily.
"Munch munch…"
The elves watched.
Silent.
One noble leaned toward another.
"…She chose the cheapest thing possible…"
"…Is she truly the one who defeated a General…?"
"…Maybe it was luck…"
"…Or exaggeration…"
Kael heard them.
He said nothing.
Because arguing—
Would be pointless.
Lira slurped her noodles.
Completely satisfied.
"…Good."
She smiled.
"…Best reward."
The elves exchanged looks.
"…She's an idiot…"
"…There's no way…"
"…Someone like that…"
Kael finally spoke.
"…You're wrong."
The murmurs stopped.
He didn't raise his voice.
Didn't argue.
He simply looked at them.
"…She didn't choose something cheap."
Silence.
"…She chose the only thing she understands."
The words hung in the air.
The elves didn't respond.
Because they couldn't.
Lira finished her ramen.
She looked at the empty bowl.
"…More?"
An elf nearly dropped a priceless artifact he was holding.
Kael sighed.
"…We'll take ten."
Gasps.
"…TEN?!"
Lira smiled wider.
"…Good."
The elves stared.
Confused.
Disbelieving.
Because the being who could shake the world—
Who could kill a Demon General with a single punch—
Was happily asking for more cheap noodles.
And didn't understand—
Just how absurd that was.
To Be Continued…