“Army Based Stew.”
“Excuse me? Army Based Stew…?”
It was a menu that seemed too mismatched with Ryan. The man who looked like he would only slice steak had Army Based Stew as his favorite dish. Alice’s eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected answer.
“I’m surprised to hear that the Vice President likes Army Based Stew.”
“I was surprised that your eyes are unexpectedly big, too.”
Oh no, Alice thought as she looked at Ryan. Contrary to his words of surprise, he was staring at her with a blank expression, only fixating on her eyes. Alice hurriedly lowered her head.
She should have kept her usual dazed demeanor…
She had unconsciously let her guard down due to the unexpected information.
Clearing her throat, Alice quickly focused on the conversation.
“I also love Army Based Stew filled with spam. It’s the only dish I can cook well. When I make it at home, I can add as much spam as I want, which is great.”
Alice smiled brightly. There was no happiness like when she was eating. Talking about food made her feel hungry quickly.
Thanks to Ryan’s casual remark, she felt a slight sense of camaraderie. Given the setting, it didn’t seem necessary to feel overly awkward around Ryan.
“Anyway, your appetite…”
Seeing Alice chattering away, Ryan chuckled softly.
Ryan’s small laugh made Alice feel inexplicably good. What seemed like it would be an entirely uncomfortable dining experience turned out to be quite enjoyable.
“Your ordered wine will be ready shortly.”
Did they order wine too?
“Secretary Alii, you like wine.”
She seemed to recall mentioning that she liked wine during a company dinner once.
Did he remember that and order it?
“I do like it, but I don’t know much about types; I just drink it for the taste.”
Alice smiled awkwardly. Looking at the design of the wine bottle on the table, it didn’t seem like a cheap wine.
With the food and wine, she wondered if Ryan was overdoing it today.
‘Since it might be the first and last, feel free to eat and enjoy.’
Was the last part referring to the restaurant, or was he talking about their first and last meal together?
“Um, Vice President…”
Alice called out to Ryan in a low voice. Ryan, who had been looking at the wine, lifted his head at her call.
“You’re really ordering without holding back, as if it’s the last time.”
“Eat until you’re stuffed.”
The steak and wine provided a delightful sensation as they went down.
Without any special conversation passing between them, the plates and wine bottles were emptied to a certain extent.
“How have the four months of married life been?”
Ryan asked.
What had the four months of marriage been like?
Was today the day to share thoughts on marriage?
“Um… I don’t really remember anything. I occasionally visited the chairman, and living on the second floor was all there was.”
They didn’t even know if they were home at the same time, only able to tell if Ryan was around by the sounds. There was nothing particularly memorable.
“That’s the problem. We’re newlyweds, but we have no memories. You’re right, Secretary Alii. With such a clumsy act, I can’t keep deceiving Grandpa.”
“So that’s why you readily agreed when I suggested we get to know each other?”
“I thought I needed some decent conversation too, but you suggested it first. I think it would be good to have such gatherings for each other two or three times a week.”
Alice nodded. Ryan had been thinking similarly around the same time as her.
She felt oddly relieved that this wasn’t their last meal.
“Sounds good.”
With Alice’s response, the two stood up from their seats.
“Goodbye.”
The staff, who had finished the billing at some point, saw the two off.
How many people in the world could casually pay for such expensive food? Alice felt guilty towards Ryan, as she hadn’t paid anything and seemed to have enjoyed the meal alone.
Perhaps because the atmosphere was more comfortable than expected, Alice ate better than she thought. Her appetite returned, and after finishing her plate, Ryan encouraged her to eat more by placing other dishes in front of her.
‘Vice President, I wonder if he’s full.’
Alice walked out of the restaurant towards where Ryan was standing.
“I had a great meal, Vice President.”
“Yeah, you ate well.”
He had a knack for saying things that hit the mark. With his words pricking her conscience, Alice secretly glared at the back of Ryan’s head.
The chauffeur arrived, and Alice and Ryan settled into the back seat side by side.
The stuffy air in the car seemed to heat her body, making her feel the effects of the alcohol more.
As the car drove down the road, Alice slightly rolled down the window to cool her face with the fresh breeze.
