=== Fogado & Bunet === --- C --- [Fogado] Mm, yes! This grilled fish is divine. Mm! It has such a supple mouthfeel. [Bunet] I added a pinch of salt to suck out the moisture. That makes the fish nice and tender. [Fogado] Might be your finest work yet, Bunet, and that's saying something. [Bunet] Well, after all, I'm not just your retainer but also your personal chef. [Bunet] It is my duty to know what you like and prepare your meals accordingly. [Fogado] I know! I'm a lucky man. [Fogado] But you forgot one thing. [Bunet] What?! Does it need more lemon? Is the presentation not to your liking? [Fogado] Oh, not the dish─the titles. Retainer, personal chef. You left one out. [Fogado] Best friend. [Bunet] Ah. Right you are, Fogado. [Bunet] We have a long history─sharing meals together in my parents' bistro almost every day. [Bunet] More than the meals, it was the hours we spent talking─well after patrons left─that I cherished. [Fogado] Yes. I'll always remember those days. Unlike somebody, who forgot we were even friends... [Bunet] I didn't forget. For friends and flavors alike, my memory is long and exacting. [Bunet] It's just that now I see you as more of a savior than a friend. [Fogado] Psh, a savior? Me? How come? [Bunet] Heh... You don't understand. Of course. [Bunet] Never mind that. Just finish your meal before it gets cold. Dessert will be ready shortly. [Fogado] Dessert? Oh, baby! [Fogado] This is the best food in the world, bar none. I'll have a clean plate in no time. [Bunet] The best food in the world... Heh... --- B --- [Fogado] Mm, delicious! Yet another culinary triumph, Bunet. [Bunet] I could tell you were enjoying it because of that scrumptious smile on your face. [Fogado] Oh, before I forget. We need to circle back and talk about what you said the other day. [Bunet] What do you mean? [Fogado] You know, the "savior" thing. I've been racking my brain, but I can't figure out what you meant. [Bunet] Oh. That. [Bunet] I entered that contest to become the royal court's chef, and...I lost. [Bunet] It was the greatest shame of my life. [Bunet] Yet you found it in your heart to overlook my failure and hire me as your personal chef. [Bunet] I could never pay you back for that kindness. [Fogado] Ah, I see. But, Bunet, I didn't really care about the contest itself. [Fogado] I was just glad that you entered because it brought you back into my life. [Bunet] What? Was that your plan all along? [Fogado] Of course. It had been years since the last time we talked at your parents' bistro. [Bunet] That's true... What a bitter separation that was. [Bunet] But perhaps we should put this conversation on the backburner. Your main course is ready. [Bunet] You wouldn't want a sour memory to detract from the delightful flavor. [Fogado] You make a good point. [Fogado] Whoa! What a stunning dish! Your food really is the best in the world. --- A --- [Fogado] Mm! Well, that's dessert done with. What a satisfying meal. [Bunet] Your delectable praise is a boon to my soul. [Fogado] Did I detect a note of bitterness? Setting the stage for a hard conversation, I bet. [Bunet] Indeed. Something you said has been eating at my mind. You...searched for me? [Fogado] Yeah. When I heard about the bandit raid on your town, I was devastated. [Fogado] There was basically nothing left. Your parents' cozy bistro...a pile of ashes. [Bunet] That image is burned in my memory. [Fogado] I felt so helpless. I had come as fast as I could, but...it was too late. [Fogado] You'd fled along with everyone else. I had no idea where you might have gone. [Bunet] I'm sorry... It all happened so suddenly, I didn't have a chance to tell you. [Fogado] It wasn't your fault. At any rate...after you left, I never stopped looking for you. [Fogado] I missed your delicious cooking, but more than that, I missed our conversations. [Bunet] I missed them too. [Fogado] And then when I heard about the cooking tournament, I knew you'd enter. [Fogado] There was no way you'd miss a chance to show off to the whole queendom. [Fogado] If you think about it, your culinary skills are the reason we were reunited. [Bunet] I did lose the contest, however. [Fogado] Heh heh─this again! Bunet, it's not a big deal. You were out of practice. [Fogado] If there was another contest today, you'd win hands down. [Bunet] Oh, Fogado... Thank you. [Bunet] I'm grateful you kept looking for me. That is why we can enjoy delicious moments like this. [Bunet] You truly are my savior. [Fogado] "Savior" still feels a little...strong, but, eh, I'll take it. [Fogado] And just so you know...I'm never letting you leave me like that again. [Bunet] The feeling is entirely mutual. [Bunet] I am your personal chef and retainer. [Bunet] Most importantly, I am your best friend. And as such, I swear to be true. [Fogado] I'm glad. Nothing is sweeter than your friendship, Bunet. --- S ---