Let's Train Heroine

Maris glanced at the basket, then at Lucan with a thoughtful expression. "Hmm, I think we\'ve got everything… except for dessert."

"Dessert, you say?" Lucan\'s eyes lit up at the thought. A refreshing end to their barbecue would indeed be perfect.

"Ah, I didn\'t pick up any dessert," Maris admitted with a slight chuckle.

"Alright, let\'s go pick some out together."

Maris and Lucan made their way to the fruit section of the store. The fruits available were a delightful mix of familiar and exotic, a testament to the thriving port and the variety of trade that passed through.

They added the apple to their basket, along with a selection of ripe mangoes, their vibrant orange color promising sweetness. The basket was becoming quite heavy with the weight of their choices, clearly more than enough for their needs.

"This should be enough," Lucan said, looking over their bounty. "If we run out, we can always come back for more later."

"Yes, let\'s go," Maris agreed, her excitement palpable as they headed to the checkout.

After paying for their items, they carried the ingredients to the forest area behind the hotel. Though it was still a bit early for lunch, the process of selecting and preparing the food had taken them a considerable amount of time, and it was now just before noon. The sun was shining brightly, casting dappled shadows through the trees.

Lucan and Maris reached the designated clearing in the forest, a serene spot surrounded by the natural beauty of the woods. The area was well-suited for a barbecue, with a few other groups scattered around, enjoying their own outdoor meals.

"Well then, let\'s get started," Lucan said, setting down the barbecue equipment. "Please grab those tools."

Maris nodded, her enthusiasm evident as she picked up the various tools laid out. "Got it… how do we use these tools?"

"Don\'t worry, I have a general idea of how they work," Lucan reassured her. Although he had never done a barbecue himself, he had watched numerous camp videos in his previous life, which provided him with some basic knowledge.

"First, put the fire starter in the fire-starting device," Lucan instructed, showing Maris how to handle the equipment. "Then arrange the charcoal on top of the starter."

Using a magical item that resembled a lighter, Lucan ignited the charcoal through a small hole in the device. It was designed to make lighting the charcoal easier, and he was impressed at how effortlessly the flames took hold.

Next, he used a fan to blow air and intensify the flames. As the charcoal began to glow and turn white, he carefully arranged it on the barbecue grill, adjusting the amount on each side to control the heat.

With the grill properly set up, Lucan placed it on top of the hot charcoal and used tongs to oil the grill grates. The preparation was almost complete.

"Alright… now we just need to put the ingredients on top," Lucan said with satisfaction.

"Wow, it\'s amazing! Lucan-sama!" Maris exclaimed, her eyes wide with admiration. "The magical item is what\'s amazing… As expected of the Gold course, lighting the fire was so easy."

"It was surprisingly simple," Lucan admitted, feeling a bit of relief that he didn\'t have to struggle with starting the fire. The ease of the process was almost too good to be true, but he appreciated the convenience.

"Now, please handle the ingredients," Lucan said, gesturing to the array of food items.

"Yes! I\'ll take care of it from here!" Maris said with a determined smile.

Maris took over the task with grace and efficiency. She began skewering the meat and vegetables, cutting them into appropriate sizes and arranging them on the grill. The sizzle and crackle of the grilling food soon filled the air, adding to the ambiance of their outdoor setting.

"Let\'s also grill the fish," Maris said, her focus unshaken. "I\'ll wrap it in foil."

She seasoned the fish with olive oil and a blend of spices, then wrapped it with mushrooms and onions in a foil-like material. The package was placed on the grill to steam, creating an enticing aroma.

As the meat and fish cooked, a savory fragrance wafted through the forest clearing, stimulating their appetites. The combination of sizzling meats and the fresh, earthy scent of the forest created a perfect outdoor dining atmosphere.

"Glup…" Lucan swallowed hard, his mouth watering at the delicious smells.

Maris carefully monitored the grilling process, occasionally turning the skewers and checking on the fish. Her skillful handling of the food made it clear that she was enjoying the preparation as much as the anticipation of the meal.

"Now, let\'s add the sauce… and it\'s done!" Maris announced with a flourish as she held up the skewers of grilled meat and vegetables.

"Here you go! Please eat, Lucan-sama!" she said, presenting the food with a beaming smile.

"Thank you…!" Lucan took the skewers gratefully and took a big bite. The flavors were rich and satisfying, a far cry from the refined dishes he was used to. The combination of smoky, grilled meat and vegetables, coupled with the salty seasoning, was incredibly fulfilling.

"Delicious…!" Maris said, her eyes shining with delight as she tasted her own cooking.

"It\'s so good!" Lucan agreed, savoring every bite. The food was wonderfully simple but rich in flavor, a perfect complement to their outdoor setting.

As they ate, they exchanged smiles and appreciative comments.

The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden light across the forest clearing. Lucan and Maris continued to enjoy their meal, the simple pleasure of good food and each other\'s company making the day truly memorable.

As the barbecue drew to a close, Lucan and Maris packed up their things, leaving the forest as pristine as they had found it. The day had been a delightful mix of relaxation and adventure, a perfect addition to their vacation.

Walking back to the hotel, Maris reflected on the day\'s events, her hearts light and spirits high. The successful barbecue had been a highlight of trip, and she looked forward to the remaining days with anticipation and excitement.