In the Moretti residence's dining room, after eight o'clock.
Looking at the soup plate with only a shallow layer of broth left, Benson covered his mouth with his hand and let out a satisfied burp.
"Although this is the third time I've eaten it, I still find it absolutely delicious. The sweet and sour taste of the tomatoes, the elastic texture of the oxtail, and its incredibly unique umami flavor are perfectly fused together. Klein, I really regret that the Blackthorn Security Company has robbed Tingen of an outstanding chef."
Melissa leaned back against her chair and silently nodded her agreement.
"This is only because you've never witnessed true culinary skills," Klein said with a modest smile. "If we have the chance in the future, we can go to the Bonaparte Restaurant on Howes Avenue to taste authentic Intis cuisine, or go to the Coastline Restaurant in the Golden Sycamore District to taste the delicacies of the South."
Both are restaurants often featured in newspapers. The former costs one and a half pounds per person.
"I still prefer your cooking," Melissa answered without hesitation.
Benson chuckled and shifted the topic. "But I always feel that your oxtail tomato soup is missing something. Maybe... maybe it shouldn't be paired with bread?"
Klein nodded in agreement. "Its best companion should be rice."
"Rice..." Melissa whispered, with a look of longing in her expression.
Tingen, located in the northern region, not a big city, it's hard to get rice except at a few specific restaurants. For Benson and Melissa, this food almost only existed in newspaper articles or in occasional introductions in textbooks.
Seeing his sister's expression, Klein laughed. "After we save money for another half a year, we'll find an opportunity to vacation in Dias Bay and taste the local cuisine."
Dias Bay is located in the southernmost part of the
Before Melissa could voice her opinion on economizing, Klein took the initiative to say, "In another three months, there will be a significant raise in my salary. It will completely satisfy both our travel and saving needs."
"Why?" Benson and Melissa's attention was indeed diverted.
Klein coughed lightly and smiled as he explained, "Based on my decent professional skills, the police department, which frequently cooperates with our company, is also interested in hiring me as a part-time historical consultant. They will pay me an additional salary, at least 2 pounds per week. So, if you see me wearing a police uniform and showing the corresponding identification in the future, don't be surprised."
"Of course, as you all know, the efficiency of government departments is like the footsteps of a ninety-year-old lady. They still need a long approval process and an assessment of me. Therefore, I will often go to Hoy University on my days off for these two months to find my tutor and the instructors I know to learn more knowledge."
In the surprised gazes of his brother and sister, he paused and spoke with a slightly strange expression, "Just like Emperor Roselle's famous saying: Live and learn."
Benson was silent for a few seconds, then half-emotionally, half-self-deprecatingly said, "Is it too late for me to sign up for university now?"
"Knowledge truly equals wealth." *And it also equals power...* Klein silently added.
"Benson, you need Klein's grammar books and his classical literature textbooks," Melissa unexpectedly said what Klein wanted to say.
Benson's expression changed slightly. He gritted his teeth and said, "Klein, give me those books tonight."
"Even if they are more conducive to sleep, I must persist in reading them for one... no, one and a half hours every day."
"I swear in the name of the Goddess! If I can't do it, I'm a curly-haired baboon!"
Klein immediately beamed. "No problem."
....
The next morning, after hanging his coat and hat on the cloak rack in the break room, Klein went underground according to Roselle's relayed message, walking all the way to the duty room outside the
Captain Dunn, team members Rentley, Seeka, Loy, Leonard, and Cohenly were all assembled.
His grey eyes swept over the newly-joined Nighthawk at the door. Dunn smiled and said, "We have a routine meeting every Thursday to summarize the previous tasks and discuss the various difficulties we face."
*I'm someone who has endured countless routine meetings...* Klein silently joked, found a seat, and said playfully, "Do I need to introduce myself first?"
Dunn chuckled and turned to look at Cohenly. "Give a brief account of the follow-up investigation on Siris Aripis."
Cohenly was also a Nighthawk transferred from a clerical position. He was not tall, with fairly thick brown hair, a very proportionate build, and solid muscles, giving an impression of competence.
He thought for a moment and said, "We found Siris's secret hideout with the help of
"There is sufficient evidence to prove that the
"The valuable items we found include three Sequence potion formulas... which are Sequence 9 'Seer', Sequence 9 'Apprentice', Sequence 8 'Clown'..."