Barbecue

Teacher Enlaisi.

Sunlight filtered through the overlapping branches and leaves, casting mottled shadows on the stone slabs of the courtyard. Standing outside the rusty iron gate, Mian saw Enlaisi holding a plate full of marinated steaks, carefully stepping over the threshold.

You are here, come help. With both hands holding the plate, Enlaisi had no hands free to wave at Mian, so he just nodded at him.

Bring out the long table from inside, Enlaisi gestured toward the house.

Mian immediately went inside and helped move the table out into the courtyard.

Who are they... Mian suddenly noticed two other young people present, a man and a woman... They were a bit older than him, but not by much, looking like recently graduated seniors.

The man was squatting on the ground assembling a barbecue grill, while the woman was carefully wiping the cutlery.

Oh, they are my guardians, Enlaisi smiled without explaining further.

The two young people scratched their heads in a somewhat awkward manner.

Enlaisi brought out a few more chairs from the house.

Teacher Enlaisi... is there a need to bring out so many things? Mian asked in surprise.

After all, once the meal was over, he would probably be the one tasked with moving everything back inside.

There are no extra tables, so these chairs are for holding the wine... Wolund will be coming over later, and we need to save a comfortable seat for our esteemed principal.

Enlaisi walked back into the house and soon returned with several unopened bottles of fine wine.

The bottles bore gold-stamped labels, and the liquid inside gleamed with a luxurious luster in the sunlight, clearly a priceless collection.

Enlaisi took a pipe out of his pocket, clamped it in his mouth, lit the tobacco, and began to puff out clouds of smoke.

Mian was not surprised; Teacher Enlaisi only smoked when he was outside the house.

The charcoal was quickly lit, and orange-red flames danced in the grill with a faint crackling sound. Seeing this, the two young mages prepared to take their leave.

Stay and have something to eat, do not be shy, Enlaisi called out to the two of them.

No, no, please enjoy your meal. After declining politely, the two still left.

After all, Principal Wolund was coming, and they would definitely feel constrained if they stayed.

Mian picked up a few thick-cut steaks with tongs and laid them neatly on the grill. The moment the meat touched the scorching charcoal, it immediately let out a tantalizing sizzle. Dripping fat sparked tiny flames, and the aroma of meat, mixed with rosemary and various other spices, quickly spread throughout the courtyard.

The first batch of steaks was grilled to perfection, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Mian carefully plated them on a porcelain dish and brought it to Enlaisi: Teacher, stop smoking. It is already smoky enough over here.

Hmm... you have a point. Enlaisi paused slightly and put down the pipe in his hand.

Mian was a bit surprised, not expecting Enlaisi to actually listen to his advice.

In the past, the teacher would never pay attention to him, just laughing it off and moving on.

Eating already?

Not long after, a flash of fire appeared outside, and Wolund walked in.

If you want to eat, go grill it yourself. Enlaisi remained lazily reclined on his lounge chair, too lazy to even lift an eyelid, just waving his hand casually. The dining plate rested on a wooden chair beside him.

Principal Wolund, Mian greeted Wolund.

Student Mian, Wolund nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on Mian for a moment with profound meaning.

This kid is my student, do not you get any funny ideas, Enlaisi suddenly could not sit still.

He is a good seedling for learning fire magic, Wolund said, his tone seemingly a bit regretful.

Does a good seedling have to learn fire magic from you? It is a dime a dozen, Enlaisi sneered.

He cannot possibly follow you to study history, right? At most, he would just make up a few meaningless unofficial histories of heroes, Wolund retorted unceremoniously, yet familiarly dragged a rattan chair over and sat down next to Enlaisi.

Mian stood there and smiled awkwardly; the relationship between these two was truly good.

As Wolund pulled out a bottle of wine, the atmosphere between the two relaxed again.

Why are you still single? Enlaisi clinked his wine glass against Wolund's, making a soft chime.

Wolund took a sip of wine and did not reply.

What about that female secretary of yours? Why have you two not gotten married yet? Enlaisi pressed on relentlessly, a teasing curve already forming at the corners of his mouth.

Wolund still did not reply.

You are not getting any younger, it is time to get married. Enlaisi reached out and patted Wolund's shoulder, speaking in an earnest tone.

Wolund turned his head slightly and rolled his eyes at Enlaisi, prompting a string of loud laughter from Enlaisi.

Wolund certainly knew that this guy was pretending to be an elder to take advantage of him... This guy, who had lost his spouse in his early years, was wishing that Wolund would end up alone for the rest of his life just like him.

Mian, grill some corn and potatoes for our Mr. Principal! Enlaisi shouted to Mian at the grill, his voice still carrying lingering amusement.

Why? I am here to eat meat, do not try to fool me with that stuff. Wolund was a bit dissatisfied, tapping his finger against his wine glass.

If you want to eat meat, grill it yourself!

What about you? Why are you lying here?

I have my student to grill for me, Enlaisi said righteously.

However, Mian still brought a plate of barbecue over to Wolund.

The heat control is quite good, Wolund nodded slowly. I told you this child has the potential to become a fire mage.

Enlaisi sneered: How original. Become a fire mage so he can go out and set up a barbecue stall later?

He could also become a chef, Wolund replied solemnly.

Enlaisi said with bitter heartache: And to think you are the principal, ruining a capable student like this.

There is no distinction between noble and lowly professions.

Come on, that sounds nice to say... but would not all these years of learning magic be for nothing?

You cannot say that either, Wolund shook his head. Magic teaches us more than just spells and techniques; it is an understanding of the world and a respect for all things. Just like grilling a piece of meat, it seems simple, but it requires patience, focus, and an understanding of the flames, are not these the very core of what we teach our students?

Mian stood to the side, stunned, seemingly having gained some insight.

You guy, you certainly talk a good game about these things, Enlaisi remarked with a sigh, then slowly stood up from his rattan chair.

Where are you going?

Going to the bathroom. Want to come along? Enlaisi turned his head to look at Wolund. Almost forgot, you are here to keep an eye on me.

Wolund sat in his chair without moving.

A moment later, Enlaisi's loud shout rang out from the house: Mian! Get over here, there is no toilet paper in the bathroom!

Wolund's mouth twitched, but he still did not get up.