With a cheerful clank, lunch commenced on the cozy dining table. Two men occupied seats opposite Elef and Myrtle, their inquisitive glances occasionally wandering in the direction of the two young women.
"Miss Elef, how is your meal?" one of the men inquired, his gaze a blend of admiration and curiosity directed toward Elef.
Elef momentarily halted, using her tongue to discreetly dislodge an obstinate piece of salad that had lodged itself between her teeth. "It's quite enjoyable," she replied, finally relieved of the troublesome leaf that had become an unexpected challenge.
The other man shifted his focus to Myrtle, his eyes narrowing slightly as they settled upon her nearly untouched plate. "And for you? It appears the dish doesn't exactly align with your palate?"