Chapter 9: Dinner and Katelyn’s Decision

"Aww~ Don't give me that look. Do a good enough job, and you might find yourself there. Maybe even with a certain someone."

I didn't need to be a rocket scientist to understand who she meant. I didn't play into her teasing, though. If I did, I doubted it would play out well—giving her more room to hit me with even more of her over-the-top teasing.

"Thank you in advance."

Mom didn't say anything else about me and Katelyn. She just finished the final preparations for dinner. She mentioned having spaghetti, but...

'This is way more than mere spaghetti!'

First things first—yes, there was spaghetti, and it was perfect. The noodles were cooked just right, firm yet tender, each strand coated in a slow-simmered marinara sauce infused with garlic, basil, and a touch of spice. Freshly grated Parmesan melted into the sauce, its sharp aroma making my stomach clench in anticipation.

But that wasn't all. A massive Greek salad sat in a glass bowl, a vibrant mix of crisp romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes, thinly shaved onions, and plump black olives glistening under a drizzle of olive oil. Crumbles of feta nestled between the leaves, their sharp, salty tang cutting through the richness of the main dish.

Next to that was the corn: golden, glistening, utterly tempting. Each plump kernel shone under the warm kitchen light, a pat of butter melting between the rows, carrying the scent of sweet, buttery goodness that made my mouth water.

And then the finale! A tray of thick, fudgy brownies sat at the far end of the table, their cracked tops giving way to molten chocolate beneath. Ribbons of dark fudge and golden caramel drizzled across, the scent of cocoa and burnt sugar hitting me like a dessert lover's dream.

"Mom, how the hell?"

"What?" She looked at me like I was the weird one.

"How'd you make all this so fast?"

"Obviously, I prepped before you got here! The salad didn't take long, and the brownies—I'm not sure how you didn't notice the smell."

Ah. Maybe it's because my mind was elsewhere.

Grabbing plates, I thought to myself, and it seemed reasonable enough. I put the plates down on the table, which, thankfully, was big enough for six. With five of us present, that left plenty of room. Yet, as I set the plates down, my eyes lingered on the extra seat. And suddenly, a question gnawed at me.

'Do we not have a father?'

Obviously, we had someone who helped in the physical aspect, but I hadn't heard anything related to a father figure. I knew this wasn't the time nor place to ask such a question, and I was sure I could just find out on my own.

Mom came over with the utensils, setting them out for each person. After ensuring everything was just right, she called everyone over.

"Come on, guys!"

"Yay!"

"Dinner!"

Euphi and Cain sprinted over, their excitement palpable, while Katelyn approached more hesitantly. Noticing her reluctance, I stepped closer, lowering my voice just for her.

"It's okay, we made plenty."

"But it feels wrong..." she mumbled, shifting on her feet.

"Come on, Kate~" I nudged her playfully. "Your parents would kill me if I let you go home hungry."

"B-Bastard!" She huffed, a pink blush creeping onto her face as she hurried over to the table. 'A success, I must say.'

I barely managed to stifle my laughter, covering my mouth with a hand. "Pfft~"

Her reaction was all I needed to know she'd given in. She took a seat, waiting as Mom prepared plates for Cain and Euphi because if those two tried, the food would no doubt end up everywhere.

'Well, Euphi would definitely make a mess, and Cain… Cain would probably just sit back and let it happen.'

Katelyn was like a beast. She made sure my family got enough food, but the moment I tried to serve myself, she overtook me. I was left with a minuscule amount—just enough to ensure I wouldn't starve, but no doubt I'd need a snack later tonight.

Our food portions were like the difference between a mountain and a mound. I didn't even think she could eat all that food, but at least I got a bit of everything, which was more than what most people would see. Back on Earth, I had learned that one must appreciate the things they have because someone else might not be as fortunate. I wasn't some saint, though—like all humans, I was subject to greed, pride, etc.

'Hey, Record.'

[What?]

'Can you explain more about the rewards?'

I took a bite of my spaghetti, twirling the noodles around my fork before putting them in my mouth. The taste was simply perfect, bringing a satisfied smile to my face.

[Sure. Like I explained earlier, "Rewards" are given differently depending on the situation.]

[For example, earlier, you got a skill. Now, for helping your mom, you received a reputation increase.]

[Now, earlier, what did I say about rewards?]

'Rewards were consequences of my actions.'

[Yep. So it's not always about accepting or declining something just for a reward—otherwise, you'd be living life like a game. Your "rewards" are simply basic, foreseeable consequences. You can predict short-term effects, but you have no idea how they might play out in the long run.]

[Take your new reputation increase—what do you think that entails?]

'My reputation with my family and Kate.'

[Partially right.]

'Huh?'

[Word of mouth is powerful. Your siblings, mom, or even Katelyn will talk about you to others, and those opinions will shape how people perceive you. If you fail to uphold those expectations, your "increase" will drop. That's how it works—so just trust your gut and try not to have regrets when it comes to quests.]

"I see."

I finished the last of my spaghetti just as the Record finished explaining. My eyes felt clearer—now I really understood the power of the Record.

I didn't ask any more questions, solely focusing on my food. The salad was a great contrast to the spaghetti, helping cleanse my palate between bites.

The corn was quick and easy to eat—the kind of food you devour without much thought.

The brownie, though? That was something to be savored. Each bite melted in my mouth, the rich chocolate and caramel perfectly balanced. But before I could finish—

"C-Can I have a piece?"

Katelyn's shy voice broke through my thoughts, making me glance at her.

I looked at her, confused, she already had a perfectly fine brownie of her own.

"I like corner pieces, so I wanna see what yours tastes like."

"Then... equivalent exchange?"

"Hm!" She nodded eagerly, like an excited child.

I cut a piece of my brownie and placed it on an extra fork. I moved the fork toward her, expecting her to take it. But—

"Umph!"

'Is she bold? Childish? Or does she just love brownies that much?!'

My fork was still in my hand, but her mouth had closed over it.

I had just fed her in front of everyone.

"My~"

Mom broke the silence first, while my siblings just stared. Euphi practically bouncing with excitement, and Cain silently taking in every detail of what just happened.

Katelyn, though? She immediately grabbed a napkin and covered her face.

'Yep. I'm totally using this against her!'