Yvette suggested a barbecue, and Andrew volunteered as grill master. He surveyed the grill, a wave of melancholy washing over him; he lacked confidence. He glanced at Jeremiah, expertly threading skewers in the pavilion, charming his sweetheart. This spurred Andrew to excel, not just for the task itself, but for Jeremiah. He couldn't deny the way Jeremiah regarded him, and he couldn't help but notice Jeremiah's ostentatious display of affection.

Andrew then saw Charles, skillfully starting a charcoal fire. This steadied him. If an artist could handle such a task, so could he. Before beginning, however, Andrew mischievously watched Charles, impressed by his expertise. "Hey," Andrew remarked, "you're pretty skilled. You do this every day, right?"

Charles, noting Andrew's grin, thought, Compared to Mr. Chavez, this man is more appealing. Simple-minded people are quite nice. He arranged the coals, fanning the flames. "Practice makes perfect," he replied, glancing at Yvette. "Yve taught me," he added, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. It must have been ten years ago, he thought. I joined the Seventy-Two Chambers with a relatively high position, so I rarely bothered with such trivialities. Killing was fine, but starting fires… not so much. Later, when Yve took me as a disciple, fire-starting and grilling became daily tasks.

Andrew was astonished. Yvette taught Charles not only painting but also fire-starting? She cultivates well-rounded abilities! "Charles," Andrew exclaimed, "you got a great deal having her as a mentor." Charles solemnly nodded. "The best decision of my life."

Prepared, Andrew returned to his grill, vowing to create the best skewers for Jeremiah. Ten minutes later, Yvette, Jeremiah, and Charles gathered, observing the soot-covered Andrew and the charred remains of his skewers. Silence descended.

Andrew, near tears, held up the blackened meat. Jesse pointed, coughing awkwardly. "What on earth is this?"

"Beef skewers," Andrew stammered. "The cooking time… a bit off, but still edible. They just… don't look great."

Charles looked unconvinced. "Edible? Seriously?"

Jeremiah, grave, asked, "Andrew, is this the top grill master in Betrico?"

Guilty, Andrew mumbled, "Even veterans make mistakes." He hadn't revealed his inexperience—a cover for his desire to match the other men's displays of skill. He'd underestimated the task; the meat burned readily.

Yvette, leaning against a pillar, drawled, "Clean this up, and I'll grill."

Charles, swallowing, immediately began cleaning, urging Andrew and Jeremiah to help. "Hurry! Yve's grilling!"

Andrew was perplexed. Even if she was grilling, that reaction's excessive! "Charles, anyone would think she's preparing a Thanksgiving feast!"

Charles thought, Wait till Andrew tries Yve's grilling. She's inexperienced, but her grilled meat is amazing.

Jeremiah stepped forward. "Let me do it."

Yvette beckoned him. She tapped his chest, smiling faintly. "My little sweetie, wait patiently. A delicious meal awaits."

Jeremiah's eyes softened. She called me "little sweetie"? And promised a satisfying meal? That’s unlikely! He smiled and nodded. "Alright, I’ll eat well. Don't worry."

Yvette kicked a stone, thinking, What's there to be happy about?

Andrew and Charles exchanged knowing glances. Andrew thought, Jeremiah's composure is impressive, even with the "little sweetie" comment. Charles thought, Yve’s so impressive, even Jeremiah obeys. This is exciting!

After cleaning, Yvette took Andrew's place. For ten minutes, Andrew and Charles sat quietly while Jeremiah assisted Yvette, their backs illuminated by the setting sun. A perfect picture.

Andrew tasted Yvette's skewers, astonished. "Wow, incredibly delicious! The best I've ever had! What was I even eating before?"

Charles savored the familiar flavor, but the setting and mood were different. He was free.

Jeremiah, surprised by the skewers' deliciousness, ate several, wanting more.

Golden sunlight bathed the courtyard as a gentle breeze blew, creating a serene atmosphere. Yvette, snuggled in Jeremiah's jacket, asked lazily, "Drinks?"