GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Chapter 9.5: Faith & Landre

Vel's jaw dropped slightly in protest. "Wait—what?! That's not what happened!"

Landre waved him off with mock seriousness. "It's true! He splashed around so much trying to catch one by hand that they all bolted downstream before we could even get our lines ready."

Mari pressed her lips together tightly—clearly suppressing laughter—as she glanced between them both.

Vel sputtered for a moment before narrowing his eyes at Landre. "That's not fair! You're making it sound like—!"

"Like I'm saving you from explaining why we didn't catch anything?" Landre interrupted smoothly, tilting her head with an innocent smile.

Mari chuckled softly then and shook her head. "Alright, alright... no fish today then." Her voice carried no hint of disappointment; only amusement at their antics.

Landre shot Vel a triumphant look as if to say "See? Told you I'd handle it."

Vel leaned closer to Landre as they shuffled over to the table, lowering his voice so Mari wouldn't catch wind of his words. "That was payback for earlier, wasn't it? So fitting of a Saint, Lan-neechan."

Landre grinned slyly without turning, setting the empty basket on the table with a hollow thud. "I have no idea what you're talking about," she murmured innocently.

Vel narrowed his eyes at her, crossing his arms. "Right. Just like you had no idea when you ditched me at the market to chase after some mysterious bait plan."

Her grin widened ever so slightly as she finally glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. "I said I'd think of something, didn't I? And look—it worked."

Landre slipped into her seat gracefully, clasping her hands together as though in mock reverence. Vel rolled his eyes but followed suit, sitting down.

"You seem more... lively today," Mari commented softly, her words gentle yet probing.

Landre paused before offering a small smile. "Guess I'm just happy to be home."

Vel caught the faintest flicker in Landre's expression—a fleeting vulnerability buried beneath her usual confidence. He stayed quiet, unsure if pressing further would help or only make things worse.

Mari placed the ladle back in the pot and turned to face them fully, brushing her hands on her apron. "Food won't be ready until dinner—and not before your father gets back. In the meantime," she said, giving them both a once-over, "go wash yourselves. You're tracking dirt all over my clean floor."

Vel looked down at his feet, noticing for the first time the smudges of mud trailing behind him. He winced slightly but managed to keep quiet, avoiding Mari's pointed gaze.

"I'll go first," Landre announced with a smirk, standing up from her seat with an exaggerated stretch. She shot Vel a quick teasing glance and stuck her tongue out playfully before striding toward the far end of the house where the washing basin was kept.

Vel groaned softly under his breath, shaking his head as he watched her go. Typical Lan-neechan behavior—always finding ways to get under his skin.

The new dining table felt too pristine, missing the familiar marks and history of their old one. Vel traced the smooth wood with his fingers as he waited.

Von entered last, setting his sword by the door before taking a seat with a soft scrape. Mari smiled at him from her spot, hands folded in her lap. Across from Vel, Landre fiddled with her fork, ignoring Von's lingering look.