Enjoying food and finding joy in trying new and delicious meals was something that Dedue would never see as a downside. He was aware that there was a big cultural difference between how he viewed food and those outside of Duscur saw food. He didn’t think it was a problem that Ingrid like to come into the dining hall and have a meal, especially if it was one that he had a hand in making that evening. One thing that always gave him immense joy was seeing other’s reactions to the food that he made, or helped make, because it reminded him how something as simple as a meal was able to lift spirits and bring people together.
“Mm. While there may not be any work or dedication in eating a meal, there is much to be said about sharing a meal with others.” Dedue was aware of the conflicting expression that Ingrid was adorning at the moment, though he wasn’t exactly sure why she seemed as conflicted as she was. “I do not believe that anyone would view you as someone who did not work hard.” He was aware of how hard Ingrid worked, as well as many of the rest of the Blue Lion’s, though he never felt like it was his place to explicitly ask about everyone’s motives. “One can be recognized for two things, enjoying a meal as well as being strong. Both can happen at the same time.” He didn’t think that being a fan of food meant that it took away from Ingrid’s strength, but wasn’t sure if that was something she’d feel comfortable talking about with him.
He reached over, grabbing the skillet that she had finished before mixing it along with the meat that he had just finished. He grabbed a few more ingredients and moved them aside towards Ingrid. They were for the spice that they were going to make and he was going to work on the glaze that went on the top of the dish to add something a little sweet to balance out the slight kick. “There are measurements for each of the spices we need on the counter. We just need to mix them all together, I will make the glaze for the meal.”
He saw Ingrid’s expression fall once more and wondered if talking about his family had made her feel uncomfortable. He tried not to speak about his past, knowing that the tragedy was painful for many people, not just him. He didn’t know much about Glenn, outside of the fact that he was Felix’s brother and had been a model knight from what he had heard. He could tell how much pain losing Glenn had been for Ingrid and wondered if she still harbored that intense pain all these years later, if her intense drive to be a model knight was somehow tied with Glenn’s death.
“Yes, I too try to keep my memories of my family close.” He was aware that the more years slipped by, the more gaps there were in things that seemed to be sharp to him. “Even if time slips by and erases memories that we hold close and cherish, those we love will always be beside us in spirit.” Dedue wasn’t sure if Ingrid or any of the Blue Lion’s felt the same way about those who had departed being by their side, even if they were unable to see them in the physical form.
“I admire your dedication to becoming a knight. I vow my life to protecting His Highness and will do whatever I must in order to ensure his safety.” His voice was firm as he spoke, resolute in his dedication to Dimitri because of everything that he had done for him. “Many believe that food is simply energy for the body, but in Duscur, we believed that it did far more for us than just provide sustenance.”
“Well...yes, that is true. I would agree that no one is limited to only be recognized for a single endeavor. It’s silly to think that, for instance, Professor Byleth could only be seen as an excellent teacher or an excellent mercenary, when clearly they are both,” Ingrid replied, her spirts lifting some, though her eyebrows remained drawn together in thought, “but...a lot of times, people tend to focus on a single thing above all else about a person. Professor Byleth is seen foremost as a teacher, while all else follows behind. I would be horribly embarrassed, no, ashamed, if my appetite was recognized before my capability as a knight.” She admitted, her cheeks still carrying a light pink coloring.
Her thoughts snapped away from her own insecurities back to the meal before them as Dedue instructed her to prepare the spices, and she nodded in understanding. Though she was relatively well-versed in spices and other condiments, many of these were completely unfamiliar to her. Are these all from Duscur? She wondered as she gingerly completed the measurements, occasionally pausing to take in the variety of scents. Some of them carried a powder-like texture, while others were more flake-like, and it made her all the more curious to learn of their different tastes.
“A glaze? That sounds nice. I love the taste of meats that have been marinated, cured, or smothered in some form of sauce. It really adds to the natural flavors of the meat, and creates something completely new. There’s a market outside of Garreg Mach with a meat vendor that has a fantastic glazed pork...it’s just great!” Ingrid explained, her enthusiasm for food shining through despite her earlier embarrassment.
Ingrid turned toward Dedue at the mention that food did so much more than sustain a person in Duscar’s culture, and offered him the bowl of prepared spices. She didn’t find the notion strange, but was geniunely curious.
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