I was the first to catch the scent of pork spine stew.

“...It’s coming. The pork spine that the bald one can’t eat is on its way.”

We each had different thoughts as we stared at the pork spine stew set on the table. Judging by the stronger aroma than what we’d eaten at Chunyang Restaurant, this was the upgraded Ja-Ha Guest House–style pork spine stew. In any case, it was the best hospitality I could offer.

I spoke to the Evildoers and Cha Seong-tae, excluding the bald monk Dong-su.

“Let’s eat first.”

I rubbed my hands together and grabbed a chunk of pork spine with my bare hands. I hadn’t meant to, but my eyes met Dong-su’s just as I tore into the meat.

“If you're jealous, have a bite.”

Dong-su waved his hand and replied,

“I’m fine.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

Gwangseung had renounced monkhood, so he could eat meat and drink freely. But I couldn’t pressure Dong-su to do the same, so I just planned to tease him from time to time.

The Sword Demon finally closed his book and stared silently at the pork spine stew. This was a local delicacy you could only get in Ilyang County—and it was delicious. Once the Four Great Evildoers started eating, even the gloomy Cha Seong-tae joined in.

I don’t nag when it’s time to eat.

I checked the focused expressions of the Evildoers as they chewed the meat.

‘No way this flavor won’t work on them.’

They weren’t the type to rave about taste, but they silently and intently devoured the stew.

Eventually, the Drunk glanced at the Lecher and muttered,

“Tastes better than the boar you brought.”

The Lecher snorted.

“Was that even food? There wasn’t any seasoning. There wasn’t even a way to get rid of the stink.”