Pursuing Her

“I'll have a bite or two since we're already here.” Tristan strode in. I'm here to accompany Sophie, anyway.

Barney rose to greet Tristan as the latter approached, leaving Arius fuming behind.

Very uncool of them to come at me one at a time! How could they treat me like this?

“What's wrong?” Sophie was amused at the sight of him sulking again. “Since you know you are no match for him, why do you always pick a fight with him?”

Although they were both men with brains and poise, it was a different story when they met; they would become exceptionally childish.

“How am I picking a fight with him? I went through all this trouble to prepare a BBQ for you guys, and isn't it too much of him to say such a thing? Tell me the truth instead of covering for him because he's your boyfriend.”

Sophie was rendered speechless.

“All right, don't get all worked up. Let's have some BBQ! It's a good day for grilled meat as it's chilly.”

“Fine. For your sake, I'll let this slide.”

I cannot hold a grudge against Tristan. Besides, it would be no use, as none of them would take my side. Since there is an opportunity to save face, I will take it.

The foursome sat huddled around the grill and watched their lamb cook. It was Barney's first time having a meal like that, and he was excited.

“Really, Chanaean food is delicious. No matter what ingredients get into your hands, you have a way to turn it into a feast.”

Having come from Anglandur, he was sick of the fast food he was accustomed to.

“Don't worry, Dr. Smith. We won't let you starve.”

Arius, too, had grown tired of fast food in Anglandur.

I must taste every delicious item Chanaea has to offer on this trip. Otherwise, I would be doing my past self, living on fast food in Anglandur, a severe disservice.

“I also think our Chanaean cuisine is the best out of all the countries.” Although Sophie was not particularly gluttonous, she would not be able to handle having fast food for every meal.

Using a pair of tongs, Tristan placed some lamb onto the grill. The flames flickered beneath. It was a pleasant meal with them, and he enjoyed the atmosphere of their company.

Upon noticing that the lamb was ready, Barney took it off the flame.

As he liked to eat lamb, he thought highly of it. Furthermore, Arius had procured an exceptionally fresh batch for the occasion, which contributed to its flavor.

“Let's have some wine!” Arius suggested all of a sudden.

It had been a busy period for all of them to properly sit and have a meal together.

“Sure! I bought a bottle of red some time ago. Let's open that!” Barney said.

Arius raised his brows. “BBQ with red wine? Are you sure?”

Why does Dr. Smith have to be so unorthodox?

“What's wrong with that? I bought that bottle, so I shall have it as I see fit! Besides, is there a rule against having red wine with BBQ?” Barney retorted.

“Nobody ever said that! All right, I'll go get it.” Arius rose to fetch the bottle and poured each of the four a glass.

Sophie raised her glass.

“Let me make a toast to you, my mentor. Thank you for all you have done for me!”

If it were not for me, Dr. Smith would not have faced that much pressure. He must be unaccustomed to many things from traveling all this way alone, yet he came anyway without regard for any of that.

Barney raised his glass as well.

“To hear you call me your mentor made everything worth it.”

Having devoted his life to the study of medicine, Barney would make any sacrifice for the cause of furthering mankind's understanding of it.

Sophie took a sip of red wine before saying, “Don't worry. I will conduct my research in earnest.”

She, too, had fallen in love with the study of medicine, which was her reason for joining the International Medical Association.

“I believe the International Medical Association in Chanaea will thrive with you two here.”

Those who did not come will one day regret it. After all, every student of medicine wishes to contribute to the field by leaving their mark on the pages of our progress. With Sophie around, such a possibility is only more certain.

Arius raised his glass of wine as well.

“Leave the grunt work to me. Both of you have nothing to worry about.” One is a young girl, and the other is an elderly man. I cannot let them work too hard.

“All right. Your promise showed me that my affection for you has not been in vain.” Arius has matured. He does whatever I ask of him.

Tristan raised his glass too.

“Here's to the success of the International Medical Association of Chanaea in advance.”

The four of them clinked glasses.

It was those four who would save Chanaea from many disasters in the decades to come and completely transform Chanaea's standing in the medical field.

However, all those things lay ahead of them.

At the present, their biggest problem remained the matter of recruitment.