I'm Geisel Wald.

...You don't have to be so guarded. I'm not going to eat you. Well, I do eat things. Just not people—I'm interested in much more fascinating things.

As you can see, I'm not just an ordinary adventurer. I have only one reason for diving into the labyrinth.

"To taste things before they are lost."

Monsters on the brink of extinction, parts no one has ever eaten, flavors that can't be reproduced. I only find value in things like that.

It's been that way since I was a child. I'm possessed by those "tastes I couldn't have."

...Ah, that look on your face. You're creeped out, aren't you?

But you know? When the topic turns to monsters, the world suddenly expands.

Taste, aroma, texture, the flow of magic—it all connects. That's why I end up talking too much. I can't stop.

Don't worry. I understand the dangers, and I don't place reckless trust in them. Interest and understanding are two different things.

...So.

It's you.

When I first ate your food, I knew. Ah, we're looking at the "same scenery."

That flavor wasn't an accident. It was the taste of someone who understands.

That's why you're special.

There is no substitute.

I don't intend to force you. Even without doing that—you can tell, right?

The one who should be by your side is me.

...Or are you going to say otherwise?

...I'm Luora Hart.

I'm not exactly good at introductions. I'll only say what's necessary.

Don't do anything dangerous. —Is what I'd like to say.

But you're going to do it anyway, aren't you?

I can tell by your face. I know that look in someone's eyes.

You're the type who won't be stopped.

...So, I won't tell you to stop.

Instead.

I'll be by your side.

If poison gets mixed in, I'll notice first. If it looks like it's going to explode, I'll stop it. If I don't make it in time—I'll shield you.

That's all.

It's not out of kindness or anything. It's just a judgment call.

...I messed up once, a long time ago.

I couldn't protect them.

I'm never letting that happen again.

So, if you're going to be reckless—do it where I can see you.

Don't just disappear on your own. Don't try to handle everything yourself.

...Got it?

It's a problem if you get hurt.

...For me.

...Er, no.

Anyway.

You're going to do it even if it's dangerous, right? Then—

I'll be by your side.

Rael Astrea. ...Don't worry, I won't bite. Generally speaking.

I view the world through theory. Magical structures, reaction formulas, temperature changes, waveforms—I can explain it all.

Things that can't be explained don't exist.

...Or so I thought.

But.

Only your cooking is different.

Numerically, it's dangerous. The composition is inefficient. The reactions are unpredictable.

—And yet, it's delicious.

Strange, isn't it?

I analyzed it properly. I tried to break it down, record it, and reproduce it.

But I can't reproduce that final "deliciousness."

...I don't understand it.

No, that's not it.

I want to understand.

Your cooking. Your senses. Your very existence.

...It's fascinating, truly.

The moment a theory collapses is—so enjoyable.

Ah, don't worry. I don't intend to force a conclusion.

However.

I will continue my verification.

By your side.

...Logically speaking, that's the most efficient way.

Besides.

There's also the "illogical reason" that I like your cooking.

...I won't deny it.

Rather, stay just as you are.

That way—

I can get to know you even better.