"You mean your mama told you the opposite—that you need more meat?" Lucy asked, watching Alfie nod with his mouth full of food.
"I won't argue with that," she added. "Young children do need proteins—fish and meat—to grow strong. But for Shinras and cultivators like us, vegetables are key. They're blessed with natural Renshi from Mother Nature. Continuous intake strengthens your Renshical energy."
Alfie and Rebekah's jaws dropped.
"Ahhhhhh! Master! Why didn't you tell us earlier?" they both shouted.
"Calm down, kiddos. Don't make a scene," Lucy chuckled. "I planned to start feeding you right when we arrive in the Kingdom of Ashura. For now, enjoy yourselves before the real training begins."
Alfie blinked. "Wait… Master, are you saying no meat during training?"
"That's right. No meat. No junk food. We're going on a diet."
Alfie and Rebekah dropped their heads, clearly disappointed.
"Don't look so gloomy. If you keep up with training, you can have meat once a week," Lucy added.
"Meat once a week… if we survive your training?" Alfie mumbled.
"Count me in!" he shouted suddenly, eyes sparkling.
"Hahaha, that's what I like to hear!" Lucy said proudly.
"Don't leave me out, Master!" Rebekah said. "I like beef more than chicken, and I'll do my best to earn my weekly beef!"
"Alright then. Get up. We're heading back to the road," Lucy said, standing from the table and heading out of the restaurant.
Alfie and Rebekah gulped water, then ran after her.
"Hey Master, can I ask a favor?" Alfie said as they walked toward their motel.
"Hope it's something reasonable," Lucy replied.
"It is! I was wondering… do you have enough money to get us two scabbards? One for me, one for Rebekah?"
"Just say you want me to buy you guys two scabbards. Don't ask if I have money for it,money is never a problem," Lucy said as she stopped near a weapon shop. "Come on, let's check this place out."
She pushed the door open. Alfie and Rebekah followed closely.
"Excuse me, sir. Can I get two scabbards for these swords?" Lucy asked, handing over the wooden and silver blades.
The shop owner looked at them. "What's a beautiful woman doing with a poorly made wooden sword?" he said with a flirty smile.
"Huhhhhhhhhhh!" Alfie immediately burst into laughter.
Rebekah smacked his head and slapped her hand over his mouth. Alfie kept giggling under her palm.
He whispered, "I think Master just found her husband to be."
Rebekah choked him with her other hand while still holding his mouth. "I'm sorry, sir. He's always a moron," she said, bowing.
Lucy stood frozen, stunned by Alfie's reaction.
"It's alright," the shopkeeper smiled. "I guess it's just shocking when someone compliments your elder sister."
"Elder… sister? Not even mother or Aunt?" Rebekah thought to herself. "He has no idea how old Master really is. She still looks like she's in her twenties. Whatever Skill she's using is working wonders!"
"Enough! Just give me the scabbards. Let's get the hell out of here," Lucy said, clearly annoyed.
"O-okay!" the owner stammered, scrambling to find the right ones.
"Hey Alfie," Lucy whispered, "when we get out of here, you're dueling me—one-on-one—for being so stupid today."
"Now that's what I'm talking about!" Alfie shouted. "Bring it on,Master Lu! I'm ready any time!"
"Don't get carried away. Look at Master—she's pissed," Rebekah warned.
"Don't worry, Honey Badger. If I need to get punched every day and keep making things so complicated everyday just to spar with You, I'll take one for the team!" Alfie grinned.
Lucy and Rebekah were frozen in disbelief.
"You little—!" Lucy raised her fist.
Rebekah quickly held her back. "Please don't hit him, Master! You now understand why I punch him all the time!"
Alfie laughed harder. "Hahahahaha!"
"Just let me shut him up with one good punch!" Lucy said through gritted teeth.
"No! You'll hurt him! And I'll be the one to suffer for it—carrying his heavy butt to the horse!" Rebekah pleaded.
"Okay, okay! Let's just go!" Alfie said, grinning with both hands raised.