And that's everyone introduced. Westernant, huh? A familiar place, yet so distant now. Yet despite of time and distance, it's hard to completely forget one's root. Even if the others were cut from a different cloth, at the end of the day it's all united under a single banner. As rife with infighting as it were.

The knight offered a nod to the easterner, another piece of puzzle that complement their toolbox. Though something told him that the man was thinking something rather rude at the moment... well, there's no way to tell beside an old man's intuition.

Momentarily lost in his musing, Engelbert was silent as his partner took over the conversation. It's not the best kind of explanation, but at least it's satisfactory enough that no one decided to pry further. And then there's the distraction that was Fia's bold statement. Whether it's an actual offer or a teasing, young Carnatia bite it hook line and sinker that it didn't quite matter.

And then there's the follow up from the sorceress.

[b][color=#4269E2]"Oho, there'll be no boring day with you all around!"[/color][/b] A hearty laugh echoed, rumbling from the recess of the armor. [b][color=#4269E2]"It's good that you're getting along! Just dont bother the... 'house guardian', yes? While I've no idea if it even exists, better be safe than sorry."[/color][/b]

Unfortunate that Vesemir's interjection came next. Engelbert was silent throughout, even more statuesque than the Gray Flame. Well, as much as he'd prefer to raise an objection, it would be too suspicious to be that insistent. And at the end of the day, the archaeologist was the boss. Oh well, he'll just have to make sure that if anyone ended up taking something they're not ruining the object.

At least no one seemed very interested in the act.

[b][color=#4269E2]"Worry not, Ser Vesemir, we'll keep you safe throughout."[/color][/b] The detour wasn't that big of a deal. The other sites were related to the ancient capital, and they had more than sufficient supplies besides. Heck, Vesemir probably had planned to make the visit from the beginning. [b][color=#4269E2]"Now, we do have a long day ahead of us tomorrow. Let us take this opportunity to rest and prepare, yes? I'll get us dinner, if you allow me to peruse the supplies."[/color][/b]

Stepping away from the main room, Engelbert took a moment to find and inspect the kitchen. It was... not in as good condition as the previous room. Perhaps it's the chimney, allowing moisture and humidity to seep in. Rotted wood, rusted utensils, and a concerning amount of mold on every surface. The knight took a moment to ponder how much work would be necessary to clean up, and quickly decided that beside judiciously torching every inch it would be much faster to just get it done elsewhere.

[b][color=#4269E2]"Do not enter the kitchen. You will permanently damage your lungs."[/color][/b] He announced gravely as he closed the door behind him, stepping toward the back where the entrance to the stable was barred.

Commandeering Stepen for assistance, soon enough the necessary utensils and ingredients were prepared. Engelbert couldn't help but whistle - Vesemir certainly spared no effort on the supplies, the eccentric yet well-funded archaeologist completely different from the misers that were the military quartermasters. There's a rather impressive collection of meat and spices, dehydrated vegetables, and even bottles of powdered stocks. Among other things.

In one of the more weather-isolated stalls Engelbert hummed a marching tune as he deftly peeled a pile of potatoes, a white and blue apron snugly wrapping his front. Stew would be the menu tonight, hearty and warm, with a side of hardtack to fill the belly. Flour and butter to make the roux base to thicken the broth. Salt-cured beef as a treat, pad it up with potatoes and beans. Little bit of salt since the beef already got enough, sprinkles of additional spices, a pinch of dried garlic, and a couple slice of dried tomatoes for a hint of acidity.

Yes, that sounds like a plan. Turns out regularly cooking (and other household chores) for someone [i]supremely [/i]picky was a good life experience. Who would've expected?