Gears? Hydle said. Yeah, gears may do the job. Thank you, Mag. You should try to invent a steam engine yourself, well provide you with any data you need. We dont want any of the credit if you succeed. We just want to see it as soon as possible; we need it to prove we were right all along.

I will try when I have time, Mag said, suddenly ashamed of his greedy self.

If I told the Lord of Chaos City I invented the steam engine myself, it would be suspicious. But if I said I worked with Hydle, that would be believable enough.

Mag showed Hydle out. When he walked back inside, out of the corner of his eye, he saw a white-bearded old elf standing at a distance. He thought he was watching him.

Maybe hes gazing at my restaurant,Mag thought, and locked the door. When he peeked through the shades, the old elf was gone. Mag didnt take this weird matter to heart.I dont think anyone would believe that Mag Alex has become the owner of a restaurant.

Mag put the steam engine on the back burner. He walked into the kitchen, and opened the fridge.The fire chicken I captured will last me and Amy several more days, but its taking up too much space.

Then he closed the fridge, and went upstairs to take a nap.

He made braised chicken and rice for dinner too, just as Amy asked. He gave the kitten some boneless chicken and some rice with soup, and it liked the food very much.

There was still some braised chicken and rice left when they had finished eating.

Can you give the rest to me, Father? Amy asked.

Mag smiled. But youve already eaten two bowls of rice. Youve had enough to eat.

Its not for me. I want to give it to Jessica. She always saves her food for her mother. Amy paused a moment. And I want to give some to Charles and Derick and other friends

Mag smiled and stroked her hair. Youre so kind, Amy. How many friends do you have? Ill cook one braised chicken and rice for each of them and two for Jessica. But only this one time.

Amy nodded and kissed Mag on the cheek. Thank you, Father! I have 20 friends!

Okay. Go play with Ugly Duckling. It will take a while. Mag found himself feeling a little regretful as he walked to the fridge, but he could never turn Amy down.I want to protect her kindness and smile.

He could make a lot of money every day, but the strength he wanted to buy was very expensive. He never thought of himself as a philanthropist; he only cared about Amy.

Mag cooked 22 braised chickens. He boxed the chicken and rice up, and put them in two large bags.

Lets go, Amy, Mag said, holding one bag in each hand.

Can you wait a moment, Father? I want to change my clothes.

Mag nodded. Okay.Maybe she wants to dress beautifully before her friends.

Amy ran upstairs on her short legs. After a while, she came back down in a plain yellow-flowered dress.

Mag was surprised. Why dont you wear the purple one? Its your favorite.

Jessica likes yellow dresses, so I think shell like to see me wearing this.

I havent seen such a beautiful and pure friendship in years!Mag thought.

They locked the door and walked towards the center of the Aden SquareMag holding two bags, Amy holding Ugly Duckling. After a dozen minutes, they arrived at a place with several benches. Many kids were sitting there, checking the things they had scavenged.

Amy! a girl exclaimed in surprise, getting quickly to her feet.