Chapter 80 Home Visit!

Before the last rays of light dissipated, Duncan saw the familiar faade of the antique shop again.

The gas street lamps on both sides of the road had long been lit, and the slightly yellowed lights illuminated the signs and gray walls in front of the door. By the glow from the windows inside, its clear that Nina was already inside and waiting.

Strictly speaking from Duncans point of view, he and Nina have just met. Still, for some reason, he got this inexplicable warm feeling in his heart knowing someone was waiting for him at home. But also, a hint of regret.

Is this apologetic emotion because I havent returned on time after going out?

Duncan stepped forward and pushed open the door of the antique shop. With the crisp ringing of the bell, he immediately picked up on the rushing footsteps of someone running down the stairs.

Uncle Duncan! Nina stopped at the corner of the stairs like a gush of wind, her eyes full of surprise and joy, I thought you were again today

I went around the city and lost track of time until it was already getting dark. Duncan shook his head, Im sorry, but I was actually going to pick you up from school at the Crossroad, but then I had an accident.

You went to the Crossroad? Nina widened her eyes in surprise and bewilderment. Then eyeing her uncle up and down to confirm the mans not drunk or under the effects of drugs, Pick me up from school?

Her Uncle Duncan showed a strange and familiar side again, which left Nina unsure of how to react.

Im just a little curious about your current situation at school, Duncan said casually. Anyways, you dont have to worry about me going out to drink or hang with friends in the future. If I come back late, its because I have business to attend to, understand?

Nina dumbly watched her Uncle Duncan enter the house and close the door behind himself. Even afterward, all the girl could do was nod unconsciously without uttering a single word.

Its getting late, Duncan said to Nina, who was standing at the top of the stairs, Have you eaten?

Uuhh Not yet, probably because she was still not adjusted to her uncles changes yet, Nina sounded hesitant and unsure. When I came back, I saw that you werent home, so I didnt know if you would come back tonight. Thats why I havent cooked yet. But I bought some bread, I was going to

Bread alone isnt nutritious enough. Lets go, theres some good stuff in the kitchen, Duncan was about to climb the stairs when he cocked a smirk, Ill cook today.

Uncle is going to cook?!

Nina seemed to have heard something straight out of a novel, thats how shocking the idea was. Then as the two crossed paths on the stairs, the young lady suddenly noticed Ai on Duncans shoulder. Uncle, this dove has been with you?

Yes, its pretty clingy, Duncan said casually, I named it Ai.

Ai? What a strange name for a dove Nina scratched her hair as she followed up to the second floor. Eventually, curiosity got the better of her as the man closed in on the kitchen, Did you buy anything?

Actually, its just a salted fish, Duncan found the salted fish he put in the kitchen cupboard and showed it to Nina. His face couldnt be prouder when doing so. Dont assume its bad based on its looks. The taste is superb inside a soup.

Fish?! Ninas eyes widened in surprise, What day is it? Fish is so expensive, isnt it normally

But as the girl exclaimed, her eyes suddenly caught sight of the fishs appearance. Its an ugly thing, which left the young lady bewildered and blinking. What kind of fish is this? How have I not seen it before?

Duncan knew that Nina would react this way.

Of course, its not that the city-states inhabitants havent seen fish before. Although the Boundless Sea was dangerous and full of shadowy creatures lurking under its depths, that doesnt mean they couldnt fish in the relatively safe shallows near the islands. On the contrary, its a valuable resource thats highly prized among its citizens.

Under this premise, the profession of fisherman will of course also exist.

However, the worlds oceans are not like the earth, and even if there are safe waters, they are only safe compared with the deeper depths. So, even if its offshore fishing in this world, it is still a dangerous and thrilling job requiring the fishermens greatest wits.

In this case, Nina hadnt eaten fish in years. Even before her uncle fell ill, a commoner like her had little chance of seeing fish served to the table.

Dont fret about its specie. Just wait and enjoy the catch. Duncan didnt want to dwell on the matter because he too didnt know what kind of fish this was. Instead, its better to focus that energy on preparing tonights dinner.

This strange fish was not small. Even when dried, the sizable body could be sectioned off for several meals afterward. For example, the head could be turned into soup, with the rest of the body hanging on the cupboard for further air drying. This would create a more flavorful profile with time.

Uncle really started cooking.

Watching the familiar figure getting busy in the kitchen, Nina felt like she was in a dream.

The young lady didnt really care what happened to the strange fish her uncle took out, nor did she care about tonights dinner. Compared with these trivial things, the changes that happened to her uncle are the strangest and most worthy of her attention.

The sound of knives clashing against cutting boards was heard, the gas stove was hissing, and the broth in the pot was bubbling.

Nina hadnt heard these noises in how many years?

Then a hint of hesitation appeared on her face after recalling something. After several minutes of being troubled inside: Uncle, tomorrow. Mr. Morris is coming for a home visit.

Home visit? Duncan looked stunned for a second, Mr. Morris as in your history teacher?

Nina nodded: Yes.

The teachers at that school even make home visits? Duncan threw the processed fish into the pot and glanced back at Nina in surprise while he put the knife away, I thought this was the specialty of those schools in the upper sector only.

The school indeed doesnt have that requirement, Nina said carefully while paying attention to Duncans attitude, But Mr. Morris is special. He pay extra attention to his students.

Duncan didnt speak for a while because this exceeded his expectations.

He had considered dealing with the church, the police, and even the city-state navy and military if the worse occurred. Still, he never envisaged in his plan that an old man teaching history would visit him from the public schools.

Why is reality always so unexpected?

Uncle? Nina grew a little worried after seeing Duncan didnt respond, Are you unwilling? Then I can tell Mr. Morris In fact, I told him today. I told him your health is not very good, so I cant accept a home visit this time. He didnt say anything at that time

Duncan watched Ninas somewhat nervous reaction and found a flood of emotions hidden behind that behavior.

From the looks of things, this is not the first time Mr. Morris requested a home visit. How many times has Nina refused using the same excuse?

Hes teaching history, right? Duncan suddenly asked again.

Although she didnt know why her uncle asked this question again, Nina nodded: Yes.

This is a good opportunity. I happen to want to meet a professional historian, Duncan laughed, when is he coming over tomorrow?