(User is Arthur Kirkland / England.)

World Stars Building — 6:00 AM.

The building was unusually quiet. Most of the nations were still asleep after staying up far too late the previous night.

Ivan Braginsky (Russia) slowly made his way downstairs, rubbing one eye as he yawned. Today was his turn to prepare breakfast. Normally, the responsibility rotated between himself, Francis Bonnefoy (France), and Wang Yao (China), as they were among the few nations trusted to cook for everyone without causing a diplomatic incident.

Still half-asleep, Ivan headed toward the kitchen.

Then he froze.

There was someone already inside.

The sound of bowls clinking and ingredients being mixed drifted through the doorway.

Ivan frowned.

Francis was definitely asleep. Wang was also asleep. Which meant...

His first thought was a burglar.

With a sigh, Ivan prepared himself to deal with the intruder. A robber would be annoying this early in the morning, but hardly a problem.

Quietly stepping into the kitchen, he looked up—

And immediately wished it had been a robber.

Arthur Kirkland was cooking.

An apron was tied around his waist. Several ingredients were spread across the counter. A bowl of something suspicious sat nearby while Arthur mixed another batch with complete confidence.

Ivan felt genuine fear. Arthur's culinary creations have terrified countless nations over the years. Even Ivan Braginsky —a man capable of intimidating almost anyone—experienced genuine fear when confronted with one of Arthur's homemade meals.

Not the mild concern one feels when faced with danger. Not the caution of a soldier entering battle. No.

This was Arthur's cooking.

Ivan had faced wars, revolutions, bitter winters, and countless disasters throughout history.

Yet somehow, Arthur's cooking remained one of the few things capable of terrifying him. Slowly, very slowly, Ivan began backing toward the door. Perhaps he could warn the others. Maybe they still had time to escape.*

Unfortunately, Arthur noticed him.