"It involves moving stones around in elaborate patterns. I like the idea of it very much, but the rules are too complicated for it to be practical to play with anyone except another enthusiast, and those are in short supply these days."

Promise is acting a little oddly. But he saw her make dinner and he knows the source of all the ingredients; there isn't secretly any mortal food in it from a lurking new master. Is she worried he won't like it? He eats his spoonful.