Thomas is the first to step into the room, followed by Cassius and Emily. As soon as they enter, Cassius carries the two heavy bags in his hands straight to the kitchen table and sets them down. Thomas goes to wash his hands first, then returns to stand by the cooking area. The atmosphere in the room gradually settles into something familiar and warm, following the natural rhythm of their daily life.
On the other side, Emily has just been stirred awake from her nap. She stretches slightly, her hair a bit messy from lying down for so long. The moment she opens her eyes, she sees Eliana walking toward her bed, and that wakes her up completely.
"Eliana?"
She sits up a little too quickly, her hands fumbling around the bed as if searching for something.
"You don't need to wear your veil when you're with me, Emily" Eliana says, her voice softer than usual, with a faint smile. "I thought we were already close"
Emily pauses for a moment, then lowers her head, placing both hands on the blanket over her lap.
"I-It's just… I feel more comfortable with it…" Her voice grows quieter, slightly stuttering.
Eliana watches her for a moment, then lets out a soft breath and doesn't press the matter further.
"You don't need to worry about that" she says, then lifts the stack of books in her hands slightly. "Look"
"I brought you some of the books you wanted. Stories about knights saving princesses."
At that, Emily freezes briefly, and a faint blush slowly spreads across her cheeks. She doesn't react strongly, but her eyes brighten clearly.
"Thank you… Eliana" she says softly.
Eliana doesn't reply, only climbs onto the bed and sits beside her, placing the books between them.
"Let me give you a quick introduction to these" she says with a small smile, her tone more natural now.
—
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Cassius has taken off his cloak, rolled up his sleeves slightly, and begun rinsing the ingredients they just bought. He works carefully, though his movements are still a bit clumsy. Thomas stands by the stove, checking the pot of water as it heats, occasionally glancing at Cassius.
"Hold it firmly" Thomas says when Cassius nearly drops a piece of fish. "If you're not used to it, slow down. Cooking doesn't need to be rushed"
Cassius nods and focuses a bit more.
"Cooking is just like the way you live" Thomas continues. "If you do things carelessly, the result will be poor. But if you're patient, step by step, then even something simple can turn out well."
Cassius nods again after hearing that. He doesn't say anything, but it's clear he takes the words to heart.
Thomas watches him for a moment, then continues guiding him.
"Once you're done washing, put it over here. I'll show you how to prepare it."
The two continue working together. There isn't much conversation, but the rhythm between them feels natural. Cassius still makes small mistakes from time to time, but Thomas doesn't scold him, he simply corrects and explains briefly. The way he teaches isn't forceful, but more like he truly wants Cassius to be able to do these things on his own in the future.
—
After a while, the dishes are gradually finished and set on the table. The smell of food spreads throughout the room, drawing the attention of Emily and Eliana.
The two stop talking about books. Emily remains seated on the bed, reaching to the side to grab her familiar wooden cane before slowly pushing herself up.
"Let me help you" Eliana says immediately, standing up and offering her hand.
"Thank you…" Emily says quietly.
"It's nothing" Eliana replies, her tone soft.
Emily's condition is gradually worsening, her mobility is now affected. She needs the support of a cane just to walk slowly. She has already seen a doctor and been given medication to stimulate her muscles, but it doesn't seem to have much effect, and she still can't move as she once did.
Emily and Eliana walk slowly together toward the table. Seeing this, Cassius pulls out chairs for them in advance.
Thomas sits down beside Cassius, while Emily and Eliana sit across from them. The dining space feels warmer once everyone is seated.
On the floor, Rimi also has her portion, lowering her head to eat a piece of fish head in her own bowl, completely focused.
"These dishes look really good" Eliana says, her eyes scanning the table, a clear smile on her face.
"Thank you" Thomas replies. "I hope they suit your taste"
"You should try this, Eli" Cassius says, picking up a piece of fish and placing it into her bowl.
"Thank you" Eliana responds immediately, her legs gently swinging under the table.
Cassius doesn't stop there. He turns to Emily and places another portion into her bowl.
"Here, for you too, Emily"
Emily nods lightly. She doesn't say anything, but the way her chopsticks slow down for a moment as she looks at her bowl is enough to show that she's happy.
The four of them begin eating. The conversation at the table isn't loud, just simple exchanges, small questions, comments about the food
Since Cassius and Eliana become a couple, she has been coming here more often. At first, there is some distance, but gradually, her interactions with Thomas and Emily become more natural.
"How are you preparing for the academy, Eliana?" Thomas asks, setting his chopsticks down after a bite.
"Oh, that" Eliana shrugs slightly. "There's nothing too special"
"I mean, it's just going to school. There's no need to prepare that much"
She pauses, then adds in a softer tone.
"Actually, my mother is handling most of the preparations anyway."
Thomas nods.
"So when are you leaving, Eli?" Cassius asks, looking at her.
"Probably in a few days" Eliana replies. Then she rests her elbow on the table, tilts her head toward him, and smiles lightly "What? Are you going to be sad when I leave?"
"Of course I will" Cassius doesn't hesitate.
A faint blush appears on his cheeks.
"I really like spending time with you"
Eliana pauses slightly at that, then smiles, her gaze softening.
Cassius falls silent for a moment, his thoughts drifting. The academy Eliana is about to attend is for nobles, starting at the age of thirteen and lasting three years until they turn sixteen, the age they officially debut into noble society. During that time, she will only be able to return during holidays.
Just thinking about not seeing her every day anymore already leaves Cassius feeling a bit empty. But he also understands that this is necessary, and there is nothing he can do about it.