**Vmmmnn… kzzzzz—plummm**
The light emanating from the spherical stone, intense just seconds ago, began to fade little by little, as if the device itself understood it had nothing more to say.
The last vibration dissipated into the air of the workshop, and with it, the moment hung suspended between three hearts that knew nothing would ever be the same.
...
—"..."
—"..."
—"..."
The silence was total among the three.
**Tkshh—vnnnk… krttt… thmm**
Until Vaelinne, propelled by an emotional spring that she could no longer contain, stepped forward. Her eyes were moist, but no tears fell—only that rebellious shine that refuses to fade.
**Tkshh… knnk—krtt… thmm**
—"Are you one hundred percent sure everything is ready, Kirito? That... everything is okay? And that you won't die trying with your plan?"
**Shhhfff—hnnk… tkshh—thmm…**
She asked with a tight but clear voice as she approached him, holding back tears, taking a step for each question thrown, so he would understand how much she worried about what this represented for her life.
**thmm… thmm… thmm… shfff—plock**
Kirito looked at her calmly as she approached until Vaelinne rested her hand on his chest.
**Shhhhht—thmp… krkk**
**Ffffwmm… tik… tik…**
She, trembling, felt how he placed his hands on her shoulders with a gentle touch.
When she saw his blue eyes, she found no arrogance in his expression, only a calm honesty. It was the gaze of someone who could not lie… not even to comfort, as he said:
—"Honestly… there is nothing one hundred percent sure in something that has never been done..."
He said it without hesitation, not only to Vaelinne but also to Lyrielle, who was nearby and watching him with all her attention.
"... All this has been trial after trial, error after correction over the years... And even though I did everything in my power, there are still variables beyond my control. Higa limited me when he sent me here, as you well know..."
—"..."
Vaelinne looked down but said nothing. She expected more. And yet, what she received was the harsh truth. Kirito continued, shifting his gaze to the table where all the devices and tools were:
—"I kept my word to do everything possible. What you have seen today confirms it: the runes respond, the system is stable, the hands move naturally... All this is just a part of something much more complex, and everything indicates that it will work flawlessly within the grand scheme of things..."
**Fsshht… clack—tap**
His voice became even softer just as he squeezed a little tighter, without harshness. That gesture made Vaelinne look at him again, finding his eyes fixed on her.
—"…But you have to understand that I cannot promise you it will be a complete success; no one can do that…"
Kirito looked back at where Lyrielle was, who had approached silently while listening attentively.
**Kkssh… tap—tap… ssshhhhnk**
He seized the opportunity to take her hand, a gesture to which Lyrielle responded firmly, without resistance. Then he continued, in the same tone:
—"What I can assure both of you… is that I have come this far with all the pieces that have been given to me, and all have been very favorable. Without your help, providing me with the materials and everything I asked for, I would probably still be halfway through this plan… truly, thank you."
—"..."
Vaelinne felt a lump in her throat that prevented her from replying to such words, as her lips were open, but nothing came out. And before she forced herself more in search of them, she heard beside her:
—"What you say makes sense. And it's very reasonable..."
It was Lyrielle who spoke.
She had remained silent, observing both with that analytical serenity that always characterized her. But now, her silver-gray eyes not only calculated… they also felt. As she began to say while shaking her head and without raising her voice:
—"We have not even been able to repay you a quarter of what you have done for us in just a few years… compared to all your loneliness."
**Ssshh—ffft… crkkk—tap**
Lyrielle did the same as Kirito had done with her: with her free hand, she also took Vaelinne's trembling hand that was beside her.
—"..."
**Fffssh—tick… clkkk—tap**
Vaelinne unconsciously took hers, but when she realized it, she noticed that Lyrielle's hand was not as calm as the voice of her words... Vaelinne turned her face with her eyes a little wider towards her companion, who continued in the same tone:
—"We will never be able to repay such kindness... Not to mention a kingdom that, unknowingly, turned its back on you, who were its king long ago, the one who brought prosperity..."
For a moment, Lyrielle paused, feeling her voice begin to crack... However, with strength, she continued:
—"…and who, once again, from the shadows, saved it from falling into an unnecessary war against the Four Emperors… Even during your moment of greatest need…"
**Snfff… trrk—shhh**
**Drip… drip**
In the end, she forced the last words out as her tears rolled down her cheek:
—"…So if you say, Kirito, that you have done everything you could… all we have left is to believe in your conviction."
Lyrielle looked at her companion for a brief moment with teary eyes like hers, as if validating an emotion with a glance.
**Snkk… tchk—hmm… ffssh**
Vaelinne bit her lower lip. She could not keep pressing— not when she understood the sacrifice behind the effort. Fifty years trapped in Underworld. Fifty years fighting not only for himself...
She knew. And looking at Lyrielle, she understood that they both felt the same. What motivated her to stop resisting the inevitable, and she turned her face towards Kirito, who awaited her response.
—"I agree with Lyrielle. If you are truly sure, we will not oppose you continuing... I am sure it will be harder for you from here on out..."
**Krrnk… fssh—thmp**
Vaelinne held on tighter to Kirito's chest as she said more intensely:
—"So have courage... Luck is always in favor of those who prepare to the maximum, as it always smiles upon the most beautiful work..."
Then she turned her face to the inactive golem hands on the table and everything else and felt embarrassed as she continued.
—"…And yours is so radiant that it cannot be ignored… nor cease to be appreciated..."
Vaelinne could not continue. Embarrassed, she turned her face to the side to avoid looking at Kirito, although from the corner of her eye, she noticed his slight smile as he said:
—"Thank you, Vaelinne... Lyrielle. It is not easy to face what is to come, but at least… I will do it accompanied by your trust… and mine."
**Snfff… krk—ffshhh**
Vaelinne quickly wiped her tears, as if doing it slowly would allow the pain to gain ground. Then she tried to muster a smile—crooked, incomplete, but genuine.
**Tchk—thmp… shhhhkt**
**clink—tap… hush**
With a light tap on Kirito's chest, Vaelinne pulled back a bit, distancing herself from his closeness. Then she took Lyrielle's hand—the same one he was also holding—and, in the same shared gesture of retreat, she gently pulled it away before saying:
—"Then Kirito… we have changed our minds..."
In a tone that contained sudden energy, like someone who refuses to leave sad, Lyrielle, who had picked up on what she was referring to, felt the comment clear about what she meant:
—"We will help you prepare the victory banquet... And even if it is a farewell… we want to do it with you, right Lyrielle?"
Lyrielle, understanding her friend's effort to dispel the depressed atmosphere, quickly added a few words, accompanied by a slight smile.
—"I agree. We do not have your skills, Kirito, but we do have willpower. And we want to share the remaining time... as we have shared everything until now."
**Fffssh—clack… thmp-thmp-thmp**
**Fffssh—clack… thmp-thmp-thmp**
Without waiting for a response, both turned towards the side table.
There lay the bags with the ingredients, still intact since their arrival.
**Rrrsssh… chnk…**
**Rrrsssh… chnk…**
**Tchk—grrrnk… hup…**
**Thmp—clkk… sshhnn—tick**
Each took hers with determination, and with such speed, produced a clear sound that broke the silence of the workshop. Both turned to Kirito, who was behind them, and smiled each in their own way… smiles that finally battled the sadness that enveloped them, and said the same:
—"Come on, Kirito..."
—"Come on, Kirito..."
**Krrnnk—Thmp… hmm**
Kirito looked at them… and those smiles infected him. He could not refuse the effort they were making to share those last moments with him. So, with his own smile, he said as he walked towards where they were:
—"I can't turn down that offer..."
**Hmmm—klikk… fsssnnn—thmp**
His sincere, albeit melancholic, smile softened the air of the workshop within the library, as if the dust particles hung suspended, listening.
**Thmp-thmp-thmp**
**Thmp-thmp-thmp**
**Thmp-thmp-thmp**
As he joined them, the sounds became less mechanical… more human.
The last minutes together were not just a farewell.
They were a caress to time.
*****
The three were in the home that Kirito had built within the hidden library.
However, before arriving, the two girls had always walked a step ahead of him throughout the journey from the workshop to the kitchen of the home.
Kirito, although he had noticed the cheerfulness and elegance in their movements and voices—as if the near future didn't worry them at all—also perceived something else: a silent decision not to let him see their faces during the walk.
At first, Kirito tried to keep pace, as he always did. But every time he quickened his step, they did the same, preventing him from completely catching up.
That subtle game of distance repeated several times until he stopped insisting.
Instead of forcing the pace, he chose to follow them in silence, listening to their voices as they chatted about random things… trivial topics that, although superficial, wove an atmosphere of normalcy that contrasted with what they really felt.
Kirito observed that this space allowed them to wipe the tears from their faces along the way, with discreet gestures that disguised it as they moved their hands while sharing some anecdote.
He listened to them attentively, and at the same time respected what they were trying to do—without ill intentions, just seeking a breather.
But that same distance also prevented them from seeing his own sad smile… the one that formed silently, like a shadow that did not want to interrupt them...
After arriving at the kitchen, Kirito checked what they had brought in the supply bags. Seeing the ingredients, he assigned each of them their roles as assistants in preparing the banquet, while he would take a bath and change clothes.
He left the vegetables on the table for Vaelinne, who had good knife skills, to cut with precision.
For Lyrielle, on the other hand, he asked her to prepare the dough for the bread, noticing that among the provisions there was wheat flour.
Both accepted their tasks without objection, taking them on naturally and showing no resistance.
*****
Kirito's return was quick; he didn't want to leave them alone for too long.
He came back wearing cleaner and more homey clothes: an ivory linen shirt, loose and comfortable, paired with soft earth-toned trousers. Instead of his boots, he wore worn black leather sandals, which made hardly any noise as he walked on the wooden floor.
**Tap… tap… shhh—clak… fsssshk**
Upon arrival, both trembled slightly at the sound of his footsteps while working at their respective tables. They wore their uniforms somewhat looser than usual, covered by personal aprons: one blue, the other red. Kirito did not miss that detail as he put on his own apron and rolled up his sleeves calmly.
He only heard the welcome greeting from both, but it was Lyrielle who turned to face him directly. Vaelinne, on the other hand, hurried to wipe herself with her sleeves, as if trying to erase any trace of emotion before he saw her.
**Tchk—tchk—krnk… shhhht**
Kirito approached her, who was still chopping. Seeing her up close, he noticed her eyes were slightly red.
—"Vaelinne… are you okay?"
—"..."
She didn't look at him immediately.
**Snkk—tchk—hmm**
She merely lifted an onion with a forced smile.
—"Ha, ha... ha, ha... It's because of this… you know how they are."
—"Yeah, that's true... Keep up the good work."
He didn't insist. He understood. And she knew he understood.
—"...Okay, I will..."
**Tchk—tchk—tchk—krnk**
With that, Vaelinne returned to chopping the onions with a bit more force. They were the last ones, and she was doing it on purpose: she wanted to finish before the effect of them—and her own rising emotions—became harder to control.
Kirito, turning his back to them, tried to focus on his next helper. Lyrielle was at the other table, and although she seemed calmer, he noticed that she wasn't as serene as she appeared.
**Krrnk—thmp… fffssh**
Lyrielle, for her part, was in charge of the bread. The dough was already ready, but she continued to knead.
**Thmp—thmp—thmp**
Her movements were more intense than necessary.
**Fssh—grrrnk—thmp**
Kirito approached and watched her in silence.
However, he couldn't help but speak to her in a soft, almost whispered voice, while touching her shoulder from behind.
—"Lyrielle… the dough is ready."
She didn't stop. She just lowered her gaze and murmured:
—"I know. I just want it to be… perfect."
**Thmp—thmp—thmp**
Kirito noticed the tension in her arms, the contained strength. It wasn't perfection she sought. It was comfort. It was control. And at that moment, he understood that the bread coming out of there wouldn't just feed…
**Fffssh—clack**
… it would also speak for her.
Not wanting to interrupt her further, Kirito spoke to her in the same soft tone:
—"I understand... You can keep perfecting it. When you're done, let it rest a bit, okay? Let it ferment for a few minutes before putting it in the oven."
—"Hmm... Thank you..."
He understood what that "thank you" meant. But he shook his head, with a slight smile.
—"No, thank you, Lyrielle... for helping me."
She also understood the gesture. And although she didn't say anything, she responded with an imperceptible smile, barely drawn on her lips.
With that, Kirito withdrew silently and focused on his own work: the main dish.
On the table awaited the turkey, already plucked and raw, ready to be transformed.
For such a special occasion that had two meanings, he thought to make a stuffed turkey.
**Clak—thmp… shhhrrrk—plok**
He took the vegetables that Vaelinne had prepared in advance—carrots, apples, chestnuts—and mixed them with the breadcrumbs that he had leftover from previous meals, along with aromatic herbs.
**Tchk—tchk… flsssh—tap**
He didn't forget to add the onions, which Vaelinne handed him just moments later, thus completing the mix.
Noticing that she had no more immediate tasks, and glancing at Lyrielle covering the dough to let it ferment, he asked both of them to take care of the sauce. They didn't hesitate to accept.
**Clang… fssshhh—tchk… krnnnk**
Vaelinne took the pan, focused on maintaining a constant movement and watching the thickness of the mixture.
Lyrielle, for her part, gathered all the necessary ingredients, ready to follow the instructions he was giving them while continuing with the other preparations for the turkey.
One of those tasks was the preparation of the stuffing, and that's why the girls marveled at the simplicity with which he, from another burner in the kitchen, browned the bacon in a pan with olive oil.
**Tchk—plok… fssshhh—krnnnk**
He added the onion, carrot, celery, and apple from the previous mixture, cooking them slowly until they were tender, right before their eyes.
**Clink… glup—shhhhhh**
What amazed them—and even frightened Vaelinne—was when Kirito added a little wine to the pan.
**FWOOSH—crackl… fsssshhhhh**
A sudden flame rose fiercely, illuminating the kitchen for a moment before extinguishing itself.
The shock caused both to lose focus, and Kirito had to call their attention firmly to prevent the sauce from ruining.
Thanks to his warning, nothing serious happened.
Vaelinne, however, blamed herself for what had happened.
—"It was my fault…"
She murmured, looking down.
Kirito just sighed and shook his head, without reproach. Then he turned back to his pan, but not before comforting her with soft words that, in a few minutes, managed to cheer her up.
Lyrielle, from her side, also discreetly approached, adding her presence to the gesture.
In no time, with the help of both, they finished the preparations.
They stuffed the turkey together, and then Kirito closed it with kitchen twine.
He brushed it with butter and sprinkled some spices over the skin before placing it on the rack.
The oven was already preheated to 180°C.
Carefully, they placed the turkey in its sauce, and let it cook for about two and a half hours, according to its weight of nearly eight kilos.
*****
When everything was ready, the three sat at the table.
Before them, the main dish shone with its perfect golden color, accompanied by the freshly baked bread—which gave off a soft aroma of yeast and butter, the result of Lyrielle's dedication—and by the salad, made with the leftover vegetables that Vaelinne had carefully chopped, adding a touch of vibrant color to the ensemble.
They looked at it in silence, with desire and satisfaction.
Not only for the flavor but for the shared work.
They just needed to enjoy it… with the same slowness with which they had created it.
Besides its golden skin, there was something that made the turkey even more appealing—and that particularly caught the attention of the two girls—: the sauce, settled at the bottom of the tray, mixed with the juices that slowly dripped from the meat, forming a warm and tempting shine that seemed to invite the first cut.
**Shhh—clak… tik… krnnnk**
Kirito, without waiting any longer, stood up with a kind gesture. He didn't say a word at first; he simply took the sharp knife resting next to the tray and approached the turkey.
—"Allow me."
He said in a serene voice.
—"Ooh, what a gentleman…,"
Vaelinne exclaimed with exaggerated voice, half teasing, covering her mouth with a hand as if Kirito's gesture surprised her for real.
—"Vaelinne…"
Lyrielle sighed, unable to avoid a smile. Until the end, her companion didn't miss the opportunity to provoke Kirito. She shook her head and said to him, ignoring the comment:
—"Don't pay attention to her."
—"You know I'm used to her behavior, Lyrielle."
Kirito replied with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, just as he saw Vaelinne trying to approach the turkey as if she were going to cut it herself.
—"No! I didn't do or say anything wrong, Kirito…"
Vaelinne quickly added, pulling back her hand and changing her tone upon noticing that smile which promised the return of her teasing.
—"Ha ha, I know."
—"Kirito, you're a..." —Vaelinne started, grumbling as she clenched her fist in frustration.
Kirito laughed, and without further ado, ignored a huffing Vaelinne and began the cut.
**Krrrshh—tchk… glsssh—plok**
With precision, he cut through the crispy skin. The meat fell away easily, revealing its juicy interior. The knife glided as if the meat invited it to pass, and the warm juice mixed with the sauce, creating a golden shine that captivated the gaze of both women, making them forget, even if just for a moment, the absurdity of what had happened moments before.
**Tchk—tap… shhhhnk—clink**
Kirito precisely cut the juiciest part of the leg and carefully placed it on the plate in front of Lyrielle, who was already holding her plate with both hands.
—"For you, Lyrielle."
He said softly.
She looked at him with a grateful smile.
—"Thank you, Kirito… although this is too much for me. Are you sure?"
Kirito, in the same serene tone, downplayed it.
—"What matters is that you enjoy it. I don't mind if you leave half of it…"
**Clink… shfft—tap… thmp**
Lyrielle nodded, touched by the gesture, and just as she was about to set her plate on the table, Vaelinne leaned forward impatiently at the sight of their interaction.
—"Hurry up, it's my turn!"
She exclaimed, half amused, half demanding.
**Hhnn—krrnk… tchk—plok**
Kirito let out a brief laugh and returned to the turkey. This time, he cut another part of the leg, but the piece he placed on Vaelinne's plate was noticeably smaller.
—"Here…"
He said in an indifferent tone, mimicking Lyrielle.
Vaelinne frowned instantly.
—"Why the different treatment? Why did you give her a bigger piece than me? With this, I'm going to be left wanting…"
Kirito blinked, pretending surprise, with innocent eyes.
—"Huh? I didn't notice… Sorry."
He cut another piece, but it was just a little additional portion. Vaelinne looked at him incredulously, knowing he was teasing her.
—"Is that all? I can't take it anymore. Give me the knife right now."
She said, stretching her hand toward him with determination.
—"Okay, okay… now it's serious."
**Shhhnk—tak…**
Kirito responded, smiling as he quickly cut a much more generous portion, before she could do anything else.
**Grnnnk—thmp… clink**
—"That's better… bully..."
Vaelinne grumbled, placing her plate on the table. She said the last word in a very low voice, as if she didn't want him to hear her.
But Kirito did hear her.
—"What did you call me, Vaelinne?"
—"Ah… you're a sweetheart… ha, ha… ha, ha."
She corrected herself with surprising speed, letting out a forced laugh.
—"Oh, that's what I thought…"
Lyrielle covered her mouth with a hand, stifling a laugh that escaped through her shoulders. She didn't say anything, but in her gaze was a silent tenderness. She knew she would miss these moments, this way of sharing between the three, where even the complaints were part of the affection.
**Shhhnk—tak… krk-krk… chnk!**
Kirito then cut his portion, similar in size to the previous ones, although slightly more generous.
Vaelinne noticed it right away.
—"Wow! And you get a good piece?"
Kirito smiled, this time sincerely.
—"I hadn't had a good meal in a while. I've spent the days focused on work… and I've only eaten dry food to get by."
Vaelinne watched him with a mix of mockery and concern. Her expression softened as she imagined it, and she said:
—"Well then, eat. But next time…"
She paused for a moment before completing the sentence.
—"But next time you need to take better care of yourself… when no one is with you."
—"I'll try…"
Kirito replied with a bitter smile. It was hard for him to guarantee it.
Vaelinne smiled with resignation at his response.
The truth was that she was going to say:
(—"Next time, I'll cut dinner for the three of us first…")
But the painful memory that this would be their last meal together brought her back to reality abruptly.
**Tchk… tchk… fffft—nip**
She clenched her hands under the table, and unable to contain herself, discreetly pinched herself to avoid ruining the atmosphere with her emotions.
—"Haaah…"
With a suppressed sigh, she barely managed to maintain the smile in front of Kirito and Lyrielle.
However, Lyrielle and Kirito noticed it, each in their own way.
Lyrielle, who was beside her, only had to lower her gaze to her clenched hand to understand.
As for Kirito, he perceived it in her red eyes: an inner pain that revealed itself as she trembled slightly while smiling at him.
Both understood their shared friend, and without breaking her strength, they continued.
Smiling, Kirito addressed Vaelinne:
—"Could you serve us the salad you prepared, Vaelinne, please? We'd like you to do the honors. Right, Lyrielle?"
Lyrielle caught the intent in his eyes, and with a slight smile and a nod, responded:
—"Yes. I see no better person to do it than its creator..."
—"Of course! Leave it to me. You'll see how much I've improved since the last time."
**Thmp-thmp… hmmnn**
Vaelinne gave herself a few light taps on her generous chest upon hearing their sincere tones.
**Clnnk… shff—tchk… clak**
Quickly, she took the large glass bowl where the salad rested, and with tongs served a good portion to Lyrielle, who gratefully received it.
**Tchk… tchk… shhh—scrrrk**
Although inside she knew it was too much for her, she said nothing while silently cutting the bread into slices.
Then, Vaelinne served Kirito. With a somewhat mischievous smile, she only gave him half of what she had served to Lyrielle.
—"Thank you very much, Vaelinne. It really looks delicious."
Kirito thanked her calmly, congratulating her as if nothing had happened. He then turned his attention to Lyrielle:
—"Could you pass me three slices, please?"
—"Sure. Although, since you said you've been poorly fed these days… take four. It's better that way."
**Ffft—tap… shhhhn**
Lyrielle responded with kindness and consideration, handing him the slices. Kirito took them from her hands and placed them on his plate, looking at her with gratitude.
—"You're very considerate, Lyrielle..."
He then directed his gaze to Vaelinne, who was a bit embarrassed for serving him less. What she heard next made her blush even more:
—"And you too, Vaelinne... Both of you have great hearts, despite your personality differences."
Vaelinne didn't know what to say at seeing that change of pace.
**Tap-tap…—shff**
At that moment, she felt someone touch her shoulder. Turning, she saw Lyrielle extending four slices of bread to her.
—"Here, Vaelinne..."
—"Ah... thank you."
Vaelinne noticed that Lyrielle only took two slices for herself. That gesture moved her. With her face slightly flushed, she lowered her head and, looking at Kirito's plate, murmured:
—"It's just that we had you as a great example to follow..."
Seeing that her plate had more salad than his, she began to feel guilt.
**Hff—thmp… ffft**
Unable to bear it any longer, she covered her face in frustration.
—I can't take it anymore! You always get your way, Kirito...!
**Shff—thmp… clak… krk-krk—clnnk!**
Immediately, she uncovered her face, stood up from her seat, took the tongs again and served a much larger portion of salad on Kirito's plate, far exceeding the amount that she and Lyrielle had.
—"This is how generous I've learned to be... thanks to you."
**Thmp… shff—creak**
Then she sat down, embarrassed. Kirito looked at her with a smile that mixed gratitude and resignation. Vaelinne turned to her friend, and with her red eyes conveyed that she help her out of the awkwardness. Lyrielle, who smiled on her part, understood and added:
—"I agree with her. Since we met you, you haven't stopped teaching us what it means to give without expecting anything in return..."
She paused for a moment to rearrange her thoughts, and then said:
—"And we will never forget it... Thank you very much."
—"Thank you very much..."
Vaelinne took the opportunity to repeat it as well.
—"You're welcome. With so much gratitude, you remind me that it's time to give thanks for the food..."
Kirito smiled at them as he said it, pointing to the food in front of the three. They knew he was downplaying his merit again, but they also knew his words had reached him. They looked at each other and nodded in agreement.
—"Alright, it was about time."
—"Yes…"
**Clap—clap… ffft**
**Clap—clap… ffft**
**Clap—clap… ffft**
With an applause from each, they said in unison:
—"Itadakimasu."
—"Itadakimasu."
—"Itadakimasu."
They took the forks and knives set at their sides and began the feast.
Vaelinne was the quickest, and therefore the first to try the stuffed turkey. Upon doing so, her eyes widened at the intensity of the flavor, prompting her to tell Kirito with great admiration:
—"Mmmmmm... You outdid yourself again, Kirito. But this time, in a big way... It's really delicious."
—"Mn... Mn... I totally agree."
Lyrielle added, her eyes slightly wide and a hand over her mouth to maintain her elegance while savoring.
—"You don't need any force for the meat to fall away, and its juices aren't just in the stuffing, but in every part. It's the most delicious turkey I've ever eaten..."
**Clnk… shff**
Vaelinne, who was already trying another bite, nodded enthusiastically:
—"Mmmm... Mmmm... Yes, yes. Your cooking is now so superior. Much more than the head chef of the cathedral..."
Lyrielle, seeing her friend eat with little elegance, shook her head and addressed Kirito:
—"And before you say we're exaggerating because we're your friends, we've thought so for a long time. Setting aside that you're our friend..."
—"We're not saying this as an act of kindness towards you, but as our sincerest feeling."
Vaelinne completed, pointing at him with her finger, serious, to make him stop downplaying his culinary skill. She knew this would be their last chance to enjoy his food.
**Mmmf—clnk… shff**
Both stared at him, waiting for him to say something. He had already tried the turkey while they were talking.
Kirito, with his eyes slightly open at seeing the united posture of both, couldn't help but feel touched.
—"Haaah..."
He sighed before saying clearly:
—"Yes, it's very delicious… just like the salad and bread you both prepared."
—"..."
—"..."
But the girls didn't change their position in the face of praise for their own creations, and Kirito, seeing them so determined, added:
—"I know you always remind me at every gathering…"
He lowered his gaze to his already started plate and murmured in a defeated tone:
—"I know. I'm not someone who doesn't recognize my progress in a skill. It's just that... I didn't want to forget her cooking. Asuna's."
—"..."
—"..."
The girls fell silent at that sudden revelation. They weren't ignorant: they had their suspicions, and what he said confirmed they were right. However, that didn't change the fact that that memory transmitted as pain for him, all this time. His voice brought them back to the conversation:
—"I've loved good food since I was little, but I didn't personally get involved in its preparation..."
Kirito looked at them with his sapphire blue eyes, as if he could see beyond, as if the past itself was reflected in them. He continued in a melancholic tone:
—"I met Asuna as if destiny had decided it. Our first encounter wasn't exactly romantic... It was quite the opposite. There were moments when we were rivals, our ideas clashed. She was very proud... just like I was at that time..."
**Clink… clank… fsshhh—tap**
He paused for a moment and gestured with his hand for them to keep eating, just like he was, to prevent the food from getting cold.
**Nnnch—crunch… slrp**
They accepted without a problem.
**Tck… tck… gulp—haaah**
Before Kirito resumed the story, Vaelinne, who was eating faster, commented:
—"It sounds like you weren't compatible from the beginning... How was it possible for you to fall in love with so many clashes?"
—"Yeah, how did that happen?"
Asked Lyrielle, curious. He had told them very little about their initial relationship, and what they remembered was how passionate and in love they always were.
—"Well, let's say it was a process of more than two years of friction... But sometimes friction is good. Like two dull swords that, when they rub against each other over and over, sooner or later shine and sharpen. It was exactly like that."
**Clack—clack… shhhhnk—tch**
Kirito smiled slightly as he picked up another knife, mimicking the gesture of sharpening them against each other as an example.
—"..."
—"..."
They continued eating while listening to him, unable to avoid remembering that iron sharpens iron.
—"She had her way of doing things, sometimes more drastic than mine... And that made me see her as someone who only thought about results, without considering the bigger picture, even if it affected others..."
—"Are we really talking about the kind Asuna?"
Interjected Lyrielle, incredulous. She couldn't imagine that someone so kind and concerned for everyone's well-being had acted like that.
—"Yes, she is super attentive. Besides, she was the one who kept you within limits. Are you saying she was more brusque?"
Added Vaelinne, unable to believe it.
—"Ha, ha, ha... I wouldn't believe it either if I hadn't known her at that time..."
Kirito laughed at their incredulous faces. Then he took a sip of water to accompany the meal and continued:
—"Let's say that when we are younger we do things we later regret, right, girls?"
—"..."
—"..."
The two blushed. They couldn't refute it, knowing he had more embarrassing memories of them than they wanted to admit. They could only nod in agreement. Kirito didn't want to make them uncomfortable anymore.
—"At that time I made many mistakes that still haunt me. I was someone who hurt those who trusted me... Besides, I was quite lazy and didn't like to socialize like I do now."
**Clink… clank… chrrrp—tap**
He took another moment to keep eating. Although it was a feast, it actually felt like a family meal. Vaelinne asked again:
—"You didn't like studying or working? That's hard to imagine..."
Lyrielle, shaking her cup, shook her head while adding. Both remembered him as someone sociable, hardworking, and studious.
—"Simply put, if something interested me, I would dedicate time to it. The rest I didn't even consider. Remember I told you that, on the path of what happened to me, I learned that knowledge is power..."
Both nodded. Although five years had passed since that conversation, they had never forgotten it. Much less the outcome: stopping a blow to the kingdom, preserving peace, and executing an unstoppable counterattack.
—"Putting that aside, and getting back to the topic... Asuna and I became friends. Then I made her my personal chef for a while. Not to forget that it was me who motivated her to want to learn to cook better..."
With his hands gesturing from side to side, he added:
—"One thing led to another… and then we got married. She became my wife and my chef. Ha, ha, ha... Although she didn't always do what I wanted, especially if something seemed too exotic to her..."
His cheerful laughter gradually turned melancholic:
—"But in most cases, she did. Like my spicy sandwiches. She knew I loved spicy food."
**Brrrmm… tchhh—shiver**
The girls shuddered. They knew it firsthand. Once, he prepared two spicy sauces: one for them and another for himself, to accompany a large plate of chicken wings. At first, they ate the one he gave them, and it was perfect for them. However, Vaelinne insisted on trying his, despite his warnings.
When she did, she tried to endure it, but couldn't. She had to run to the fridge to get milk to calm down, while hearing Kirito and Lyrielle's laughter from behind. Lyrielle was happy to have escaped that situation, but Vaelinne got her revenge: she took a bit of Kirito's spicy sauce and put it on a wing of Lyrielle's without her realizing.
The result was that Lyrielle chased her all over the house after calming down from the burning in her mouth. That day, both vowed to avoid Kirito's personal spice, which was on another level, and only take the one recommended by him.
Kirito saw their shiver and simply smiled, perfectly imagining what memory had provoked that reaction. Still, he continued his story.
—"All the time Asuna and I were together, she made sure I never lacked good food... Even during the two hundred years we lived here in Underworld, despite having a personal chef in the cathedral."
Kirito said, with a gentle smile and his eyes filled with tenderness.
—"She used to say: 'I am the queen, but first, I am your wife. And every wife cooks for her beloved husband'... She always found time to cook for me at least once a day."
—"I always loved her food too."
Vaelinne commented, fondly remembering that custom.
Lyrielle added, evoking an even more distant memory:
—"She made me lots of cookies when I was little..."
—"Me too... And cake."
Vaelinne nodded, with a smile of recognition.
It was evident that for them, Asuna had not only been a queen but also a close friend since childhood, just like Kirito. The three knew they had lived something exceptional: the privilege of having a king and queen who sincerely loved their people, to the point of becoming their friends when the occasion allowed.
Kirito lowered his gaze for a moment, and then continued in a serene voice:
—"Asuna... By not being with me during these fifty years, and being forced at first to cook my own food... then growing fond of and passionate about this skill... made me experience firsthand the happiness of cooking for the beings you love. For friends like you two..."
—"..."
—"..."
Vaelinne and Lyrielle felt deeply moved by his words. In his voice and eyes, there was a truth that could not be hidden. And not taking their gaze away from him, they also saw the sadness that traced his smile when he added:
—"This also made me value even more everything she did for me during all these years... And I... I..."
Kirito couldn't continue. The words caught in his throat.
(—"She is with a copy of me in the real world... and I don't have a body to return to... Damn, I barely have any idea how to recover my flesh-and-blood body...")
**Clnnnk—grrrnk… tchk—tchk**
He thought while gripping the fork and knife tightly, as if the metal could contain his frustration.
—"..."
—"..."
For the girls, what they felt was the pain of a separation. But they didn't know that behind that sadness, there was something much more complex, deeper, more heartbreaking than what Kirito let on.
—"Haaah... Let's just say that's why I didn't want to give importance to my progress in this skill. Because I didn't want to..."
—"...Forget hers. I mean, her flavors..."
Lyrielle gently interrupted, completing what he didn't dare to say. He nodded, agreeing.
—"But the way you've told us all this shows that will never happen. It's something indelible in your soul."
Vaelinne added firmly. Her voice completely rejected the idea that such love could fade away.
—"Yeah... I guess you're both right. It was foolish of me..."
Kirito nodded and discreetly wiped away some tears that had escaped his eyes.
Then, in an attempt to regain the lightness of the moment, he asked:
—"Well, we've talked about me. What about you? What do you have planned for your vacation? Any special plans?"
The girls looked at each other, and Lyrielle, just by looking into Vaelinne's eyes, sensed the problem that was looming. As if her friend understood her too, she smiled mischievously in her direction before pointing at her with the fork and saying, in a mix of mockery and seriousness:
—"Ha, ha, ha... Well, you'll have to ask Lyrielle what her mother and husband advised her to do during all those vacations..."
—"Vaelinne! If I fall, I'll take you with me..."
**Tchk—brrmm… hmmf—snrk**
Vaelinne trembled at the threat and covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. Kirito, seeing the always serene Lyrielle lose her composure, felt intrigued.
—"Are you saying it's her husband and her mother? Or the whole family?"
—"Kirito, please, don't ask any more..."
Lyrielle put on a pleading expression, her cheeks flushed. But as she said this, Vaelinne, from behind, was signaling with her hands, indicating it was the whole family.
—"I see... It's the whole family."
Lyrielle quickly turned towards her friend upon hearing Kirito, but Vaelinne was eating normally, shaking her head and displaying an innocent face. Lyrielle didn't buy it.
—"Don't play dumb, Vaelinne... I warned you, and you didn't listen..."
Then she turned her eyes back to Kirito, who was watching her with amusement while eating. She couldn't help but say:
—"Yeah, it's my whole family... But also this troublemaker's. Both families want the same thing..."
She stopped when she saw Kirito extending his hand, asking her to calm down to listen to him.
—"This is like déjà vu..."
—"A déjà vu?"
—"A déjà vu? We've never talked about these topics with you..."
The two girls, already blushing in front of him, had said more than enough for him to understand.
**Clnk… fsssshh—tap… hmmmmm**
Kirito took a cup of tea and, as gently as possible, said:
—"So we're already in that season... Your families, Arabel and Schtrinen, want you to have children to ensure stability and growth, right?"
—"Ah... How did you get that right?"
—"You're right... How did you know?"
Vaelinne and Lyrielle —one incredulous and the other with her face covered— didn't understand how he had deduced it all at once. Kirito, with a certain calmness, replied:
—"Well, because that was a conversation Asuna and I had with their mothers when they were young pilots... Hence the déjà vu."
—"My mom?"
—"Did you talk about this? Is it a tradition or what?"
Lyrielle and Vaelinne imagined their mothers discussing these topics with Kirito and Asuna. The image was as absurd as it was revealing.
—"Ha, ha... Yes, it was very embarrassing for them too. But let's do this, since I know it's not easy for you..."
Kirito pointed at both of them and proposed:
—"You tell me about them, and I'll tell you more about Asuna and her desire to start a family here in Underworld. What do you think? Is that a good deal?"
Both of their eyes lit up at what was said. And although their gestures were not enough to express what they felt, they responded in unison:
—"Deal."
—"Deal."
They had long wanted to ask him a very personal question, but had never dared. Now that he was offering the opportunity on a silver platter, they wouldn't waste it... even if they had to go through some embarrassments along the way.
(So... kids, huh?)
Kirito couldn't help but think as he saw that this would be one of the last topics before saying goodbye to these two dear friends... possibly forever.
**Slrp… hmmnn—clnk**
He took another sip of tea, letting the warmth help him maintain his calm. He knew that what came next wouldn't be easy. That the conversation about children, about the future, about what could have been... was just a prelude.
A prelude to goodbye.
But he didn't want to rush it. Not yet.
**Clnk… tchk—tap**
—"So..."
He said with a gentle smile while setting the cup down on the table.
—"Who starts?"
**Fssh… blink—hmmnn… creak**
The girls looked at each other. Vaelinne raised an eyebrow. Lyrielle sighed. And both, at the same time, leaned forward as if time belonged to them for just a moment longer.
Kirito looked at them with tenderness. He knew he couldn't stop the inevitable. But he could make it hurt less.
And so, as the warmth of home grew warmer and the aroma of the feast still lingered in the air, the three began to talk. Not as warriors. Not as strategists. But as what they truly were:
Family.