The night had settled quietly over the land, the full moon pouring its silver light across the ground. Nearby, a fire burned softly, its flames dancing in the air and casting a gentle warmth into the stillness of nature. The faint sounds of insects and nocturnal creatures added a hidden layer of life to the scene.
Jin stood calmly before the fire. He watched it for a moment, then moved his left hand.
With a light touch, the bracelet on his wrist opened, and items began to appear one after another—a metal pot, a spoon, and various spices—as if they were being summoned from an unseen void.
Mavuika's eyes widened as she watched.
This wasn't just a tool… it was something beyond her understanding.
She stared at the bracelet, trying to analyze what she was seeing.
Was it technology? Or manifested energy?… Or something in between?
She looked up at him, a faint smile forming on her lips.
"This tool… it's strange. Is it some kind of spatial storage device?"
Jin replied without looking at her as he began placing the pot over the fire:
"You could say that. It's called a spatial bracelet."
Mavuika glanced at the bracelet again, then at his precise movements while cooking.
He was calm… controlled… as if every motion was calculated.
"Strange technology… but advanced. I'll admit that."
He didn't respond, simply stirring the pot.
The aroma of meat began to spread slowly—rich and warm, blending with the cold air.
Mavuika watched him for a moment longer.
"You're skilled in combat… cooking… even music. Is there anything you can't do?"
He paused slightly, as if genuinely considering the question, then answered calmly:
"Maybe… magic."
She hummed softly, then exhaled with a faint, sideways smile.
"Hm… so even the moon has things it doesn't possess."
Jin finally raised his gaze to her.
Their eyes met.
His crimson eyes, with white six-pointed star-shaped pupils, held a strange calm… a depth that was difficult to read. Mavuika's eyes, on the other hand, glowed with a red-golden hue, like a small sun burning within.
A brief moment… yet heavier than it should have been.
Jin broke it as he poured the soup into two bowls.
A rich, heavy, comforting aroma spread through the air.
He stepped forward and handed one of the bowls to her.
She reached out to take it… and her fingers brushed against his.
She froze.
Cold…
She said nothing, but she noticed.
She sat down and looked at the soup.
Light steam rose from it, carrying a scent she had never experienced before.
She took a spoonful… and tasted it.
She froze for a second.
Then her eyes widened.
She began eating… slowly at first, then faster without realizing it.
The flavor was deep, strangely balanced… the meat melted in her mouth, rich with juices.
She looked up at him.
He was eating calmly, as if it were nothing special.
But inside her… it was anything but.
A warm feeling began to spread through her chest.
Calm… familiar… and slightly painful.
Since when… have I felt this?
Faint images surfaced in her mind—her family, her little sister, old laughter.
She took a slow breath.
Maybe… because he doesn't see me as a goddess.
Just… Mavuika.
Her voice softened as she spoke:
"Thank you… for the meal. I truly appreciate it."
Jin looked at her, then frowned slightly.
"Wait… why are you crying?"
He paused, then added dryly:
"If it's bad, don't eat it. Or… is my cooking so good you fell in love with me?"
She laughed lightly despite her tears, quickly wiping her eyes.
"No, it's not bad. And I won't fall in love with you over a bowl of soup."
Then she added, in a lighter tone:
"What kind of girls even do that?"
Jin smirked faintly, a playful glint appearing in his eyes.
"It won't happen… most likely."
He paused for a moment, then said:
"But that reminds me of someone."
Mavuika's grip tightened slightly around her spoon.
"A girl?"
"My wife."
He said it simply.
She froze.
Nothing showed on her face for a moment… but inside, something tightened.
"It was an arranged marriage. A matter of interests between two families, nothing more."
She breathed slowly.
"Is she strong? What's her name?"
"Rena Amberhart."
He looked at the fire as he spoke.
"She had Phoenix blessings. Later… she obtained the heart of a demonic dragon. She became half-dragon."
Silver hair… with red-tipped ends… and ruby eyes.
Mavuika listened, then smiled.
"Half-dragon? Interesting. I'd like to fight her."
Jin looked at her calmly.
"You'd win."
She raised an eyebrow.
"So you admit I'm stronger than your wife?"
He smirked.
"Yes."
Then he added:
"But there are two you wouldn't stand a chance against."
She frowned slightly.
"And who are they?"
He laughed.
"My mother… Naoko."
Then continued:
"And my second mother… Sion. She was a mermaid queen. A demi-god… and annoyingly strong."
She paused, then narrowed her eyes.
"Wait… what do you mean by 'a little perverted'?"
He looked at her…
Then burst out laughing.
"That… is a secret."
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