For the first time in what felt like forever, Lloyd woke up feeling rested. His body, usually stiff from cold and exhaustion, felt oddly light. He stretched, muscles cracking faintly, and turned his head, only to find the other side of the bed empty.
Sylvara was gone.
He sat up, rubbing his eyes. Where could she have gone? For someone who had nearly burned up with fever the night before, she was moving around quite well.
Before he could ponder further, panic gripped him.
Nora! Breakfast!
The thought shot him out of bed like an arrow. He rushed to the hallway, but just as he was about to head to the kitchen, he caught the sound of laughter, light and soft, coming from Nora's room.
Curiosity tugged at him. He slowed his pace, approaching quietly, and peeked through the open doorway.
The sight froze him in place.
Nora sat nestled in Sylvara's lap, her small hands moving wooden trains across a makeshift track. She was explaining something in her usual excited tone, her voice like bells, and Sylvara was listening intently, her emerald eyes sparkling with amusement.
"See, this one's the fast train," Nora said proudly, pushing it with a dramatic whoosh. "It beats the slow train every time!"
Sylvara laughed, the sound soft and melodic, and played along. "Oh no, the slow train needs to hurry or it'll be left behind!"
Nora giggled and sped up the train, while Sylvara clapped her hands like a child watching a race. The goddess, who once received offerings in golden temples, now sat cross-legged on a wooden floor, completely immersed in a child's game.
Lloyd leaned on the frame, arms crossed.
A rare, almost nostalgic smile curved his lips.
For a brief moment, the world outside, its dangers, its hunger, its cold, didn't matter.
Deciding not to interrupt, Lloyd tiptoed back toward the kitchen. They're fine. Let them have their fun.
Still, he needed to prepare breakfast. Today, he had something special. With Sylvara staying over, he couldn't just serve the usual porridge or scraps. No, today called for something better.
His gaze shifted to the fridge, where Auntie Yang's gift rested. The pork belly.
He pulled it out carefully, the cold meat glistening under the dim light. His fingers worked with precision, cutting it into even slices. The smell of raw pork mixed with the sharp scent of garlic and soy sauce as he started marinating.
The frying pan hissed when the first slices hit the hot surface, releasing a wave of aroma so rich it filled every corner of the house. Fat sizzled, crisping the edges to golden perfection.
Back in Nora's room, Sylvara sniffed the air and perked up.
"Mmm… what's that smell?" she murmured.
"Ooh, I smell meat!" Nora shot up excitedly. Waddling over to the kitchen like a hungry bunny.
The pink-haired lady quickly scooped the little dumpling up in her arms and walked over.
"Baby, I'm going to play a little prank on your big brother, alright?" She whispered to the kiddo.
Nora's eyes lit up as she snuggled deeper into Sylvara's embrace.
Sylvara's steps were light, almost imperceptible. She crept up behind Lloyd, her lips lightly on his ear.
"Boo!" She shouted loudly.
Lloyd, who was too preoccupied by cooking to notice, nearly flipped over his spatula.
"Haha, very funny." He rolled his eyes sarcastically.
"Loin! I'm hungry." Nora piped up.
"Lloyd. LOID. Not loin Nora." Lloyd pinched her thin cheeks.
Sylvara laughed out loud.
"Loin, you better hurry up or else a certain someone will want to take a bite~" Sylvara was clearly referring to Nora.
Lloyd covered Nora's ears.
"Lloyd." He corrected before continuing. "You bit me enough last night. Take a seat, breakfast will be over quickly." The little bunny shook off his hands, clearly confused.
Sylvara blushed and lightly hit his shoulder before taking a seat.
…
Lloyd finally laid the dishes on the table. Glazed pork belly, a side of sautéed cabbage, and warm rice.
The goddess took a bite.
Her expression froze, then melted into bliss. "...This is divine."
Nora also clumsily ate.
"Woah!" She shoved the food the in her mouth rapidly.
Lloyd shook his head.
"Slow down kiddo." He chuckled, ruffling her hair.
"Hmph" Nora obediently ate slower.
A few minutes later and Nora rubbed her stomach contently.
"Brother's the best!"
Lloyd scratched his cheek, a little embarrassed. "It's nothing much. Just a simple recipe."
Sylvara leaned her cheek against her palm, giving him a sly smile. "Simple? You're underestimating yourself. Even the offerings I used to receive didn't taste this good."
Lloyd blinked. "...Offerings?"
The words slipped out, but Sylvara only chuckled, waving it off. "Nothing you need to worry about~"
He frowned slightly but didn't press further. For now, the only thing that mattered was the warm food, the laughter at the table, and the rare moment of peace.
After the dishes were cleaned and Nora skipped back to her room to play, Lloyd caught Sylvara before she could follow.
"We need to talk." His voice was firm.
Sylvara tilted her head innocently, pink-hair cascading over her shoulder. "About what?"
"Well, you're better now, right?"
"Yes," she replied without hesitation.
"So," Lloyd continued bluntly, "do you have a place to stay? Any family? Somewhere you need to return to?"
Her lips parted slightly. For a moment, her gaze flickered with something unreadable, then she let out a soft sigh. "…I don't. Honestly, I can't remember much about my past. My memories… they're blurry." She made up an excuse on the spot.
Lloyd rubbed his forehead. Great. Another problem to deal with.
"Well," he muttered, "you can stay here until you regain your memories."
The words had barely left his mouth before Sylvara launched herself into his arms. "Thank you, my savior~"
Heat crawled up Lloyd's neck. He stiffened at first, but her warmth was hard to ignore. Awkwardly, he returned the hug, his hand stroking her silky hair.
"Y-yeah, yeah. But, there are ground rules," he said, trying to regain his composure. "First, I'm poor. Don't expect meals like today every day. Second, I handle most of the chores, but if you're not helping in the fields, you'll have to pitch in around the house."
Sylvara leaned back slightly, smiling sweetly. "Of course! I can clean, sweep, do laundry…" Her voice dropped into a teasing purr as she leaned closer, her breath brushing his ear. "And…"
She pressed a kiss against the corner of his lips.
"I can be a great bedwarmer~"
Lloyd's face went crimson. His thoughts scattered like startled birds.
"N-NO NEED!" he blurted, stumbling back.
Sylvara only giggled, covering her mouth with delicate fingers. Her green eyes shimmered with amusement.