Chapter 40: And So, Everyday Life Goes On
A morning without an alarm clock.
That is worth more than the most luxurious jewel.
“…Mmm…”
A thin ray of light leaks in through the gap in the blackout curtains.
I glance at the clock by my pillow.
11:30 a.m.
“…I won.”
I made a small victory fist under the blanket.
Just as I declared last night—“Tomorrow is our anniversary, so I absolutely won’t wake up”—we slept like mud.
No interruptions.
No obligations chasing us.
This sense of indulgent guilt is the true joy of a day off.
“…You’re awake, Eliana.”
Beside me, Claude stirred.
His eyes were still drowsy, hovering at the edge of dreams.
There was zero trace of the “Ice Chancellor.”
He was just my beloved husband with bedhead.
“Good morning, Claude.
…No, good afternoon, I suppose.”
“Yeah.
…I slept well.”
He let out a big yawn and pulled me closer.
Weekend morning warmth recharge—well, afternoon now.
So cozy it made the temptation of a second nap rear its head.
“…Want to sleep a bit more?”
“That’s the devil whispering.
…But I’m hungry.”
“What a coincidence.
So am I.”
We looked at each other and laughed.
Today was our one-month wedding anniversary.
It was time to carry out “that” plan.
“Let’s get up.
…We gave the chef the day off today, so it’s our turn to work.”
When we went into the living room, there was a new piece of furniture by the window.
A gift that had arrived first thing in the morning.
A wooden tower with smooth, flowing lines.
On its highest platform sat Run, proudly perched.
[Kyuu! (It’s high!)]
“Leonardo…
I can’t believe he actually sent it.”
Claude smiled wryly.
It was a present from the architect Leonardo, who had already returned home—
“The Functional Beauty Tower for Run.”
Flashy, but surprisingly well suited to the room.
It seemed his talent really was genuine.
“Well then, Run looks pleased, so shall we begin?”
We rolled up our sleeves and stood in the overly spacious kitchen.
Today’s mission.
“A two-person anniversary dinner.”
The menu was a taste from our honeymoon memories:
“White Fish Sauté” and “Chef’s Whim Salad.”
Simple, but with a surprisingly high difficulty for amateurs.
“…Claude, that isn’t ‘rough chopping.’
That’s ‘pulverization.’”
“That’s strange.
I thought I was cutting the fibers cleanly, just like swordsmanship dictates.”
Five minutes in, the cutting board had become a battlefield.
The carrots had gone beyond minced and turned into paste.
“Vegetables don’t require fighting spirit.
…Please let me.”
I picked up a potato.
Former corporate slave efficiency skill—activate.
“Target, potato skin.
Effect, separation.
—《Clean: Peeling》!”
Shup!
In an instant, only the peel burst away and flew into the trash.
“Ooh…!
Using magic for cooking!”
“If it lets me be lazy, I’ll give it my all.”
I struck a smug pose.
Once peeling was done, all that was left was cooking.
“Alright, next is plating the salad, but…
We’re lacking color.”
Claude peeked into the refrigerator.
No tomatoes.
Just then.
“Kyuu!”
Run popped up at our feet.
In its mouth were red berries and herbs it had picked from the garden.
“…Taste test?”
Run popped one into its mouth and wagged its tail.
Approved.
“Let’s use them.
…Good job, Run.”
“I feel like it’s more useful than I am…”
I comforted the slightly dejected Claude as we moved on to the main dish.
Juuuuu…
A savory aroma mixed with a hint of burning filled the air.
“Ah!
The heat’s too high!”
“Wait, I’ll flip it now!”
A noisy, chaotic kitchen.
Far from perfect court cuisine.
Yet strangely fun.
An hour later.
Misshapen but warm dishes lined the dining table.
“…Let’s eat.”
“Yeah.”
We clinked our glasses.
Cheers.
I took a bite of the fish.
The skin was a bit burnt.
The flesh slightly broken apart.
But—
“…It’s delicious.”
I smiled.
It tasted just like that meal on the deserted island.
Clumsy, earnest, and gentle.
“Isn’t it bitter?”
“That bitterness is the accent.
…I like this more than any three-star restaurant in the world.”
“Eliana…”
Claude looked at me with a mixture of relief and emotion.
Under the table, Run happily ate the crumbs I dropped.
A quiet afternoon.
Outside the window, the peaceful view of the royal capital.
Suddenly, I thought.
The day my engagement was annulled.
I thought my life was over.
But at the same time, I also thought, “Now I can finally rest.”
I never wanted to climb the ranks.
High status and fame always seemed like a hassle.
All I wanted was to read quietly, drink good tea, and sleep in a fluffy bed.
“…Hey, Claude.”
“Hmm?”
“I used to think, ‘I want to be happy without making an effort.’”
“I know.
It’s one of your catchphrases.”
“But if it’s to slack off together with you…
Maybe making just a little effort isn’t so bad.”
Fighting architects.
Cooking together.
The battles to protect my “peace” were unexpectedly busy.
Yet even that busyness felt dear now.
“…Heh.”
Claude chuckled.
Then he reached across the table and took my hand.
“That’s so like you.
…I love you, my greatest slacker.”
“I love you too, my hardworking husband.”
We laughed together.
Everyday life goes on.
There will surely be small troubles ahead.
New “nuisances” may appear, and Run might molt and grow even bigger.
But it’s fine.
I have the weapon of “efficiency,” the goal of “leaving work on time,” and above all—
The strongest partner who will slack off with me.
“…Well then.”
I finished my after-meal tea and stood up.
“We’ll clean up with magic…
What should we do this afternoon?”
“Isn’t it obvious?”
Claude winked playfully.
“A second nap on the library sofa.”
“The best proposal imaginable.”
We held hands and left the living room.
Run happily followed behind us.
This is my story.
Not a villainess.
Not a saint.
Just a woman who wants to go home on time,
And the small yet incredibly luxurious life she obtained.
Now then, let’s go.
To our beloved everyday life.
End