CH 26

The morning sun came and shined on my face, immediately waking me up.

The first thing I heard upon awakening was the chirping of a small bird.

“Uh, uhn…”

After some stretching, I got out of bed.

My hand went towards my messy hair as I approached the small mirror on the wall of the room.

On the way, I suddenly wanted to look outside. As such, I casually approached the window.

“Such good weather today.

When I saw the sky with its gently drifting clouds, and the sun shining brightly in the eastern sky, I felt truly awake.

I looked at my reflection in the mirror, and sure enough, my hair was messy.

The hair on the back of my head stood up, while it had flattened on my side. I immediately combed my hair.

After I deemed my hair neat enough, I changed my clothes and went to the dining hall.

“Alright, alright, now that you’ve eaten, go straight to work!”

“Anna, why are you being so strict towards me…”

“Those who don’t work shan’t eat!”

Immediately after going down the stairs, Anna’s cheerful voice could be heard.

As soon as I went to the dining room, Anna smiled at me, and said her greetings.

“Good morning, Liliana!”

“Good morning, Anna!”

Whenever I heard her voice, I felt more energized. I was sure everyone else felt the same.

“Wait until I’m finished with the preparations.”

“Okay.”

I looked around for a vacant seat.

Some people had already left, so there were a lot of empty spaces. It looked like I could sit anywhere.

However, I preferred not to sit alone.

I looked around quickly, but didn’t find anyone I recognized…

“Is he still asleep?”

Someone called for me from behind.

“Who are you referring to?”

“Eh? O, oh, Grave…”

“Good morning.”

“U, uh, yes, good morning, Grave.”

…Speak of the devil.

I was surprised at first, but I was glad to see him.

“Are you perhaps looking for me?”

“Y, yes, that’s right.”

His guess was right… somehow, it was embarrassing.

Then, Grave laughed happily.

“Even though it’s still morning, you’re already full of spirit.”

“I, is that so?”

“Indeed.”

While talking to Grave, I did my best to remain calm.

Safe to say, I was able to stay natural.

“It seems that the two of you are already flirting~”

“I envy you~”

“Uh…”

“Stop making fun of us. Everyone should hurry and get to work. If you are late for the request, big sister will get angry.”

“Understood! After all, we can’t let that happen!”

Everyone stood up and started preparing immediately.

“That should do it.” Grave said while staring at them.

With a stunned face, I looked up at Grave.

Everyone was calm in front of Grave. I could also be natural with him. I felt like he brought our true selves out. Maybe that was the charm of the person named Grave.

I was embarrassed when I thought about it.

“Anna, will you prepare some food for me?”

“Ok!”

“Thank you! Liliana, shall we sit down for the time being?”

“Okay.”

Grave and I sat in the vacant seats.

We sat on opposite sides so that we could face each other.

“Grave.”

“Hmm?”

“Will you be doing a quest today?”

“Indeed. I have two quests to clear up today. The others can be done after tomorrow, but I have to finish those by the end of today.”

“How difficult. Then, will you be coming home late?”

“I will be finished with them by the evening.”

“I see.”

Grave smiled upon seeing my face.

“If you’re that worried, I will pick you up on my way home.”

“No, I’m not!!”

“Is that so? Will you be able to figure out the way by yourself?”

“O, of course…”

Do I look that hopeless?

I had to be more mindful.

“Sorry for the wait!”

Anna brought a breakfast set for two.

We were served six dishes in total.

Moreover, they were all in large portions.

“Thanks for the meal!”

Anna’s mother was the cook.

She rarely left the kitchen, so I had only met her a few times. We had barely even talked.

Anna said her mother wasn’t interested in anything other than cooking, and that she was probably the only one capable of cooking such delicious food.

She must be a lovely mother, one who was genuinely kind.

“Today’s food, too, is great.”

“It’s actually kind of surprising.”

“What?”

“Liliana is such a big eater.”

“Ugh!”

Because the food was good, I got too immersed in eating. As such, I forgot he was in front of me!

Grave’s words pulled me back to reality.

In my surprise, I had to chug a lot of water.

“Have you always been a big eater?”

“Well, ever since I became a blacksmith, I’ve become hungrier.”

“It’s surprising because despite how much you’ve eaten, you remain thin.”

“Blacksmithing requires a lot of physical strength. Without food, I won’t last until noon.”

“Understandable. It can’t be helped that you require breakfast.”

Even though Grave also ate a lot…

“It’s also because the food is…”

“Because the food is good, right? I agree.”

He laughed as he said it. It was infectious, and I ended up smiling as well.

A conversation with someone I loved, and a calm morning.

Back in the palace, I’d pass my mornings alone, and the same was in the smithy.

But now, there were people I could talk to.

I also learned that good meals became even better if they were enjoyed together.

***T/N: I shall pray for Liliana’s happiness! And Hemorrhoid’s suffering!