Alice stood in the garden, her small hand absentmindedly rubbing her tummy as she looked around with a slightly puzzled expression.
The once chaotic scene had calmed, leaving her surrounded by the remnants of the icy landscape. Bits of frost still clung to the leaves and grass, but the biting cold had begun to recede, replaced by a crisp, cool breeze that rustled through the trees.
Seeing Alice Rub her tummy, Sophia's brow furrowed with worry as she quickly scanned Alice with her magic.
"Alice, are you hurt? Is something wrong?" Her voice carried both concern and the soft warmth of maternal love.
Pooella also echoed the concern, her eyes darted over Alice, searching for any signs of injury. "Little Lady, do you feel any pain? Any discomfort?"
Alice blinked, her confusion melting away as she looked up at the two women with a bright smile.
"No, Alice is not hurt. Alice is just... hungry!" Her innocent declaration hung in the air for a moment, the words almost out of place in the aftermath of the tribulation.
For a brief moment, the tension in the garden held, as if time itself had paused. Then, Spark, who had been silently watching with his usual aloof expression, let out a low chuckle, the sound breaking the spell and easing the atmosphere. His lips curved into a rare smile, though his eyes still held their usual detachment.
Spark knelt beside her, his tone gentle yet pleased. "That's because Alice has grown stronger, and her tummy has grown bigger."
Alice's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really? Can Alice beat bullies now?"
"Yes," Spark nodded. "Alice can."
Sophia sighed, her shoulders relaxing as relief washed over her. She reached out and gently patted Alice on the head, her fingers brushing through Alice's soft hair. "Hungry, huh? You scared us, little one."
"Well, then," Spark said, clapping his hands together as he stepped forward, "it seems we need to celebrate this special occasion. And what better way to do it than with a special dinner?"
As they made their way back to the mansion, the tension from earlier slowly dissipated. Sophia took Alice by the hand, her face glowing with pride and joy as she led her granddaughter toward the mansion.
"Come, Alice," she said warmly, her voice filled with affection. "Let's get you dressed up for this special occasion. Tonight, we celebrate your achievement in style."
Alice nodded eagerly, her small hand clutching Sophia's as they walked.
"Will Grandma make Alice cute?" Her innocent question was accompanied by a hopeful smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Sophia chuckled softly, her heart swelling with affection for the little girl. "You'll be the cutest girl in the world, my dear."
As they reached Alice's room, Sophia began selecting a dress worthy of the moment. The room was filled with the soft rustle of fabric as she carefully chose an elegant gown—a delicate shade of lavender that complemented Alice's vibrant personality.
Meanwhile, back in the mansion's grand kitchen, Zhao Shi had taken full command. The usual hustle and bustle of the kitchen had slowed to a near standstill as the staff watched in awe. Zhao Shi moved through the kitchen with an almost supernatural efficiency, his hands a blur as he prepared the meal.
Every slice, every stir, every dash of spice was executed with the precision of a master craftsman.
The large kitchen, usually a bustling hub of activity, fell into a reverent silence as the staff watched Zhao Shi at work, their eyes wide with admiration.
The head chef, a veteran with decades of experience, couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and envy as he observed Zhao Shi.
"I've never seen anyone handle cooking ingredients like that," he muttered to himself, his eyes following Zhao Shi's every move.
Zhao Shi, fully immersed in his cooking, paid no mind to the awestruck gazes around him. His focus was entirely on the meal he was preparing, knowing that tonight's dinner was not just a meal but a celebration of Alice's breakthrough—a momentous occasion deserving of nothing less than perfection.
The head chef, still in awe, commented with deep respect, "You truly are a master, Butler Zhao. It's as if the ingredients themselves bow to your will."
As the aromas of rich broths, savory meats, and freshly prepared side dishes began to fill the kitchen, the mansion buzzed with quiet excitement. Servants moved briskly, setting the table with gleaming silverware and polished glassware. Candles flickered to life, casting a warm glow that danced across the room, adding to the growing excitement