Noon.
Roswaal's Mansion dining room.
Emilia, Puck, Beatrice, Ram, Rem, and Natsuki Subaru all stared in shock at Uranus An, who was using both hands to incessantly shovel food into his mouth at the long dining table. The towering plates of food were vanishing at a startling rate before their eyes.
It was as if a starving spirit had taken hold of him.
Though Uranus had claimed he could eat a great deal and had warned them beforehand, witnessing it in person was still staggering. None of them had ever seen him eat with such unabashed hunger.
"You all eat too!" Uranus spoke through a mouthful, gesturing at the remaining feast with a nod that shook the platter of steamed rice.
"Ah, oh!" Emilia blinked, her gaze momentarily fixed on how voraciously Uranus consumed dish after dish. For reasons she could not explain, watching him eat had stirred her appetite.
Everyone nodded and began to eat. Strangely, observing Uranus devour food with such relish made even those with small appetites hunger for more.
Half an hour later, Uranus An gently wiped his mouth with a napkin, lifted a cup of clear tea, and sipped it with an expression of pure contentment.
"Uranus, are you really okay eating so much?" Emilia asked, eyes never leaving his stomach, which showed no hint of bulging.
"It's fine. My digestion is extremely strong," Uranus replied calmly as he patted his midsection.
"I honestly wasn't kidding earlier. Thank you, Miss Ram and Miss Rem. The food was delicious. I haven't eaten such good food in a very long time." Uranus spoke with genuine gratitude.
Beatrice blinked and snorted softly.
"I have never seen anyone eat so much in all my days," she remarked.
Uranus paused and met her eyes.
"I once went hungry for six days and six nights. Since then, I have been able to eat large amounts. Food is incredibly important to me and must never be wasted," he said, his tone casual yet weighted with a quiet sadness that slipped through his words.
Even without knowing the full story, Emilia and Puck could sense a depth beneath his calm voice. They both recalled the glimpse of sorrow in his eyes when the topic of hunger came up.
Uranus clasped his hands in front of him.
"In any case, thank you, Miss Ram, Miss Rem, and Mr. Natsuki Subaru."
"You paid," Ram muttered as usual, her tone terse.
Rem only nodded.
Subaru simply looked silent and gloomy, his expression clouded.
"Liya, my gift was just finished before dinner. Let's go see it now!" Uranus said with a playful grin directed at Emilia.
"There's another gift?" Puck's eyes sparkled.
Beatrice tilted her head, curious.
Uranus approached Emilia and covered her eyes with both hands.
"This is a surprise. Puck, please lead Liya by the hand to the yard."
"No problem," Puck replied cheerily, floating in the air as he held Emilia's hand.
"Uranus, you are blocking my view. I can't see anything," Emilia teased with a soft laugh.
"I am making sure you cannot see," Uranus answered in a spirited voice.
The group slowly made their way toward the yard. Subaru trailed behind with a cold expression, but anyone paying close attention could see the despondency and helplessness lingering in his eyes.
"Wow, this is beautiful, isn't it?" Puck exclaimed as they neared the structure.
"No wonder you went out before dawn to prepare it," Beatrice added with genuine admiration.
Emilia, unable to contain her excitement, gently pulled Lucien's hands from her eyes and gasped. Before her stood a beautifully arranged trellis crafted in the shape of a heart. Vines with brightly colored blossoms climbed the lattice, forming radiant petals around the central design. Surrounding the largest heart-shaped wreath were eight smaller ones, each brimming with vibrant flowers chosen with thoughtful care.
Beneath the trellis hung a swing, its ropes tied with ribbons that fluttered gently in the breeze.
Liya, come sit here. Uranus took Emilia's hand and guided her toward the swing. Then he pushed it from behind, sending her gently upward.
Emilia's face lit up with pure joy as she swung, her silver hair fluttering like moonlit silk.
"Uranus, though this gift is simple, I made it with my own hands. I hope you like it," Uranus said earnestly.
"Uranus, thank you. I like it very much," Emilia said, her voice soft and warm.
Emilia had never looked more radiant. Her blue-violet eyes shimmered with happiness, reflecting the flower trellis above. Puck hovered nearby, his eyes turning into crescent moons as he watched her genuine delight.
Beatrice, Ram, and Rem each showed subtle yet sincere expressions of approval.
Sometimes simplicity was the most precious gift of all.
"Two more swings can be made on these sides. I will build them this afternoon. Then Miss Ram, Miss Rem, Little Miss Beatrice, and Puck can all sit and play," Uranus continued, keeping everyone's attention fixed on what came next.
"Also, tonight's dinner is on me. The surprises are not over yet!" he added.
"Uranus, I really did not misjudge you," Puck said, flying over and draping an arm casually around Uranus's shoulders.
"Of course I cherish every second with Liya," Uranus replied proudly. His grin was bright and carefree, like a child delighted by every moment.
Laughter filled the yard as Ram, Rem, and even a still sullen Subaru went to work building the extra swings. Beatrice and Puck disappeared off to gather materials, leaving Emilia to swing and watch Uranus labor with determination.
Emilia's eyes followed him, wide with admiration and warmth. The gentle sway of the swing mirrored her racing thoughts and emotions.
"Uranus," Emilia suddenly spoke.
"Yes?" Uranus paused his work and turned toward her, a towel in hand as he wiped sweat from his brow.
"I mean it. Why are you so good to me?" Emilia's voice trembled slightly as she gazed at him with those purple diamond-patterned eyes.
"Because I like seeing Liya smile. As long as Liya is happy, I am happy too," Uranus said simply, his expression open and honest.
Emilia seemed stunned for a moment. Then tears began to well up in her eyes uncontrollably.
"What's wrong?" Uranus asked quickly, kneeling before her out of instinct.
"I am not crying," she protested between quick breaths, wiping at her tears. "Sand got in my eye."
Uranus blinked and smiled gently, still down on one knee.
"Liya, I want to make you happy forever," he said quietly, his eyes sincere.
Emilia let the tears fall but smiled brightly nonetheless.
"This is the best gift I have ever received. Thank you, Uranus!" she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around him. Then, slightly flustered, she blushed and hurried away to regain her composure.
Uranus breathed in the faint lingering scent of her hair and watched her retreat with a peaceful expression.
No challenge at all! he silently thought.
Emilia was still too young. On planet Earth, such overt methods of romance might seem awkward or overdone, but within this gentle moment, they felt simply natural.
If only the world outside were as forgiving. If he had gold, jewels, a first-ring property deed, or even a sleek ship of fine craftsmanship, perhaps other worlds would understand this love.
Romance had evolved over time, but emotions still beat with the same earnest rhythm.
After Emilia had been moved to tears and ran off in sweet confusion, Uranus completed the other two swings. At last, he began preparing dinner beneath the blooming trellis.
He had brought many fine ingredients from his journey to the town that day, meaning tonight's feast would be special. If not for his careful planning, an entire afternoon of preparation would have been impossible.
Night descended slowly, and the sky above was adorned with brilliant stars that seemed to shimmer just for them. A cool evening breeze brushed through the yard, bringing relief from the day's warmth.
The heart-shaped floral wreaths were lit with colorful magical lights, causing the trellis to glow softly beneath the night sky.
Nearby, Lucien, now wearing a white apron, tended to a grill that sizzled with meat, fish, and vegetables. A long wooden table stood ready, its surface already lined with grilled dishes and side plates.
Ram and Rem diligently set the table, their movements precise and efficient.
Emilia, Beatrice, and Puck laughed and swung on the blossoms-and-light-draped swings, their joy echoing through the yard.
"All right, everyone may come and eat now," Uranus called out, wiping sweat from his brow with a napkin. "The grilling is mostly done."
"It is so beautiful," Emilia said as she approached the table, excitement lighting her face.
"As long as you like it," Uranus replied, his tone warm and doting, his amethyst eyes glinting in the lantern light.
"Where is Subaru?" Emilia asked.
"He is not feeling well, so he will not be joining us tonight," Ram replied coldly but clearly.
"I see. Well, let us save some for him later," Emilia said kindly, though concern flickered through her eyes.
Laughter and chatter soon filled the yard once more as plates were passed, drinks poured, and nourishment shared under the twinkling night sky.
Uranus watched Emilia with a tender smile, grateful for this moment in time—a simple evening made extraordinary by the company he chose to cherish.
___
Throw your stones my way 😭
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