She grabbed the apron hanging on the wall, and Alaric didn’t argue; he simply wiped his hands on a towel. Emerald tied the apron around herself with ease, moving naturally, like a couple married for years.

"I’ll wash some fruit, then," he said, taking some from the fridge.

Unlike other men who needed prompting, Alaric acted on his own and always had something to do. He moved quickly and efficiently, while Emerald, in contrast, wasn’t as skilled in the kitchen. Despite her culinary training, she focused on Western cuisine, sashimi, and sophisticated dishes.

When it came to food, she usually improvised. Living alone, she rarely cooked, often opting for just...