Ch.63Love…? (1)

Name, a word used to distinguish from others.

In most cases, except when unknown, we call others by their names.

It’s such an ordinary and natural thing.

But depending on the situation, the act of calling someone by their name can take on a different meaning.

For example, if people who are close enough to use only nicknames suddenly start using real names, it might feel like they’ve grown distant.

And when someone who’s usually called by a different title is addressed by name, it can feel special.

Just like now.

I was inwardly flustered by my master’s sudden request.

Forget her name—I’d never even thought about calling her anything other than “Master.” There was never any need to.

One might think, what’s the problem when we’re even kissing?

But having spent most of my life with Master, changing a form of address that’s already become second nature is rather…

‘It’s embarrassing.’

At least for me, it held great significance.

As I remained silent, lost in thought and unable to answer:

“I’m not asking you to be perfect from the start. Just change it gradually, that’s all.”

Master added with a smile.

Behind that happy expression was a glimpse of shyness—the face of a young girl just beginning to experience love.

The person before me was no longer my former master…

She was simply a woman. One who loved me.

Looking at her, I rose from my chair and said:

“Um… I was about to prepare a meal. How’s your hangover?”

“I took some medicine earlier, so I’m feeling better. Not too bad to eat.”

Fortunately, the ingredients I bought wouldn’t go to waste.

“That’s good.”

As I began walking toward the kitchen, and once Master was no longer in sight,

I took a deep breath, overcame my awkwardness, and quietly uttered:

“Riano, please wait a moment.”

Using her name while still speaking formally feels a bit strange, but they say starting is half the battle.

I’ve already come halfway. All that remains is to slowly and steadily cover the remaining distance.

I quickly retreated to the kitchen and began cooking.

I rather enjoy cooking.

Seeing how people react when they eat—whether they’ll praise it as delicious or sigh because it tastes bad.

I find those reactions enjoyable.

Sometimes, curious about new flavors, I’d mix various spices. Most of those experiments ended in failure.

Of course, not all were failures, and occasionally I discovered successful recipes.

And those are what I’m making for Master now.

‘First, I should make something easy to digest.’

Even if she says her hangover isn’t severe, her stomach must still be affected after days of drinking.

It would be troublesome if the food caused any problems, so I should cook everything thoroughly for easy digestion.

After cooking for a while, humming a tune, appetizing aromas began to fill the air.

Perhaps smelling it, Riano, who had been waiting outside, entered the kitchen.

“Crow, what are you making?”

Huh?

I was startled when my name naturally came from her lips. While I felt awkward and embarrassed, she didn’t seem to at all.

Had she been practicing in front of a wall or something?

Thinking this, I glanced at her from the corner of my eye. Riano’s ears were so red they looked like they might catch fire at any moment.

Her action had been the result of tremendous courage.

Inspired by her effort, I decided to take my own step forward.

“I’m making stew. It’ll be ready soon.”

After using her name, I decided to drop the formal speech too.

It creates an odd feeling.

It’s just speaking more casually, but it completely removes the sense of her being my master.

It’s like the wall between us, which was already thin, has now completely crumbled.

Perhaps because of that, calling her by name and speaking casually became a little less uncomfortable.

It wasn’t such a big deal after all.

“Should I set out the plates and spoons then?”

“Yes, please do.”

Riano took plates and spoons from the cupboard and left the kitchen.

After a bit more time passed, I put on thick gloves and carried the pot outside.

Placing the hot pot on the table and lifting the lid, a cloud of white steam burst forth, accompanied by a mouthwatering aroma.

It was enough to make my mouth water.

“May I have a plate?”

“Here.”

I took the plate Riano handed me, filled it with stew that had been simmering so long the chunks barely held their shape, and handed it back.

She naturally pushed the returned plate toward me and held out another empty plate.

What’s this…?

This was new behavior from her.

Whether it was to score points with me or simply her pure consideration, putting me first—

I wasn’t sure, but it definitely didn’t feel bad.

The meal began as I filled the second empty plate she held out.

“I’ll enjoy this.”

“Please, eat well.”

Riano’s spoon moved.

She scooped up the steaming hot stew and blew on it to cool it down. Once the steam stopped rising, she put the spoon in her mouth.

Her first reaction was surprise.

“Mmmmm!”

Her eyes widened as she made that sound through her nose—clearly an expression of delight.

After that, there was only the happy smile and the clinking sound of her spoon moving rapidly.

Growing concerned about how quickly she was eating, I asked:

“Is it good?”

She finally put down her spoon at my question and held out her empty plate.

“It’s incredibly delicious.”

She had already finished a whole bowl.

While I was relieved to see her usual self, I also found it curious.

‘Does she not worry about manners when eating?’

It was surprising that someone who paid such careful attention to her appearance, speech, and behavior would eat so normally like this.

Of course, I don’t dislike this side of her. If anything, I prefer it.

How could I not like seeing someone enjoy my cooking so much?

I wonder if she’ll realize later and regret it.

But that moment came sooner than expected.

As I reached to take her empty plate, Riano suddenly flinched.

Like someone caught in the act of a crime.

Her eyes were filled with anxiety, making her look truly guilty.

“Crow… are you disappointed…?”

Her voice trailed off and dropped in tone, perfectly expressing her anxiety.

My answer was, of course:

“No, absolutely not. Don’t worry about it and eat as you like.”

Objectively speaking, her behavior might not be considered feminine charm.

But since I was the one who cooked the food, I found it appealing.

Who in the world wouldn’t like seeing someone enjoy their cooking so much?

“Would you like more?”

“J-just a little?”

She still didn’t seem completely reassured.

Thinking she would eat whatever I gave her anyway, I filled her plate to the brim and handed it back.

Riano looked surprised but picked up her spoon and finished it all.

I wonder where all those nutrients go. She said she’s gained weight from eating so much, but considering how much she eats, she hasn’t really gotten fat.

“Can I have more?!”

“As much as you want.”

That’s why I made plenty.

Riano devoured several more bowls before finally putting down her spoon, and the meal soon came to an end.

What followed was our first tea time together in nearly twenty days.

As I naturally moved to prepare the tea:

“I’ll do it. You already worked hard cooking.”

She came into the kitchen and took the kettle from me, and even performed the miracle of using the water magic tool to fill it herself, moving me deeply.

Love is truly magnificent.

To think it can change a person so much overnight.

The sound of pouring tea filled the cups, releasing a subtle, fragrant aroma.

I picked up my cup, savored the scent, and took a sip.

Once again, I thought her tea-making skills were truly exceptional.

I set down my teacup without making a sound and said:

“This is really good.”

“R-really?”

She lowered her head shyly and sipped her tea. Yet the corners of her mouth remained upturned.

Admiring her pleased expression, I picked up my teacup again.

‘It really is delicious.’

Our tea time stretched on, losing track of time.

Once we started sharing what had happened while we were apart, it seemed endless.

Among those topics, the one that naturally became the focus was:

“An S-Rank Monster?! You really could have died…”

My battle with the S-Rank Monster and how I defeated it.

Riano listened with sparkling eyes, like a curious child.

“Wow… that’s amazing. So you guys—no, I mean, they’ll be promoted to an S-Rank party now, right?”

“I wonder? I’m not really sure about that.”

Up to A-Rank, promotion is possible after achieving certain results and passing a simple test.

But from S-Rank, the Adventurer’s Guild conducts their own evaluation and notifies you, so it’s uncertain.

Well, I’m sure it’ll work out somehow.

In the end, I’m an outsider, so it doesn’t directly concern me.

There’s no point in worrying about it.