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〖Prison Star Calendar〗
〖Year 187, June 19〗
〖12:07 PM〗
〖Countdown to Confession Death: 30 days〗
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Since Banning’s departure in the morning, Emilia’s heart had been racing incessantly.
This palpitation left her restless and uneasy.
— (Why did I impulsively kiss him?)
Recollecting the scene where she kissed Banning, Emilia still felt a sense of surrealism.
She even thought it was merely a figment of her imagination, but the lingering sensation left on her lips was undeniably real.
If it were only an illusion, Emilia wouldn’t feel such distress in her heart now.
The agony of uncertainty was driving her mad.
— (Why is my heart beating so fast?)
However, despite her unease, Emilia didn’t feel pain but a subtle excitement and happiness stirring within her.
Long before today, Emilia had been intermittently troubled by the nature of her relationship with Banning.
Are they friends, or are they lovers?
To call them mere friends, Emilia had cooked for Banning and regularly brought him potion books and taught him magic early in the mornings.
To call them lovers, their feelings for each other hadn’t quite reached that level yet.
This ambiguous state between friends and lovers often left Emilia at a loss.
But now, the problem was resolved, for Emilia had taken the initiative to kiss him.
Though she hadn’t confessed her love yet, Banning would surely understand the meaning behind that kiss, as long as he wasn’t obtuse.
What Emilia had to do next was to heed her mother’s teachings wholeheartedly.
—”Emilia, when you grow up and find someone you love, pursue them bravely. ”
—”We fox people are a passionate and fearless tribe~”
·
Emilia believed that Banning must harbor feelings for her.
Had he not cared, he wouldn’t have treated her so kindly, even risking his life to save her.
Nevertheless, the incident with Nasar had cast a shadow over Emilia’s heart.
Emilia had considered whether Banning’s kindness was driven by ulterior motives.
But Banning was a man not seeking fame or fortune, and his indifference to material possessions left Emilia unable to discern any ulterior motives.
Upon reflection, Emilia felt ashamed for her unwarranted suspicions.
·
Lost in her thoughts, Emilia spent the entire morning daydreaming.
As the sun climbed higher, Emilia grew expectant.
Banning had said he would return at noon.
Emilia swiftly rose, intending to cook lunch with Banning, so she could showcase her best side to him.
Additionally, as a Level 2 “Cook,” a hint of competitiveness stirred within her.
Now, the prospect of sharing lunch with Banning made Emilia’s wounds feel less painful, invigorating her entire being.
While searching for ingredients, Emilia inadvertently discovered a “gift” left behind by her parents—a bottle of exquisite apple wine.
She recalled her parents telling her that once she found someone she loved, they should drink the wine together, and they would live happily ever after.
—”That’s how your father and I got together, after sharing the apple wine~”
Remembering her mom’s words, Emilia took out the apple wine.
She uncorked the bottle and took a whiff, detecting a sweet, pleasant aroma, which tempted her to inhale it several times more.
As she continued to sniff the wine, Emilia felt a little lightheaded, unsure if it was due to the lingering fatigue from the night before.
Hastily, she re-corked the bottle and placed it on the table, taking great care not to accidentally break it.
.
Before long, Banning arrived, knocking on the door.
Upon seeing Emilia moving about with ease, his mouth hung agape, surprise evident on his face.
“Do not strain yourself. Since I am here, allow me to cook, and you may sit and rest.”
Banning grasped Emilia’s shoulder, attempting to guide her to a chair, but she insisted on cooking alongside him.
Unable to dissuade her, Banning permitted Emilia to lend a hand.
Though it was their first collaboration, their synergy was seamless.
Emilia felt as if Banning could read her thoughts; he always provided the optimal response to her actions.
This scene reminded her of her parents, who lovingly cooked together when they were alive. 𝒩𝞸𝓋𝗅𝐞xt.𝔠𝔬𝔪
—(Lovingly… it’s still early for that…!)
Emilia forcibly shook her head, casting away such romantic notions, lest her face burn with embarrassment.
In this moment, Emilia simply wished to savor the tranquility and joy within the kitchen.
As for the “peck on the cheek” during their morning parting, both Emilia and Banning tacitly avoided mentioning it.
·
Some ten minutes later, their combined efforts produced a simple yet appetizing lunch.
Emilia suggested trying some apple wine. Banning hesitated briefly before agreeing.
—(Could it be, Banning is not a drinker?)
Emilia secretly felt a tinge of excitement at the thought.
Though she had never consumed alcohol, she knew the Foxkin people had a high tolerance for it, boasting a naturally strong ability to metabolize alcohol—a capacity unmatched by most humans.
If Banning were to become intoxicated, he would inevitably have to sleep at Emilia’s residence.
The prospect of seeing Banning asleep and defenseless invigorated Emilia.
—(You’ve always teased me, but now it’s my turn!)
Emilia stifled her glee, maintaining a neutral expression, lest Banning discover her ulterior motives.
“Lord Banning, thank you for saving me and everyone at the guild.”
Emulating the Branch Chief’s manner of offering toasts, Emilia lifted her cup and emptied it in one gulp.
The sweet taste of apple wine was the first sensation Emilia experienced, followed swiftly by the burn of alcohol spreading through her throat.
The fiery sensation nearly brought tears to her eyes, but as it subsided, the wine’s mellow flavor emerged, leaving her to savor it.
“Indeed, this is fine wine.”
Banning, seated across from Emilia, also drained his cup in one swig, though his reaction was not as intense.
Emilia assumed Banning was trying to preserve his dignity.
“Last night’s battle saw me receiving aid from many hunters, so I must also thank you, Emilia.”
Banning refilled their cups and reciprocated with a toast.
Undaunted, Emilia matched his gesture, emptying her cup once more.
After that, Emilia could recall nothing else.