Emersyn chopped potatoes and carrots as she maneuvered through the small part of the main kitchen. Surprisingly, there were a lot of audiences, so she decided to cook one whole pot of beef curry. When she checked that the beef was soft enough, she added the vegetables and proceeded to make the roux.
In the midst of her cooking, an unexpected visitor came as he stood behind Emersyn. "Why are you cooking?"
Emersyn looked behind then smiled, "Wait for a while there and I'll serve you some."
Ashford squinted his eyes, but obeyed regardless. The people watching her cook were dumbfounded as they looked at each other. They scrambled to get out of the boss' way as he sat on a chair facing the back of Emersyn. Meanwhile, Emersyn was humming a melody as she poured the roux in the pot then stirred it. She seasoned the curry then tasted it using a saucer. Her lips curved into a smile as she boiled it for a few more minutes before turning the fire off. She looked around, looking for a plate when one of them offered her one.
"Thank you," Emersyn said with a dazzling smile.
The man smiled bashfully as he scratched the back of his head. "My pleasure."
She put enough rice on the plate then poured enough curry before serving it to Ashford.
"..."
"What are you looking for?"
"Well, I didn't expect you to serve me first."
"Do you want me to serve someone first? Okay then---"
"No, wait! Ahem… I will take that."
"Of course."
"... is he really the boss?" Someone whispered who, in return, received a jab on his side.
They carefully watched the man scooped up part rice and part curry with intense stares, when, suddenly, Ashford released fat tears from his eyes as he gorged up the food served to him.
"... why is he crying?"
"It seems like… uh… something about Emersyn's curry..."
Ashford didn't bother and just whispered with a full mouth as he chewed, "You always liked curry..."
"Servings are up, boys!" Emersyn announced loudly that made the whole audience burst with delightful cheers. She shouted, "Form a line! No pushing!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
***
"Emersyn, was it?" A burly man called.
"Yes. What is it?"
"Do you mind teaching me more about cooking? I... I have never reached the taste of perfection..."
"What's your name, head chef?"
"Anthon."
"Sir Anthon, it's all about intentions. You don't need to perfect the tastes as long as you think that you are serving the person you love. That is enough."
"... I will remember that."
"I will look forward to your cooking next time."
Anthon grinned bashfully. "Would you also mind cooking breakfast everyday? Just to make these louts look forward to the day."
"If Head chef Anthon says so, I have no choice but to concede," Emersyn smirked.
"That's the spirit."
Suddenly, "Emersyn."
Emersyn looked behind and saw Ashford standing before her. She turned around, seemingly asking what would be his business with her.
"I..."
"You?"
"..."
"What is it?"
"... nothing. I am just happy..." he said as he smiled weakly at her.
"I'm glad I made you happy."
"Do you have something to do after this?"
"None at all. Why?"
"Accompany me."
"To where?"
"A gathering."
"Do I need to wear dresses?"
"Of course."
"When are we leaving?"
"Four hours from now."
"Alright then. At the front gate?"
"At the front gate."
Emersyn smiled widely then returned the huge apron to Anthon before scurrying over to her room. After she left, the people were bemused as they silently watched Ashford smile to himself. When he left, they formed a group as they whispered to each other.
"What was that…?"
"The boss… the boss!"
"Is it the end of the world?"
"Idiot! It's not! We still have to look forward to Emersyn's cooking! Don't jinx it!"
"But still! That aloof and unapproachable man just smiled and invited her to a gathering!"
"He's still scary even if he smiled..."
Meanwhile, Dylan was only leaning against the wall as his eyes never teared its gaze from the place Emersyn and Ashford disappeared into. Why does he feel like… he got abandoned of some sort?
"Hey, Dylan! We're planning to go to the gym. You up for it?"
"Huh? Oh. Uh. Of course, I'll follow later."
"Don't be late!"
"I won't! Geez! They know I am not the type to be late. These guys… haaa..."
***
It was 6:45 p.m. when Emersyn stepped outside of the gate in her simple black dress and her hair was styled in a bun. It was the most comfortable piece if a battle happened unexpectedly in that time. Her eyesight caught on the dashing figure of Ashford in a formal wear. Her heels sounded every time she stepped as she approached Ashford who opened the car door for her.
"Aren't you hot in that suit?"
"It is quite the opposite, My Lady."
"I don't believe you at all, Sir," she said as she entered the car while Ashford took the driver's seat.
"Emersyn… do you feel anything weird?"
"Hm? Not at all. What seems to be the matter, Sir?"
"Just call me Aren," he said as he started the car and drove slowly.
"A… Aren?" Perhaps… he was the man in her dream? Is it really possible? Wait… she had different bodies, so that might be possible. But she didn't know if this man really was 'that' Aren.
"What is it?"
"Don't be weirded out, but… have we met way before this mafia thing happened?"
Ashford smiled. "Do you want to know?"
"Hmmm… nope."
"..."
"What? I am being honest here."
"I'll tell you regardless… but first, I apologize."
"For what?"
"For treating you badly before you gained consciousness."
"When?"
"The time where I tortured you."
"Oh that. I don't bear any grudges at all. So, it's fine, really."
"And… for not recognizing you, My Lady."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"... Chang Xiuying..."
Emersyn's eyes went wide as she almost stood up from her seat. "What… how?"
"I was there in the Central Marsh. Watching you from afar."
"What… wait. Who are you?"
"Elodiaren… Lukessia."
"... do you know my soul's parents?"
"Yes. I came to protect you from the Blanche, but I know that won't be necessary since you're strong enough. I couldn't protect you on Earth… because I wasn't there… I couldn't also protect you when you died before this… because I wasn't there..." Ashford, or Elodiaren, stopped the car at the side of the road and faced Emersyn. He took her hands and said gently, "I'm sorry..."
"..."
"I… I just recognized you, please forgive me."
Emersyn covered her face with her free hand as she blushed profusely. She stumbled, "Wha-what? I mean, uh- what..."
"Is it... no good?"
"No! Not that! I mean, all my life I was never asked for forgiveness and… I realized that was what I needed all along. I don't bear grudges, but… ugh… I can't!"
Elodiaren smiled then gently thumbed Emersyn's knuckles. "In this occasion, I want to ask you to be my date. Will you?"
"Do I have any choices?" Emersyn said as she gestured at her dress.
"None at all. Let's go?"
"Just hurry up, Aren."
Elodiaren chuckled as he started the car once again then drove towards their destination. When they arrived in front of a luxurious hotel, Elodiaren quickly ran out and opened the door for Emersyn. He held out his hand and Emersyn accepted the gesture before linking to Elodiaren's arms. Damn… he love the sensation of her body against his own.
"Ready, My Lady?"
"Why are you asking me that?"
"Just to make sure."
"Of course I am ready," Emersyn grumbled then dragged Elodiaren into the building.
"Hahaha. After this, I want to take you to a wonderful spot. Is that okay with you?"
"If I am not tired, sure."
"As if you will get tired after this."
"Good point."
"So, we will go."
"Whatever."
They entered and a woman in a uniform greeted them. Elodiaren quickly gave his invitation and the woman asked, "Sir Ashford and plus one?"
"Yes," Elodiaren replied.
"Please enter."
"Thank you," Emersyn said as the two of them entered and they could already hear the boisterous noises from the upper floor.
"Oh right, Emersyn."
"What is it?"
"Wear this," Elodiaren gave her a veil. "The Blanche is looking for you. This is just a precaution in case they infiltrated here."
"So much for enjoying the gathering. But sure, give me that."
"You can still eat all you want. No problem."
"Right," Emersyn muttered as she wore the veil that covered her eyes.
"Good. Then let's go."
"Alright."
Finally, they entered the place where the gathering was held and there was a long line of food at the side. Emersyn nodded at the people looking at her and Elodiaren. After all, Elodiaren as Ashford was infamous. The guests easily recognized him, but their eyes never left Emersyn.
"Sir Ashford!"
"Melanie," he called.
"How are you?"
"I am doing fine. Oh and I want to introduce my girlfriend to you."
"Girlfriend?"
Elodiaren gestured at Emersyn who was busy eyeing the food on the table. When she received a nudge from Elodiaren, she tore her gaze away and focused on the beautiful woman in front of her. Her dress flaunted her curves and her supple bottom and chest.
"Melanie, this is Emersyn, my girlfriend and soon to be fiance."
"Huh?" Both Emersyn and Melanie exclaimed.