[Location: Focalor, Theul Village]
[6:24 AM, May 29, 134710, AP]
"Nepheria, wake up. It's already morning" Vernon said to the sleeping Nepheria, but Nepheria is deeply asleep. She does not wake up no matter how hard Vernon tries to wake her up. Seeing that she did not wake up despite his hard work in trying to wake her up, he is forced to use his last technique so Nepheria will wake up.
"Fie els awivra gor elos huel fra awkia he pre shia ven" Vernon whispered in the ears of Nepheria, who is deeply asleep, as she heard Vernon's cold and emotionless voice as her ears twitched and her face frowned at hearing such a voice like a cultist trying to summon a devil.
"Ahhh!!! Demons and cultists are here!!" Nepheria instantly woke up screaming and stood up from the bed and ran as fast as she could, but in the process, she hit the hanging pot of flowers onto her head, making her fall down and grasp her forehead, where the hanging pot of flowers hits when she's running.
"Hahaha, that was some great reaction you had there, little Nepheria" Vernon laughed at Nepheria, whose body was covered in dirt because the dirt in the pot splattered all over, as Nepheria still held her stinging forehead and looked angrily at Vernon.
"Okay, okay, don't get angry. Let's get you cleaned, or Nathalia will get angry that we have not appeared yet at the dining table" Vernon said as he snapped his hand as Nepheria suddenly became free of dirt and the pain in her forehead also disappeared. She stood up, still looking at Vernon angrily, but for Vernon, this is very cute, so he stretched his cheeks as he could not resist the cuteness of Nepheria.
"Aww! You're so cute as always, Nepheria" Vernon said as she stretched Nepheria's cheeks, making her uncomfortable from the sudden affection that Vernon shows.
"Stahp it. It's making me uncomfortable, brother" Nepheria pleaded with Vernon to stop him stretching her cheeks. Hearing this, Vernon stopped stretching her cheeks and suddenly picked her up in a princess carry, surprising Nepheria with his sudden movement.
"Hmph" Nepheria puffed her cheeks while crossing her arms together while like showing her own authority, but this just made Vernon smile at Nepheria, while this also made Nepheria embarrassed due to the fact that her own brother is the princess carrying her like a knight would do to their princess to save them in danger, but that thought suddenly disappeared in an instant, knowing that the one who is carrying her is her own brother, not the knight in shining armor in her dreams.
"Okay, let's go. Nathalia just cooked dinner for us, so you should at the very least thank me for waking you up, not so you would not be reprimanded that you need to wake up earlier next time, because you already know how scary she is when we don't eat the foods that she cooks" Vernon said to Nepheria, reminding her to be at least thankful that she did not have to get reprimanded by Nathalia. Hearing this surprised Nepheria, as she thought Vernon would cook today, but who would have thought that Nathalia is actually the one cooking? This made Nepheria a little scared yet thankful to Vernon to wake her up earlier.
"Thank you for waking me up earlier. If not, I might be in trouble" Nepheria said, thanking Vernon for waking her up earlier so that she wouldn't have to be punished for not waking up early and not eating Nathalia's food that she had made for them, as she believed that getting her head hit in the pot was much better than getting punished by Nathalia herself.
"Don't worry about it, but next time you must ensure that you wake up earlier or you might be in trouble next time" Vernon said while also reminding Nepheria to wake up earlier next time. If she does not wake up earlier next time, Vernon might not be able to help her next time due to the fact that he will be helping Nathalia cook tomorrow.
Nepheria nodded at what just Vernon said, while slightly blushing in embarrassment that Vernon is still carrying her like a princess. She also made a mental note that she should wake up earlier next time to avoid getting punished by Nathalia for not eating the food that she had created for them, as she knows how scary and strict Nathalia is when it comes to the food that she is cooking.
As they approached the dining area, the aroma of Nathalia's cooking filled the air, making Nepheria's stomach growl in anticipation. The table was set beautifully, adorned with fresh flowers from the garden and polished silverware.
Nathalia, with her graceful demeanor and warm smile, stood by the table, waiting for them. Her eyes twinkled with delight as she saw Vernon, whose princess carries Nepheria, approaching. Seeing the gaze of Nathalia at them, Nepheria got down in the arms of Vernon and acted normally like nothing happened.
"There you two are! I was starting to worry you'd sleep through dinner, but I see Vernon managed to wake you, Nepheria. Good job, Vernon" Nathalia teased, her tone light and playful. As she looked at the blushing Nepheria, who tried to act like nothing that her brother Vernon didn't just princess carry her, seeing Nepheria acting like this made Nathalia smile a little, making Nepheria scared for a second.
"You don't have to worry, Nathalia. She actually woke up much earlier than I thought, though she just wanted to wash her body first. That's why it took some time" Vernon said to Nathalia, saving Nepheria, who looked at Vernon like he was an angel who would always save her from all danger.
"Is that so? Then have a seat. The food will get cold if we just stand here" Nathalia said to both Vernon and Nepheria.
"You can thank me later" Vernon whispered into Nepheria's ears, making her nod.
They took their seats, and Nathalia began to serve the meal. There were all of Nepheria's favorite dishes – creamy mushroom risotto, tender roast chicken, and a medley of freshly steamed vegetables.
"Nathalia, everything looks amazing! You've outdone yourself again" Nepheria couldn't help but express her gratitude to Nathalia, who had created her own favorite food.
"Oh, it was my pleasure, dear. I'm glad you like it. Eat up now, before it gets cold" Nathalia said as her eyes sparkled with pleasure. Nepheria liked her cooking, making her happy.
The three of them dug into their meal, savoring every bite. The flavors danced on their tongues, a testament to the love and care Nathalia poured into her cooking. They exchanged stories from their day, sharing laughter and enjoying each other's company.
As they finished their meal, Nathalia surprised them with a delicate dessert—a light, fluffy mousse topped with fresh berries. It was the perfect ending to an exquisite meal.
They lingered at the table, basking in the warmth of their shared moments. Theul Village, with its tranquility and the bonds they had forged, felt like a haven amidst the chaos of the world outside.
As the evening sun bathed the village in a golden glow, they cleared the table together, a seamless dance of teamwork and familiarity. It was moments like these that made the challenges they faced seem conquerable.
Once the table was tidied, they retreated to the living area, where a cozy fire crackled in the hearth. They settled into comfortable chairs, content and at ease in each other's presence.
Nepheria glanced at her brother and Nathalia, grateful for the family she had found and adopted her into this family.