Volume 3 Chapter 1 Husband and Wife Day
"Good morning, Mother Lydia. The weather is nice today."
Cain finished his morning training, cleaned up, and walked to the cafeteria. Lydia was already sitting at a table alone.
"..."
Lydia was absentmindedly wrapping her hands around a cup of pre-meal herbal tea.
"Mother Lydia?"
"Hm? Oh, Cain, good morning... I'm sorry, I was just thinking."
Since Alice left, Lydia often seemed this way. Maybe she felt lonely because they used to do everything together.
Even after breakfast started, she would stop and sigh. She would talk to the empty seat where Alice used to sit, then realize she was gone and bow her head. Lydia's "Alice Loss" seemed quite severe. Cain thought it might take a while for her to return to normal.
Cain thought about Lydia during breakfast and wondered if he could do something to cheer her up. As he walked to his room, he met Luke, who was walking while sighing.
"Good morning, Father. Why are you sighing?"
Cain greeted Luke, but Luke did not respond and seemed lost in thought.
"Father!"
"Oh, sorry. Cain, is it? I was thinking. Are you hurt?"
Luke noticed Cain just in time to stop and check if he had bumped into him. He seemed unsure whether they had collided.
"I'm fine. You stopped before we bumped into each other. But what's wrong? Are you worried? Is there a problem with your duties? It seems like Randolph won't be back for a while, and it's difficult."
Cain started to think about Luke's worries.
"No, my duties are going well. I've handled the work that needed to be done while Randolph is away."
Luke puffed out his chest, acting all nonchalant, and claimed that his work was fine.
"Besides that, the day for couples is approaching again this year. Every year, I would consult with Alice and subtly find out what Lydia wants... but I forgot due to the hustle of departure..."
"Th, that sounds dangerous..."
In this country, there is a day to celebrate having safely made it through the winter during this late winter period. Even in the snowless Sanroze territory, one could easily freeze to death or starve if they neglected winter preparations. It's not uncommon for a number of citizens to lose their lives.
To survive the harsh winter, couples cooperate and prepare, taking care of each other and their families throughout. Although the beginning may be uncertain, the day that marks the end of winter becomes a day when the husband presents a handmade gift to express gratitude, and the wife serves a meal made with preserved winter food.
In recent years, it has become common to exchange desired gifts, but the celebration remains unchanged. By the way, it's often said that husbands tend to forget this day. As a result, some have been told of divorce, or they may not be able to see their partner for a while.
"Cain, do you have any good ideas? Please, lend me your strength."
Luke tightly grabbed both of Cain's small shoulders and made a plea.
"It hurts, Father. I understand, so I'll cooperate. Please ease up a bit."
"S, sorry. Well then, I'm counting on you!"
Luke smiled brightly and quickly left the scene.
(He seems so relieved even though it's not solved yet. Is it okay? But failure is not allowed. I wanted to cheer up Mother Lydia, and this might be just right.)
After seeing off Luke, Cain thought about what would be good and headed towards the library.
"Hmmm, what kind of gifts are good for women? Jewelry? Clothes? A bouquet of flowers? They all take time, right? Then maybe sweets? But in this winter season, there probably aren't any fresh fruits. Maybe baked goods?"
Cain muttered to himself about what kind of sweets would be good, spread "Book of the Hero" on the library table, and opened the chapter with dessert recipes.
"Now, now, I wonder if there are any sweets that Mother Lydia would like? I made Castella and crepes. What should I make for the anniversary?"
Cain flipped through the pages, looking for the recipe he wanted. He couldn't find it at first, but finally found it near the end of the recipe chapter.
"'How to make sponge cake', yes, this is it. After all, a shortcake with sweet whipped cream is the standard!"
Cain copied the recipe onto a wooden board and headed for the kitchen.
"I wonder if Head Chef Lloyd will help me? It's before lunch, but Sister Alice and Randolph are not here, so the number of people is down. I don't think it's that busy, but is it okay? Head Chef Lloyd is scary when he's busy."
As Cain approached the kitchen, a sweet, good smell wafted over.
(Huh? I smell something sweet? I wonder what is being made?)
"Is Head Chef Lloyd here?"
Cain opened the kitchen door and looked for Head Chef Lloyd.
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