###'s POV:
5 days after the fall of the Witch of Deception.
A quiet, rhythmic rattling can be heard in the air. I take a few light steps as if dancing while humming to the rhythm of the rattling. I carefully lift the lid of the pot and taste the partridge broth in front of me with a ladle. The flavor of the partridge blends perfectly with the vegetables, while the smell makes me smile happily. Despite the richness of the flavors, a slight feeling of emptiness spreads through my mouth. With the ladle still in my hand, I cross my arms thoughtfully, unable to pinpoint exactly what's missing. At that moment, a hand suddenly lands on my head, making me almost jump from my seat. With all the strength I can muster, I point the ladle in the direction of the attacker to deliver the first blow.
- I-I surrender!
There stood Erick, his arms raised in surrender. I glare at him coldly as I continue to aim the ladle at him.
- …Ready for your punishment?
- …Huh?
Before he could react, I raise the ladle in the air, aiming for his head. He quickly covers his head with his hands to block the incoming blow.
- I've got you!
With a swift movement, I position myself behind him and launch myself at his massive back. Startled by the sudden action, he panics, placing his arms to prevent me from falling as he lifts me onto his back. With his arms supporting my legs, I place my arms around his neck to lift myself a little higher until my arms are around his head. Perhaps understanding my intention, he gives me a slight push on my legs, which I use to elevate myself until I can sit comfortably on his shoulders.
With my hands on his head, I place my hand on his head as I begin to gently rock it. Erick, after all the sudden movement, lets out a sigh and holds my legs with both hands.
- Did you really have to climb me?
- Of course! That's the only way I can establish my dominance over someone as big as you.
A sigh escapes his throat, followed by a warm laugh as he looks at the pot on the stove. With some curiosity, he peers into its contents.
- Ohhhhh. Partridge soup!
- Hehehehe, you love it, don't you?
- Of course!
A happy voice escapes his throat as he stares at the soup with the same excitement as a child.
- Your cooking really is the best. I've lost count of how many times I've eaten it.
- ...It's been two months since we met, hasn't it?
- ...Yes.
His tone trails off slightly as he gently strokes my right leg. There, an ugly scar can be seen under the pants I'm wearing.
-...Are you still blaming yourself for that, Erick?
- ...…
Although he doesn't respond, he carefully strokes the scar as if he wants to make sure it hasn't reopened. I let out a small sigh as I gently hug his head.
- When will you stop blaming yourself for it? It really was my decision that left me in that state, you had nothing to do with it. Besides, it's been a while since it hurts anymore. It only stings a little if I move too much.
In response, he shakes his head in exasperation, seeming to want to say something. However, he quickly swallows it as he stares into the soup.
- …. Even if that's true, your decision saved my life back then. No matter how much time passes, you have my eternal gratitude.
- Saved your life? Really…. You really give me too much credit, silly.
I hug his head tighter as I snuggle up against it. After a few moments of reflection, I lower the ladle I was holding to Erick's eye level.
- If you really want to thank me, then take this ladle and help me. Taste the soup and tell me what's missing.
A little surprised, he takes the ladle and scoops a little of the broth into it. He quickly brings it to his mouth after blowing on it a bit so as not to burn his mouth.
- ...I think it's missing a few herbs.
- I see. Then go ahead and add them.
- Won't you do it?
- I can't do it from here.
- ...What if you get off?
- Don't even think about it!
- ...Understood.
Very carefully, he takes some herbs from a small container in the cupboard. Despite holding me with one hand, he deftly uses his free hand to chop the herbs in front of him. While I admire his knife skills, I play with his straight hair as if I were controlling his actions through it. Shortly after, he scoops the herbs with his hand and throws them into the pot while stirring the soup with the same hand to blend it.
- You've really improved at this.
- After helping you for three weeks, of course I'd improve.
As he said this, he scoops a little of the broth with the ladle and makes sure to blow on it until it's cool enough. Then he carefully raises it until it ends at the level of my mouth. I quickly dive into the ladle to taste its contents.
- Mmmmm... This is delicious!
- I'm glad. Shall we serve the food?
Before I could answer, a huge thunderclap falls very close to our small house. Erick quickly holds me as he walks to the door to peek through it. The sunny, clear sky that had been there a few moments ago now seems like a lie as several storm clouds and lightning move unnaturally. A small shadow can be seen flying through the clouds as it moves dizzily toward the neighboring town. A deep feeling of unease fills my chest as Erick remains silent, seriously observing the sky.