When Bronya and Gepard arrived, Nalan and eight other Silvermane Guards in formal suits were hesitating awkwardly in the small courtyard behind the house.
Today was the day the Emiya family officially moved into Belobog. Nalan and the others wanted to personally offer congratulations, but after buying gifts and walking all the way here, they suddenly realized, they hadn't been invited.
The Emiya family were like gods. They themselves had merely been lucky enough to live with them for a short time. To then shamelessly assume themselves as friends, wasn't that too thick-skinned, too arrogant?
"Stop overthinking. Emiya will definitely be happy to see you here!"
Bronya suddenly spoke, startling everyone. And when they saw her in a short skirt with black stockings, carrying an enormous cake in her arms, they were stunned speechless.
By the time they came back to their senses, they had already stepped into Emiya's courtyard, warmly welcomed inside by Vera.
"Just moved in, so the house is a bit messy. There's still time before dinner, since you're here, help out!"
As if they were lifelong friends, there were no unnecessary formalities. Other than Bronya, Vera handed everyone an apron and directed them to clean up and arrange furniture.
Their nervousness and feelings of inferiority were dispelled just like that. Smiling at each other, they happily busied themselves.
"Hey, Vera, where's my apron?"
Seeing everyone else with aprons and assigned jobs, Bronya froze. Was she the one being left out…?
"They're all gone. You just wear what you've got, it's perfect already, and your fragrance is just right."
Vera carefully checked Bronya's full outfit, then gave a thumbs-up in satisfaction. "The kitchen still needs someone to help Emiya. You just assist him."
"Oh!" Bronya didn't understand what was going on, but hearing she could spend time alone with Emiya, she stopped overthinking and happily ran toward the kitchen.
The dishes Emiya planned to make today weren't only many in variety, but also in generous portions.
Originally, he had wanted Vera and Acheron to help him. But instead of helping, those two had forced him into an inconvenient black suit.
The moment Bronya entered, she saw Emiya ferociously chopping huge bones. His white apron was already stained red with bits of flesh, and sweat trickled down his sharply defined face.
At that instant, the irritating chopping sounds seemed to turn into beautiful music. The small kitchen warmed with atmosphere, and Bronya unconsciously swallowed.
Since childhood, Bronya had aspired to become Supreme Guardian, always taking Cocolia as her role model, proud of being a strong, independent, single woman. She had never understood why, if one could live well alone, people still chose marriage.
But now she realized, having a man at home worth relying on was such a happy thing…
Finally certain of her feelings, Bronya's heart thumped wildly. She instinctively wanted to rush forward and confess, but Emiya's firm words of rejection from that night echoed untimely in her mind.
For now, she would nurture their relationship slowly. There was plenty of time ahead.
After all, as a battle-hardened heroine, once Bronya made a decision she didn't hesitate. She took out a handkerchief, walked straight up, and began wiping the sweat from Emiya's face.
"Bronya, when did you get here?"
Too focused on chopping, Emiya only noticed her now. His eyes fell on her figure, and his gaze, almost against his will, drifted downward.
"Is... Is there a problem?"
Noticing his look, Bronya's heart, which had just calmed, raced like a deer again. Her face flushed red, her legs pressed together, and her hands tugged nervously at her skirt.
"No problem. Just thought you look even prettier in casual clothes. You smell nice too." Emiya sniffed lightly, forcing a calm expression, though inwardly he was grinding his teeth in frustration.
This outfit was clearly Vera's doing. She knew Emiya would instinctively glance over it, following Bronya's alluring curves downward, until his eyes landed on the full shape of her thighs pressed tightly by the stockings. He had nearly lost control and sprayed blood from his nose.
Fortunately, he had learned to use mana to regulate his heartbeat. Otherwise, he really would have embarrassed himself.
"R-Re-Really…?"
Bronya hadn't expected the always steady and mature Emiya to say something like that. Her panic reached its peak. Trembling, she instinctively grabbed a metal basin to wash vegetables, but squeezed too hard and crushed it flat.
"Uh…" Seeing her fluster, Emiya wondered if he'd said something wrong. But wasn't complimenting a well-dressed girl on her looks just common courtesy?
"Sorry! I trained very late last night, my hands and feet aren't steady!" Bronya apologized, then went to wash dishes. But twice in a row she picked up bowls, only to crush them into powder.
"If you're tired, just rest. We're all friends, no need to act like guests here."
Emiya helped her sit at a small table and served a plate of freshly made apple pie, pizza, meat patties, and bubble tea. "These are snacks I plan to sell once I open a shop. Try them and give me feedback."
"Thank you." Finally given a way out, Bronya hurriedly agreed, picking up a small spoon to carefully taste.
'Why is this so delicious? I don't even like sweets usually!'
The moment the apple pie touched her tongue, Bronya was lost. She immediately abandoned the spoon and her composure, grabbed a ladle, and shoveled it into her mouth.
Ever since the first time she'd tasted Emiya's cooking, she had been hopelessly hooked.
Though it was often hearty, heavy meals, she could always taste his care and gentleness. Especially that unique aura mixed in, it drew people in irresistibly.
Now, with these delicate dishes, it was as if some magic spell tempted her taste buds. Even with her stomach bulging full, she couldn't stop her hand from moving.
"Emiya, do you use some secret seasoning? Why is everything you cook so delicious?"
"Haha, that's a trade secret, I've got to make money off it!" Emiya had no intention of revealing the real reason. Even if he did, Bronya wouldn't be able to replicate it.
According to the system, Emiya infused a trace of mana while cooking, which strengthened the eater's body.
He suspected this benefit worked for ordinary people too. Their bodies felt tangible improvements, which naturally brought joy, making the food seem irresistibly tasty.
Quietly watching Bronya's face brighten into a smile, Emiya smiled too. He was truly grateful he'd listened to the system's suggestion, allowing him to help others in another way, bringing them joy and happiness.
Perhaps this was why, despite endless suffering, Shirou Emiya kept walking further down the path of being a "hero of justice." The happiness gained from helping others really was addictive.
'All right, there are still more people waiting for food, I can't get distracted now!'
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